Description of the Show Barges and Their Equipment -
Operating the "Lightshow", as it is referred to by Watercraft castmembers, requires a crew of 5 pilots. There's one Watercraft pilot seated, at the front and back of each string, in what amounts to a low profiled, boxy aluminum "tub". From there, the Pilots operate the steering wheel controls and throttles for the engines. There are 8 large Mercury outboard engines which are used to propel the 2 long strings of barges. Two engines in front, and two in back, of each string of 7 barges. 14 barges in all. One other pilot is mobile, in a small 16' "whaler boat" which is equipped with a large padded neopreme bumper. Should the barges need a tow or a push to get them away from the shoreline, then the boat is ready. The boat is also used to go around and inspect the outboard fuel tanks for the large Mercury engines. This is really important for maneuvering the 2 strings in and out of the Waterbridge Channel. Each barge is mounted on a framework, with (2) thick blue rounded plastic pontoons on the sides. This acts like a catamaran hull on the water. The pilot's aluminum "tubs" sit on a deck of expanded metal mesh, and is located about a foot above the waterline. The barges are braced and connected together with ball and socket trailer hitches, and chained together as an added measure of safety.
If the wind be too strong -
The 14 Lightshow barges are docked during the day, in a special channel, along the west side of the Magic Kingdom. The Channel also connects Frontierland's "Rivers of America" in the park, with the Seven Seas Lagoon. While traversing the lakes during gusty winds, piloting skill and applying engine power at the right time, can make all the difference in making a safe passage through the zig-zag course of the Waterbridge Channel, which connects Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon together. This is located just south of the Contemporary Resort and under the highest point along the monorail beamway. Of course, if the wind poses too much of a threat to safe navigation, and the weather proves to be too rough, then the Lightshow Crew will make a judgement call, and decide not go out with the Electrical Water Pageant, for that night.