HOLIDAY FESTIVALS & PARADES
![The Disney family had a fondness for the holidays. According to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum: “At Christmastime, Ruth and her older brothers helped their father find the perfect pine tree and decorated it at home with strings of popcorn and wild](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609560578054-KI40YQKMXMR1UBFIHGPR/D18572B1-6FC3-436F-92CD-1377C2D69EFA.jpeg)
The Disney family had a fondness for the holidays. According to the Walt Disney Hometown Museum: “At Christmastime, Ruth and her older brothers helped their father find the perfect pine tree and decorated it at home with strings of popcorn and wild berries.”
Disneyland was a miracle of showmanship in many ways! In keeping with the American custom, it was the scheme that the major seasonal holidays would be observed at Disneyland, some of the earliest prospectus documents and plans including a “Holidayland.” In that realm, the festivities would change as the seasons with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years motifs. And so holidays have been a tradition at Disneyland since its first operational year - 1955!
Through the following formative years, both group activities and special events were scheduled to coincide with these major holidays. These scheduled events (particularly the festivals and parades) of Disneyland’s winter holiday season activities are of particular curiosity and interest to us - not just because they have changed so much through the decades. Disneyland’s winter season once helped introduce an entirely new land, establish some new Park traditions, and made the way for a number of additional themed parades over the years. You may recall attending the “Christmas in Many Lands Parade” also called “Parade of the Nations” (1957), “Christmas Around the World” (1958 - 1961), “The Parade of the Toys” and “Parade of All Nations” (1960 - 1964), “Fantasy on Parade” (1965 - 1976 ; 1980 - 1985), “A Very Merry Christmas Parade” (1992), “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” and many more through the decades. Today, the presentation of seasonal parades on the vast DISNEYLAND “stage” continue to be a distinct part of the Disneyland theater concept. These seasonal events further the Show Quality of Disneyland’s own parade and entertainment culture - both in its operation and art form, for years to come!
Now, I invite you to “please step this way” (back to the year 1955), as we visit Disneyland’s first ever winter season festival!
![“The First Annual Christmas Festival at Disneyland” “Once upon a wintertime” of November 24th, 1955 thru January 8th, 1956, Disneyland hosted an annual Holiday Festival . The first “ Christmas Show Parade ” ran from Thanksgiving of 1955 to J](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1671332745129-WUTTHTB6SMLDIX5FPS2O/C4057862-6B1B-4ADD-8FEC-583ED30E3D4E.jpeg)
“The First Annual Christmas Festival at Disneyland”
“Once upon a wintertime” of November 24th, 1955 thru January 8th, 1956, Disneyland hosted an annual Holiday Festival. The first “Christmas Show Parade” ran from Thanksgiving of 1955 to January 2, 1956. Disneyland’s very first Annual Holiday Festival included music (provided by more than 80 “music aggregations,” wandering groups of carolers, and the Disneyland Band).
Dick Irvine, chief art director and Emil Kuri, top set designer, had both worked on planning and construction of Disneyland (from the blueprint stage to final painting) and were put in charge of the decorating by Walt. “The Studio Library was consulted and hundreds of magazines, books, drawings and paintings of the turn-of-the century era were consulted. From these sources a picture of an 1890 Christmas scene emerged and was put down as drawing and blueprint… Studio craftsmen more than 40 artists-were set to work painting the numerous coutout displays that line Main Street.” The Disneyland News (Vol.1, No.6, Page 1; December 10, 1955)
There were holiday decorations (thousands of lights, wreaths, garlands, popcorn strings, Christmas trees, and cutout displays) in step with the era, spread across Disneyland’s entire 60 acres. According to The Disneyland News (Vol.1, No.6, Page 1; December 10, 1955): “Securing materials for the park's decorations was another problem. In order that the evergreen boughs and branches last through the six-week Christmas season trucks were sent far north, to areas where the frost had already hit. The frost, Emil, explains, seals the sap in the branches so they will keep their natural color. The garlands brought back were then flameproofed at the Burbank studio, before being sent to Disneyland for use in the decorative theme… A lengthy search for the tree to be used in the Central Plaza took Disney crews over many northwestern states till the perfect tree was found: the top 30 feet of an 80 foot giant growing near Lake Tahoe was cut and now glows brilliantly.”
The Magnolia Park Bandstand (then located in a nook, just west of Sleeping Beauty Castle) was transformed into the “Christmas Bowl” where old-fashioned Yuletide concerts were performed.
According to The Disneyland News (Vol.1, No.6, Page 1; December 10, 1955): “From Main Street's Santa Fe and Disneyland RR Depot to Holidayland and the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, all of the Magic Kingdom glows with the bright and cheerful Yule decorations. The Main Street area--from entrance tunnels to the Christmas Bowl is joyously lit with 38,000 varicolored Christmas bulbs.” Even the Mark Twain was decorated with Christmas lights and a large Christmas tree “similar to those placed in the Pilot Houses of the river boats of half-a-century ago.”
![“Disneyland Christmas Bowl,” (1955)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612654413415-2S6NPKQ1LUEW4HA82P2V/IMG_2213.jpeg)
“Disneyland Christmas Bowl,” (1955)
That’s not Vesey Walker’s band! But, it sure looks like a school marching band is making their way past Sleeping Beauty Castle (and the Plaza) as they head for the Disneyland Christmas Bowl at the Gazebo just off the Plaza. According to the original (c. 1955) handbill, very first “Christmas Bowl” featured “leading church and school choral groups from all over the West” which provided “Special Holiday Entertainment in the Christmas Bowl every day.” Another (later) source described how the entertainment “consisted primarily of visiting school bands and vocal groups from all over Southern California,” according to Backstage magazine, (published Summer of 1965). In fact, this particular holiday season “featured scores of youth music groups performing” in the Christmas Bowl, according to “The Disneyland Diary.”
![The “Disneyland Christmas Bowl” at the Bandstand, 1955](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612654412428-623KA8EACRRLN2SBF8ZH/IMG_2214.jpeg)
The “Disneyland Christmas Bowl” at the Bandstand, 1955
For a brief period, the Gazebo Bandstand was host to Vesey Walker’s Disneyland Band throughout the year, as well as many high school marching bands and “civic musical from all over Southern California and as far away as Louisiana” (like the Christmas Bowl Dancers) performing during the very first Christmas season at Disneyland. [See the “Disneyland 1st Anniversary Souvenir Pictorial] The Disneyland News VOL. 1, No. 6 (December 10, 1955) published a photo of the Fresno High School Warrior Band in concert.
The Christmas Bowl was first performed under the Bandstand (just off the Plaza) during the 1955 winter season (between Thanksgiving of 1955, and January 8th, 1956). In interview with Disneyland LINE (published March 24, 1995), Gunter Otto, former Landscaping Supervisor sentimentally recalled a special conversation with Walt Disney during this time : “I remember Walt coming over to the Christmas Bowl at Magnolia Park (near the current Pirates of the Caribbean entrance) on Christmas Day 1955. He shook hands with everyone and wished them a merry Christmas. He then asked me if I was homesick for Berlin, Germany. When I was slow to answer, he looked me in the eye and said, ‘Don’t look back, look forward. You are one of us now.’ And so it was for 35 years.”
