Disneyland parades offer an unforgettable experience, featuring beloved characters, colorful floats, and classic music. While the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade has retired, seasonal favorites like the Halloween and Christmas parades continue to bring festive magic to the park. This guide will show you the best places to watch and when to catch these special events.
Key points
- Magic Happens Parade Viewing: For a less crowded view of this vibrant daytime parade, head to Small World Mall, where you can often find space just 30 minutes before the start and still get a great view.
- Seasonal Parade Strategy: During Halloween and Christmas parades, head to Frontierland or Town Square for lighter crowds while still getting a good view; arrive 45-60 minutes early during busy seasons.
- Main Street Electrical Parade Status: The Main Street Electrical Parade has retired, so check the current parade schedule for the latest offerings at Disneyland.
Overview of the Parades at Disneyland
The parades at Disneyland are a key part of what makes a visit to the park feel complete.
They’re not just entertainment but full-scale productions that transform the streets into a moving celebration of Disney’s storytelling.
Here’s a look at the standout parades visitors can enjoy each year:
1. Main Street Electrical Parade (Retired)
The Main Street Electrical Parade was beloved for its glowing, light-covered floats and nostalgic Disney music. It brought a unique nighttime experience to Disneyland, where classic Disney characters and scenes were illuminated in thousands of twinkling lights, accompanied by a memorable electronic soundtrack.
Current status: The Main Street Electrical Parade closed most recently on September 1, 2022. While it has returned for limited engagements in the past, there are no current plans for it to run again, but fans are always hopeful it might make a comeback for special occasions.
When it ran: The parade typically took place after sunset, offering a visually stunning display in the dark.
Viewing spots: Main Street, U.S.A. was always the top choice for watching this parade, especially near Sleeping Beauty Castle for an iconic backdrop.
2. Magic Happens Parade
For something more modern, the Magic Happens Parade brings a fresh and energetic vibe to the park.
It’s one of Disneyland’s newer parades, and it highlights those magical moments from both Disney and Pixar films that give you chills—like Moana summoning the ocean, or Elsa creating her ice palace. The floats are vibrant and detailed, featuring your favorite characters in motion, accompanied by an upbeat, catchy soundtrack. It’s a bright, lively parade that’s great for families with kids who love recent Disney and Pixar films.
Magic Happens usually runs in the afternoon, so you can enjoy it while the park is buzzing with energy.
3. Seasonal Parades
Seasonal parades are all about adding an extra layer of festivity to the park during special times of the year. These parades are limited-time events, and they bring out the holiday spirit in full force.
- Halloween Parades: If you visit during the fall, the Halloween parades are a fun, spooky twist on the usual Disney magic. You’ll see characters in their Halloween costumes, along with floats featuring some of Disney’s more mischievous villains. It’s a unique experience, perfect for fans who love the spooky season. The eerie lighting and seasonal decor set the perfect tone for an evening parade.
- Christmas Parades: When the holiday season arrives, Disneyland goes all out with its Christmas parades. Think festive floats covered in lights and garlands, characters in holiday outfits, and cheerful Christmas music playing throughout the park. The parade is filled with holiday cheer, making it a hit for families and anyone who loves Christmas. It’s especially fun to catch this parade in the evening when the park is decked out in holiday lights, creating a warm, festive atmosphere.
The where and when of Disneyland parades
Disneyland has several standout parades, each offering a different experience depending on the time of year and the parade route.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular parades, when and where to see them, and the best seasons to catch them.
1. Magic Happens Parade
One of Disneyland’s newer parades, Magic Happens celebrates moments of wonder from Disney and Pixar films with vibrant floats and a catchy soundtrack.
- Best time to see it: This is a daytime parade, usually running in the afternoon. The vibrant floats and upbeat music really pop in the daylight, and the atmosphere is lively and energetic.
- Best places to watch: You can get a great view from several spots, including near “It’s a Small World” if you want to avoid some of the heavier crowds. For a more central view, try to snag a spot near the hub area by the Partners Statue or on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Best season: Magic Happens is a year-round parade, so you can catch it any time you visit the park. However, it’s especially popular during the busier seasons like spring break or summer, so plan to arrive early for the best viewing spots.
2. Seasonal Parades
During special times of the year, like Halloween and Christmas, Disneyland offers themed parades:
Halloween Parades
During Halloween season, from mid-September through October, you’ll see characters dressed up in spooky costumes and themed floats that fit the mood of the holiday.
If you visit during this time, it’s a unique twist on the usual parade experience.
These run in the weeks leading up to Halloween, usually in the evening. The darker setting enhances the spooky floats and costumes, making it a fun experience for those who love the holiday.
Best places to watch: Main Street, U.S.A. is always a solid choice, but Frontierland near the Rivers of America tends to be less crowded and still offers great views.
