The all-new “Magic Happens” Parade made a surprise appearance today at Disneyland. It officially opens to the public on February 28th, 2020. Below is a comprehensive look at the new parade, including the new floats, character images, and video of this high energy new experience. We will be adding additional photos and video in the moments to come, so please come back for even more!

When Mickey’s Soundsational Parade ended in July of 2019, it was unclear when its replacement would arrive. Well, starting February 28, 2020, (showtimes for that day are 3:30pm and 6pm) there is an all new parade extravaganza rolling down the streets of Disneyland.

Magic Happens Parade

Our video. If you don’t want to hear the music and see the floats, stop reading now. . . .

Still here? Good!

There were three principals Disney wanted this parade to embody:

Contemporary – they wanted the parade to feel modern. Which they expressed through the choreography and costumes.

– 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.

– 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 second, smaller float, is where Maui stands (making his Disneyland debut), 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.

He 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 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, is 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. The concept of such a huge float was that guests “discover” the characters in the forest as the float passes by. And yes, Elsa will make it snow! But look closely, the trees at the front obscure the sisters until the last moment.

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. The performers wear differently colored costumes and flags, representing the kingdom they are introducing.

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.

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 is very much something different. 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 R&B 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 a bit over the top for some viewers, Disney’s superb float design and fun character mix should help pull them back in. For us, the music and energy was a breath of fresh air, but we can see how it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

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 truly astonishing.

Though, we do think this parade will be better at night. Some of the video screens were impossible to view in the glare of the sun, That won’t be a problem in the evenings. And we noticed some of the performers struggling with or getting caught up in their elaborate costumes. though, those sorts of costume issues are easily fixed over time or worked around.

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.

We’re curious to see how regular guests react to this hip and edgy new parade. Is this too much of a departure from a traditional Disneyland parade or is it just enough change to make parades more attractive for a younger generation?

Magic Happens Food and Merchandise

Disney doesn’t do anything big these days without merchandise and often times with special food too.

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

And the usual variety of hats, mugs, and shirts are also available:

Magic Happens – Costume, Dance, and Music

The Magic Happens Parade has been two years in the making. It features an original song that is co-composed by Todrick Hall, a huge Disney fan and former performer at Walt Disney World. 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.

The choreography is by Tessandra Chavez, a 2-time Emmy Award winner. Matthew Davidson was responsible for the costume concepts. This parade includes over 90 costumed performers, more than two dozen of which are in Disney and Pixar character costumes.

And if you think the makeup looks fabulously dramatic, it’s because David Petruschin, Raven from Ru Paul’s Drag Race, designed the looks!

We’ve been deprived of a parade long enough. We are really looking forward to hearing what audiences think of this bold, energetic, and modern parade.

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Let’s Hear From You!

Do you like what you’ve seen of Magic Happens so far? Will you miss Mickey’s Soundsational? 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 newest parade in the comments below!

We’ll have even more for you shortly, please check back!

[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.]

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