We recently brought you the first two installments of our interview with Steve Davison, Vice President of Parades and Spectaculars at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, revealing the inspirations behind the three dazzling nighttime spectaculars featured during theDisneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. We began with “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, continued with “World of Color – Celebrate!” and today we end with “Paint the Night” parade.
What influences from the original Main Street Electrical Parade can be found in “Paint the Night” parade?
Steve: The use of light to create images that dazzle the mind was one key component and philosophy we kept from the original Main Street Electrical Parade. We then turned this inspiration on its head to develop new technology for “Paint the Night” parade.
One of the most impactful visuals in “Paint the Night” parade is the moving light sculpture on the Mickey Mouse float. What was the inspiration behind this amazing visual?
Steve: The sculpture for the Mickey Mouse finale is based on an amazing artist and innovative sculptor in Washington named Anthony Howe. We were looking for something unique for the Mickey Mouse float, and when we came across Mr. Howe’s piece, In Cloud Light, we were mesmerized. It is so beautiful and moving – truly a work of art! He has a fantastic way with kinetic sculpture that we had never seen before. It dances and tricks the eye – you really want to stare at it so you can discover how this magical piece of art works. When we thought about using light to enhance its effects, it became even more exciting … a beautiful, moving piece of art that dazzles your mind.
How did you choose the stories you wanted to feature in “Paint the Night” parade?
Steve: We wanted a mix of old and new. The original version of the parade relied a lot on some of the older classics. For “Paint the Night,” we chose to feature a lot of the newest Disney stories that our guests are in love with.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our chat with Steve Davison. Be sure to catch “Paint the Night” parade,“Disneyland Forever” fireworks and “World of Color – Celebrate!” on your next visit to theDisneyland Resort!
