resented here, for your enjoyment, is a magical and musical virtual Audio tour of the Happiest Place on Earth, both past and present. From this comprehensive collection of rare Audio recordings, the stay at home listener is granted their very own 'E' Ticket to adventures that recreate the ambiance and simulate the you-are-there sensation of an actual trip to the park. Just close your eyes and let your mind run free. It won't be hard to imagine you are really inside the Magic Kingdom for an exciting day at Disneyland, the place where dreams really do come true... |
• FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL AVAILABLE TRACKS & NEW ADDITIONS: CLICK HERE
• A COMPLETE CHAPTER DIRECTORY IS LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH PAGE •
• SCROLL TO BOTTOM OF PAGE TO HEAR TRACKS IN CONTINUAL LONG-PLAY MODE •
|
1 - Main Street March - The Disneyland Band 01:49
Heard here is the original Disneyland Band conducted by Vessy Walker. This march was composed especially for Main Street USA back in the 1950's. It was first heard on the 1954 broadcast of the Disneyland TV series as Walt showed a scale model of Main Street. The Band would often play it live in the park as well during the earlier years.
|
2 - Disneyland Opening Day Parade 02:55
Disneyland's very first parade was held on opening day, July 17th 1955. At the head of the procession was the United States Marine Corp Band, who played the familiar "National Emblem March" as they made their way down Main Street. They were then followed by many costumed representatives from of each of the four lands in the park.
|
3 - The Firehouse Five Plus Two - Main Street Parade 09:43
One of the first musical groups to perform in a Disneyland parade, which in the beginning only had live music, was a group of Dixielanders known as the Firehouse 5 Plus 2. This talented troupe was comprised of members from Walt Disney's animation staff, and were favorite parade guest stars from opening day, well into the 1970's.
|
4 - Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade 06:49
Beginning in late November of 1955, the very first daily Disneyland parade hearkened back to the sort of parade one would witness at the turn of the 20th century on the day the circus came to town. This afternoon parade was held in conjunction with the live Mickey Mouse Club three- ring circus located under a big top at the north end of Fantasyland.
|
5 - Disneyland Circus Calliope 02:03
A genuine 1907, steam-powered, 20 whistle circus calliope, was personally purchased by Walt Disney for use in Disneyland, and was fully restored for its first appearance in the 1955 Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade. It would also appear in the 1960 feature film, "Toby Tyler," and is often used for parades and special events to this day.
|
6 - Automobile Club Parade 01:53
Throughout the 1950's, Walt Disney invited local antique automobile restoration club members to Disneyland to participate in processions down Main Street, sporting their vintage cars while dressed in period appropriate costumes. Due to their popularity, these events also became part of the annual Easter Parade tradition.
|
7 - Zorro Days Parade 08:40
Zorro was a highly rated weekly TV show produced by the Disney Studio for prime-time television in the 1950's. During the run of this popular program the actual stars of the show, including the masked avenger himself, portrayed by Guy Williams, made special guest appearances in Disneyland which always included a parade down Main Street.
|
8 - Disneyland '59 Parade - Seventy-Six Trombones 02:14
As the grand finale to the Disneyland '59 parade, famed Broadway composer Meredith Wilson was coaxed out of the viewing stands to the center of Main Street where stood a band leader's podium. After he was handed a baton, a marching band of 76 trombones came into view, as he conducted them in the very song he wrote for "The Music Man."
|
- Documenting Disneyland on Parade
Most of Disneyland's early parades where held one time only, marking grand opening ceremonies and other special occasions. Fortunately many of these were captured for posterity either on live TV or on film. Many of these processions were later included in episodes of the Walt Disney anthology series, or released as segments for theatrical shorts. Here are several of these documented events, including color commentary.
|
9 - Dateline Disneyland 03:46
|
10 - Disneyland USA 03:00
|
11 - Disneyland '59 14:24
|
12 - A Gala Day at Disneyland 06:17
|
13 - Easter Parade - La Coquette Balloon Launch 03:22
|
14 - Fourth of July Parade - Sailing Ship Columbia Dedication 07:57
|
15 - Holiday Time at Disneyland - Parade of Many Lands 03:07
|
16 - Holiday Time at Disneyland 05:54
|
17 - Mickey at the Movies Parade - Disneyland Parade Anthem 03:44
Disneyland's first regularly scheduled daily parade was known as the "Mickey at the Movie's Parade," which included a colorful cavalcade of Disney characters from Walt Disney's film classics. For the first time, the parade was led off by The Big Bass Drum, which would become a Disneyland parade tradition in the years to follow.
|
18 - Parade of Toys - March of the Wooden Soldiers 03:17
During the 1960 Christmas season, Disneyland would present its very first regularly scheduled holiday parade, featuring many of the giant toy props that had been created for the upcoming theatrical release of "Babes in Toyland," which was still in production. This was also the first appearance by Disneyland's iconic marching wooden soldiers.
