OPENING DAY PARADE ~ The very first Disneyland parade was Sunday, July 17, 1955. This was a one-time event with special guests including emcee, Art Linkletter; actors, Ronald Reagan and Bob Cummings; The Mouseketeers; voice actor, Thurl Ravenscroft; California Governor, Goodwin J. Knight and Walt Disney himself. Also, featured in this parade were Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Chip and Dale, Dumbo, the Mouseketeers, Fess Parker as Davy Crockett, a float for Snow White and a pumpkin coach for Cinderella. Attendance soared to an unexpected 28,000 guests.
DISNEYLAND MARCHING BAND AND CHARACTERS ~ Parades continued daily with the Disneyland Band marching down Main Street sometimes with the help of the Disney characters marching behind the band. Disneyland didn't originally have themed parades every day, but usually only for summers, holidays or special occasions. The extended 1955 parade presented short units for themed lands—for example, the Autopia cars from Tomorrowland, a stagecoach from Frontierland—but the focus was largely on film characters.
MICKEY MOUSE CLUB CIRCUS PARADE ~ On Thursday, November 24, 1955, Disneyland offered their first themed parade in conjunction with the Mickey Mouse Club Circus. The parade ran twice a day before each circus performance. The parade began on Main Street’s Town Square and proceeds north toward the circus tents located at the end of Main Street [where the Matterhorn now stands]. On Thanksgiving Day, Santa, Walt Disney, Fess Parker and Mickey Mouse the parade as well. Mickey Mouse had been borrowed from the Ice Capades as no park costume had been created yet.
THE DISNEYLAND CHRISTMAS PARADE ~ [also billed as the SANTA CLAUS PARADE] Walt Disney decided to establish a holiday tradition by having a Christmas parade at his new park. To completely design and prepare a Christmas Parade from scratch would have been an overwhelming task, so he borrowed elements from the already running Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade. Held on a Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm, Walt himself hosted this first Christmas parade. It did not feature traditional holiday themes except for Santa Claus. Disneyland’s first official Christmas Parade ran daily from Thanksgiving Day until New Years Day with various Disney characters dressed in holiday theme.
MICKEY'S RAINY DAY CAVALCADE ~ On rainy days, this mini parade would drive characters up and down the parade route in the omnibus, fire engine and horseless carriages. Not all seasonal parades ran both daytime and evening, especially in the spring and fall when the park closed early.
1956 PARADES
DISNEYLAND MARCHING BAND AND CHARACTERS ~ continued daily throughout the year featuring the Disneyland Marching Band and many Disney characters.
DISNEYLAND EASTER PARADE ~ This first one-time parade on Sunday, April 1, 1956, it was modeled after an old-fashioned Easter Parade with NO Disney characters, but many vintage vehicles and dancers dressed in their Sunday finest.
MICKEY MOUSE CLUB CIRCUS PARADE ~ officially closed on Sunday, January 8, 1956, due to low attendance. It was believed that the 75-minute performance cut into guest’s time for exploring the rest of the park. Many castmembers agreed that the circus was a challenge to present and many times escaping animals caused anxiety for employees and guests alike.
MAIN STREET ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB PARADE ~ It ran one time in the summer of 1956 and featured a parade of vintage cars and driven by owners dressed in period clothing.
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD PARADE ~ Disneyland’s first Christmas Parade continued to run daily from Thanksgiving Day until New Year’s Day.
1957 PARADES
DISNEYLAND MARCHING BAND AND CHARACTERS ~ continued to march most days throughout the year.
ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE PARADE ~ This was a special onetime event held during special occasions. Featured a procession of antique automobiles driven by invited members of various local auto restoration clubs wearing authentic 1900 era costumes. This was held as one-time event, including a special Easter parade version.
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS/ PARADE OF ALL NATIONS ~ This parade was Disneyland’s 1st THEMED Christmas Parade was held on Sunday, December 22, 1957. Walt Disney dedicated it to all peoples of the world. It was held for many years. The parades featured invited civic organizations representing cultures of other nations. They were often presented during Christmas but were often also combined with other special parades during other times of the year. It ran from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day.
