Arts & Entertainment

Magic Happens Parade Wows Disneyland Resort Crowds: PHOTOS

"Magic Happens" parade at Disneyland Park celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories.

“Magic Happens” Parade at Disneyland Park
“Magic Happens” Parade at Disneyland Park (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

ANAHEIM, CA — On Friday, Disneyland Resort premiered the newest daytime spectacular parade, "Magic Happens" to the delights of the crowd. With new music, floats and a sparkling bit of fairy dust, the long anticipated parade did not disappoint.

"You get a sense of connection," a fan said of the vivid production. Guests get to see some of the favorite scenes from some of Disney's favorite productions.

“Magic Happens” features nine newly designed floats, highlighting magic from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios tales.

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Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort, Magic Happens Parade, Mickey welcomes all in the first float of the parade.

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, a park spokesperson said.


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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.

Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort - Cinderella greets fans from her magical pumpkin, showcasing the most magical transformation of that film.
Iconic films such as “Cinderella” and “Sleeping Beauty,” take a prestigious place in the parade, with modern colors and fanfare.
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort - What's more magical than three wish-granting fairies of Sleeping Beauty?
More recent stories including "Frozen 2" and Pixar’s “Coco" engage the younger set.
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort - Elsa and Anna together on the Frozen 2 float, showing the magic of sisterhood.
Yes, that is Olaf in the center, and he still loves warm hugs.
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort- Coco shows the magic of this world, and the next.
Dancers bring the parade to life and draw the crowd's eye to the floats at stage center.

Still, for fans, Moana's set stole the show, according to reviews.

Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort - Moana, showing how far magic and bravery can take you.
The dancers drew you in, and made you feel as if the ocean were splashing around the float, one Disneyland guest said.
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort - Maui, with his magical fish hook.
Maui's float was epic-worthy, with lava and tropical flare.
Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort - Maui and Moana were fan favorites of the Disneyland Magic Happens parade.
Plus, as with all things Disney, the music makes the magic come to life during the parade.

“Magic Happens” features an energetic musical score and new songs, co-composed by singer-songwriter, Todrick Hall. Have you seen it? Share your thoughts on Patch!

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