|
19 - A Concert in the Park - Durand, Michigan HS Band 38:34
The Durand, Michigan Area High School Band directed by Robert Greene, was winner of the first annual Disneyland Marching Band contest held in 1965, a holiday tradition that continues to this day. In December of that year, the entire band was flown out to Southern California, all expenses paid, to perform in the park during the holiday season.
|
20 - Walt Disney Presents: Fantasy on Parade 00:32
Fantasy on Parade was one of Disneyland's most elaborate themed entertainment spectacles of all time, premiering in 1965 and serving as the park's annual Christmas parade until 1976. By popular demand it returned for an encore in 1980 and ran until 1985. This parade was promoted as more than just a parade but as "a show on parade."
|
21 - Fantasy on Parade - Promotional Radio Spots 03:04
During the filming of the 1968 live-action Disney comedy, "Blackbeard's Ghost," stars Suzanne Pleshette, Dean Jones and Peter Ustinov each recorded one in a series of radio advertisements that ran on local Southern California stations. These spots provided colorful commentary in promotion of the annual Fantasy on Parade Christmas event.
|
22 - Fantasy on Parade 13:58
Unlike Disneyland's previous Christmas parades, Fantasy on Parade was conceived of as a show on parade, with several units pausing along the route to perform dances and routines for its spectators. It featured characters and scenes from Walt Disney's library of memorable film classics, culminating in a fanciful Christmas themed grand finale.
|
23 - Tournament of Roses Parade - Walt Disney Grand Marshal 01:06
Disneyland has had a long relationship with the famous Tournament of Roses Parade. Its first float entry was in 1955, announcing the upcoming opening of Disneyland the following summer. Walt Disney himself appeared as the Grand Marshal for the 1966 proceedings, and in his honor the theme of that year's parade was "It's a Small World."
|
24 - It's a Small World Opening Day Parade 22:23
To usher in the premiere of It's a Small World in Disneyland, a gala parade was held in 1966. It included echoes of parades past by yet again inviting local civic organizations to share the customs of their native lands through costume dance and procession. The event culminated in a special opening day ceremony at the Small World waterways.
|
NEW 25 - Grossmont HS- 1967 Marching Band Contest Winner 04:27
Beginning in the mid 1960's, Disneyland held a yearly nationwide contest, to select the best high school marching band in the United States. The 1967 winner was Grossmont High School of La Mesa California. Contest winners received an all-expense paid trip to Disneyland and would perform live in the park and often for halftime at nearby UCLA.
|
26 - St. Patrick's Day Parade 17:22
Walt Disney often proudly proclaimed that he was part Irish, so it is surprising that it wasn't until 1968 that Disneyland held an official Saint Patrick's Day parade. Mickey led the march, followed by a procession of Irish folk groups direct from the Emerald Isle, Snow White and the Seven "Leprechauns" and the Three Little "Irish" Pigs.
|
27 - Herbie Day at Disneyland - The Love Bug Parade 01:56
In 1969, a special parade was held to promote the hit new Disney live-action comedy "The Love Bug." Anyone who wanted to participate was invited to decorate their own Volkswagen Beetle for entry in a contest for most original design. The parade proved so popular that it returned in 1974 to promote the film's sequel... Herbie Rides Again.
|
28 - The Kids of the Kingdom - I Love a Parade 02:50
The young singing troupe, known as the Kids of the Kingdom, were featured in many parades over the years, often providing vocals for various prerecorded soundtracks. For their album produced for Buena Vista Records, they recorded many songs they often performed live in the park, including the definitive parade anthem, I Love a Parade.
|
29 - The Disneyland Band - Main Street Marching Medley 03:26
The Disneyland Band has been marching all over Disneyland since the very day it first opened in 1955, and the electric thrill of seeing them promenade down Main Street USA has most certainly not diminished over time. Often, Mickey Mouse himself will lead the procession as excited on-lookers have to fight not to crack a wide-eyed grin.
|
- Disneyland Records - Disneyland on Parade
Disneyland and its marching bands have been highlighted on records since the mid 1950's. The first of these parade inspired albums was released in 1956, featuring the original Disneyland Band in concert, recorded live in the park. In the years to follow, a handful of other compilation albums on the Disneyland label have featured Disney's marching bands and other songs inspired by the grandeur of a Disney parade.
|
30 - Disneyland Band Concert 32:10
|
31 - Let's Have a Parade - Favorite Marches for Children 18:07
|
32 - March Along with Mary Poppins 18:52
|
33 - The Disneyland Band 36:41
|
34 - Walt Disney World Band 32:43
|
35 - I Love a Parade - Favorite Marches for Children 18:52
|
36 - Baroque Hoedown 1:07:25
The familiar theme from the Main Street Electrical Parade was originally produced for the 1966 album, "The In Sound From Way Out!" created by revolutionary synthesizer composers Jean-Jacques Perrey and Gershon Kingsley. This song is now recognized as a true Disney classic, and many talented artists have recorded fantastic cover versions.