1958 PARADES
DISNEYLAND MARCHING BAND AND CHARACTERS ~ continued to march most days throughout the year.
ZORRO DAYS PARADE ~ This one-time event parade was held as part of the occasional special promotional events featuring Guy Williams, star of TV show, ZORRO. The parade also featured other Disney stars, and a segment featuring Disney Characters.
COLUMBIA GRAND OPENING DAY PARADE ~ This was a special one-time parade held on Friday, July 18, 1958 to commemorate the opening of the Sailing Ship Columbia, and featured Circus performers and Disney Characters.
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS/ PARADE OF ALL NATIONS ~ This parade was Disneyland’s 1st THEMED Christmas Parade was held on Sunday, December 22, 1957. Walt Disney dedicated it to all peoples of the world. It was held for many years. The parades featured invited civic organizations representing cultures of other nations. They were often presented during Christmas but were often also combined with other special parades during other times of the year. It ran from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. A portion of this parade was to later become THE CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL. The popularity of the performance in the plaza led Disney management to enlarge the choral performance. This led to the First Candlelight Procession in December of 1958. This evening performance consisted of 16 choirs and the Dickens singers. It began with a procession down Main Street, USA to the plaza where the ceremony was performed with Dickens carolers up on a balcony on Sleeping Beauty Castle.
1959 PARADES
DISNEYLAND MARCHING BAND AND CHARACTERS ~ continued to march most days throughout the year.
DISNEYLAND ‘59 PARADE ~ Special one-time only parade was presented on Sunday, June 14, 1959 to commemorate the opening of the following new attractions: Matterhorn Bobsleds, Monorail, and Submarine Voyage. It included units from the Parade of Many Lands, and a special Disney section featuring floats representing many of Disneyland’s attractions and themed areas. The parade included cartoon characters and celebrities including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck as well as Guy Williams as Zorro, Fred MacMurray, and the cast of Leave It to Beaver as well as many others.
DISNEYLAND RE-DEDICATION CELEBRATION PARADE ~ On Thursday, June 14, 1959, Disneyland celebrated a re-dedication of the park with a parade with Walt Disney as Grand Marshall. The highlight of the parade was Disney band leader, Tommy Walker leading a band playing “76 Trombones” and handing the baton to Meredith Wilson (who wrote the song).
ZORRO DAYS PARADE ~ Due to its popularity the previous year, this parade was held as part of the occasional special promotional events featuring Guy Williams, (TV’s Zorro). It was a one-time only event, only held on the special days when the Zorro events were held. The parade often featured other Disney stars, and a segment featuring Disney Characters.
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS PARADE ~ continues through the holiday season. In 1959, the bleachers were filled with 2,574 singers making it the largest choir to perform in the Candlelight Ceremony at Disneyland.
THE CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION AND LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE CEREMONY is added to the Christmas season schedule and becomes a holiday favorite.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1960 PARADES
MICKEY AT THE MOVIES PARADE ~ In the spring, Disneyland unveils a new parade dedicated to Mickey Mouse. It continues through the Summer and into the Fall of 1960. This parade was held during the same period as Parade of Toys when it was not Christmas time, and used many of the same large-scale toy elements, but was a non-holiday themed. This parade also was the first appearance of the famous Big Bass Drum, which became of parade tradition for years to follow. This parade was also combined with other holiday events, such as Easter, and the Fourth of July.
DISNEYLAND EASTER PARADE ~ A one-time Easter themed parade on Easter Sunday, April 2, 1960.
CHRISTMAS PARADE OF TOYS ~ Sometimes called the March of the Toys and originally a part of the Mickey Mouse Circus [where toys marched around the center of the circus tent], this parade debuts on Friday, December 18, 1960. It runs three times daily until Sunday, January 1, 1961. The parade also featured toy floats of knights on horseback, trains, carolers, giant dolls, and horse-riding cavalry troops. Disney’s newest creation is a parade of giant animated wooden toys and performers costumed as toys.
