Disney News

Category: Parades

  • More Entertainment Returning to Magic Kingdom for the 50th Anniversary Celebration

    More Entertainment Returning to Magic Kingdom for the 50th Anniversary Celebration

    Attention parade lovers! We have exciting information about when Guests can experience returning favorites and new entertainment offerings at Magic Kingdom Park.

    Kicking off the fun on Feb. 11 is the brand-new “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!” Starring nearly 30 of your favorite Disney and Pixar friends, this super-sized cavalcade features Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” José Carioca and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and more – including the Magic Kingdom debut of Miguel from “Coco” in his mariachi best. 

    That’s not the only much-anticipated offering coming to the parade route. We’re excited to share that the beloved Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade returns to Magic Kingdom Park beginning March 9 – the anniversary of the debut of the parade in 2014 – winding its way through the park not once, but twice each day!

    Dazzling Guests since its debut, the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade features beloved characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” “Peter Pan” and more bringing their individual stories to life on enchanting floats that look as though the characters themselves had a hand in crafting them. Looming 26 feet above the parade route and 35 feet in length, the fire-breathing Maleficent Dragon float returns just as menacing as ever. There’s no way this show-stopping beauty would be excluded from such a glittering assemblage. 

    Speaking of shimmering gatherings, “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will make its debut on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage Feb. 25! The show, newly enhanced for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, will incorporate favorite scenes inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “The Princess and the Frog” – plus a new opening and a new finale with Mickey Mouse and all his friends in their sparkling, EARidescent fashions. Presented multiple times a day, the show will also include an all-new, original song entitled “Where the Magic Feels Like Home.”

    These new and returning experiences add to the all-new entertainment that debuted with the launch of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, including “Disney Enchantment,” “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade,” and “Harmonious” – with more to come when “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” and “Fantasmic!” open later this year.

  • Main Street Electrical Parade Returning to Disneyland

    Main Street Electrical Parade Returning to Disneyland

    Disney Parks just teased that the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade could return to Disneyland Park in the near future.

    In social media posts, Disney released video footage showing one of the illuminated floats accompanied by the parade’s signature soundtrack.

    Then text pops up reading, “To be continued.” Take a closer look below:

    @disneyparks

    Thousands of sparkling lights ✨ #ToBeContinued #Disney #DisneyParks #Disneyland #Magic #Lights

    ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

    The original parade at Disneyland in California ran from 1972 to 1996, and again in limited engagements in 2017 and 2019. The neighboring Disney California Adventure park hosted the parade between 2001 and 2010. Another version, at the Magic Kingdom in Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort, ran between 1977 and 2016, with two major gaps during 1991–1999 and 2001–2010.

  • Electrical Water Pageant Returning Soon to Walt Disney World Resort

    Electrical Water Pageant Returning Soon to Walt Disney World Resort

    Disney has announced, The Electrical Water Pageant will soon make its return to the waterways of Walt Disney World Resort, just outside of the Magic Kingdom.

    Guests at Disney Resort hotels along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake will once again have a chance to see this twinkling nighttime musical processional that’s enchanted onlookers since 1971.

    The announcement was made in a post to the Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook page on Wednesday as you can see in the video below:

    According to the Disney World website, the floating nighttime parade will resume on December 20. 

    The Electrical Water Pageant, a procession which includes a medley of patriotic songs, can be viewed from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

  • Merida’s Horse Gets Spooked by Balloon During Magic Kingdom Reopening

    Merida’s Horse Gets Spooked by Balloon During Magic Kingdom Reopening

    “The Most Magical Place on Earth” finally reopened after being closed for nearly four months, but guests recieved a bit of a scare on opening day after a horse was startled during a parade down Main Street USA.

    The incident happened during The Royal Princess Processional at Magic Kingdom when a child’s balloon got caught on the horse’s legs.

    The incident was caught on camera by a guest at the Magic Kingdom. Take a look at the video below:

    As you can see in the YouTube video, Merida’s horse was spooked by a balloon a child was holding and accidentally let go of, which then got wrapped up in the horse’s legs.