|
37 - Main Street Electrical Parade - Premiere Season 08:30
The premiere season of the Main Street Electrical Parade did include the familiar train followed by a big bass drum; however, many of the scenes we know and love today were not yet a part of the experience. Most of the floats were flat and one-dimensional and the now iconic Pete's Dragon was originally a more traditional Chinese dragon.
|
38 - Fantasy on Parade - Walt Disney Productions 50th Anniversary 45:45
The annual Fantasy on Parade remained a holiday tradition throughout the 1970's as new scenes were added every year. In 1973 the parade was led off by a special float honoring the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney Productions and included characters from the latest animated feature, "Robin Hood," with Prince John's royal procession.
|
39 - The Mike Curb Congregation - Character Parade Medley 10:02
In the mid seventies, popular singing group the Mike Curb Congregation released a hit record covering the Mickey Mouse Club March with a contemporary beat, followed by an entire album of Disney songs. To stay current, Disneyland adapted their music for use in many of its character parades throughout the 1970's.
|
40 - Mickey's Character Parade 04:20
The much publicized splendor of a Disneyland parade gave guests an expectation that one would be presented on the day of their visit, be it any day throughout the year. This gave rise to the afternoon Character Parade, which involved prerecorded music, simple albeit colorfully decorated floats, and dozens of costumed Disney characters.
|
41 - Herbie Day in Disneyland 1974 - The Love Bug Parade 11:56
For the theatrical follow-up to the blockbuster comedy, "The Love Bug," Disneyland staged its second Herbie Day in 1974. This promotion for the 1974 release of "Herbie Rides Again," was presented on local television and included a second Love Bug Parade. A procession of creatively decorated Volkswagens each participated for a grand prize.
|
42 - The Kids of the Kingdom - America on Parade Medley 08:06
The ever popular Kids of the Kingdom were the lead act to Disneyland's bicentennial extravaganza, America on Parade. On a pre-show float decorated with stars and stripes they performed two songs as they traveled down Main Street, a new song by the Sherman Brothers called "The Glorious Fourth, and a Broadway showtune called "Freedom."
|
43 - America on Parade 35:00
America on Parade is one Disneyland's most fondly remembered parades of all time. This bicentennial extravaganza was also one of the most elaborate parades that Disney has ever staged. Each float represented an important event in American history, and was surrounded by hundreds of stylized costumed figures with giant-sized heads.
|
44 - The Sadie Mae 29:12
America on Parade also featured the musical sounds of the Sadie Mae, a fully restored antique carousel band organ. It was shipped from its Missouri home to a sound studio in Nashville, where the entire soundtrack was recorded. The music was then enhanced with electronic synthesized elements, but heard here is the original unaltered version.
|
45 - Pooh for President Parade 03:01
America's favorite bear first tossed his hat into the presidential ring in 1968, and ran again for the following two elections. For his 1972 campaign, a special parade was held in Disneyland, featuring Pooh and all his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. The parade returned again in 1976, with a catchy new campaign song by Larry Groce.
|
46 - Festival Mexico Parade 14:01
Festival Mexico was another annual event, held during Disneyland's off season, which celebrated both the culture of another nation and the diversity of Southern California. Each of these festivals included traditional folk music, arts and crafts displays with native artisans, and naturally, everything culminated in a special parade.
|
47 - Festival Japan Parade 13:09
Special weekend events were often presented during Disneyland's off season to attract guests to the park with limited time, unique, entertainment offerings. Festival Japan was one of many annual events started in the 1970's, celebrating the culture of other world nations, each with historical and demographic ties to Southern California.
|
48 - Festival Canada Parade 11:23
Our neighbor to the north was invited to Disneyland to participate in yet another festival honoring the customs, traditions and people of Canada. Like the International festivals that proceeded it, this event featured live entertainment as well as cultural and culinary exhibits. The parade featured Royal Canadian bands and Mounties on horseback.
|
49 - The Disneyland Parade Song 03:01
This memorable theme song is best known for its use in the 1978 Mickey Mouse 50th birthday parade, but with slightly different lyrics, it was first featured a few years prior as a general character parade anthem. This catchy tune epitomizes the spirit of Disneyland on parade, and has often been used for special media presentations and promotions.
|
50 - New Mickey Mouse Club Parade 04:50
In early 1977, a fully updated version for the famous Mickey Mouse Club premiered on national syndicated TV. The all-new cast of child stars made several appearances in Disneyland during the run of the series. They hosted a series of televised talent shows, performed in live musical stage shows and participated in parades held in their honor.
|
51 - Main Street Electrical Parade - Commercials 02:29
After a three-year hiatus during the run of the bicentennial "America on Parade," the Main Street Electrical Parade made its triumphant reappearance in 1977. In the nearly two decades that followed, its annual return at the start of each summer season became a highly anticipated event for Disneyland regulars and Southern California locals.
