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Tag Archives: Parade

January 25

January 25, 2003 – Tokyo Disneyland’s Disney’s Dreams on Parade Begins

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“Dream on, dream of the magic right here where the magic’s made…”

On January 25, 2003, Disney’s Dreams on Parade began in Tokyo Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom. The parade was created specifically for the 20th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland, and each character in the parade represents a different dream. Flora, Fauna, and Merriweather begin on a float of Cinderella’s castle, welcoming guests. The first section is the “Dreams of the Good Old Days,” featuring Daisy Duck, the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, and Mary Poppins and Bert. Dreams of the Frontier Spirit follows this, with Chip ’n’ Dale, Clara Cluck, Horace Horsecollar, Clarabelle Cow, Woody, and Jessie. Pluto, Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear and Brer Fox follow this with the Dreams of Friendship, continued with Dumbo, Pinocchio, Geppetto, Mickey Mouse, Alice, Mad Hatter, Peter Pan, and Wendy with the Dreams of Imagination. Goofy brings the Dreams of Laughter with Sulley and Mike from Monsters, Inc.; Buzz Lightyear comes next with the Dreams of Infinity. Dreams of Paradise continues the parade with Donald Duck, King Louie, and Baloo. The parade ends with the Dreams of Happily Ever After, with Snow White and her Prince, Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip, Belle and the Beast, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and Mickey Mouse. The parade finished its run on March 30, 2006; a CD and Blu-Ray of the parade were released for purchase.

January 1

Happy one year anniversary, DisneyDetail! Here’s to another year of celebrating and exploring Disney history!

January 1, 1966 – Walt Disney is the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade

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“This master showman [Disney] has brought joy and laughter to millions in every part of the world.” – J. Randolph Richards, on choosing Walt as Grand Marshal

On January 1, 1966, the 77th Tournament of Roses Parade took place in Pasadena, California. Presiding as the Grand Marshal that year was Walt Disney, who was accompanied by Mickey Mouse as he was driven down the parade route in a white Chrysler Impala. Several costumed characters walked alongside Disney, including Alice and the White Rabbit, the Three Little Pigs, and Goofy. The theme of the parade was “It’s A Small World,” and with Disney leading the parade, it reminded everyone of how universal Disney films and characters had become(and also gave Disney publicity for the new attractions from the New York World’s Fair opening in Disneyland that year).

December 25

December 25, 1983 – The Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade is Broadcast on Television

Image Credit: startedbyamouse.com

Image Credit: startedbyamouse.com

“Live Christmas Day on ABC!”

On December 25, 1983, the Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade was first broadcast on ABC, and has aired annually since then. The first hosts of the 90 minute special were journalist Joan Lunden and entertainer Mike Douglas (who was also known as the singing voice of Prince Charming in 1950’s Cinderella). The parade was broadcast live from Walt Disney World, and would continue to be a live broadcast until the 90s, when the parade was filmed at least a month beforehand to be ready to broadcast on Christmas Day.

November 29

November 29, 1934 – The First Set of Disney Balloon Joins the Macy’s Christmas Parade

Image credit: Disney Parks Blog

“See gigantic balloons designed by none other than Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse himself!”

On November 29, 1934, Disney characters made their debut in Macy’s Santa Claus Parade (later renamed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade). Although Mickey had been a big star since 1928, it wasn’t until 1934 when Disney characters were featured, including Mickey Mouse. The effort of bringing the Disney characters to the parade was due to the efforts of Walt Disney and Tony Sarg of Macy’s.

The Mickey balloon was over 40 feet tall and was held by 25 handlers in Mickey and Minnie Mouse costumes. Balloon Mickey had a giant Macy’s star on his chest in a bit of cross-promotion. Other Disney characters featured were Pluto, the Big Bad Wolf (measuring at 34 feet), one of the Three Little Pigs (measuring at 31 feet), and Horace Horsecollar (measuring at 12 feet).

November 27

November 27, 2008 – The Buzz Lightyear Balloon Makes Its Debut at the 82nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Image credit: AP

“To infinity…and beyond!”

On November 27, 2008, a giant balloon of Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear made its debut at the 82nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was reported that John Lasseter, wearing a Buzz Lightyear outfit, was holding one of the strings of the balloon at the debut. The balloon is highly detailed, including Andy’s signature on Buzz’s foot. The balloon has since appeared in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

July 1

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July 1, 1994 – The Lion King Celebration Parade Premieres in Disneyland

“Attention, all creatures great and small. It is time to trim your manes, stomp your hooves, and ruffle your feathers, in glorious celebration as we present the Legend of the Lion King!”

On July 1, 1994, the Lion King Celebration Parade began in Disneyland. The parade was the first time Audio-Animatronic figures, used on the floats, appeared outside stationary attractions; remote-controlled crocodiles and large African bugs were also used in the parade.

The parade was a mix of a Disney parade and a stage show: The parade would stop at various intervals and perform for visitors a brief show, which included the song “Circle of Life.” The segment also included men and women dressed as birds perfoming acrobatic stunts on poles, and an Audio-Animatronic Simba letting out a loud roar from the Pride Rock float. This section of the parade would end with a performance of “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” before continuing down the parade route. The parade ended its performance run on June 1, 1997.