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The magic of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration will come to life as a float in the 127th Rose Parade, broadcast live from Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1, 2016. The parade will step off at 8 a.m. (PST) with the theme “Find Your Adventure,” and the Disneyland Resort float honors some of the most exciting adventures awaiting guests at the Happiest Place on Earth.
During a recent Media Preview we had the opportunity to see a rare behind-the-scenes look of this amazing float (see our extensive photo gallery below). We also chatted with John Addis, Disneyland Resort Entertainment Director who gave us insights about how much work that went into creating this float and what to expect on New Year Day. There are 3 separate units which will be connected by bridges.
At the heart of the float will be a sparkling recreation of Sleeping Beauty Castle, complete with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse welcoming everyone to the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. Flanking the castle are two adventures that are brought to life at the Disneyland Resort. The first comes from the world of “Frozen” and depicts Elsa’s ice castle – straight out of Arendelle – accompanied by Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff. A separate adventure depicted on the float makes the jump to hyperspace and travels to a galaxy far, far away for a thrilling adventure dedicated to the Star Wars films and exciting new Star Wars experiences at Disneyland Park.
During the parade there will be a brief showstop in front of the cameras and about 101 Characters will join the float at that moment to pay tribute to Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary said Addis. The float will also have strobes that will make it come to life. In addition Scott Auerbach, our Parade Float Designer worked with AES, the company that built the floats, to come up with the type of flowers to be used and color palate. We had a challenge with the Star Wars float piece as well as trying to create diamonds using flowers for the Castle unit. This year is also the 50th Anniversary that Walt Disney was Grand Marshall of the Rose Parade back in 1966 added Addis.
Since its premiere in spring 2015, the 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration has thrilled resort guests with sparking décor and spectacular entertainment, including the after-dark “Paint the Night” parade, “Disneyland Forever” fireworks and “World of Color – Celebrate!’ The celebration will continue to dazzle Disneyland Resort guests through Sept. 5, 2016.
Since the blockbuster success of the Disney animated motion picture “Frozen” in 2013, Disneyland Resort guests have enjoyed multiple opportunities to relive the adventures of Anna and Elsa – in character encounters at Disney California Adventure Park, on floats in “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” and “Paint the Night” in Disneyland, in a live “Frozen” show at Fantasy Faire in Disneyland, and in a “Frozen” sing-along celebration. An all-new “Frozen”-inspired stage musical will open in summer 2016 in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure. Chris Buck, Director, and Peter Del Vecho Producer of “Frozen” joined the Volunteers to add some final touches on the Frozen float unit.
The recent debut of Season of the Force in Tomorrowland at Disneyland has taken guests into the Star Wars galaxy with new experiences as well as enhancements to popular attractions. Star Wars Launch Bay immerses guests in familiar Star Wars-inspired locations where they may encounter favorite characters, take a peek behind-the-scenes of the Star Wars films, and find special exhibits and collectibles. Hyperspace Mountain and a new Star Tours destination from Star Wars: The Force Awakens take guests on thrilling journeys. Additional highlights include “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” a short film connecting iconic scenes from the Star Wars saga, and a reimagined “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple” show featuring new characters and a new villain. Star Wars fans are anxiously awaiting the new Star Wars-themed land coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts. Work on the new land will begin in 2016.
