New parade presents moments from new and classic movies
By DAVE MASON
NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
Disneyland fans along Main Street, U.S.A, cheered for a turning point for a fairy-tale couple.
That magical moment.
That kiss.
As she traveled on a parade float, Princess Aurora, aka Sleeping Beauty, woke up to a kiss from Prince Phillip, who held her in his arms. Spectators loved it.
Princess Aurora, Prince Phillip and other characters from Disney and Disney-Pixar movies created special moments throughout the new “Magic Happens” parade.
The procession of nine artistic floats officially premieres today, but the park surprised guests with a sneak peek Thursday afternoon. The media was invited but sworn to secrecy before the parade.
Disneyland is known for its upbeat parades, but “Magic Happens” seemed even more energetic Thursday with a contemporary score, enthusiastic dancers and friendly characters led by Mickey Mouse.
Mickey wore his sorcerer’s apprentice costume and hat as he rode on a float with a tall sorcerer’s hat. On the street were dancers representing various aspects of magic, plus Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ’n Dale.
Afterward, the parade became dramatic with Moana on, of course, the “Moana” float. She was journeying on her voyager canoe on top of a dramatic wave.
Close behind her was Maui with Pua, Moana’s pet pig.
Afterward, Miguel from the Disney-Pixar movie “Coco” strummed a guitar on a float that connected the Land of the Living with the Land of the Dead with a marigold bridge. This is the first “Coco” float in a Disney Parks parade.
Fans smiled and took photos as another float warmed their hearts: the one for “Frozen 2.” A magical horse made of ice led the way as Anna and Elsa explored the mysteries of the Enchanted Forest, and Elsa magically made it snow. In a California theme park!
With them were their friends Kristoff, Sven and Olaf, the snowman who likes hot weather. (While it was very warm at Disneyland, cloud cover kept the weather comfortable and shadows out of everyone’s photos. Maybe Elsa did more magic than Disney realized!)
Then the parade became a tribute to classic, animated Disney movies. First, characters such as Pinocchio, the Blue Fairy, Aladdin, Genie, TInker Bell, Peter Pan and the Fairy Godmother walked down the street and waved to the fans.
After that, a giant pumpkin rolled down the street and turned into a carriage with Cinderella. The “Cinderella” star was on her way to the ball!
On the next float, Merlin advises young Arthur as the boy pulled a sword from the stone and became a king. That, of course, was from “The Sword in the Stone.”
Then came the kiss.
No, not that kiss.
First, Tiana and Naveen from “The Princess and the Frog” stood proudly on the next float, where they shared a kiss and became human again. Golden flowers swirled around them.
Then came a float with three good fairies, who made Prince Aurora’s gown glow between hues of pink and blue. It was a moment from “Sleeping Beauty.”
Now came that kiss, that magical moment just a few blocks from the castle named after her. Sleeping Beauty leaned back because, after all, she was sleeping, and Prince Phillip kissed her as he held her in his arms. She woke right up with a smile and no need for coffee.
Not a bad way to end a parade. Everyone lived happily after ever.
email: dmason@newspress.com