    Merida was able to safely get off the horse and it was then walked off of backstage by cast members.

  • Disney World Gets Approval From Florida For July 11 Phased Reopening

    Disney World Gets Approval From Florida For July 11 Phased Reopening

    Walt Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen it’s four Orlando theme parks starting July 11.

    Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will open first, on July 11. Then, Epcot and Hollywood Studios will follow on July 15.

    The plans were reportedly approved Friday by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in a memo sent to Orange County officials, according to multiple news reports. Disney reps weren’t immediately available for comment.

    Disney submitted its reopening plans on Wednesday to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force and received an endorsement from Orange County Mayor Jerry Dennings shortly after the meeting.

    In Disney’s presentation, Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Operations, Walt Disney World Resort, described plans for temperature checks of guests and staff, face masks and social distancing, frequent signage, numerous hand washing stations throughout the park and backstage and use of plexiglass barriers at retail and food and beverage locations.

    Capacity will be reduced at park attractions, restaurants, retail stores and transportation connecting the parks. Fireworks, character-meet and-greets, water displays and other events that might create crowds or make social distancing difficult will be temporarily suspended. The park will expand mobile ordering platforms at its restaurants. It will clean ‘high touch areas frequently.

    MacPhee said Disney’s strategy will focus around three keywords — “education, communication and engagement.”

  • Disney World Officially Canceling Their Fireworks & Parades Indefinitely

    Disney World Officially Canceling Their Fireworks & Parades Indefinitely

    Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen its theme parks and to help control the crowds, Disney World has canceled Fireworks Displays and Parades until further notice during their phased reopening.

    “This phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing” Disney said. “That means certain experiences we know draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.”

    In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in our parks to entertain and delight our guests. 

    Walt Disney World received approval from the state of Florida to reopen its four Orlando-based theme parks starting July 11.

  • VIDEO: Disney Offers Virtual Viewing of New Disneyland Parade

    VIDEO: Disney Offers Virtual Viewing of New Disneyland Parade

    Disney fans are searching for ways to bring magic and joy into their everyday lives and today, Disney has released a special virtual viewing of the all-new “Magic Happens” parade, which recently debuted at Disneyland park!

    This daytime spectacular celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories.

    So gather with family at home to watch this stunning moment of magic. Take a look at the video below:

    “Magic Happens” 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 telling a story along the parade route, while also evoking a sense of magic. The stories seen in “Magic Happens” are rooted in iconic Disney lore, but the soundtrack, costume design and choreography are heavily influenced by today’s contemporary designers. Be sure to listen up for the energetic musical score and new songs, co-composed by singer-songwriter, Todrick Hall.

  • New ‘Magic Happens’ Minnie Ears Coming to Disneyland with Whimsical Merchandise Set

    New ‘Magic Happens’ Minnie Ears Coming to Disneyland with Whimsical Merchandise Set

    The countdown to “Magic Happens” is on at Disneyland park! The new day-time parade debuts on Feb. 28 and celebrates moments of magic from your favorite Disney and Pixar stories and Disneyland is releasing new Minnie Ears and other merchandise inspired by the parade.

    You can share the magic with your very own “Magic Happens” ear headband and don the sequin ears as you experience the wonder of magical moments heading down Main Street, U.S.A.

    As you get ready to experience this spectacular parade, take a sneak peek below at the whimsical merchandise coming to Disneyland park:

    Also, the enchanting purple and gray “Magic Happens” baseball-style shirt is essential to celebrating the magic of Mickey Mouse!

    As you see the fabulous floats, whimsical costumes and your favorite Disney characters glide by, enjoy your favorite beverage in the “Magic Happens”-themed sipper. A sorcerer hat tops this fantastical sipper, which is inspired by the one-and-only Mickey Mouse!

