Disneyland Magic Happens Parade Thoughts and Review 2024
Disneyland debuted one of its newest parades in the last decade. Mickey Mouse leads this new daytime Disneyland Magic Happens parade down Main Street, U.S.A., where you can catch a glimpse of stunning floats, beautiful costumes, and beloved Disney characters. Magic Happens will also feature an energetic musical score and a new song, co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. It also features nine newly designed floats, songs, and costumes from classic tales such as “The Sword in the Stone,” “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty,” to more recent stories including “Frozen 2,” “Moana” and “The Princess and the Frog,” as well as Disney and Pixar’s “Coco.”
My favorite Disneyland Magic Happens parade floats were the Moana and Princess and the Frog floats! The Moana float has so many intricate details and it’s one of the few floats in the parade that has a digital aspect! The float features Moana as she journeys forth on the crest of a wave, inspired by beautiful koa wood carvings, and inset with animated glimpses into the magic the ocean holds. This is the first full-scale “Moana”-inspired float to be created for a Disney park and dubbed Moana’s Wave of Magic, it is over 32 feet long, 12 feet wide!
My second favorite float was The Princess and the Frog, The Kiss. Tiana and Naveen are seen amidst a swirl of golden flowers where they share a kiss, completing their transformation back into human forms. The flowery accents surrounding Tiana and Naveen rotate, creating a beautiful and magical movement. The tree that stands near Tiana and Naveen is modeled from an actual mangrove tree and this float is 19 feet tall and 11 feet in diameter! Here’s the deal, I personally believe there aren’t enough Princess and the Frog attractions and themes through the Disney Parks. I love that they got featured on a proper wedding float in this parade! Representation matters!
How Early Should I Find a Spot for the Disneyland Magic Happens Parade?
If you want a decent seat for the parade 1.5-2.5 hours should be the time when you find and claim your spot. Seriously. I saw people getting their spots very early, especially on Main Street where the parade begins. You can strategize to get a spot, have someone save a few seats while the rest of your groups get snacks or does a fast pass.
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What time does the Disneyland Magic Happens Parade start?
The Magic Happens Parade can be seen twice a day, at 3:30pm and 6pm.
Where does the Disneyland Magic Happens Parade begin?
The parade begins on Main street and continues down, past the Teacups and finishing at the exit adjacent to It’s a Small World. Here’s a map that shows the parade route!
What Makes this Parade Different than others?
New music, intricate floats, and more interaction among the dancers make the Disneyland Magic Happens Parade different. While we watched the parade, Kristoff stopped pushing his wheelbarrow, took out a guitar, and started singing and dancing with parade watchers!
Are there any dining packages associated with the Magic Happens Parade?
Yes! You can experience a delightful meal at the Plaza Inn restaurant and then enjoy prime viewing for the Magic Happens Parade. Each package includes one lunch entrée and one drink and one voucher that provides access to the parade’s reserved viewing area. Choose food from a menu featuring slow-cooked short rib with chimichurri, chicken thigh fried to a golden brown, pesto-infused mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, corn relish and dessert. The kids meal includes fried chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, corn relish and your choice of GoGo Squeeze Applesauce or baby carrots and dessert.
The cost is $40 per adult and $25 per child (ages 3 to 9). Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be done through the Disneyland app!
I was invited by Disneyland and #AWEsomemastermind to view the parade from a Reserved media area. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
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