“Magic Happens,” Or Not… Returning Disneyland Parade at Risk on Debut Date

in Disneyland Resort

Mickey mouse leading the "Magic Happens" parade at Disneyland Park

Credit: Disney

The long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade to Disneyland Park may be at risk of seeing its debut performance canceled.

The spectacular Disney parade Magic Happens seems to be fighting a bad luck spell, as the parade has faced multiple complications since its initial premiere. “Magic Happens” originally debuted at Disneyland Park on February 28, 2020, and was the first all-new daytime parade to debut at Disneyland in over a decade. However, magic didn’t happen for long, as Disneyland Resort was forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 14, barely two weeks after the debut of “Magic Happens” at the Southern California Resort.

disneyland cast member with sleeping beauty castle
Credit: Disney

When Disneyland finally reopened in April 2021, some amenities — including FASTPASS, Disney MaxPass, Magic Mornings, and Extra Magic Hour offerings — were suspended as part of the phased reopening efforts amid the pandemic. While Park officials and Cast Members have worked hard to make Disneyland “the Happiest Place on Earth” again, “Magic Happens”  was notably missing, making fans wonder if the parade would return to Disneyland Park.

During last year’s Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced that the “Magic Happens” parade would return in early 2023 as part of Disney’s 100-year celebration, Disney100. The official return date was later announced via Disney Parks social media channels, marking February 24, 2023, for “Magic Happens” to return.

magic happens Disneyland parade
Credit: Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

After years of anticipation, “Magic Happens” is scheduled to debut today with two performances at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. However, the parade could face complications again for its triumphant return, as rainstorms are expected in Anaheim throughout the weekend.

Like most entertainment offerings at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, performances of Magic Happens are subject to change without notice, and the debut of “Magic Happens” could be canceled due to rain if Park officials consider it necessary.

Princess Aurora, Prince Phillip, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather on the Sleeping Beauty parade float during the "Magic Happens" Disney parade
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

As of this article’s publishing, the official Disneyland app states that both performances of “Magic Happens” have not been changed for today, meaning that Guests visiting Disneyland Park will have the chance to enjoy this practically new parade despite the rain. However, Park officials could update this information anytime, updating the schedule.

Screenshot from the official Disneyland app with showtimes of Magic Happens parade at Disneyland Park for February 24
Credit: Screenshot via Disneyland app

Inside the Magic urges its readers to check the official Disneyland app or ask a Cast Member for any changes to today’s “Magic Happens” Parade schedule.

Disney describes the “Magic Happens” Parade as follows:

Magic Comes to Life

As part of the Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort, celebrate the return of this unforgettable spectacle that reminds us you don’t need wings to fly, shooting stars are for wishes and magic doesn’t end at midnight!

Moana, Magic Happens Parade, Disneyland
Credit: Inside the Magic/ Kurt Schmidt

With a wave of his wand, Mickey Mouse leads a cavalcade of fabulous floats, whimsically costumed performers and popular Disney pals around the park and into your hearts—all while moving to a high-energy contemporary musical score that puts a spin on classic Disney hits. In addition, a stirring song co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall brings some of your favorite Disney tales to life like never before.

Coco, Magic Happens Parade, Disneyland
Credit: Inside the Magic/ Kurt Schmidt

Watch Moana ride the crest of a beautiful wave in her voyager canoe, followed by Coco’s guitar-strumming Miguel joined by his dog Danté and other fantastical spirit animals and behold the enchanted forest from Frozen 2 as Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven pass by. The parade’s grand finale commemorates memorable moments from Disney classics in an incredible procession that’s not to be missed!

The return of “Magic Happens” is the perfect way to continue the Disney100 celebrations at the Southern California Disney Park. The long-awaited parade joins Wondrous Journeys, a breathtaking fireworks show illuminating Sleeping Beauty Castle, at Disneyland Park and World of Color — ONE at Disney California Adventure.

Are you excited about the return of “Magic Happens”? Will you visit Disneyland to enjoy this parade? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!

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