![“Disneyland Prospectus” 1954, Page 6, Facsimile](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610660472450-LFXSSCD58DZ1NPL4YVEF/CE4A1BE9-4B48-411A-8187-183620B1449E.jpeg)
“Disneyland Prospectus” 1954, Page 6, Facsimile
The very first Disneyland Christmas Festival was even more, as it introduced a whole new land - Holidayland (first located between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland). Holidayland (which was originally conceived as “Recreation Land”), included the Mickey Mouse Club Circus starred Jimmie Dodd as the Ringmaster, Roy “the Big Mouseketeer” Williams, television’s Mouseketeers (like Darlene Gillespie as “Tinker Bell”), and many other children ranging from “ages 8 to 14”! The Mickey Mouse Club Circus was a temporary show (running from Thanksgiving Day of 1955, until January 8, 1956). As a sidelight, Keller’s Jungle Killers was held over from February 18, 1956 to September 9, 1956.
!["Souvenir of Mickey Mouse Club Circus" Cover Featuring Bob-O the Clown, (1955)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1619883203817-9Y8M5XVYED7HZ2HXE6KV/B0967E0F-A968-4799-874A-ABF6CC7A50FE.jpeg)
"Souvenir of Mickey Mouse Club Circus" Cover Featuring Bob-O the Clown, (1955)
The Mickey Mouse Club Circus was produced by Walt Disney, managed by Ben Chapman, and staged by both Hal Adelquist (co-creator and Associate Producer for television’s Mickey Mouse Club) and Walt Disney Studio “gag artist” and “Big Mooseketeer” Roy Williams! Artistic Direction of this “gaudy and gilded circus of the good old days” was owed to Bruce Bushman, who once (from 1954 to 1955) provided many original concept drawings of potential Fantasyland adventures and attractions (many of which became reality). The diverse and colorful wardrobe was provided by Chuck Keehne.
The big show (which cost more than $300,000 to produce), featured more than 80 animals and more than 70 performers, appropriately underneath a circus tent with a 2500 guest capacity! The seventy-five minute show (led by Ringmaster Jimmie Dodd, songwriter and musician of The Mickey Mouse Club television series) had 12 headlining acts. Many of these co-starred television’s Mouseketeers - Sharon Baird, Karen Pendleton, Mike Smith, Doreen Tracey, Dennis Day, Dickie Dodd, Billie Jean Beanblossom, Tommy Cole, Darlene Gillespie, Mark Sutherland, Cubby O’Brien, Lonnie Burr, Ronnie Steiner, Judy Harriett, Lee Johann, Johnny Crawford, Bonni Kern, Nancy Abbate, Mary Sartori, Don Underhill, Mary Espinosa, Annette Funicello, Bronson Scott, and Bobby Burgess - for the first time in-person!
The show’s lineup opened with the set of Professor George Keller’s Feline Fantastics, which did not utilize “whips, gun, or chair”, and featured panthers, leopards, Bengal tigers, and mountain lions (among 30 cats). There was Ted DeWayne and his troupe of acrobats and gymnasts performing human pyramids, and the Flying Alexanders. The show’s second act featured “The March of the Clowns” (like Bob-O the Clown of television’s Mickey Mouse Club, or Klinko the Clown and his miniature automobile). The clown act helped set the stage for the “Aerial Ballet” featuring Tinkerbell and Peter Pan alongside 24 Mouseketeers. There were camels, dogs, the world’s only twin baby elephants, horses (like Serenado the musical horse), llamas, ponies, and seals in the “Animal Varieties” act. A Christmas tree rising from the center ring triggered the climax of the show! The “Flying Alexanders” with their breathtaking aerial summersaults and soaring fly-through s” astounded audiences. The highlight of the show was a procession of pageantry (which would become a Disneyland tradition) - the “March of the Toys” (the “Living Toys” from Walt Disney’s “Babes in Toyland”) and Walt Disney’s characters courtesy of the Ice Capades (including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto), and even Santa Claus riding in a sleigh pulled by “matching ponies” in the “Christmas Tree Finale”. All of these acts were performed to music directed by Tommy Walker (son of Vesey Walker, Director of the Disneyland Band). This entire show ran twice daily on weekdays, and three times daily on weekends.
In addition, Walt had a number of “forgotten” antique circus wagons restored for Holidayland. The “Souvenir of The Mickey Mouse Club Circus” (published 1955) states, “Taking it upon himself as a public trust, and deserting to perpetuate the happier things of our American heritage, Was searched for and found these original circus parade wagons. Researchers, artists, designers, special craftsmen and wagon builders were enlisted by Walt in his desire for authenticity in their rebuilding. Circus historians and ‘old-timers’ were brought in as consultants. And since Walt Disney believes that any heritage worth bringing back to life is worth putting back into actual use, these circus wagons were put back into service. Proudly they’ll roll again up Disneyland’s Main Street on their way to the Big Top.” Of the cars restored was a “Steam Calliope, a Beauty Wagon, Whiskers Wagon, White Ticket Wagon [featuring ornate hand-carved figures in cameos], the [1890] Swan Band Wagon, the Green Cage, the Swan and Fawn, and the Shell Cab”, according to the Pasadena Independent (published December 18, 1955). General admission for the grand Mickey Mouse Club Circus show was just 50 cents, and reserved seating $1.00 (this was of course, separate from Disneyland General Admission). The Mickey Mouse Club Circus was covered in a wonderful 2-page spread full of photos, in The Disneyland News (Vol.1 -No.6 ; published December 10, 1955).
![When the Mickey Mouse Club Circus first opened on November 24th (Thanksgiving Day), there was a parade of the entire cast, led by Grand Marshall Walt Disney (wearing a cowboy hat) and Co-Grand Marshall Fess Parker (dressed in his Davy Crockett dud](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1642609304846-HTJJRGOC184JLVK5LXB7/351344A6-4723-40AD-A793-F51B982905CB.jpeg)
When the Mickey Mouse Club Circus first opened on November 24th (Thanksgiving Day), there was a parade of the entire cast, led by Grand Marshall Walt Disney (wearing a cowboy hat) and Co-Grand Marshall Fess Parker (dressed in his Davy Crockett duds)! Mouseketeers marched along the route, bearing standards, which introduced the various parade units. The Disneyland Band was piled high inside the Swan Band Wagon, while school bands marched along the route. The sky-blue and gold-accented Beauty Wagon was pulled by six horses dawning red feather plumes on their head. There were elephants, clowns, and the Steam Calliope providing the keynotes of popular melodies and piping white clouds of steam down the route (with engineer in tow). As a “sidelight”, a few gloriously colorful moments were preserved in “Disneyland U.S.A.” (released by Buena Vista Film Distribution, December 20, 1956). This circus was one of Walt’s dreams (seen in Harper Goff’s early c.1951 drawings of Mickey Mouse Park to be built along Riverside Drive in Burbank), and a true labor of love (judging by all the details added to the big show)!
