Magic Happens is a parade at Disneyland that premiered on February 27, 2020, as part of the park’s 65th anniversary celebration.
Development
Disney's Magic Happens Parade presents these stories through a spectacle fleet of fantastical floats. The parade reflects the hard, creative work of Parade Designer Richard Improta, Creative Director Steven Davison and Managing Producer Kris Bunner. Many others have contributed to the Disney Magic Happens Parade. Todrick Hall Co-Composing New Songs Magic Happens, whose previous work includes Disney California Adventure’s World of Color and Tokyo Disneyland’s Dreaming Up!, designed the musical score. Mirena Rada, who has previously worked on projects for Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, designed the costumes.
Parade Units
A Swirl of Magic (Opening Unit): The first float in the Magic Happens Parade stars Mickey Mouse! This time, Mickey will don a sorcerer outfit and ride atop a giant Sorcerer Hat, embedded with lights and kinetic effects. Minnie Mouse, Chip and Dale, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck join him as well. They are starting with a bang, that’s some pretty big shoes for the rest of the parade to live up to. Let’s see if they can do it . . .
A Wave of Magic (Moana Unit): Based on the 2016 animated film. On her voyager wa‘a (or canoe), Moana journeys forth on the crest of a beautiful wave, inspired by beautiful koa wood carvings inset with LED panels, providing a dazzling glimpse into the magic the ocean holds. Also a smaller float is where Maui will stand, joined by Moana’s pet pig, Pua. The Male performers' costumes were duplicated one of the drummer costumes from Hong Kong Disneyland's entertainment show Moana: A Homecoming Celebration, so did the Kakamora puppets.
A Bridge to Magic (Coco Unit): Based on the 2017 Disney and Pixar film. Celebrating the magic that happens when Miguel Rivera strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz on one end and Héctor and Imelda on the other, the spectacular float bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant marigolds. Fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s dog Dante.
A Magical Dream – Grand Final: The Parade culminates in a fantastical finale, consisting of four floats and associated dancers. This segment will have its own special song aside from the main parade theme. This song will include 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. The performers will wear differently colored costumes and flags, representing the kingdom they are introducing.
The Pumpkin (Cinderella Unit): Based on the 1950 animated film. Cinderella’s grand pumpkin is magically transformed around her into a glistening carriage, whisking her off to the ball.
The Kiss (The Princess and the Frog Unit): Based on the 2009 animated film. Tiana and Prince Naveen are seen amidst a swirl of golden flowers where they share a kiss, completing their transformation back into human forms.
The Once Upon a Dream (Sleeping Beauty Unit): Based on the 1959 animated film. Atop the float is Aurora dancing with Prince Phillip and —here’s the magical part— her gown switches between pink and blue! The royal couple is joined by the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.
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