Editor's Report
Page 2 of 2

Those are the facts, here are my feelings:
I'm glad it's over. I wasn't attached to the MSEP the way so many others were. I remember it from my childhood, but wasn't especially fond of it. When I started going to Disneyland again last year I saw it a few times and appreciated it more, but it couldn't hold a candle to my favorite show, Fantasmic. When Disneyland announced it was leaving, I felt sad for all of those who loved it so much, but felt it was the right thing to do. I remember seeing sparse crowds lining the parade route last year. I think the time was right for a change.

I know many of you hated the crowds this year, but I for one loved the atmosphere at Disneyland as thousands of people came to say goodbye. It was touching to see how "thousands of sparkling lights" could affect so many. This feeling built to a climax on November 25 when thousands of fans came out to say the final goodbye. I expected it to be a sad night, but it wasn't. It was a fun night. Everyone was a huge Disneyland fan. Everyone was in a great mood. Despite the long wait, no one was impatient, no one was pushy. We all applauded, cheered and waved like never before. Before the second parade four of us got M-S-E-P painted on our foreheads in glow in the dark paint. After the second parade we all followed the parade down the street. There were hundreds or even thousands of people following the parade in a very small space, yet no one complained. No one got pushy. Our group was even able to stay together. Each time the parade would leave a zone and the final fanfare played the crowed went nuts. It was a feeling like I've never had a Disneyland. A truly magical feeling. And when the parade finally left by Small World and the lights went out, no one wanted to leave. Cameras and camcorders were everywhere. We sang songs, did the na na na na na thing, it was something special.

I've always said I wouldn't miss the MSEP. I was wrong. I'm very excited about Light Magic. But after November 25, I can say without any doubt, there will never be another Main Street Electrical Parade. Ever. Nothing can fill the place the MSEP held in thousands of people's hearts. The MSEP was a symbol of all that is good about Disneyland. Children watching in awe. Adults becoming children again. Characters dancing and shaking hands. Waiting on the curb. Brazzle Dazzle. Even a touch of patriotism. And the view down Main Street from the Train Station as the parade files down with the Castle in the background, one of the most beautiful sights I've seen. I look forward to Light Magic, but I already miss The Parade.

Goodbye.

Like they say to the animals, that's the end of the ... lion

Related Links

• March 28 Forever Magical
  Remembering Disneyland's Main Street Electrical Parade

-- Doobie Moseley

-- Posted March 28, 2001