45th Anniversary Ceremony
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In Disneyland's new parade guests are invited to join in not just as spectators but, in some cases, as participants. The "45 Years of Magic Parade" features beloved Disney characters in unique settings. The cloud-like bases for the parades floats are based upon sculptures by Bernini. "To find inspiration for this special parade, we literally searched the stars," noted creative director Jean-Luc Choplin. Choplin explains that, in the 1500s, artistic and scientific visionaries saw the stars as constellations that appeared in the shape of "magical animals." "We've taken that classical image of magic in the stars, and combined it with our own magical characters for a parade of unique contrast and beauty," said Choplin.

My of Disney's famous characters are featured in this procession which was inspired - in part - by the Noah's Ark sequence of Fantasia/2000. Just as the animals walked into the ark these magical creatures travel down Main Street to the steady sound of Pomp and Circumstance.

Over 50 guests are chosen before the parade each day to participate as "guest stars". They are given brightly colored animal hats in the shape of various animals. In addition to lending additional color and humor to the parade, it makes the parade interactive, bringing the guests into the experience.

47 traditional Disney characters appear on foot and aboard the floats. 26 performers wear new costumes designs including hippos, elephants, mushrooms, flamingos, swans, flowers and algae. The gold that appears on these beautiful floats is genuine, hand-applied 23K leafing.

Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" inspired Ariel's shell and dolphins are fashioned after the Triton Fountain at Versailles. "I wanted this to be a real festive celebration with the characters," says parade director Jean-Luc Choplin, who also staged the popular "Mulan Parade" in 1998 at Disneyland. "I wanted to say to our guests, 'Here are the characters. Let's play with them. Let's have fun with them and be part of something with them."

For many more pictures from the parade, visit our Guide to Disneyland's 45th Anniversary.