After the parade, the festivities continued with a costume contest held for youngsters dressed as either “Disneyland or Disney characters” (as advertised in local newspapers). The first 1000 children to arrive dressed as Disneyland or Disney characters received Mickey Mouse Club Records. Again, television’s Mouseketeers appeared (this time, from from 1:30p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), and helped judge the costume contest.
After all the festivities, the popular Keller Animal Show was held over for the year of 1956. In addition, subsequent Annual Holiday Festivals were quite often held during two-week periods of the winter season, when children were typically on vacation from school.
![1956 Christmas Festival Advertisement](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1620963231591-R9MPB77KJL3D8P8MQZBT/005D3A35-4BCE-481D-9C92-E27E0173150C.jpeg)
1956 Christmas Festival Advertisement
1956 : The scheduled entertainment of the 1956-1957 Holiday Festival (for a second year in a row) predominantly consisted of visiting school bands and vocal groups from all over Southern California. The stars of The Further Adventures of Spin and Marty and Annette Funicello even made appearances (in costume) in Magnolia Park, posing for photographs and signing autographs for fans. Still, Christmastime business (from November to January) brought peak amounts of Guests into the Park, and the income generated would help fund new Disneyland adventures! On this subject, one Associated Press article “Plan Trip Into Drop of Water, Liberty Square for Disneyland” (by Bob Thomas, published April 20, 1957) preserved Walt’s words this way : “I had $700,000 for this year’s work and managed to get another $600,000. What convinced the moneymen was our Christmas business. We had 35,000 customers in one day.” The Columbia, the Grand Canyon Diorama, the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through, the Monsanto House of Tomorrow, and many other attractions owe their existence (in part) to funds generated from Disneyland’s winter festivals and parades, which drew record crowds of customers into the Park!
![Sleeping Beauty Castle, 1956.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1613229086416-HJPJIH0JV5A8KCFOQ5Y8/279D72ED-53F1-45A7-A0C1-A657A54EFF74.jpeg)
Sleeping Beauty Castle, 1956.
Garlands and wreaths “deck the halls” and banners of Sleeping Beauty Castle and its drawbridge.
During this time, both Dick Irvine (chief art director) and Emile Kuri (set designer) were put in charge of seasonal decorations at Disneyland by Walt. According to The Disneyland News (Vol.1 - No. 6; published December 10, 1955): “Studio craftsmen more than 40 artists - were set to work painting the numerous cutout displays that line Main Street. Securing materials for the park's decorations was another problem. In order that the evergreen boughs and branches last through the six week Christmas season trucks were sent far north, to areas where the frost had already hit. The frost, Emil, explains, seals the sap in the branches so they will keep their natural color. The garlands brought back were then flameproofed at the Burbank studio, before being sent to Disneyland for use in the decorative theme.”
“December 10, 1956, to numerous people, holds no special significance. To the employees of Disneyland, it will remain as a day to be remembered. On this date was presented to all Disneylanders and their families, the First Annual Christmas Party… Fourteen hundred and twenty-eight smiling faces were present everywhere one looked. The nine hundred children beamed as Fantasyland unfolded around them, inviting gaiety in its every corner.”
![The Tokuyae Classical Dance Group of Los Angeles in the Christmas Parade of All Nations, (December 23, 1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1589056188768-E4AEMOXJ3XMKP7ZOBE2U/5E5A1AEA-FA6E-4E26-B354-B4293F032E03.jpeg)
The Tokuyae Classical Dance Group of Los Angeles in the Christmas Parade of All Nations, (December 23, 1957)
“A Procession of Holiday Parades Begins - 1957”
1957 : Disneyland Holiday magazine announced: “The ‘old-fashioned Christmas’ theme of Disneyland's first two Christmas time celebrations will be expanded this year, with new features planned. Once again there will be carolers to serenade you, festive decorations along Main Street, huge Christmas trees with multi-colored lights, and many special Christmas programs.” It wasn’t until the year 1957, that the first Christmas Parade was added to the third Annual Christmas Holiday Festival in the form of the “Christmas of Many Lands” (also called “Christmas in Many Lands”) festival and parade. “When the… Christmas Parade was first proposed, the Park Operating Committee spoke against it. They argued that it would be poor economics to spend $350,000 on a parade when the holiday crowds would come without the attraction. Walt rejected negative arguments: ‘We can’t be satisfied… even though we’ll get the crowds. We’ve always got to give ‘em a little more. It will be worth the investment. If they ever stop coming, it’ll cost ten times that much to get ‘em back.” [“The Spirit of Disneyland,” page 43 ; Prepared 1984 by Walt Disney Productions.] Other promotions were generated to invest in maintaining the “crowds,” like the Disneyland Employee Family Christmas Shopping Passes issued, good from December 9 thru 24, 1957.
The theme of the annual parades has changed much since 1957 - from the multi-cultural and multi-national themes to parades of toys and even those saluting the realms of fantasy! Even before this year, a diverse array of individuals, organizations, clubs, and historical societies had been welcomed at Disneyland. But by Disneyland’s Third Annual Holiday Festival (from December 16, 1957 thru January 5, 1958; December 15 to December 23 according to some sanctioned sources), an unprecedented assortment of dancers, singers, and other entertainers from a host of organizations around the world would now take part in the traditional winter season festivities at Disneyland! For example, there were 115 guest youth choruses involved with the 1957 Christmas Festival (according to “The Disneyland Diary”). Some individuals (like the Consulate General of Austria, or the Dutch “Little Wooden Shoe Dancers”) would return to make even more “outstanding contributions” in a tradition that would span the festivals of future years at Disneyland. All of these were to be overseen by Tommy Walker of Disneyland Incorporated Customer Relations, and son of Disneyland Band Director Vesey Walker.
As mentioned, something else was added - the very first Christmas Parade! Yes, Walt Disney served as Grand Marshall of the “Christmas Parade of All Nations” at 2 p.m., on December 22nd, 1957. For the procession, Walt Disney Studio artist Bruce Bushman portrayed Santa Claus. The parade route started through the west side of Town Square, rounded the Town Square Plaza (where the huge tree was located) before heading down Main Street U.S.A. (with its brightly-colored Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths overhead, and shop windows decorated with their own unique international theme), where it rounded the Central Plaza (with its large Christmas tree), and ended in Frontierland! In addition to the parade, some Holiday Festival participants performed dances and songs from their native countries at various locations around the Park (The Plaza, Dairy Bar in Tomorrowland,and the Magnolia Park Bandstand in Frontierland), following the parade (from 3:30 to 6:45 p.m.). A total of nine guest choirs performed in a mass choir in the Plaza Hub, under the direction of Dr. Charles C. Hirt of USC. While showcasing different cultures, the parade also depicted the traditions of 20 nations. Pictured above, you’ll see the Tokuyae Classical Dance Group of Los Angeles, representing Japan, appearing in the Parade of All Nations Disneyland. The Tokuyae Classical Dance Group of Los Angeles would later be invited to join in the opening-day festivities during the debut of Its a Small World (almost a decade later, on May 28, 1966) at Disneyland, and to participate in seasons of “Festival Japan” (three decades later, including that coinciding with Disneyland’s 30th anniversary on October 12 & 13, 1985).