    After experiencing “Magic Happens,” you’ll want a keepsake that will always remind you that you don’t need wings to fly, shooting stars exist and magic doesn’t end at midnight. Pick up a Mickey Mouse-shaped light-up ornament that celebrates the power of imagination! You can also expand your pin collection with the official “Magic Happens” pin! 

    These magical items will be available throughout Disneyland park starting Feb. 28! Head over to the Emporium and Disney Showcase on Main Street, U.S.A. to bring these whimsical items home!

  • The ‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ Airs Christmas Morning on ABC

    The ‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ Airs Christmas Morning on ABC

    Christmas is only one day away and the tradition continues with The ‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ is airing on ABC Chistmas morning.

    The “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” is a favorite Christmas day tradition. This holiday favorite airs tomorrow, December 25 on ABC and on the ABC app. Air times are 10 a.m.–12 p.m. EST, 9-11 a.m. CST/MST/PST; airtimes vary, so be sure to check listings.

    Presented from Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California, the show features the Christmas Day Parade down Main Street U.S.A., heartwarming stories and amazing celebrity performances. It’s all hosted by artist Matthew Morrison, singer-songwriter and TV host Emma Bunton, and TV host Jesse Palmer. Joining as co- hosts are ABC’s “black-ish” star Marsai Martin with Hollywood Records Artist and Disney’s “The Lion King” star JD McCrary, who voiced young Simba in the live-action film. Take a look at a preview of what to expect below:

    Among the exclusive Disney Parks sneak peeks planned for this special are Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida on March 4, 2020, and Disneyland park in California in 2022, plus Avengers Campus coming to Disney California Adventure Park in California in 2020. Viewers will also get a special look at “the most magical flight on earth”: the newly opened Disney Skyliner gondola system, connecting Walt Disney World Resort guests to two Disney theme parks and four resorts, including the new Disney’s Riviera Resort.

    Musical performances include the following:

    • Seventeen-time GRAMMY Award-winning Sting performs “Soul Cake” off his platinum- selling album “If On A Winter’s Night…” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning reggae star Shaggy sings his new Caribbean-flavored original song “Christmas with Friends” from Walt Disney World Resort
    • Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix performs “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • Singers Ingrid Michaelson and Grace VanderWaal sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” from Disneyland Resort.
    • GRAMMY Award-winning rock band Portugal. The Man performs “White Christmas” and “Feel it Still” from Disneyland Resort.
    • International pop star Ally Brooke performs “Christmas Through Your Eyes” from Walt Disney World Resort.
    • The cast of the new Disney+ original “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” performs a high-energy medley from Disneyland Resort.
  • New ‘Magic Happens’ Parade to Premiere on Feb. 28, 2020 at Disneyland

    New ‘Magic Happens’ Parade to Premiere on Feb. 28, 2020 at Disneyland

    The all-new “Magic Happens” parade will make its debut at Disneyland park, beginning Feb. 28, 2020.

    “Magic Happens” celebrates awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. Mickey Mouse leads this new daytime spectacular down Main Street, U.S.A., revealing a parade 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.

    Take a look below at some highlights of the new parade, including a few more sneak peeks:

    From Walt Disney Animation Studios’ record-breaking hit “Frozen 2,” Anna and Elsa explore the mysteries of an enchanted forest protected by Nokk, the mystical water spirit, as their friends Kristoff, Sven and Olaf tag along.

    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.

    Joining Moana on her journey is legendary demigod, Maui, making his Disneyland Resort debut on his own magical island, along with Moana’s adorable pet pig, Pua.

    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 bridges the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead with vibrant marigolds, and fantastical alebrije spirit animals join the procession, along with Miguel’s dog Danté.

    The regal grand finale of “Magic Happens” celebrates magical moments from several classic Disney stories, including the happily-ever-after scene from “Sleeping Beauty” with a trio of fairies and Princess Aurora’s gown shimmering between hues of pink and blue.

    “Magic Happens” will remind us we don’t need wings to fly, that shooting stars were made to wish upon, and that magic doesn’t stop at midnight. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more fun details about this extraordinary parade, as we get closer to opening day on February 28!