191. Don Dorsey on the Main Street Electrical Parade, Fantasmic!, and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

Don Dorsey presents the story boards for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at EPCOT.

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If you’ve enjoyed nighttime entertainment at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, there’s a good chance that Don Dorsey helped create it. During more than 45 years working with Disney and other companies, he has played a key role in shaping parades and fireworks shows at theme parks and beyond. Don is my guest on this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about some highlights from his diverse career as a sound designer and audio engineer. There’s so much to cover, especially at EPCOT.

Don Dorsey works on the audio for Main Street Electrical Parade for the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. — Photo by Don Dorsey

Don joined Disney in 1975 after being discovered by Jack Wagner, the voice of Disneyland. He started out by developing a new approach to audio for America on Parade, which celebrated the Bicentennial. His innovative process continued with the Main Street Electrical Parade as it returned to Disneyland. Don talks about creating the fanfare for the opening that has become a highlight. His Opening Window process was also used when the parade began at Walt Disney World.

A nameplate for Don Dorsey's Inferno, created and built for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. — Photo by Don Dorsey

Our conversation focuses on Don’s work for EPCOT, beginning with support for Carnival de Lumiere in 1982. Don partnered with Adam Bezark to develop the next World Showcase Lagoon shows, A New World Fantasy and Laserphonic Fantasy. A big change happened with the original Illuminations, which opened in 1988. Don talks about changes to spotlight the individual countries. These steps led to the achievements of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. We focus on how that remarkable show developed along with the Millennium Celebration. Finally, Don and I cover the long process to bring Fantasmic! to life at Disneyland. I really enjoyed the chance to learn more about Don’s incredible career.