Mickey’s Soundsational Parade

Everyone loves a parade and Mickey’s Soundsational Parade that consumes Main Street Disneyland each night is the perfect combination of childlike fun and grown up entertainment.

The parade evolves with each year and the characters change frequently, including different costume versions to fit the season, but the entertainment remains unaltered. The energy and consistency of the performers is matched only by the excitement and awe of the children in the crowd. With character favorites like Mary Poppins and Bert, the Lion King, every princess known to mankind and, of course, Mickey and friends perched atop massive floats, the spectacle would be impressive enough. However, as the name suggests, the focus of this parade is on the music. Starting at the It’s a Small World ride and culminating at the heart of Main Street, the entire parade is set to a raucous toe tapping beat that echoes across the park. These dedicated performers maintain smiles, waves, and shining attitudes that lift the spirits of each eye they meet in the crowd. Their choreography and movements are well rehearsed and energetic from beginning to end and the colors of the show parallel the finest costuming in theatre or film.

With a plethora of live musicians, dancers, pounding drums, mechanical wonders, and Disney fun, the parade is one of the finest shows in the park. The atmosphere is upbeat and the feeling of fun is contagious. Seating in the off-season is, for the most part, easy to find. The well-guided parade is easily visible 3 or 4 rows deep. During tourist season, it is more difficult, but a little preparation can make for a great end to a busy Disney day. Alert park goers can ask one of the many park employees when the parade will begin and, about 45 minutes beforehand, scout out a seat on the curb or on one of the rare benches town near Main Street. Parents of young children prove wise to pack an early dinner and a blanket and add the feel of an impromptu picnic capped off by the miracle of Disney magic as the parade passes by while you eat. Cameras and video are recommended and reliving this parade at home in high definition is often as fun as seeing it the first time, particularly if you are able to capture the awe and excitement of your youngsters as they see their favorite characters come bounding around the bend to the beats of Disney tunes as if they have just stepped into one of Walt’s greatest cinematic feats.

This parade is worth the extra wait and makes for a fun end to the day. Moreover, it is included in the ticket price and offers a rare treat in a world where spectacles like this are becoming increasingly unusual. The sights sounds and feelings of Mickey's Soundsational Parade will entertain you from start to finish and remain with you for a lifetime.

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade occurs nightly on Disneyland’s Main Street.
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