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS ~ This one-time a year parade was held for many years during the Christmas season. You will notice that the Christmas from Many Lands parade happened just once this year and was a one-day special event during the Christmas Festivities on Thursday, December 22, 1960. The one-time parades were special events featuring invited civic organizations representing cultures of other nations. This parade was often presented during Christmas but was also combined with other special parades during other times of the year.
1960 CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ [seasonally] The Candlelight Ceremony became closer to what is known and loved today in 1960 when a stage was built on the front of the Main Street, USA Station. With this came the “living Christmas tree.” It originally was made up of the Western High School A’Capella Choir. This choir continued to make up the “living Christmas tree” until 1981 when its conductor retired. The following year, the Disney Employee Choir filled the tree. They have continued to do so ever since.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES –The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1961 PARADES
MICKEY AT THE MOVIES PARADE ~ In the spring, Disneyland unveils a new parade dedicated to Mickey Mouse. It continues through the Summer and into the Fall of 1960. This parade was held during the same time period as Parade of Toys when it was not Christmas time, and used many of the same large-scale toy elements, but was a non-holiday themed. This parade also was the first appearance of the famous Big Bass Drum, which became of parade tradition for years to follow. This parade was also combined with other holiday events, such as Easter, and the Fourth of July.
1961 CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ [runs seasonally] Dennis Morgan becomes the first celebrity to narrate the Christmas Story as he joins the multitude of choral singers.
CHRISTMAS PARADE OF TOYS ~ Originally, a part of the Mickey Mouse Circus [where toys marched around the center of the circus tent], this parade continued into 1961. It runs three times daily during the Christmas season. The parade also featured toy floats of knights on horseback, trains, carolers, giant dolls, and horse-riding cavalry troops. Disney’s newest creation is a parade of giant animated wooden toys and performers costumed as toys.
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS ~ This one-time a year parade was held for many years during the Christmas season. You will notice that the Christmas from Many Lands parade happened just once this year and was a one-day special event during the Christmas Festivities. The one-time parades were special events featuring invited civic organizations representing cultures of other nations. This parade was often presented during Christmas but was also combined with other special parades during other times of the year.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1962 PARADES
MICKEY AT THE MOVIES PARADE ~ In the spring, Disneyland unveils a new parade dedicated to Mickey Mouse. It continues through the Summer and into the Fall of 1960. This parade was held during the same time period as Parade of Toys when it was not Christmas time, and used many of the same large-scale toy elements, but was a non-holiday themed. This parade also was the first appearance of the famous Big Bass Drum, which became of parade tradition for years to follow. This parade was also combined with other holiday events, such as Easter, and the Fourth of July.
DISNEYLAND EASTER PARADE ~ A one-time Easter themed parade on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1962
1962 CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ [runs seasonally] Dennis Morgan and Gale Storm narrate the Christmas Story as he joins the multitude of choral singers.
CHRISTMAS PARADE OF TOYS ~ Originally, a part of the Mickey Mouse Circus [where toys marched around the center of the circus tent], this parade continued into 1961. It runs three times daily during the Christmas season. The parade also featured toy floats of knights on horseback, trains, carolers, giant dolls, and horse-riding cavalry troops. Disney’s newest creation is a parade of giant animated wooden toys and performers costumed as toys.
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS ~ This one-time a year parade was held for many years during the Christmas season. You will notice that the Christmas from Many Lands parade happened just once this year and was a one-day special event during the Christmas Festivities. The one-time parades were special events featuring invited civic organizations representing cultures of other nations. This parade was often presented during Christmas but was also combined with other special parades during other times of the year.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES –The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1963 PARADES
MICKEY AT THE MOVIES PARADE ~ In the spring, Disneyland unveils a new parade dedicated to Mickey Mouse. It continues through the Summer and into the Fall of 1960. This parade was held during the same time period as Parade of Toys when it was not Christmas time, and used many of the same large-scale toy elements, but was a non-holiday themed. This parade also was the first appearance of the famous Big Bass Drum, which became of parade tradition for years to follow. This parade was also combined with other holiday events, such as Easter, and the Fourth of July.