|
52 - The Main Street Electrical Parade 32:58
The world famous Main Street Electrical Parade is an all-electric, fantasy festival of nighttime magic and imagination that has been illuminating audiences at Disney theme parks around the world since 1972. The iconic soundtrack is comprised entirely of electronically synthesized music, incorporating many familiar classic Disney songs.
|
53 - Electrical Parade - Original Soundtrack Musical Score 46:35
The musical score of the Main Street Electrical Parade is comprised of several familiar favorites from Walt Disney's classic musical films. These include, among others, songs from Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pete's Dragon, and Song of the South.
|
54 - Main Street Electrical Parade - Pete's Dragon Medley 03:38
In 1978, Walt Disney entertainment produced the Orange Bowl football halftime show. This "Spectacular of Lights" featured several floats from the Main Street Electrical Parade. Additional music was orchestrated just for the grand finale of this special event as the child star of "Pete's Dragon," Sean Marshall, rode atop his magical friend Elliot.
|
55 - Main Street Electrical Parade - Return to Oz 02:03
Over the years the Main Street Electrical Parade would incorporate special floats that were used to promote the latest film offerings from Walt Disney Productions. The 1981 parade included a Fox and the Hound segment, and in 1985 there was a "Return to Oz" float with a new electronic arrangement of the original music from the film's score.
|
56 - Main Street Electrical Parade - Mickey's 60th Birthday 06:24
In the summer of 1988, the Main Street Electrical Parade returned yet again, with an all-new float honoring the head cheese himself with a special float honoring his 60th birthday. In addition, a new electronic medley combining the familiar tunes, "Steamboat Bill" and "The Mickey Mouse Club March," was added to the synthesized score.
|
57 - Mickey Mouse 50th Birthday Parade 03:39
One of Disneyland's most memorable parades was held in honor of Mickey's 50th birthday in 1978. It was the highlight of several special events held throughout the park celebrating the Main Mouse's big 5-0. It also began the tradition of staging parades to mark significant Disney milestones that continues to this day.
|
58 - Dumbo Circus Parade 03:59
In 1979 Disneyland presented a colorful parade filled with the many memorable circus characters from Walt Disney's 1941 animated classic, Dumbo. The parade also featured live animals, silly clowns, acrobatic stunts and a special appearance by Dumbo, located atop a burning firehouse tower, poised to take flight with his magic feather.
|
59 - Fantasy on Parade 1980 - Pinocchio 06:43
For the holiday season of 1976, Fantasy on Parade was retired and the new Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade premiered in its place. After a four year hiatus, Fantasy on Parade would return in 1980, and would run for another 6 years. Like the original, the first half of the parade featured moments from Walt Disney's beloved film classics.
|
60 - Disneyland's 25th Anniversary Family Reunion Parade 40:34
Disneyland's 25th Birthday Parade mirrored the original 1955 opening day parade in that it also contained sections representing each of the park's themed lands. In addition to live music, several pre-recorded medleys accompanied the floats for each themed section, and tying it together was the original theme song... Disneyland is Your Land.
|
61 - The All-American College Marching Band 21:14
Every summer Disneyland hosts a performing arts internship program, and undergrad students are given real-world experience as they perform in various venues throughout the park. A crowd favorite is the All-American College Marching Band. In addition to traditional marches, they perform popular songs in a range of musical styles.
|
62 - It's a Small World Parade 14:14
Hearkening back to the Parade of Many Lands from the 1950's, in 1981 Disneyland presented yet another internationally themed daily procession down Main Street USA. Dancers as well as the Disney characters were each dressed in native costumes from around the world, and "It's a Small World" served as the appropriate theme music.
|
63 - Flights of Fantasy Parade 20:37
When Disneyland's all-new Fantasyland premiered in 1983, a special parade was held to commemorate the grand opening event. The procession was filled with colorful giant balloons, dozens of beloved Disney characters, and whimsical floats representing scenes straight out of the classic animated films represented in the new Fantasyland.
|
64 - American Gazette Parade 16:41
The American Gazette Parade was a celebration of the ever-evolving musical genres and popular dance styles that spanned the decades of the 20th century. Setting this parade apart from all others produced during this time, the music was performed entirely live, calling on the talents of Disneyland's many in-house musical groups.
|
65 - Donald Duck's 50th Birthday Parade 08:54
In 1984 Donald Duck celebrated his 50th birthday, and to commemorate this milestone event, a colorful new parade was held at Disneyland honoring everyone's favorite web footed friend. The parade's infectious theme song, "Happy, Happy Birthday to You," was originally featured on the popular 1983 Disneyland record album... Splashdance.
|
66 - Disneyland's 30th Anniversary Parade 05:40
1985 marked the 30th anniversary year of Disneyland. In commemoration, a year-long celebration was held throughout the entire park. Every thirtieth guest was awarded a special prize from the Gift-Giver Extraordinaire located at the main entrance turnstile, and highlighting the entire event was a colorful parade down Main Street USA.
