Disneyland: Mickey's Soundsational Parade

Imagine a collection of drums and musical instruments, a huge group of your favorite Disney Characters and a vat of brightly colored paint. Now put them together and what have you got, Disneyland’s newest musical spectacular Mickey’s Soundsational Parade. Disneyland treated their guests to a “soft opening” preview of their highly anticipated parade on Thursday and judging by the crowds on Main Street, the parks fans made a point to come out and get a glimpse of Disney’s newest creation.

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade takes us back to the more traditional Disney magic that its predecessor, Celebrate A Street Party had courageously ventured away from. This parade invokes that happy child in all of us to escape ourselves in an outward display of dance and celebration, while waving down the attention of our most cherished childhood celebrities such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and some of the heroes and princesses that Disney has given to us through out the years.

Soundsational is a perfect word to describe this spectacle of rhythm, colors and magic. The compilation of diverse musical genres fused with the traditional scores and songs from Disney movies not only will press your nostalgia button but also makes it impossible not to sing along. You will be fascinated by musical styles of Caribbean, Latin, bollywood and jazz arranged by “Glee” vocal director Tim Davis.

You know you’re in for a treat when the parade begins with a funky beat performed by a drum line leading in the very first float featuring Minnie up front and getting down. A top the float is Mickey who is actually contributing his drummer skills to the beat on this vehicle exploding in color. Right behind is Goofy beating on a Mickey shaped gong and symbols, being pushed by Chip and Dale.

The following scenes and floats feature Genie and Aladdin who are surrounded by a harem of dancing beauties; Ariel and some very colorful sea themed enchantresses; The Three Caballeros with senoritas and dancing piñatas; Princesses on board Rapunzels Tower float; Lion King performers guided by Terk, King Louie and Simba atop a drum shaped Pride rock; a riverboat featuring Tiana and some jazzy, Mardi Gras performers; Neverland pirates with Peter Pan, hook and Smee followed by Tinkerbell; chimney sweeps leading in Mary Poppins and Bert on their own carousel horses followed by a detailed and colorful float featuring The Pearly Band being pulled by the huntsmen riding a huge bicycle. The final float is the rooftops of London with dancing chimney sweeps and some percussions and vocal performance by The Pearly Band.

Unlike Celebrate, this parade does not make stops or contrived attempts of audience interaction. It’s a continually flowing parade that captures all your senses leaving you wanting more and before you know it your checking that park schedule for the next timed performance. Disney’s blowing us away with the launch of their peak season theme promotion, Disneyland’s Soundsational Summer and this parade was an appropriate kick off to that campaign.

Mickey’s Soundsational Parade begins regular scheduled performances twice daily starting May 27^th. Be sure to check the daily park show times during your visit and make the effort to include this parade in your itinerary. Best viewing spots are along the curbs in Main Street but other less congested areas to view this parade include, between It’s a Small World and Story Book Canals as well as around the Hub, facing Tomorrowland.

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