1963 CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ [runs seasonally] Dennis Morgan continues to narrate the Christmas Story as he joins the multitude of choral singers.
CHRISTMAS PARADE OF TOYS ~ Originally, a part of the Mickey Mouse Circus [where toys marched around the center of the circus tent], this parade continued into 1961. It runs three times daily during the Christmas season. The parade also featured toy floats of knights on horseback, trains, carolers, giant dolls, and horse-riding cavalry troops. Disney’s newest creation is a parade of giant animated wooden toys and performers costumed as toys.
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS ~ This one-time a year parade was held for many years during the Christmas season. You will notice that the Christmas from Many Lands parade happened just once this year and was a one-day special event during the Christmas Festivities. The one-time parades were special events featuring invited civic organizations representing cultures of other nations. This parade was often presented during Christmas but was also combined with other special parades during other times of the year.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1964 PARADES
MICKEY AT THE MOVIES PARADE ~ In the spring, Disneyland unveils a new parade dedicated to Mickey Mouse. It continues through the Summer and into the Fall of 1960. This parade was held during the same time period as Parade of Toys when it was not Christmas time, and used many of the same large-scale toy elements, but was a non-holiday themed. This parade also was the first appearance of the famous Big Bass Drum, which became of parade tradition for years to follow. This parade was also combined with other holiday events, such as Easter, and the Fourth of July.
1964 CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ [runs seasonally] Dennis Morgan continues to narrate the Christmas Story as he joins the multitude of choral singers.
CHRISTMAS PARADE OF TOYS ~ Originally, a part of the Mickey Mouse Circus [where toys marched around the center of the circus tent], this parade continued into 1961. It runs three times daily during the Christmas season. The parade also featured toy floats of knights on horseback, trains, carolers, giant dolls, and horse-riding cavalry troops. Disney’s newest creation is a parade of giant animated wooden toys and performers costumed as toys.
CHRISTMAS IN MANY LANDS ~ This one-time a year parade was held for many years during the Christmas season. You will notice that the Christmas from Many Lands parade happened just once this year and was a one-day special event during the Christmas Festivities. The one-time parades were special events featuring invited civic organizations representing cultures of other nations. This parade was often presented during Christmas but was also combined with other special parades during other times of the year.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1965 PARADES
TENCENNIAL PARADE ~ This was held throughout 1965. The 10th Anniversary Parade [starts Sunday, January 3, 1965]. It was basically the same as the Mickey at the Movies parade, with a few 10th anniversary special elements added in.
1965 CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ The Christmas Story is narrated by actor, Dick Van Dyke. This would be Walt Disney’s last Candlelight ceremony.
FANTASY ON PARADE ~ This was first staged during the Christmas season of 1965, and would continue as the holiday time parade until 1976. The first half of the parade featured floats representing different family classics in the Disney cannon, which were not holiday themed, and then ended with a special holiday segment. It was designed to be a “Moving Show on Parade” where various parade units would stop along the route and perform dances for the guests. It was a more elaborate evolution of the 1960-1964 Parade of Toys but did not include the Parade of Many Lands.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1966 PARADES
Beginning in 1966 ~ Parades were not held as often, the Fantasy on Parade, unlike the Mickey at the Movies Parade, was only held at Christmas time. There were no other daily parades until the 1970’s except for special one-time events held for specific holiday and promotional events…
IT’S A SMALL WORLD GRAND OPENING PARADE ~ This was a one-day special event, basically an encore and final staging of the old Parade of Many Lands, with a special segment to honor the grand opening of IT’S A SMALL WORLD on Friday, May 28, 1966. This would be the last of this type of parades to be staged in the park.
1966 CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ The Christmas Story is narrated by Dennis Morgan.
FANTASY ON PARADE ~ This was first staged during the Christmas season of 1965, and would continue as the holiday time parade until 1976. The first half of the parade featured floats representing different family classics in the Disney cannon, which were not holiday themed, and then ended with a special holiday segment. It was designed to be a “Moving Show on Parade” where various parade units would stop along the route and perform dances for the guests. It was a more elaborate evolution of the 1960-1964 Parade of Toys but did not include the Parade of Many Lands.