|
67 - Disneyland's 30th Anniversary - Disney Family Cavalcade 07:11
As part of the 30th anniversary festivities, Disneyland held a special event in order to recognize the many thousands of workers who had brought magic to millions of visitors over the past three decades. Along with their families, all past and present cast members were invited to participate in a parade down Main Street.
|
68 - Disneyland Easter Parade 06:29
Disneyland held its very first Easter parade in the spring of 1956. These holiday events continue as an annual tradition in Disney parks around the world to this day. For many years, beginning in the 1980's, the parade was broadcast on national TV each Easter Sunday, highlighting the parades in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
|
69 - Mickey's Character Parade 04:25
In the summer of 1988, the Main Street Electrical Parade returned yet again, with an all-new float honoring the head cheese himself with a special float honoring his 60th birthday. In addition, a new electronic medley combining the familiar tunes, "Steamboat Bill" and "The Mickey Mouse Club March," was added to the synthesized score.
|
70 - Circus Fantasy - Come to the Circus Parade 02:37
In 1986 the tradition, splendor and color of an old-fashioned circus parade returned to Disneyland as part of a park wide special promotional event called Circus Fantasy. The parade included live animals including marching elephants with Minnie riding atop the lead pachyderm. Goofy played the strong man and Mickey the Ringmaster.
|
71 - Totally Minnie Parade 03:28
Minnie was always more than happy to be Mickey's romantic sidekick, but in 1986 it was finally her turn to be in the spotlight. It was declared the "Year of Minnie," and a contemporary pop music album entitled, "Totally Minnie," was released on Disneyland Records. A special Minnie parade was also featured at Disneyland all year long.
|
72 - The Disneyland State Fair - Come to the Fair Parade 10:01
In 1987, a special park wide promotional event took place called the Disneyland State Fair. Throughout the park venues were overlaid with traditional state fair exhibits and themed entertainment. A highlight was the State Fair Parade, which included dancing farm crops, Minnie's blue ribbon pies and barnyard animals.
|
73 - Snow White's Golden Anniversary Celebration Parade 02:36
During those in-between periods when large scale parades were in development or on hiatus, Disneyland would continue presenting its daily parades, although smaller in scale, and thematically ambiguous. These "Character Parades" rolled out popular Disney mascots and usually included a variation on The Mickey Mouse Club March.
|
74 - High School Marching Bands in Disneyland 02:41
Yet another parade tradition began by Walt Disney was the inclusion of many local high school marching bands. Naturally, one of the most frequent participants in these events was the local Anaheim High School, but over time these invitations would extend well beyond Southern California to include bands from all over the United States.
|
75 - Very Merry Christmas Parade Overture 04:37
As the opening act to the Very Merry Christmas Parade, a lavish overture of memorable Disney melodies filled the air as spectators awaited the arrival of the royal heralders to kick off the holiday spectacle. This medley of well known Disney favorites had also been used for the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks and other formal Disneyland proceedings.
|
76 - The Very Merry Christmas Parade 25:56
After a three year hiatus, the popular Fantasy on Parade would return to Disneyland for the 1980 holiday season, and like its predecessor, the parade included several scenes from classic Disney films. The parade remained much the same when it became the Very Merry Christmas Parade in 1987, but additional scenes were added over time.
|
77 - Blast to the Past Parade 10:39
In 1988 Disneyland joined the "Back to the Future" craze with a special event held park-wide known as the Blast to the Past. A central element of this celebration of 1950's music and pop culture was a lively parade featuring a giant jukebox, drag racers and a far-out finale with Martian monsters and Mickey blasting off in a Rocket Ship.
|
78 - Blast to the Past Parade - TV Land Medley 02:55
Perhaps the most nostalgic moment from season one of the Blast to the Past parade was a segment dedicated to classic 1950's TV, featuring a procession of performers dressed as classic characters from television shows of the past, including The Lone Ranger, The Three Stooges, Superman, the Mickey Mouse Club and I Love Lucy.
|
79 - Blast to the Past Parade - Encore Season 13:36
After a successful first year, Blast to the Past would return for a second season in 1989. A brand new parade was presented with an upbeat new soundtrack that incorporated familiar songs from the musicals Grease and Hairspray along with classic tunes from the golden age of rock 'n roll. The parade ended with Goofy dressed as Elvis Presley.
|
80 - Blast to the Past - The Main Street Hop 14:56
In addition to a traditional parade, the Blast to the Past event also hosted a '50's style sock hop street party. Twice daily, a series of jukebox shaped floats stopped along the center of Main Street as bobby sox girls in poodle skirts and guys in letterman sweaters danced along to many memorable tunes from the early days of Rock 'n' Roll.
|
81 - The Main Street Parade 02:29
This short lived mini parade or cavalcade which paid tribute to Main Street USA featured the song, "I'm Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street USA" and other 20th century musical standards. Disney characters were dressed in period costumes and Mickey tickled the ivories on a special piano fashioned with bicycle wheels.
