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Disneyland Resort will debut its all-new “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park on Feb. 28, 2020. The incredible “Magic Happens” daytime spectacular celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories!
This new parade, led by Mickey Mouse and his pals, celebrates moments of magic from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films as they are brought to life on a grand scale with stunning floats, artistic costumes and a surprising and energetic musical score combined with beloved Disney tunes.
“When you come to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, there are so many ways to
immerse yourself in our stories, but a parade is a unique experience because it’s the only way
for you, as the audience, to stay in one place and have so many stories, characters and magical
moments pass right in front of you. We’ve designed the ‘Magic Happens’ floats so that characters, scenes and surprises are revealed a little at a time, making each float a journey of discovery” – David Duffy, creative director for Disney Live Entertainment
“Magic Happens” includes something for everyone and will be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
This new parade features nine newly designed floats, highlighting magic from classic Walt
Disney Animation Studios 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.” The new floats were created as pieces of moving art, with
their lines and aesthetic design working to tell a story along the parade route, while also evoking
a sense of magic.
In addition to the stunning floats, the parade route along Main Street, U.S.A., will be filled with
dynamic performers and more than two dozen Disney and Pixar characters. The parade’s
costume design draws inspiration directly from modern runways, making each costume look
fashion-forward, yet uniquely Disney. Many performers and characters in “Magic Happens” will
don all-new costumes, specifically made for this parade.
Watch this sneak peek of “Magic Happens”:
While the music and stories seen in “Magic Happens” are rooted in iconic Disney lore, the
soundtrack and choreography are heavily influenced by today’s pop culture designers, putting a
contemporary spin on the classic Disney hits. “Magic Happens” features an energetic musical
score and new songs, co-composed by singer-songwriter, Todrick Hall. “Magic Happens” is a whimsical and joyous procession that allows the Disney magic to shine through. The parade features distinct stories with a mix of characters, making it feel contemporary and classic, fun and regal, and surprising and familiar – all at the same time.
Highlights of the all-new “Magic Happens” parade include:
- Mickey Mouse leads the way, gliding along on glistening swirls of magic emanating from
a giant, iridescent magical hat. Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ‘n
Dale join in, dancing along with a group of eclectic and artsy performers representing
stylized aspects of magic. - On her voyager canoe, Moana journeys forth on the crest of a towering wave, inspired
by beautiful koa wood carvings, and inset with dazzling, animated glimpses into the
magic the ocean holds. This is the first full-scale “Moana”-inspired float to be created for
a Disney park. - Joining Moana on her journey is Maui, who travels along on his own magical piece of the
islands with Moana’s adorable pet pig, Pua. Maui makes his official Disneyland Resort
debut in “Magic Happens.” - Miguel appears in person for the first time, celebrating the magic that happens when he
strums the guitar of Ernesto de la Cruz in the Disney and Pixar film “Coco.” This
spectacular float connects the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with a vibrant
marigold bridge, and fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with
Miguel’s dog Danté. This is the first time the film “Coco” has inspired a float for a Disney
Parks parade. - From “Frozen 2,” Anna and Elsa explore the mysteries of the Enchanted Forest
protected by the Nokk, the mystical water spirit, as their friends Kristoff, Sven and Olaf
tag along.
The regal grand finale of “Magic Happens” celebrates magical moments from several
classic Disney stories. The start of the finale brings together a collection of many iconic
magical characters, including Genie, Aladdin, Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, Blue Fairy,
Pinocchio and Fairy Godmother. These characters lead the way as more floats are
introduced, each highlighting the moments of magic that changed the characters’ lives.
- From “Cinderella,” guests watch the moment of “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” as
Cinderella is seen inside a grand pumpkin, just as it magically transforms into a
glistening carriage to whisk her off to the ball. - From “The Sword in the Stone,” Merlin wisely leads the way for young Arthur,
who finds the magic within himself as he pulls the sword from the stone, claiming
his place upon the throne. - Tiana and Naveen from “The Princess and the Frog” are seen amidst a swirl of
golden flowers where they share a kiss, completing their transformation back into
human forms. - The happily-ever-after scene from “Sleeping Beauty” features the three good
fairies and Princess Aurora, whose gown shimmers between hues of pink and
blue.
Spring is a great time to visit the Disneyland Resort and experience the new “Magic Happens” parade, as the resort is offering special, limited-time ticket and hotel offers. Kids everywhere* along with Southern California residents** may visit the theme parks for as low as $67 per person, per day with 3-day, 1-park per day tickets through May 21, 2020, which you can read more about HERE.
Are you as excited as I am about the debut of the all-new “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Resort? Tell me about your plans to visit and experience it.
Some images and video are property of Disneyland Resort and used with permission.
Do YOU have a visit planned soon to the Disneyland Resort? If not, why not plan one around these great offers?
Returning in 2019 is the dazzling “World of Color – Season of Light,” a holiday-themed production of this nighttime spectacular that features lights, lasers, water, fire and hundreds of fountains bringing animation to life.
Disney Festival of Holidays brings the spirit of the season to life through lively entertainment, festive food and beverage and special traditions. Children will enjoy craft stations and everyone will appreciate the delicious food at Festival Foods Marketplace, featuring a mix of holiday dishes and beverages that bridge many diverse cultures and family traditions.
In the evening, the spectacular “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular and its magical snowfall finale create lasting holiday memories for guests.