As a “sidelight” and final thought, it rained so hard on the originally scheduled day, that the entire parade was postponed for one whole week. But the efforts were worth the wait and Disneyland was grateful. After all, it was arranged that the members of dance groups and organizations would be awarded commemorative plaques (commissioned by Perma Plaque, of Hollywood, California). In synergistic advertisement of the Winter season festivities, “Christmas In Disneyland” (a DELL Giant Comic) was released, featuring a garland-draped Sleeping Beauty Castle on the cover and a special holiday-themed story inside!
![9CB6E0EF-3202-4858-BFA6-1B89F6C891AC.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1704974933643-1KIQ2J8J1W7FE7SX899O/9CB6E0EF-3202-4858-BFA6-1B89F6C891AC.jpeg)
![Ohio State Marching Band at Disneyland Holiday Festival, (December, 1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1615707693486-3CCN7D6EJVX8IBTGG0EP/9F26B4A8-71EB-4CAC-A81B-0740757AC16F.jpeg)
Ohio State Marching Band at Disneyland Holiday Festival, (December, 1957)
With audiences in mind, Disneyland hosted its First New Year’s Eve Party on December 31, 1957. And it was during the 1957 season, which one of “the best… bands in the world” came to Disneyland! The Ohio State Marching Band performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade and at the 44th Rose Bowl Game (both held January 1, 1958). But even before those momentous events, they had the honor to March down Main Street during Disneyland’s Third Annual Holiday Festival!
![Quite a large audience turned out for the First Massed Choir featuring the “Living Christmas Tree” at Disneyland, December 22, 1957](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609965737743-Q15TRCGL7NC724Z0UA0P/CB3C62BC-5E0A-4029-B5C3-C90B0BBD9712.jpeg)
Quite a large audience turned out for the First Massed Choir featuring the “Living Christmas Tree” at Disneyland, December 22, 1957
Sometime c.1957, Herb Ryman produced a chalk and gouache concept of a gigantic “75 ft. Christmas Tree on a hill” (perhaps Holiday Hill) near the “Holiday Park Entrance.” While this wasn’t to be, another type of tree would take form.
The accompanying original press release caption reads : “CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT DISNEYLAND — More than 800 choir singers will take part in two nights of caroling at Disneyland Dec. 19 and 20, a major feature of the Park’s Tenth Annual Christmas Festival. Here the singers are shown in Disneyland’s Town Square. The festival will feature a giant ‘Christmas in Many Lands’ Parade on December 20 followed by Walt Disney’s ‘Parade of the Toys.’ The Toy Parade will also be featured each afternoon through Dec. 31.”
![First Massed Choir featuring the “Living Christmas Tree” at Disneyland, December 22, 1957](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609965859823-53EJWG66WF4J0MYSOODU/AEFE4DA0-D9DE-44AF-9AB9-21BAE28EB3C3.jpeg)
First Massed Choir featuring the “Living Christmas Tree” at Disneyland, December 22, 1957
![Ohio State Marching Band at Disneyland Holiday Festival, (December, 1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1615705011858-YDF2MCU9OV6569CTXO6E/C87941D1-73B1-465F-9B16-982EE0F9810C.jpeg)
Ohio State Marching Band at Disneyland Holiday Festival, (December, 1957)
![Ohio State Marching Band at Disneyland Holiday Festival, (December, 1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1615706437814-31W7CZX5ULPW5VJEF178/D5A9BE67-E393-40E6-8FBD-92BA428BCACD.jpeg)
Ohio State Marching Band at Disneyland Holiday Festival, (December, 1957)
1958 : The 4th Annual Holiday Festival (of 1958) featured more than 3,500 marchers in the first “Christmas in Many Lands” Parade (including the Anaheim Choraleers in the Park’s very first official Candlelight Procession)! “55er” electrician George Short most-memorably recalled “The Christmas Candlelight Processions were very impressive”, as he had helped to set up the sound for them.
During the early years of Disneyland’s holiday festivals and parades, the contributions of participants were further recognized through plaques given them.
Today, this “ceremony is only performed on one weekend during the holiday season and features a massed choir of 1,000 voices, a full orchestra and a celebrity Guest narrator in a presentation of the traditional Christmas story in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.” The first Candlelight Ceremony was held at Disneyland on December 20th, 1958. Dennis Morgan was the very first narrator, while the years that followed would see John Wayne, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, James Earl Jones, Rock Hudson, Edward James Olmos, Gregory Peck, Marie Osmond and Louis Gosset, Jr. narrate.
Another event - the “Living Christmas Tree” was scheduled for December 24th, 1958.
!["Disneyland's 5th Holiday Festival" Schedule ; Disneylander, Vol.3, No.5, (December, 1959)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1632791523581-EA5WKOTUYFXP7Q6HTBN3/A1568928-2FCE-4AE8-8D7B-CE7F7B6E195D.jpeg)
"Disneyland's 5th Holiday Festival" Schedule ; Disneylander, Vol.3, No.5, (December, 1959)
1959 : After the 48-foot Christmas Tree was decorated with the help of Chuck St. John (of Hortie Van) seated in a “boatswain’s chair swinging from a crane,” the Christmas in Many Lands Parade would entertain guests with its international theme, during the 1959 season! Wandering Carolers (in costumes by Lulu Miller and Ann Shemkus) also entertained visitors of Disneyland during the Winter of 1959. Lastly, the third Annual Christmas Dinner was held for Disneylanders during December of 1959.
![Christmas in Many Lands, (December, 1959)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591893797377-S4702PER3H6C33JBAT60/05A58C41-3A82-49E9-BA6D-C06BAC568A19.jpeg)
Christmas in Many Lands, (December, 1959)
Grecians wearing traditional clothing, carry the flag of their native land, after emerging from the west side of Town Square, and marching down Main Street U.S.A.!
