Disneyland’s Magic Happens Parade Returns – Essential Guide!

Disneyland’s “Magic Happens” Parade was scheduled to officially returns to Disneyland on February 24, 2023 – nearly 3 years after its initial run. However, Mother Nature had other plans and the first two days were rained out. The high-energy spectacle finally made its debut on Sunday the 26th of February.

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Here’s a live video from the first public performance on the 26th. Note that the Princess and the Frog unit was removed from this performance due to technical difficulties but should return soon. 

 

Below is a comprehensive look at the parade that only a few guests ever got to see in its initial two week run. See the floats, character images, and video below. We’ll also let you know when and where to view the show and how to obtain reserved seating via Plaza Inn dinner packages.  

What Time is the Magic Happens Parade?

Guests can view Magic Happens anywhere along Disneyland’s parade route at 3:30 pm (running from “it’s a small world” toward Main Street) and again at 6:30 pm from the opposite direction. Main Street tends to be the most crowded place to view the parade. Last-minute viewing locations can often be found on the elevated platforms near “it’s a small world.” (Note that parade times are subject to change and performances may be delayed, canceled or altered due to weather). 

Magic Happens Parade – Float by Float

There were three principles Disney wanted this parade to embody with the design of Magic Happens:

• Contemporary – they wanted the parade to feel modern. Which they expressed through the choreography and costumes. 
• Artistic – they claim the fashion behind the costumes could almost have stepped right off of a runway (though we think that runway may have been in 1980). And the floats themselves are rolling pieces of art. 
• Whimsical – the core of Disney magic, the parade should be fun and filled with playful details to be spotted on repeat viewings. 

Let’s see what they accomplished: 

First Magic Happens Float – Mickey Mouse

The first float in the Magic Happens Parade stars Mickey Mouse! In most of Disney’s parades, Mickey is the grand finale. This time, Mickey kicks things off in a new take on his sorcerer outfit, riding atop a giant sorcerer’s hat embedded with lights and kinetic effects. Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Chip ‘n Dale join the big cheese.

Second Magic Happens Float – Moana

Next up is Moana, who has two floats. The first highlights the Wayfinder’s Canoe (which serves as a platform for Moana herself) as well as an ocean wave and her grandmother’s spirit animal, the manta ray. The idea behind it was that the float looks like it was carved from Koa wood and enchanted with Disney magic. All that turquoise you see are actually flexible LED screens . . . though hard to see in the daylight.  

The smaller 2nd float in the unit is where Maui stands. He is joined by Moana’s pet pig, Pua. The floats are surrounded by “ocean dancers,” who make their way down the parade route mimicking the movements of waves with the help of ocean-colored ribbons. They are joined by Kakamora dancers who are chasing an animatronic Hei Hei. 

Hei Hei pops in and out of his basket and is followed by some very energetic Kakamora dancers. 

Third Magic Happens Float – Coco

The following float, featuring Coco, is really magical. Its focal point is the bridge between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead, which lights up as Miguel strums Ernesto de la Cruz’s guitar (though you won’t notice those lights during the day). Miguel is on one end of the bridge and Hector and Mama Imelda are on the other, acting as his musical backup. Dante appears on one end of the bridge in his mortal state then disappears and reappears as an alebrije on the Land of the Dead side. You’ll catch other alebrije on the back of the float as well as dancers dressed as alebrije.

 

Fourth Magic Happens Float – Frozen 2

With Frozen 2 being such a box office hit, it is no surprise that the film gets its own float. Bisected by the enchanted forest, the float is led by Nokk, the water spirit. Joining the leading ladies, Anna and Elsa, are Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven! This float was actually designed with the movie’s creative team while the film was still in production. It utilizes two massive LED screens for some of its effects. And yes, Elsa will make it snow! But look closely, the trees at the front obscure the sisters until the last moment… an intentional design decision so you discover the characters one at a time. 

 

Magic Happens Grand Finale

The Parade culminates in a fantastical finale, consisting of four floats and associated dancers. This segment has its own special song aside from the main parade theme. This song includes nods to past Disney productions such as “Wishes” and “Remember the Magic.” The grand finale floats are introduced by Genie, Aladdin, Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, Blue Fairy, Pinocchio and Fairy Godmother. 

