Magic Happens is a parade at Disneyland that premiered on February 27, 2020, as part of the park's 65th anniversary celebration.
On March 12, 2020, Disneyland's 65th anniversary celebration ended early, and Disneyland announced that all stage shows were suspended and temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak's impact on California. However, following Disneyland Resort's reopening, Disneyland announced at the 2022 D23 Expo that the updated version of the parade would return in 2023 as a part of the Walt Disney Company's 100 Years of Wonder. On November 30, 2022, it was announced that the parade would return on February 24, 2023, but it was postponed by two days due to inclement weather.
Magic Happens ended its 2024 run early amid various entertainment cuts at Disneyland Resort. It had its final performance on August 22 and was replaced by the Mickey & Friends Halloween Cavalcade. Other cuts this year included the early end of Club Pixar and the closure of “Dr. Strange: Mysteries of the Mystic Arts.” It was announced that the parade will not return in 2025
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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.
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.
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. The Pepita puppet follows behind.
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.
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.
Based on the 1963 animated film. Merlin and Archimedes wisely leads the way for young Arthur Pendragon, who finds the magic within himself as he pulls the Sword in the Stone, claiming his place upon the throne.
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.
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.
As part of #DisneyMagicMoments, and because of the ongoing pandemic, Disney released the full parade on their official YouTube channel.
The Pepita puppet was duplicated for Hong Kong Disneyland's castle stage show, Follow Your Dreams. However, the puppet used in said show is controlled by only three operators as opposed to five.