![Christmas in Many Lands, (December, 1959)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591816490356-H2Q9XMJ7D9DI6HCT8L44/95E7425F-0FC2-4394-B309-AFAEA521AB92.jpeg)
Christmas in Many Lands, (December, 1959)
![1960 : The “Parade of the Toys” was a daily veritable “march of the toys” and “people…from fairyland and folklore” , which debuted on December 18th, 1960 - before Disneyland’s Tencennial (becoming a facet of Disneyland’s “first fabulous decade](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612717696508-YCZKGY6LIC2CQ85XQER3/DEB00436-A333-4F1C-8D9A-7B42D2B8C6BA.jpeg)
1960 : The “Parade of the Toys” was a daily veritable “march of the toys” and “people…from fairyland and folklore”, which debuted on December 18th, 1960 - before Disneyland’s Tencennial (becoming a facet of Disneyland’s “first fabulous decade”) - and running until December 31st, 1960! The “Parade of the Toys” was an additional unit of the “Christmas in Many Lands” parade which made its debut on December 20th, 1960! One of the most notable features of the “Parade of the Toys” was that Walt Disney again served as Parade Grand Marshall (alongside granddaughters Joanna and Tammy Miller, in a covered curve-dash auto), while “the leader of the club” Mickey Mouse dressed in a Band Leader costume, stood atop “The Big Bass Drum” - a huge drum float. This was also the first year that the “living” toy soldiers made their debut, and became a winter-time holiday tradition at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World to this day!
Much work went into the traditional “Christmas in Many Lands” parade and associated activities (like the Candlelight Procession and Massed Choir Program), to make this the biggest Holiday Festival ever in honor of the Park’s “Tenth Annual Christmas Festival”! To top the whole festival off, a total of 800 choir singers took part in two nights of candlelight caroling in formation in Disneyland’s Town Square (following the parades), on December 19th and 20th, of 1960! Many foreign groups (from near and far) were invited to join in the associated festivities. There were Danish Folk Dancers, English Folk Dancers, Danish Folk Dancers, Austrian Mountain Dancers, Los Angeles Chinese D & B Corps members, and Armenian Folk Ballet members to name just a few of the participants. All together some 3,500 participants (more than any prior parade) brought the “Christmas of Many Lands” parade to life!
1961 : (December 17 - December 31 ; 1:30 & 5:15 Daily) The second annual “Parade of the Toys” premiered on Sunday, December 17, 1961, with Grand Marshall Walt Disney (alongside granddaughters Joanna and Tammy Miller in matching red petticoats) leading the pageant in the yellow “curve-dashed” automobile, (without a cover). The next day, the parade began to run twice daily, from December 18th - 31st. While this winter holiday season event still featured characters from the Ice Capades, it was a veritable promotion (or, “cross pollination” as Roy Disney would put it) of Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions’ recent theatrical release “Walt Disney’s Babes In Toyland’ (which had premiered three days prior on December 14th, 1961)! According to Vacationland magazine : “All based on the wonderful animated toys from the new Walt Disney motion picture ‘Babes in Toyland’ (opening in theaters across the country just before Christmas), the unique Disneyland toy procession features a ‘wooden toy soldier band’, a variety of floats, wooden knights on horseback, a procession of costumed Disney characters, and of course, Santa Claus and his sleigh - drawn by eight of the most comically reindeer ever created.” A team of horses pulled “the Biggest Bass Drum” bearing the title, “Walt Disney’s Fantasy on Parade”! The parade featured “living” toy Scottie and Poodle (dogs), a giant toy clown that gaily bobbed back and forth while waving to the crowds, a twelve-foot tall winking porcelain doll, “living” toy bunnies, and a Mouse Trap Band Float. Vacationland magazine also adds : “The unusual floats include such highlights as three huge singing carolers in front of a beautiful stained glass window, the humorous ‘mouse trap band’, dancing marionettes and a cannon-firing battleship.” The seven-foot tall “live” toy soldiers and Comic Reindeer would also return for their second year in a row, to match alongside other “living” and animated toys. A number of publications (like Jack and Jill magazine, December, 1961) advertised and documented the jolly Parade of the Toys at Disneyland, while the stars of Football squads (tailbacks Bobby Smith and Mike Haffner of UCLA, and quarterback Sandy Stephens and halfback Dave Mulholland of Minnesota) visited Disneyland for a Press Photoshoot with the “Disney-style reindeer”. Some of the folk groups performed around the Park before the debut parade (as one Japanese group did in Magnolia Park).
In addition, while many of the following parades ran twice daily (especially in later years), the “Parade of the Toys” ran an impressive three times daily, through January 1st, 1961!
1962 : The festivities of the Disneyland Eighth Annual Holiday Festival were brought to life by 2,500 participants, another 1,000 Christmas carolers (in the Candlelight Procession which took part on the Sunday before Christmas), and some 25,000 guests!
To assist the Parade Formation, a P. A. System was placed on a tower at the entrance to the reserve parking lot north of the Harbor Employees entrance. A mike was placed on the top of a tower and another at the bottom. A P. A. System was also placed on tower next to band building.
A Parade Intercom - a private line communication - was placed between the points of the Hills Brothers Gate, Town Square, and City Hall Balcony.
Even before the festivities began, the Walt Disney Studio Christmas Show Committee arranged for Dr. Charles Hirt and the Disneyland Carolers performed at the Walt Disney Studio Employee’s Children Shows on Saturday, December 15, 1962. When the group completed their performance, at the studio, they took their wardrobe with them and proceeded to Disneyland. A table for luncheon was reserved in the name of the "Disneyland Carolers" at the Red Wagon. Then a Disneyland wardrobe mistress assisted the ladies, while the head of the wardrobe department, Chuck Keehne, assisted the gentlemen.
Among these were the usual cast of characters in this year’s Toy Parade - Mickey Mouse (and his close pal, Paul Castle), Donald Duck driving a car, Snow White (Jacque Cothran) and the seven Dwarfs, Chip and Dale (Tom Galliger and Bill Teague), the cast of Alice in Wonderland, Flora, Fauna, Merriweather, and eight Reindeer. A menagerie of animals marched (including ostriches, a cheetah, adult and baby llamas, two hyenas, a zebra, tiger cubs, a lion cub, three elephants, camels, a donkey, and even a bear). There were also quite a few unusual character performers appearing in this year’s procession - four Hippos, four French Balloonists, and even Raggedy Ann and Andy! Floats with sound included the Mouse Band, Can-Can, Choir Boys, and Santa's Sleigh. The Disneyland Band was in Town Square facing the train station using two stand mikes feeding Town Square only. Walt Disney and Jack Lindquist rode as guests of honor in one (of the four) Disneyland DMC Vehicles.
The Christmas in Many Lands theme was still ever present - a float bearing the Flags of All Nations around a giant mock-up of the earth was one of the highlights! From Palestine to Switzerland - many clubs and organizations from around the world were welcomed as Disneyland’s guests this year, as they kept their customs and traditions alive while enjoying time with their families. The traditional “Yule Log” was pulled along the route and the carrying of a festive roast boar represented the customs of medieval England! Finland’s Old Man Christmas with his elves, Norway’s traditional Santa Claus with his pet goat, Yugoslavian musicians riding a sleigh, a Mexican unit (featuring the Señorita Drum & Bugle Corps.) with piñatas filled with candies and gifts, a Chinese unit and float bearing a glittering dragon, a Japanese unit of youthful dancers and a traditional Japanese Boat float, were among the entries in the pageant. A total of twenty-four foreign floats were entered into the competition, with three winners awarded cash prizes (ranging from $25.00 to $100.00)!