Cinderella’s float captures the moment that the pumpkin becomes her gilded coach.

 

The Sword in the Stone float not only stars Merlin but also Arthur (another Disneyland debut). Archimedes, Merlin’s owl friend, is an animatronic figure. A rare treat to see a somewhat obscure animated film featured in a modern parade, but we love it! The parade’s Creative Director claims it’s his favorite Disney film and that’s why it’s included in the show. We’re just glad he has such good and eclectic taste.  Merlin really hams it up.  Enjoy . . . 

 

Tiana and Naveen from “The Princess and The Frog” play out the magical true love’s kiss seen in the film. Flower petals swirl around the pair.

The final float “celebrates magical moments from classic Disney stories.” Atop the float is Princess Aurora dancing with Prince Philip. Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather twirl around the front of the float, each taking her turn making the dress sparkle pink and blue, just like in the film! This is another float that somewhat obscures the main subject until the last moment. We had a hard time capturing a good shot of Sleeping Beauty and her prince.  

Magic Happens Parade Video

Ready to experience the whole parade and hear the music? Just press play to see the daytime version of the parade:

And a view of the evening performance: 

Let us know which version you like best. We’re partial to the lights of the nighttime version. 

Does Magic Happens Live Up to Expectations?

The Magic Happens parade is probably one of the biggest creative risks the Disneyland Resort has made in a long time. The whole thing screams quality from start to finish; nothing was underdeveloped. But this isn’t your traditional Disney parade. It’s as if they’ve rolled a contemporary musical into a rolling high art exhibit filled with beloved Disney characters. That’s evident from the moment Toddrick Hall’s dramatic synth pop-heavy soundtrack begins and you spot Mickey Mouse with his swirling bright purple sorcerer’s robes. It’s a bold statement. 

If the distinctive dance music, choreography, and over-the-top 80’s dance club costume designs are too much for some viewers, Disney’s superb float design and fun character mix should help pull them back in. For us, the music and energy were a breath of fresh air, but we can see how it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea… though we feel this show will grow on people and the quirkiness of the design will make it memorable for years to come. 

The use of technology is everywhere. Between Moana’s majestic flexible LED “ocean,” the delightful animatronics of Hector and Mama Imelda, and the magnificent Pepita puppet, everything that moves is well done.

Though, due to the screen technology, we do think this parade is better at night. Some of the video screens were impossible to view in the glare of the sun, but that’s not a problem in the evenings.    

The Coco segment really steals the show. You’d expect Frozen to be the obvious winner (and yes, it’s great), but what Disney was able to accomplish with Coco is tremendous. Topping it off, a large and whimsical Pepita puppet rolls down the parade route behind the Coco float.

Also keep an eye out for a small rolling Hei Hei in a barrel, he’s really adorable.  

Magic Happens Dining Package

If you’d like a reserved spot for the parade, you can make a dining package reservation at Plaza Inn.

The package includes a meal and a voucher for reserved viewing access to the second nightly “Magic Happens” Parade performance (not available on Disney After Dark party nights)

• Adult Meal ($45) – Short Rib and Fried Chicken with Pesto Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables and a Dessert. Choice of Fountain Beverage or Dasani Water.
• Child Meal ($25) – Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables and a Dessert. Choice of Dasani Water or Low-Fat Milk.

 

Let’s Hear From You!

Do you like what you’ve seen of Magic Happens so far? What floats and characters are you most looking forward to seeing in person? Are parades important to your Disney Parks experience? Let us know your thoughts about Disney’s new/old parade in the comments below!

Let the good times roll…

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[This article was first published on December 11th, 2019 and was updated with new information and concept art on 1/21/20. This article was updated again on 2/11/20 with lots of new information and photos. And additional updates were made on February 26th for a surprise preview of the new parade. The parade was put into mothballs after 3/13/20 when Disneyland shut down and returns on 2/24/23. This article was updated on 2/23/23 with new information regarding the return of the parade, show times, and dining package information. Stay tuned for further updates and new video and photos.]

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