|
82 - Mickey Mouse's 60th Anniversary Celebration Parade 11:01
In 1988, Mickey celebrated his 60th Birthday, and again, an elaborate procession was presented daily up and down Main Street, honoring the lovable mouse who started it all. The parade featured zany costumes and silly mice from around the world, traveling by train, boat, auto and airplane, to join the Big Cheese in his Disneyland celebration.
|
83 - Mickey's 60th Birthday Bash 19:15
During Mickey's 60th Birthday event, between showings of the afternoon parade, a special birthday party was staged along Main Street USA twice every day. A large birthday cake topped by Mickey Mouse and filled with Mouseketeer costumed dancers would stop at several points along the parade route for a live 15 minute musical show.
|
- Movie Premiere Pre-Parades
Disney frequently leads off its full-scale parades with what are often referred to as pre-parades. These are used to entertain guests while they wait for the main event, and often promote the studio's latest releases coming to theaters soon. For many, this would be their first introduction to the songs and characters from these future classics. For a time in the 80's, re-releases of classic animated features also had special pre-parades.
|
84 - Oliver and Company - Pre-Parade 04:05
|
85 - The Little Mermaid - Pre-Parade 02:38
|
86 - The Jungle Book - Pre-Parade 03:30
|
87 - Peter Pan - Pre-Parade 02:29
|
88 - Ratatouille - Pre-Parade 03:28
|
89 - Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - Pre-Parade 02:20
|
90 - Hooray for Disney Stars Parade 10:18
In 1989, Disneyland presented a special parade featuring the stars from its new lineup of popular animated TV series, including Ducktales, Chip 'n Dale's Rescue Rangers and the Adventures of the Gummi Bears. Also included was movie producer Roger Rabbit and other Disney characters dressed in Hollywood grand premiere attire.
|
- Tournament of Roses Parade
Disneyland has had a long relationship with the famous Tournament of Roses Parade held in nearby Pasadena California every January, with its first float entry in 1955 announcing the impending premiere of Disneyland that following summer. Walt Disney himself was the parade Grand Marshall in 1966, and Mickey Mouse received the same honor in 2005 as part of Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration.
|
91 - Tournament of Roses Honor Band 06:03
|
92 - Tournament of Roses - The Royal Court 03:17
|
93 - Tournament of Roses - 35 Years of Magic 07:12
|
94 - Tournament of Roses - Welcome to Toontown 04:20
|
95 - Tournament of Roses - 40 Years of Adventures 04:29
|
96 - Tournament of Roses - Welcome to Our Family 03:04
|
97 - Tournament of Roses - 60 Years of Magic 03:26
|
98 - Party Gras Parade 10:02
Disneyland's 35th anniversary was celebrated with a lavish parade recreating the fun and excitement of a South American carnival, where guests were encouraged to come out into the streets and dance along to the Latin beat. Other memorable features were the towering floats that carried inflated Disney characters measuring over 40 feet high.
|
99 - Desert Storm Parade 01:53
Disneyland has always been considered one of the most patriotic places in the United States, and over the years it has often celebrated the brave men and woman who have served in the U.S. armed services. A special parade was held in 1991 when battlefront troops returned home from the Gulf War following the end of Operation Desert Storm.
|
100 - Celebration USA Parade 10:14
Celebration USA was a campy and somewhat bizarre take on modern American life, presenting several of the unique lifestyles found in these here United States. Sections of the parade included middle class suburbia with a motorcade of lawnmowers, life on the farm and the march of the white collar workers, representing the big city rat race.
|
101 - Disney Afternoon Cavalcade 03:07
Coinciding with a 1991 promotional overlay located in northern Fantasyland, a small procession was presented several times daily, traveling down "Afternoon Avenue" and Main Street USA. The mini-parade featured everyone's favorite characters from Disney's Gummi Bears, Ducktales, Talespin and Chip 'n Dale's Rescue Rangers.
|
102 - The World According to Goofy Parade 09:52
1992 marked the 60th birthday of Goofy, and it was finally his turn to have a special parade dedicated in his honor. Quite appropriately, the parade took on a comical tone, following the evolution of Goofy's ancestors from the Stone Age to the present, where a modern day Goofy ran as a candidate for president of Disneyland.
|
103 - Aladdin's Royal Caravan 02:53
This popular parade was based on a scene straight out of the 1992 animated feature film, "Aladdin," in which the magic Genie organizes an over-the-top royal procession for Aladdin to impress the Princess Jasmine. Upon the success of this parade, a tradition began of producing parades to usher in their latest animated release.
|
104 - Lion King Celebration Parade 09:33
This musical celebration brought to life all of the memorable scenes and characters from the 1994 Disney blockbuster film," The Lion King." The process of transforming what was originally an animated feature into a three-dimensional live performance would later inspire the production of a 1997 Tony award winning Broadway musical.
|
105 - A Christmas Fantasy Parade 18:18
The annual Christmas Parade that is currently presented at Disneyland every year was first presented in December of 1994. Memorable moments from this most magical of all Disneyland parades include Mickey and Minnie on ice skates, the march of the wooden soldiers, the comical prancing reindeer and an encounter with jolly old Saint Nick.