Various university and high school marching bands (like Tennyson High School, University of Wisconsin Badger Band, University of Southern California Trojan Band, Ben Davis High School, Amos Alonzo Stagg High School) were invited to perform. The two university bands (soon to appear at the Rose Bowl), would march out of the Hills Bros. Gate, and present a concert near Town Square before continuing down the route.
Announcers (like Dick Wesson) were situated atop buildings (City Hall Balcony; Roof of Upjohn Pharmacy; Roof of Pendleton), and platforms or towers on the south end of Plaza Hub along River front near Aunt Jemima Restaurant where they could describe the parade units for Audiences below! Finally, once the reindeer-driven toy train (pulling Santa’s sleigh) reached Town Square, a traditional massive balloon release was triggered sending hundreds of colorful balloons skyward during the climax of the parade! Aside from the parades, groups of wandering carolers were a feature of the 1962 winter season’s festivities.
After all was done, representatives of those participating schools and organizations were awarded commemorative plaques “in appreciation of their outstanding contribution toward the Disneyland Eighth Annual Holiday Festival!
1963 : The 9th Annual Holiday Festival gala saw “The Parade of Toys” a daily fixture during Christmas week. In addition, the “Christmas of Many Lands” Parade saw international groups and respective native toy-themed floats, overseen by Bob Matheison, and led by the Grand Marshall - Walt Disney and his Disneyland Marching Band! Disneyland Backstage (Spring, 1964) published the following funny anecdote (as told by Millie Malley) : “‘Just a few months ago’ behind Main St., they were getting ready for the Parade of the Toys. Tom Campbell was hustling everyone into place. He was standing just in front of one of the cannons. The White Rabbit who was to pull the cannon, wanted to see if he could fire it with his costume on. He triggered it, there was a loud boom and a shower of confetti. Poor Tom just stood there, confetti all over him and the rabbit saying ‘I didn’t know it was loaded’.” We can imagine scenes like this commonly played out during parade rehearsals.
The “Christmas of Many Lands” Parade was narrated by several celebrity announcers. The voice of Dick Tufeld (who is known for voicing the Robot from television’s Lost in Space, and who narrated several episodes of Zorro and The Wonderful World of Color) emceed a portion of the parade route. Dick Wesson (the voice of the introduction of Disneyland’s television series) also narrated a portion of the parade route. George Church III (star of recent Broadway production “Pal Joey”, 1963) would also help present the parade by providing narration!
Various school marching bands (from Maryknoll All Girl, Anaheim High, Azuza High, Antelope Valley, Burbank, Bakersfield, Bolsa Grande Huntington Beach, and others) filled out the gaps of the parade units. The Armenians brought their Hajji Baba, while the Austrians brought their Lippazaner. The Danish were represented by a steadfast toy soldier, while the Chinese gifted a china Doll to the parade procession. In between these units were other floats like a Jack-in-the-box, and a float holding a massive amount of flags from various countries. The entire event was concluded with a release of a flock of pigeons.
The “Christmas of Many Lands” Parade opened to Disneyland’s largest crowd yet (outside of the peak summer season) - an astounding and record-breaking Park attendance of 42,000 guests! During the parade, 33,000 people gathered along the route (according to a letter to George Church III, from Ben Harris (Disneyland Production Coordinator, Disneyland Customer Relations Division Manager, dated January 8, 1964). This “provided very difficult crowd control problems”.
The Candlelight Procession and the Massed Choir appeared at Disneyland, on Sunday, December 22nd, 1963. Roll checks and rehearsals of the choir and Candlelight Procession members occurred that same day. According to Charles K. Dargan (Disneyland Talent Supervisor), the Candlelight Procession began “at the Fantasyland Castle area, moving up Main Street to Town Square where the singers” would “form a vast choir in front of the Train Station.” The same five carols that were sung the preceding year were used, allowing for easy memorization of the titles, publishers, lyrics, and octavo numbers. The result was that the “visual as well as the musical effectiveness of this procession” would be “considerably enhanced,” by Charles’ account.
1964 : Under the direction of Chuck Corson (Disneyland Talent Manager), Ben Harris, and Tommy Walker, the theme of this 10th Annual Holiday Festival (held 2:00p.m. on both Saturday, December 19th, 1964 and Sunday, December 20th, 1964) was the Christmas “Parade of All Nations” (or, “Christmas of Many Lands”) - an “international folk festival” featuring the toys and peoples representative of many lands. More than 3,000 participants efficiently representing 27 foreign groups (in addition to High School Marching Band and Drill Team Units) entered a total of 25 floats in the pageant this year. The maximum number of participants allowed in each group was 40 (in addition to musicians). The diverse acts included an Armenian Folk Ballet troupe and “Aman-Or” unit (led by Miss Karoun Tootikian), Austrian Mountain Dancers and Mozart’s Annual Christmas Concert (led by Charles Bausback), the Los Angeles Chinese Drum & Bugle Corps (led by Al Chew), American Sokol Organization of L.A. St. Nicholas Visit (with angel and devil) unit from Czechoslovakia (led by Mrs. Nekuda), Danish Folk Dancers and Christmas Candle unit from Denmark (led by Director Mr. Christensen), acts from England (led by Miss McFarland), acts from France (led by Director Madame Danjou), acts from Germany, representatives of the American Hungarian Cultural Society (led by Mrs. Marie Elek), the India Art Group and a Diwali “Festival of Lights” unit (led by Miss Sushila Janados), The Irish Rinnceoiri Na H Eireann and a parade float of a Candle in the window of an Irish Cottage (led by Director Mrs. Edith Stevenson), Italian Folk Dance Workshops (led by Mr. Nate Moore), Japanese Kansuma Kai and Christmas on a Floating Tea House float (led by Mrs. Fujima Kansuma), the Eye-Ographic Holyland Exhibition of Jordan and Bethlehem Bell Tower unit (led by Mrs. Pearl Baker), Korean Dancers and a Traditional Korean Wedding Unit (led by Mr. Phil Kim), Corina Valdez Dance Studio (led by Corina Valdez and Monsignor Ramon Garcia), Norwegian Viking Folkdancers of Long Beach (led by Mr. Thor Matland), the Philippine Folklore Group (led by Mrs. Leonor Neri Tice), the Polish International Alliance (led by Mrs. Jadwiga Wielkoszewski), San Diego Highland Dancers Association (who had previously appeared in the “Disneyland ‘59” parade and pageant) and Scotland “Wee Kirk in Heather and Cottage & Beast” unit, Lilly Aguilar Folklorico Dancers (who had previously appeared in the “Disneyland ‘59” parade and pageant) and their Nativity Scene led by Director Lilly Aguilar, Swedish Folkdance Club of Los Angeles (led by Mr. Nils Johanssen), Swiss Folk dancers of Inglewood (led by Hans Zander), two acts representing the United States - (American Square Dancers ; led by Ray and Charlotte Cox & Westchester Larists ; led by Dr. Tillman Hall), West Indies Euafasam Dancers (led by Mrs. Jean Otero), and the Yugoslavian Slovenian Dance Group Pacific Circle 65 with Island of Triglav unit (led by Mrs. John Ercek)! Also featured were 35 Boy Scouts of America (led by Bill Bent), 8 vans full of animals, the International Children’s Choir the Barbarette’s Drill Team, the Western High School “Silhouettes” Drill Team of Anaheim, 11 groups of equestrians, and the Westchester Lariata and a Night Before Christmas Float (led by Director Tillman Hall).