1966 ended with the sad news of the passing of Disneyland’s creator, Walt Disney.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1967 PARADES
DISNEYLAND MARCHING BAND AND CHARACTERS ~ continued daily throughout the year featuring the Disneyland Marching Band and many Disney characters.
DISNEYLAND EASTER PARADE ~ A one-time Easter themed parade on Easter Sunday, March 26, 1967.
1967 CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ The Christmas Story is narrated by Gregory Peck and Dean Jones.
FANTASY ON PARADE ~ This was first staged during the Christmas season of 1965, and would continue as the holiday time parade until 1976. The first half of the parade featured floats representing different family classics in the Disney cannon, which were not holiday themed, and then ended with a special holiday segment. It was designed to be a “Moving Show on Parade” where various parade units would stop along the route and perform dances for the guests. It was a more elaborate evolution of the 1960-1964 Parade of Toys but did not include the Parade of Many Lands.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1968 PARADES
DISNEYLAND MARCHING BAND AND CHARACTERS ~ continued daily throughout the year featuring the Disneyland Marching Band and many Disney characters.
DISNEYLAND EASTER PARADE ~ A one-time Easter themed parade on Easter Sunday, April 2, 1960. The Easter parade contained dozens of antique automobiles and more than 200 people dressed in turn-of-the-century finery. The Easter week attendance had 311,000 visitors.
VALENTINES DAY PARADE ~ The first Valentine’s Day Parade at Disneyland happens in February.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE ~ The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade happens in March.
EL CINCO DE MAYO PARADE ~ The first Cinco De Mayo Parade happens in May.
MICKEY'S OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY PARADE ~ Mickey’s birthday was celebrated at Disneyland on Sunday, September 22, 1968 with nearly 35,000 guests in attendance. A birthday parade down Main Street featured more than 40 Disney characters and 12 of the original Mouseketeers from the original television Mickey Mouse Club show. Guest bands performed and there was the giant dancing birthday cake borrowed from Disneyland's Tencennial Parade.
1968 CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ The Christmas Story is narrated by Henry Fonda and Rock Hudson.
FANTASY ON PARADE ~ This was first staged during the Christmas season of 1965, and would continue as the holiday time parade until 1976. The first half of the parade featured floats representing different family classics in the Disney cannon, which were not holiday themed, and then ended with a special holiday segment. It was designed to be a “Moving Show on Parade” where various parade units would stop along the route and perform dances for the guests. It was a more elaborate evolution of the 1960-1964 Parade of Toys but did not include the Parade of Many Lands.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
1969 PARADES
DISNEYLAND MARCHING BAND AND CHARACTERS ~ continued daily throughout the year featuring the Disneyland Marching Band and many Disney characters.
EASTER PARADE ~ A one-time Easter themed parade on Easter Sunday, April 2, 1969.
LOVE BUG PARADE ~ This Parade held on Sunday, March 23, 1969, featured dozens of decorated Volkswagen Beatles provided by park guests. A contest was held to choose the best design. It was staged to promote the new Love Bug film, and featured Dean Jones as the Grand Marshall.
1969 CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL ~ The Christmas Story is narrated by Cary Grant.
FANTASY ON PARADE ~ This was first staged during the Christmas season of 1965, and would continue as the holiday time parade until 1976. The first half of the parade featured floats representing different family classics in the Disney cannon, which were not holiday themed, and then ended with a special holiday segment. It was designed to be a “Moving Show on Parade” where various parade units would stop along the route and perform dances for the guests. It was a more elaborate evolution of the 1960-1964 Parade of Toys but did not include the Parade of Many Lands.
RAINY DAY CAVALCADES ~ The covered Main Street motor vehicles including the horseless carriages and Omnibus are used to transport Disney Characters down the parade route during inclement weather. These mini parades are held when the weather will not permit use of the normally scheduled parade.
No comments:
Post a Comment