|
106 - Cruisin' the Kingdom Parade 02:50
Another short-lived, and yet quite popular in between parade, was the aptly named Cruisin' the Kingdom cavalcade. The procession featured an array of familiar Disney characters, each seated in their own souped-up and fully restored classic model hot rod, as they cruised their way up and down Matterhorn Way and Main Street USA.
|
107 - Hunchback of Notre Dame Procession 03:10
Disney's 34th full-length animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, became the subject matter for a very popular live outdoor arena show presented in the northern end of Frontierland. To promote the show, several performers would be featured in a small cavalcade down Main Street, recreating the colorful Festival of Fools scene.
|
108 - Hercules Victory Parade 08:17
This colorful and comical parade was based on the 1997 animated feature, "Hercules," and although it was set in ancient Greece, like the film, the parade featured all manner of modern day references and tongue-in-cheek humor. The musical score came directly from the film as well, featuring several uplifting Gospel inspired numbers.
|
109 - Light Magic 23:19
A unique feature of Light Magic was that it was promoted as a "Streetacular." It was not so much a traditional parade as it was a mobile stage show. The procession would stop at four key viewing points along the parade route for a live dance performance with colorful pixies and assorted Disney characters, each dressed in their bedtime attire.
|
110 - Mulan Parade 08:52
Inspired by the 1998 Disney animated feature, "Mulan," this parade took its thematic inspiration from the ancient traditions of China. In addition to the characters from the film, the procession also presented traditional Chinese dancers in authentic costumes, skilled tumblers and acrobats, colorful dragons, and marching Chinese warriors.
|
111 - Rainy Day Cavalcade 08:54
To brighten the day of those visiting Disneyland during inclement weather, a convoy of Main Street vehicles is packed with colorful Disney friends for a special mini-parade. Since this practice began around the year 2000, various pieces of music, originally produced for other live events, have been borrowed for this small procession.
|
112 - Parade of the Stars 04:20
This long running parade, celebrating many of Walt Disney's animated film classics, debuted in the year 2000 as the "45 Years of Magic Parade." When Disneyland's 45th anniversary year ended, by popular demand it was given an extended engagement, and continued for another four years under the name... Parade of the Stars.
|
113 - Parade of the Stars - Pomp and Circumstance 04:33
When Parade of the Stars premiered, it had an entirely different soundtrack. It used a famous piece for music from the Noah's Ark segment of Fantasia 2000, the Graduation March, aka Pomp and Circumstance. The slow march garnered a major lack of audience enthusiasm and was wisely replaced by a medley of Disney classics shortly thereafter.
|
114 - Mickey's Shining Star Cavalcade 04:26
Because guests expect a parade every day they visit Disneyland, in 2004 a series of cavalcades, or mini parades, were presented on weekdays and in the off season as Disneyland slowly phased out its long running Parade of the Stars and preparations were underway for an all-new Parade in honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary.
|
115 - Princesses on Parade - Disney Royal Princess Cavalcade 06:10
One of the cavalcades presented during the transition from the 45th anniversary into the 50th anniversary parade was a royal celebration of the Disney princesses. All the classic heroines and their respective prince charmings were featured. Many proceeded down Main Street astride noble steeds and others were pulled by horse and gilded carriage.
|
116 - Mickey's Magic Kingdom Celebration 10:45
There were three interim cavalcades held during various periods throughout 2004. One of these was known as Mickey's Magic Kingdom Celebration, which was a musical tribute to the themed lands of Disneyland. A choreographed dance number, with the Disney characters, was performed at various points along the parade route.
|
117 - Disneyland's 50th Anniversary - Parade of Dreams 23:12
2005 would mark the 50th magical year of Disneyland. In celebration of this milestone, an all new parade was staged featuring everyone's favorite Disney friends in a magical musical march down Main Street USA. The parade's lively and welcoming theme song was originally featured in the 2003 Disney animated feature film... "Brother Bear."
|
118 - Year of a Million Dreams - Grand Marshal Cavalcade 02:39
Running from October 2007 through December 2008, Disneyland celebrated what was called "A Year of a Million Dreams," a promotional campaign granting park guests an array of prizes, from free vacations to overnight stays inside the park. Each day one lucky family was chosen to be honorary grand marshals in the Main Street parade.
|
119 - Celebrate! A Street Party 18:04
In 2009 a new street show, honoring the personal celebrations of that day's Disneyland guests, was presented along the traditional parade route. The procession would pause at three prime viewing locations where an energetic dance show would ensue, encouraging spectators to dance and sing along to popular hits and Disney favorites.
|
120 - Give a Day, Get a Disney Day - Thanksgiving Parade 02:02
In 2009 Disneyland sponsored a community outreach program encouraging people to volunteer their time at a pre-approved local organization. In turn they would receive a free one day passport to Disneyland. On Thanksgiving Day of that year, many of these volunteers were invited to march down Main Street in recognition of the spirit of giving.
