Disneyland’s festivals and parades are famous for bringing Disney magic to life through colorful costumes, lively music, extravagant floats, and beloved Disney characters.
From daily parades to seasonal events, you can catch many parades at Disneyland California.
Marching down the parade route, you’ll see segments bringing to life timeless tales like Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and more.
Massive floats carry larger-than-life scenes with dancers and characters that wave and interact with the crowd.
The parades also feature famous Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Friends, Disney Princesses, and more.
With original soundtracks, creative costumes and floats, and all your favorite Disney stars appearing, the Disneyland parades encapsulate the magic and joy that makes Disneyland so special for visitors.
Disneyland California Parade Schedule
Several parades happen throughout the year at Disneyland.
Mickey’s Happy Holiday Parade runs three times a day until January 6, 2025, at 12.45 pm, 2.30 pm, and 4.30 pm at Disney California Adventure Parks.
At the California Disneyland Park, you can enjoy the Christmas Fantasy Parade until January 6, 2025, at 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm.
Returning in late February 2025 is the famous Magic Returns Parade. You can catch this parade at 3 pm and 5.30 pm for 20 minutes. The parade may not happen daily, and the schedule is subject to change.
From January 23 to February 18, 2025, you can enjoy the Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. This parade happens thrice every day at 12.45 pm, 2.30 pm and 5 pm.
Klook.comStars on Disneyland California Parade
The Disneyland parade features a variety of beloved characters, including Ariel, Baloo, Belle, Blue Fairy, Chip, Cinderella, Clarabelle Cow, Daisy Duck, Dale, and Donald Duck.
Other featured characters in the parade are Dopey, Eeyore, Fairy Godmother, Fantasia Elephant, Fauna, Flik, Flora, Goofy, Hyacinth Hippo, Honest John and more.
The lineup also includes Mickey Mouse, Mushrooms, Mushu, Perla, Piglet, Pluto, Princess Aurora, Rafiki, Robin Hood, Roger Rabbit, Snow White, Suzy, Tarzan, etc.
The parade units include:
- Fantasia 2000/Fab 5 unit
- Princess unit
- The Blue Fairy unit
- The Lion King unit
- Belle unit
- Ariel’s Globe unit
- Tarzan unit
Get ready to enjoy the magical presence of these characters and units during the Disneyland parade.
What To Expect During the Disneyland California Parade
At the Disneyland parade, prepare for a magical experience with beloved Disney characters like Ariel, Baloo, Belle, Mickey Mouse, and many more.
The parade features vibrant floats, lively music, and over 90 performers, making it a delightful break during your Disneyland visit.
To secure a good view, plan and choose spots like Main Street for the ultimate experience with the castle in the background.
Other options include near “It’s a Small World” for a less crowded view and along the parade route near Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Check out the railing in front of the Main Street train station for a last-minute spot.
Don’t miss the “Magic Happens” parade returning on February 2, showcasing classic and modern Disney stories with enchanting floats and characters.
Another highlight is the “Frightfully Fun Parade” during Halloween, featuring iconic characters and Disney villains.
Experience Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, a dazzling display with Mulan, Disney characters, and a lively ensemble celebrating the Lunar New Year.
Get ready for a joyful and enchanting time at the Disneyland parade!
Best Spots to Watch Disneyland California Parade
Selecting a spot along the parade route is on a first-come, first-served basis. Let’s explore some main locations.
Main Street Parade Watching
For the ultimate parade experience, Main Street is the go-to spot, with the castle in the background.
It’s ideal for catching the fireworks or projections shown after the first parade.
This location is close to dining spots for mobile orders, and restrooms on Main Street are convenient for parents with little ones.
Curb spots are highly sought after, offering a “seating only” experience once the parade starts.
Still, they require a longer wait, sometimes exceeding 2 hours.
A second row behind the curb spots is an option, and stroller parking is nearby.
Near “it’s a small world”
Near the “it’s a small world” ride, it is an excellent choice for those avoiding long waits.
It’s usually less crowded, and a raised area between the ride and the Matterhorn provides a good view above the crowd.