‘Twas “The Nightmare before Christmas” and all through the Haunted Mansion, Jack Skellington and his friends are causing a collision between Christmas and Halloween to transform the Haunted Mansion into Haunted Mansion Holiday.**Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
The Three Caballeros host the popular “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” celebration, featuring folklórico and samba dancers, live musicians, and Mickey and Minnie in their fiesta best.
The holidays are zooming into Cars Land and the residents are racing to celebrate the season. Two attractions rely on holiday magic to transform into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. The whimsical “Snowcar” greets guests on the road to Radiator Springs, and each “Cars” character also gets a holiday makeover at their Route 66 address to reflect their personality.
Santa Claus is coming to town! Guests will enjoy special holiday-themed activities with Santa and his sleigh full of mischievous elves at Santa’s Holiday Visit at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
As guests enter the park and stroll along Buena Vista Street, a dazzling, 50-foot Christmas tree adorns Carthay Circle to help guests get in the holiday spirit. The tree and surrounding buildings are decorated with vintage-style ornaments in keeping with the theme of Buena Vista Street, inspired by Los Angeles as it appeared when Walt Disney arrived in the 1920’s. Pacific Wharf, Hollywood Land and Grizzly Peak will also sparkle with holiday décor throughout the season.
Guests will drift into a wintry mood as they encounter the splendid sisters Anna and Elsa inside the Disney Animation building. Guests may also relive the story of the Disney blockbuster film “Frozen” as they immerse themselves in the wondrous magic and music in the spectacular stage musical, “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion.”
Guests will be dazzled by the return of “World of Color – Season of Light”, a holiday-themed production of this nighttime spectacular that features lights, lasers, water, fire and hundreds of fountains bringing animation to life. Also returning are guest-favorite holiday experiences and entertainment, including Disney Festival of Holidays – which honors the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day (Jan. 3-6) – and the “Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. Guests may even partake in a “Frozen” adventure as they encounter Anna and Elsa in the theme parks, just in time to celebrate the release of Disney’s new animated film, “Frozen 2,” in theaters Nov. 22, 2019.
Guests plan their seasonal visits to Disneyland Resort year after year to experience beloved Holiday traditions and festive cheer, from snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A., to glistening décor, Disney-themed treats and merchandise, holiday entertainment and the one-of-a-kind transformations that create “it’s a small world” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.
At Disneyland Park
Throughout the resort, guests will also discover holiday culinary treats and festive fare, along with special merchandise for the merry season.
Also during the holiday season, the Downtown Disney District will be full of festive shopping, dining and entertainment and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort also join in the yuletide celebration with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday-inspired eats and treats. 
That’s right, now through August 30, Disneyland Annual Passholders can purchase up to three (3) $99 Park Hopper tickets per day! Also, if a Passholder is blocked out on that day, they, too, may purchase a $99 Park Hopper ticket for entrance that day. This is an amazing deal for a Park Hopper ticket, especially with some of the newest offerings at the Resort right now:
Other Fun Facts about “Mickey’s Mix Magic”
Disney Parks Blog also released their first digital wallpaper of the year and it’s adorable! You can download yours for either mobile or desktop 
Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration
Watch state-of-the-art projections, lighting and lasers transform various parts of the park—Main Street, U.S.A., the water screens on Rivers of America and the façade of “it’s a small world”—into dazzling displays of sight, sound and color.
Celebrate Valentine’s Month with Mickey and Minnie – Jan. 22 through Feb. 18,
Lunar New Year Celebration – Jan. 25 through Feb. 17
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, a limited-time offering during the Lunar New Year celebration, is a bright and bold parade hosted by Mulan and her faithful dragon, Mushu. As a special treat for the Year of the Pig, the Three Little Pigs will join the procession. Delicious Asian food and kid-friendly crafts and activities will be available as well.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – March 1 through April 23, 2019
Whether you’re a foodie, aspiring home chef, wine enthusiast or just looking to glean a few cutting-edge techniques, the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival delivers something for palates of all ages year after year.
Coming later in 2019
Guests will take the controls in one of three unique and critical roles aboard Millennium
As you can see, there’s a lot that’s about to happen in this new year at the Disneyland Resort! What are you most excited for in 2019? Share with me in the comments!
If you’ve never participated in this annual event, I highly recommend you sign up to join the fun and experience Disneyland® Park, Disney California Adventure® Park, and Downtown Disney® District as never before. This is the one and only walk to take place at the Disneyland® Resort with all proceeds benefiting the health and well-being of Southern California’s kids.
We’ve had the pleasure of participating in this beautiful event for a few years now and to see something that is such a huge production being put together, all in the name of the kids, is an incredible thing.
I recently attended a special CHOC Walk media event held at Disneyland Hotel, to learn about this year’s special programming and some of the FUNdraising events that’ll lead up to the big August event. I think you’re going to want to participate in all of these fun offerings so keep reading for more information.
Justin is an 11 year old boy with a very rare neurological condition called lissencephaly, which causes his brain’s surface to be smooth and leads to significant developmental delays. Justin is severely neurologically impaired and has several seizures a day and is fed through a feeding tube. From early on in his life, Justin has spent extensive amounts of time being treated at CHOC Children’s and he’s really defied the odds of his condition. They have a giant CHOC Walk team named 
New for this year is the CHOC Walk FUNdraiser Mobile App which will make it easy and FUN to exceed your CHOC Walk fundraising goals. This app is power-packed with extra tools for team captains! 
To read more about the CHOC Walk FUNdraiser Mobile App, please go 
If you haven’t registered as an individual or as part of a team for this year’s CHOC Walk in the Park, what are you waiting for? For more information about CHOC Walk in the Park or to register or donate, please go