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 spectacular fleet of fantastical floats. The parade reflects the hard, creative work of Disney Entertainment veterans, creative and show directors David Duffy and Jordan Peterson. Many others have contributed to the Disney Magic Happens Parade, including Todrick Hall who wrote and co-composed the new songs for Magic Happens.
Parade Units
A Swirl of Magic (Opening Unit): The first float in the Magic Happens Parade stars Mickey Mouse! Mickey dons a sorcerer outfit and rides 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.
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. Maui stands on a smaller float, joined by Moana’s pet pig, Pua. The male performers' costumes were inspired by one of the drummers' costumes from Hong Kong Disneyland's stage show Moana: A Homecoming Celebration, as were 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 Finale: 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 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.
This is the anthem
Here's what you came for
This is the moment
Magic was made for
Come one, come all
Let's light up the sky now
You feel the magic happening right now...
Calling all dreamers
Time to let your mind run free
To believe in make believe
To be who you wanna be
Calling all dreamers
A celebration in the street
And the sights you're gonna see
Fare beyond your wild west dreams 'cause...
You don't need wings to take flight
Magic don't stop at midnight
So hold on tight, enjoy the ride
'Cause you can reach for the stars in broad daylight
Heart, the spark
You just can't fight
You wish you may
You wish you might
Then magic happens
Dreams were made to make come true
Waiting for someone like you
Some Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
Then magic happens
(That's when) That's when
(Magic) Magic
(Happens) Happens
Whoa...
That's when) That's when
(Magic) Magic
(Happens) Happens
Whoa...
Note: The Coco Unit's chorus lyrics use the line "That's when magic happens", which is translated as "Inicia magia ahora" in Spanish. The Finale Unit's chorus lyrics consist of a medley of various different songs from Disney films.
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