This area also offers nearby bathrooms and snack carts.
Along the Parade Route
Finding a spot along the parade route, near Sleeping Beauty Castle or across from Pixie Hollow, is easier than Main Street.
Cast Members set up a roped-off area with seating available about an hour before showtime.
Other Areas in Disneyland
The railing in front of the Main Street train station is another good last-minute spot.
The raised area provides an unobstructed view and allows for a quick park exit after the parade.
Parade Viewing for Guests with Disabilities
Wheelchair users can watch the parade from any location, but there are designated viewing areas for guests with disabilities.
Visit City Hall early in the day to inquire about reserving a spot for parade viewing.
Magic Happens Parade – Disneyland Park
“Magic Happens,” highlighting real-life Disney magic moments, returns in late February, bringing more enchantment in 2025!
This vibrant daytime parade, the first in nearly a decade, showcases floats and characters from classic and modern Disney stories.
With over 90 performers, including two dozen Disney and Pixar characters, the parade features dancers in colorful costumes, adding a magical lift to the atmosphere.
Each repeat visit offers new things to discover on the floats, making it a fun and lively experience.
As part of the Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort, a spectacular parade returns, bringing enchantment and joy to the park.
Led by Mickey Mouse, the parade features fabulous floats, costumed performers, and Disney characters.
Everyone is set to a lively contemporary musical score that adds a modern twist to classic Disney hits.
The magical procession includes iconic characters like:
- Moana riding a beautiful wave
- Coco’s Miguel strumming his guitar, accompanied by his dog Danté
Other fantastical spirit animals and the enchanting forest from Frozen 2 with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven.
The grand finale is a breathtaking tribute to memorable moments from Disney classics, creating an unforgettable experience for all.
Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of magic and wonder!
Frightfully Fun Parade – Disneyland California Adventure Park
Every year during Halloween, Disneyland hosts a special parade as part of a ticketed Halloween party.
This spooky procession is led by the eerie Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, and following closely are iconic characters like Mickey and Minnie, accompanied by a cavalcade of other Disney characters and villains.
The Disneyland Halloween party has shifted to Disney California Adventure and is now known as the Ooogie Boogie Bash.
Named the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” this spectacle showcases beloved characters such as Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
It also has the ghostly inhabitants of the Haunted Mansion, eerie ballroom dancers, and a trio of hitchhiking ghosts.
Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog also appears, displaying his mystical powers and summoning his Shadow Men from the bayou.
Classic Disney Villains, including the Evil Queen, Hades, Jafar, Cruella, and others, add to the excitement of the parade.
It’s a not-so-scary yet thoroughly entertaining experience for Halloween partygoers at Disneyland.
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession – Disneyland California Adventure Park
Witness an enchanting parade moving from Hollywood Land to Pixar Pier.
The spectacle begins with triumphant music, and the street comes alive with numerous performers adorned in stunning costumes.
Featuring Mulan, Disney characters, and a lively ensemble, including a Chinese dragon puppet, warriors, drummers, and dancers, this dazzling display is sure to captivate your attention.
You can enjoy the procession several times throughout the day as part of the Lunar New Year celebration.
Klook.comFAQs About Disneyland California Parades
1. When does the “Magic Happens Parade” take place?
The Magic Happens Parade happens at 3 pm and 5.30 pm for 20 minutes.
2.What characters are featured in the Disneyland parade?
The parade includes beloved characters like Ariel, Baloo, Belle, Mickey Mouse, and many more.
3. Are there designated spots for guests with disabilities?
Yes, wheelchair users can watch from any location, but designated viewing areas exist. Inquire at City Hall early in the day.
4. How many performers are there in the “Magic Happens Parade”?
The parade features over 90 performers, including two dozen Disney and Pixar characters.
5. Can I watch the Halloween parade at Disneyland California Adventure?
Yes, the “Frightfully Fun Parade” is part of the Ooogie Boogie Bash during Halloween.
6. What is Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession about?
This enchanting parade, featuring Mulan and Disney characters, travels from Hollywood Land to Pixar Pier to celebrate the Lunar New Year.