One of the most visually stunning and emotionally charged parades in Disneyland history is the Magic Happens Parade. Debuting in 2020, this modern and dazzling parade showcases the magic found in beloved Disney stories, from classic fairytales to new animated adventures.
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This new daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. Mickey Mouse leads the way, gliding along on glistening swirls of magic emanating from a giant, iridescent magical hat. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)
With vibrant floats, energetic performers, and an unforgettable musical score, Magic Happens celebrates the moments of magic that define Disney films. Whether it’s Moana summoning the ocean, Cinderella’s pumpkin transforming into a carriage, or Miguel stepping into the Land of the Dead, this parade brings Disney storytelling to life in spectacular fashion.
A Parade of Stunning Floats and Characters
Disneyland’s Magic Happens Parade features a mix of classic and modern Disney films, each with intricate floats and mesmerizing choreography. Some of the highlights include:
Mickey Mouse Opening Float: Mickey leads the way, waving from a spectacular Sorcerer’s Apprentice-inspired float that sparkles with enchantment.
Moana’s Wayfinder Journey: Moana guides her boat across the ocean, accompanied by the majestic wave of Te Kā and Te Fiti sculpted in shimmering blues and greens.
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This new daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. 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. (Todd Wawrychuk/Disneyland Resort)
Coco’s Land of the Dead: Miguel strums his guitar as he walks across a stunning bridge of marigolds, celebrating Día de los Muertos.
The “Magic Happens” parade
Frozen 2’s Enchanted Forest: Elsa and Anna glide through an autumn-colored wonderland, featuring Bruni the salamander and the mystical Nokk.
A High-Energy Musical Score
The Magic Happens Parade is set to an electrifying soundtrack, featuring an original song by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall. The upbeat anthem blends pop beats and Disney magic. Creating a high-energy atmosphere that guests can’t help but dance along to.
Throughout the parade, instrumental versions of classic Disney songs blend seamlessly, tying each float to its film’s most magical moment.
The Best Spots to Watch the Parade
The Magic Happens Parade runs twice daily along Disneyland’s parade route, from it’s a small world to Main Street, U.S.A. For the best viewing spots, consider watching near:
Sleeping Beauty Castle for a picture-perfect background.
Main Street, U.S.A. for an immersive atmosphere.
The hub near Tomorrowland for a less crowded experience.
Experience the Magic
The Magic Happens Parade is a must-see for any Disneyland visitor. Whether you’re watching for the spectacular floats, beloved characters, or uplifting music, this parade is a celebration of all things Disney.
The “Magic Happens” parade will make its highly anticipated return to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif. on Feb. 24, 2023, during The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary celebration at the Disneyland Resort. The daytime spectacular celebrates moments of magic from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films as they are brought to life with grand-scale floats, artistic costumes and an energetic musical score. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This new daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. Mickey Mouse leads the way, gliding along on glistening swirls of magic emanating from a giant, iridescent magical hat. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. 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. This daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. (Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This new daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. 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. (Todd Wawrychuk/Disneyland Resort)
ÒMagic HappensÓ parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This new daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. 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 Dante. (Todd Wawrychuk/Disneyland Resort)
ÒMagic HappensÓ parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. 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 ÒCoco.Ó 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 MiguelÕs dog Dante. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This new daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. (Todd Wawrychuk/Disneyland Resort)
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This new daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. Cinderella travels inside a grand pumpkin, just as it magically transforms into a glistening carriage to whisk her off to the ball. (Todd Wawrychuk/Disneyland Resort)
“Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This new daytime spectacular features stunning floats, beautiful costumes and beloved Disney characters. From Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “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. (Todd Wawrychuk/Disneyland Resort)