Christmas Parades
Around Christmas, the park rolls out its holiday-themed parades, which are filled with festive decorations, costumes, and holiday music. These parades tend to bring out all the holiday classics, and they’re great if you’re visiting during the winter months and want to get into the holiday spirit.
These parades run from late November through December. Expect festive floats, holiday music, and characters in Christmas attire.
Best places to watch: Town Square near the park entrance is a good spot for a quick exit after the parade, while Main Street gives you the classic Disney holiday vibe. Be sure to arrive early, as the Christmas parades tend to draw big crowds.
Best Places to watch the parades at Disneyland
Choosing the right spot to watch the parades at Disneyland can make all the difference in how enjoyable and memorable the experience is.
With the right location, you can get a fantastic view of the floats and performers while avoiding some of the heavier crowds.
Here’s a breakdown of the top spots, along with tactical tips to help you pick the perfect location based on your needs:
1. Main Street, U.S.A.
- Why it’s great: This is the classic, iconic spot for parade viewing. Not only do you get a full view of the parade as it moves down the street, but you’ll also have Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background, which makes for an unforgettable scene and great photo opportunities.
- Tactical tips:
- Arrive early: Main Street fills up fast. Plan to find a spot at least 60-90 minutes before the parade starts, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
- Positioning: Try to position yourself near the center of Main Street for the best view of the floats coming toward you, or closer to the castle if you want that iconic backdrop.
- Shaded areas: If you’re there during the day, aim for spots near shops or awnings to get some shade while you wait.
2. Small World Mall (near “It’s a Small World”)
- Why it’s great: For a less crowded viewing experience, Small World Mall is an excellent choice. It’s often overlooked by many guests, meaning you can get a good view without feeling squeezed by large crowds.
- Tactical tips:
- Less wait time: Since this area tends to be less crowded, you can often show up later—about 30 minutes before the parade starts—and still find a decent spot.
- Family-friendly: If you’re with kids or a larger group, this area has more space to spread out and is less hectic compared to Main Street. Plus, being close to “It’s a Small World” gives you a chance to hop on the ride after the parade.
- Easier access to amenities: You’re close to restrooms, snack stands, and benches, making it a convenient place to set up camp for the parade.
3. Town Square (near the park entrance)
- Why it’s great: Located at the entrance of the park, this is where the parade typically begins or ends, depending on which direction it’s running. Watching from here allows you to see the parade as it either kicks off or concludes, giving you a different perspective.
- Tactical tips:
- Quick getaway: Since you’re right by the park entrance, this is a great spot if you plan to leave right after the parade or take a break to head out of the park. You can enjoy the parade and avoid the rush of crowds once it’s over.
- Limited spots: Town Square fills up quickly, so if this is your preferred spot, aim to arrive about 45-60 minutes early. It’s a more compact area, so space is limited.
- Great for night parades: If you’re catching a nighttime parade, the lighting in Town Square can add to the magic, and you’ll still have a good view even from slightly further back.
4. Hub Area (around the Partners Statue)
- Why it’s great: This area, also known as “the hub,” is the circular area surrounding the Partners Statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, located directly in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s another fantastic spot for viewing, offering a full, unobstructed view of the parade as it passes by.
- Tactical tips:
- Arrive very early: The hub area is highly sought after for its central location, so plan to arrive at least 90 minutes in advance, especially during busy seasons or for major parades.
- Central access: Being here puts you in the heart of the park, so after the parade, you can quickly access key areas like Fantasyland or Adventureland for your next activity.
5. Frontierland (along the Rivers of America)
- Why it’s great: Frontierland is often less crowded compared to Main Street and offers a charming setting along the Rivers of America. It’s a peaceful spot with great views and fewer people vying for space.
- Tactical tips:
- Late arrival possible: Similar to Small World Mall, you can often find a good spot here without arriving super early, making it a convenient option if you don’t want to spend a lot of time waiting.
- Grab a snack: There are plenty of nearby food stands, so you can grab a quick bite and enjoy the parade without straying far from your spot.
General tips for watching parades at Disneyland
- Check the Parade Route: The parade route runs from Town Square through Main Street, around the hub near Sleeping Beauty Castle, and ends near “It’s a Small World.” Knowing the route will help you choose the best viewing area based on where you’ll be in the park.
- Consider Mobility Needs: If anyone in your group has mobility concerns, be sure to look for designated accessible viewing areas. Disneyland offers several spots reserved for guests with disabilities to ensure everyone has a clear view of the parade.
- Time Your Arrival: Depending on the season, the best spots may fill up 30-90 minutes before the parade starts. During busy periods like summer or holidays, plan for more time to secure a prime viewing location.
- Be Prepared for Weather: Southern California weather can be unpredictable. Bring sunscreen, hats, or even light jackets depending on the season, and check the forecast for potential rain that could delay or cancel the parade.
