Meeting the Director of the Main Street Electrical Parade

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Disneyland proudly presents our spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-syntho-magnetic musical sounds!”

So begins each procession of the Main Street Electrical Parade, wrapping its limited run at Disneyland Park on Sept. 30.

More than just a parade, this sparkling processional is, for countless fans, the quintessential Disney experience. For newly inducted Disney Legend Barnette Ricci, it’s just part of a mind-blowing resume that includes everything from the “Kids of the Kingdom” to the Golden Horseshoe Revue to Fantasmic!

For more than 40 years, Barnette helped shape some of the most iconic live-entertainment experiences in Disney history, from parades and shows to park openings and film premieres.

While I’ve admired Barnette’s work throughout my Disney career, my first opportunity to finally meet her came at D23 Expo 2019, where she was among those inducted as official Disney Legends. Visiting with visionaries whose work drew me to this company is a privilege I don’t take for granted, and I was beyond delighted to spend a few minutes with Barnette on her big day.

Check out our red carpet conversation here, and watch more Disney newsmaker interviews anytime online at www.disneyvacationclub.com/disneyfiles.