By the Fall fo 1964, there were some costumes being stored in the Production Warehouse, which could be repaired at a cost. Numerous Disney Characters appeared courtesy of Ben Harris’ Ice Capades, including (according to Inter-Office documentation, dated September 10, 1964) Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, (3) Pigs and the Wolf, Alice in Wonderland, Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Pinocchio, Foulfellow, Captain Hook, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming, (4) Hippos, (1) Donald Duck Car (very small), Ludwig Von Drake, Thumper and Flower, (3) Good Fairies, Gideon, Gus-Gus Mouse, Jacques, (1) Scotty Dog, (1) Shaggy Dog, (1) Large Brown Bull, (1) Pansy Bull, (1) Fifi Dog, (1) Lucifer Cat, (6) Rabbits (assorted colors), (1) Evil Witch, and “as many of the toy solders as can reasonably be repaired… (20 of such soldiers… were [sic] in reasonable condition.”
The “land” of Disneyland was also represented by the Dapper Dans and the Disneyland Carolers. Not to be outshined was the Disneyland Marching Band, under the direction of Vesey Walker. As this procession was quite large and involved many outside parties, there was a concern that the parade may exceed the planned one hour. Assistants were stationed along the parade route giving signals (by hand motions) indicating a need to speed up or slow down as they proceed.
On December 18th, 1964, Ben Harris (Production), G.Mills, D. Narath, Bob Mathieson, P. Crammings, C. Hanaford, J. Taylor met for dinner, in order to discuss the “night rehearsal of floats & drivers and final arrangements with operations and maintenance” as well as “Disneyland Parade Staff.” Some of the talent groups (as the Scottish Bagpipe Bands, Jean Robbins’ famous Barbarettes All Girl Drill Team, the International Children’s Choir led by pianist Naomi Parker, Austrian Folk Dancers, and the Japanese Kansuma Kai girls) were featured in a “pre-parade show” on the Tom Sawyer Island Stage (in sight of the shoreline 2,000-seat bleachers), at 12:30p.m. (one and a half hours before the 2:00p.m. parade began).
This 1964 version of the daily Parade of the Toys coincided with the Babes in Toyland Village Exhibit at the Main Street Opera House. Fantasy on Parade Unit’s vehicles and props were themed around Walt Disney’s soon-to-be-released feature film “Babes in Toyland”, and were created under the direction of Chuck Fowler (Disneyland Maintenance Supervisor of the Disneyland Props Department) with some involvement from John Kuri (Emile Kuri’s son), as well as George Mills and Joe Bowman (who were both of Disneyland Maintenance)! Naturally, the toys of Disneyland were represented by a marching toy soldier band featured in Babes in Toyland, (and under the direction of Bob Reynolds). Babes in Toyland wasn’t the only Walt Disney Production to be featured in the Christmas Parade of All Nations. Goofy rode his Goofy’s Gondola, breaking-down periodically along the route (and based on the evidence of a plaque, the Dizzy Lizzy and Ollie Hutton appeared in the 10th Annual Holiday Parade of 1964). The stars of “Walt Disney’s Emil and the Detectives” (Cindy Cassell, Roger Mobley, and Bryan Russell) rode in one electric car (from which the top was temporarily removed), bearing their names on signs attached to the sides of the vehicle. For the finale, 2,000 pigeons were released from boxes atop the Main Street Station Platform.
Eddie Meck’s Disneyland Publicity Department arranged for a promotional television spot featuring the Characters (Mickey, Goofy, Pluto, and three of those Reindeer) decorating the Disneyland Christmas Tree.
It was common to station announcers throughout the park. The Legendary Jack Wagner (the Capitol Records voice ; formerly of KHJ radio) returned to Disneyland this year, to served as one of five announcers. He was stationed in Frontierland near the bleachers. Others included John Hilliard (on the Pendleton roof), Jack Sayers (in the center of the Plaza, in front of the Castle), George Church (on the Hallmark roof), and Bob Matheison (from the City Hall balcony). Disneyland wagon carts also transported special guests along the route!
Disneyland made many preparations and accommodations for the representatives of the 27 foreign groups. All of these individuals needed to be given clearance to various gates (located on Harbor Boulevard and West Street) around Disneyland. Donations were collected to help with expenses of the floats (which were built atop 4-wheel, flat-beds). Free parking (near the Golf Course) was arranged. Before the parade, some light lunches were provided, and after the festivities, Holiday Festival Participants enjoyed complimentary refreshments (by Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, Hills Bros. and Carnation Farms), as they enjoyed the rest of their stay at Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom! Well before December 20th, 1964, it was deemed that the parade would be such a success, that another subsequent International Folk Festival would be planned for 1965. On the evening of November 5, 1964, a Dinner Planning Meeting was held inside the Disneyland Hotel’s Poolside Room with Tommy Walker and representatives of the 27 foreign groups featured in the Christmas Parade of All Nations. Tommy’s idea was that “each group would be staged at an area within the Park and would present various dances of their countries.” The idea was favored among all present and a possibility of Easter time was discussed (due to school activities and summer vacations).
Other important matters (Christmas Parade physical arrangements involving the Maintenance and Operations Staff were still being discussed by December 14th and 18th.
The Candlelight Procession included a number of songs (“O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “Angels From The Realms of Glory”, “Joy To The World”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, and “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen”) which were sang while processing, and then repeated until the Candlelight Procession Ceremony was completed! The Massed Choir was accompanied by Charles Shaffer (Dr. Hirt’s church organist), on December 19th and 20th. In the end, the total General costs to bring the 10th Annual Christmas Festival to life was just over $24,000 (less than the preceding year’s general cost of $27,196). Total costs including Parade of All Nations costs (including float building allotment for the 25+ foreign groups) brought total expenses to $71,339!
![2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December 14th, 1961 ; NEA Photo)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1583506337363-09LDZWISY6LD08RTV1ON/691F2733-38FD-4398-973F-88F4110F159E.jpeg)
2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December 14th, 1961 ; NEA Photo)
“Trying out their new season coats, these comic reindeer are getting ready for the second annual ‘Parade of the Toys’, to preview December 17, in Disneyland, and parade twice daily through December 31. They are part of the 110 toys, all live or animated, that appear in this Christmas event.” These silly looking reindeer were a crowd favorite for decades, often featured on promotional material and even Holiday passes (c. 1974).
