Disneyland at the 2016 Rose Parade

Disneyland at the Rose Parade
(January 1, 2016) The Disneyland Resort entry in the 2016 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., brings to life the dazzling Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration before a worldwide television audience on Friday. The Disneyland float, dubbed “Disneyland Diamond Celebration – Awaken Your Adventure,” showcases the diamond-studded icon Sleeping Beauty Castle. Flanking the castle are two adventures brought to life at the Disneyland Resort: the world of “Frozen” is represented by Elsa’s ice castle; and we travel to a galaxy far, far away for exciting new Star Wars experiences at Disneyland park. (Scott Brinegar/Disneyland Resort)

It was a magical beginning to 2016 as Disneyland was a part of the 127th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. This year’s theme was “Find Your Adventure” and the Disneyland float sure allowed the adventure to be found previewing just some of the exciting adventures that await guest at the Happiest Place on Earth. 

This year’s parade float was huge with three separate floats, the middle float focusing on Sleeping Beauty Castle with Mickey and Minnie Mouse along with the gang helping celebrate the 60th Anniversary for Disneyland’s Resort Diamond Celebration. Then on one of the side floats there was a depiction of Elsa’s ice castle from Arendelle, she was joined on the float by Anna, Olaf and Kristoff. Then the other float took guests to a galaxy far away for a thrilling adventure with characters from Star Wars. 

This float is a continuation of a relationship with Disney and the Tournament of Roses that began in 1938.

  • The relationship began when characters from the newly premiered “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) were prominently featured in the parade.
  • Each year since 1960, the Rose Queen and her Royal Court, along with the competing Rose Bowl football teams, have visited Disneyland Resort.
  • In 1966, Walt Disney served as Grand Marshall of the parade. Roy E. Disney, Walt’s nephew and the head of Disney Animation, served as Grand Marshall in 2000. Members of the Disney creative team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Entertainment have served as float judges numerous times.
  • In 2004, Disneyland Resort presented “A Sudden Drop in Pitch.” At the time, it was the tallest float in Rose Parade history (110 feet, with live performers at the top). The float’s title played off that year’s theme of “Music, Music, Music,” and the float was inspired by The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror” attraction, which opened in Disney California Adventure that spring.
  • In 2005, the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland was celebrated with both a dazzling Rose Parade Opening Show and a spectacular castle float called “The Happiest Celebration on Earth.” Mickey Mouse served as Grand Marshall.
  • In 2006, the longest float (150 feet) in Rose Parade history, entitled “The Most Magical Celebration on Earth,” celebrated Disney Parks around the world.
  • In 2013, the characters and fun of Cars Land raced into Pasadena for “Destination: Cars Land,” a float showcasing the landmarks of the newly opened land in Disney California Adventure. The 125-foot long float featured replicas of Lightning McQueen and Sally recreating their fun-spirited road race from the first “Cars” movie. Mater, the tow truck, followed along behind the float.
  • In addition to Rose Parade float entries, Disney has presented many Rose Parade Opening Shows through the years, celebrating such milestones as the 35th Anniversary of Disneyland in 1990, the debut of the Indiana Jones Adventure in Disneyland in 1995, and the motion picture premiere of “Fantasia 2000,” in 2000.

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