|
121 - Mickey's Costume Party Cavalcade 08:20
This mini parade premiered in 2011 as one of the many entertainment offerings at the popular "Mickey's Halloween Party" after hours special ticketed events held from late September though October. Riding a colorful float down Main Street, Mickey and his friends would arrive wearing masquerade costumes to kick off the evenings festivities.
|
122 - Frozen Pre-Parade 02:44
The overwhelming and unexpected box office success of Disney's 2013 animated feature "Frozen" sparked a high public demand to meet the new Princesses Anna and Elsa. In order to give all park guests a chance to see these popular new Disney stars, a special pre-parade became the prelude to the Soundsational Parade beginning in 2014.
|
123 - Mickey's Soundsational Parade 24:55
Disneyland's newest daytime parade ranks as one of its all-time most popular. This energetic and colorful extravaganza showcases some of the greatest musical moments from Walt Disney's classic films, and features countless Disney characters, both old and new, in an eye-popping celebration of musical styles from around the world.
|
124 - Paint the Night Parade 21:56
The first new nighttime light parade since Light Magic was retired in 1998 premiered as part of Disneyland's 60th anniversary festivities in the summer of 2015. Paint the Night was a Hong Kong Disneyland original with additional floats added for the Anaheim version. The parade's theme music was adapted from the Wreck-It-Ralph soundtrack.
|
125 - Frightfully Fun Parade 09:51
In 2016, Disneyland debuted an all-new Halloween parade. This offering exclusively for Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party guests contains elements from earlier parades at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris, with characters from the "Nightmare Before Christmas," followed by a Haunted Mansion segment and a salute to Disney villains.
|
126 - The Main Street Electrical Parade - 2017 21:15
Much to the delight of longtime regulars and Southern California locals, the original Main Street Electrical Parade made a triumphant return to Disneyland in 2017 as a special limited time engagement. This includes the updated soundtrack which was first featured at both Tokyo Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
|
127 - Pixar Play Parade 30:07
From April through November of 2018, the popular Pixar Play Parade, which had been presented at the neighboring Disney California Adventure park since 2008, had a limited time run in Disneyland. The parade featured characters from Pixar Films, and for the Disneyland version, new scenes were added to include the latest theatrical releases.
|
128 - Disneyland After Dark - Sweetheart's Nite Cavalcade 05:40
Disneyland After Dark has been a series of after hours events, each with a special theme. One such event, first held in 2019, has had a distinctively romantic motif in recognition of Valentine's Day. Among many entertainment offerings exclusive to these occasions, is a special procession of famous royal couples and other favorite Disney sweethearts.
|
129 - Magic Happens Parade 09:45
Disneyland's latest parade premiered in February of 2020. It features scenes that depict all the wonderful ways that magic can happen, from the wave of a wand, to pulling of the legendary sword from the stone. The all-new contemporary soundtrack interweaves familiar Disney tunes with original songs composed by pop artist Todrick Hall.
|
130 - Mickey and Friends Halloween Greeting Cavalcade 04:10
When Disneyland's after-hours Halloween events moved back across the Esplanade to Disney California Adventure, the Magic Kingdom began to hold a special new character cavalcade several times throughout the day featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale, and other favorite Disney friends donning colorful Halloween costumes.
|
131 - Character Cavalcade - 2021 04:02
When Disneyland first reopened at 25% capacity, following a year-long closure due to the COVID pandemic, large crown gatherings for parades and other entertainment offerings had to be scaled down. To offer guests an opportunity to see the Disney characters, a small cavalcade was held daily in lieu of the return of full scale parades.
|
132 - Main Street Electrical Parade - 50th Anniversary Edition 10:14
In 2022. the classic Main Street Electrical Parade has returned to Disneyland for a 50th anniversary encore run. Although most of the parade's beloved scenes and illuminated floats are part of this return engagement, an all-new Small World finale now presents a multitude of favorite Disney characters representing their story's international origins.
|
133 - Walt Disney on Parade 1:11:18
Although Disney parks are so strongly affiliated with parades, the use of marching music and colorful parade sequences has much deeper roots within the many classic animated and live-action Walt Disney film classics. Here is a delightful collection of many of these beloved Disney marching songs from motion pictures spanning over eight decades.
|
CHAPTER FIVE CONTINUAL PLAY
|
New Tomorrowland: 1960's • Tomorrowland: 1970's & 1980's
• FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL AVAILABLE TRACKS & NEW ADDITIONS: CLICK HERE
|
• Special thanks to RocketRodsXPR for his many invaluable contributions to this page and to this site.
• Special thanks to Scott Wolf at "WWW.MOUSECLUBHOUSE.COM" for providing the image for track 94,
and for providing the audio materials for the 1990-2005 Tournament of Roses Parade soundtracks. • Special thanks to Jim Moore for providing the audio for "Fantasy on Parade - Season 8."
• Special thanks to Disney1TV for providing the audio for "Light Magic" track 103.
|