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2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December 14th, 1961 ; NEA Photo)
Fifi actually pre-dates Disneyland, and was created for an Ice Capades segment entitled “Fifi in Paris”. Now,“Fifi gets a real adjustment before she begins her daily march in the Disneyland ‘Parade of the Toys’ December 17 - 31. This toy dog is nearly seven foot tall and has to ‘lives’ - one north, and one south.” In addition to Fifi, another dog seasonal character owes his existence to the Ice Capades - Scottie. Jack Colter and John Dauphinais usually portrayed halves of the dog characters like Fifi and Scottie.
Did anyone else notice the walk-by cameo of Rolland Fargo Crump on the right side of the shot? You know, Rolly helped create set pieces for Babes in Toyland.
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2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December 14th, 1961 ; NEA Photo)
Bunny costumes like this one were first created for the 1957 Ice Capades (with special permission of Walt Disney). The first Ice Capades segment (where they were featured), was a 1957 production of “Disneyland”. The characters were successful, and at least 16 Bunnies appeared again in the 1959 Ice Capades production of Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs segment. Now, “Behind the scenes, a giant Rabbit tests his fur in preparation for the second annual ‘Parade of the Toys’ to preview in Disneyland December 17. Following the opening festive day, the Toys will parade through the Magic Kingdom twice daily through December 31.”
Later, the pink, yellow, and green colored Bunnies would continue to appear at Disneyland during the annual Easter-time parades (as during c. 1962), tossing candy eggs into the crowd!
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2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December 14th, 1961 ; NEA Photo)
“Twelve feet tall, this winking doll actually marched under her own power down Disneyland’s Main Street in the annual Parade of the Toys.” Every now and then, she would pause along the route, and blink her eyes (as baby dolls do), winking at the crowd!
![2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December 14th, 1961 ; NEA Photo)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1578960638174-9A0PLBPJK3YFPTLWL5NC/EFB05087-A503-44FB-80DB-D769F4842C67.jpeg)
2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December 14th, 1961 ; NEA Photo)
Speaking of Babes in Toyland, it looks like artists are applying some of the final touches to the Toy Soldiers. The Toy Soldiers of “The Parade of Toys” were created in the Disneyland Staff Shop.
![2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1589825660691-FSWAUX4AX1DPX23ES603/8201E231-78ED-4BAC-A487-03C456FF7E5F.jpeg)
2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)
Now, Fifi greets guests (and guests pet Fifi’s fur) as she struts down the parade route in Fantasyland, near Alice in Wonderland!
![A large audience views the Parade of the Toys, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592852048568-036NBGVW8O2GJCDQHT3I/C7CF8669-6A4D-409D-A11A-DAB538587034.jpeg)
A large audience views the Parade of the Toys, (1960)
![2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1603236599218-QRVJ7QTVEIHI0GN3DGVM/0BD8205B-479D-41DD-A9FC-9FF1477C7719.jpeg)
2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)
![2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1603236309147-S20JYOV30HSK7437YI2T/6AB40D07-AA59-4A0D-BB85-04A43B9FE8CF.jpeg)
2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)
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2nd Annual Parade of the Toys
![The "Crocodile" and Peter Pan in the 2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1603236425217-YVVLQ9DYFM9B0A522ZF9/CC5EBC9B-89BF-40B3-968C-273D2DBD19BF.jpeg)
The "Crocodile" and Peter Pan in the 2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)
![2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1603236501700-LMFPQ2EGYKX88ARN62XQ/20412324-ABCE-4D0C-A41D-606F7D0392EB.jpeg)
2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1961)
“French Balloonists march with their striped balloons”, according to Jack and Jill magazine (published December of 1961).
![A large audience enjoys the 2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (c. 1959)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590683505695-U52PGYBBZWE4O2HLVZ9J/2D0C9023-4E83-454B-834F-4E1FCF62D43F.jpeg)
A large audience enjoys the 2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (c. 1959)
The second incarnations of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the Three Pigs (originally appearing in John H. Harris’ Ice Capades), made an appearance in Disneyland’s Parade of the Toys!
![2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590382036467-XY6VYDYATJ33JJRVXMU8/A2511764-0E90-4853-AA4B-4EE10C1D39AA.jpeg)
2nd Annual Parade of the Toys, (December, 1960)
![1965 : Before I begin, I must divulge that much of this information comes owing to Bob MacKinnon (who had the good sense to document Fantasy on Parade of 1965). Now, in preparation for the Christmas season, rehabilitation was carried out on](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612717492175-HFVZ05ZXQ5IJK5UFM0IP/707C6AA7-DBC2-4F0A-83FC-F1F2C24F1B82.jpeg)
1965 : Before I begin, I must divulge that much of this information comes owing to Bob MacKinnon (who had the good sense to document Fantasy on Parade of 1965).
Now, in preparation for the Christmas season, rehabilitation was carried out on all of the rides at Disneyland. But in addition to this, something new was added to the eleventh annual holiday festival held during the 1965 winter season, at Disneyland. At one Walt Disney Studio presentation, Chuck Corson (Disneyland Talent and Production Manager) began with the words, “Walt Disney is happy to present Fantasy on Parade!” Soon after, Walt Disney formally introduced the world to Fantasy on Parade with the following words : “At Disneyland, we do our Christmas planning early, looking forward to it lot a lot of happy kids. These are some of the models for our Christmas Fantasy on Parade. We prepare for this event as we do for all of our other attractions. Every Christmas season thousands of children and their families line the curbs of Disneyland’s Main Street making it the happiest street in the world.”
More than a year’s worth of work was performed by the Disney organization to bring the 40-minute Fantasy on Parade to life! Many individuals were involved in production of Fantasy on Parade - Wayne van De Walker who oversaw all arrangements for Fantasy on Parade, Marvin Marker (Disneyland Talent Coordinator), Sonny Anderson and John Hilliard (Sound and Music Coordinators), Tom Mahoney (Choreographer), and many others.
“Fantasy on Parade - Prop and Wardrobe”
Hank Dains (who normally oversaw the Park’s Interior Design and Drapery) now oversaw the production of parade vehicles. These included new vehicles (like the Scarecrow Band Hay Cart), and rehabilitated vehicles (like Santa’s Sleigh). Many parade vehicles and props were created and attended to by the Carpentry Shop, the Mechanic Shop, the Metal Department, the Paint Shop, and the Staff Shop. The electric “Whirlybug” cart technology (later employed for and popularized by the Main Street Electrical Parade) was investigated in order to adapt them into carriages for the Christmas toy floats.
By October of 1965, meetings were held with Ben Harris, Dains, Justice, Elkins and Wolfe pertaining to the coordinating of Christmas costumes. New Characters (like the ”Three Eggs” and Winnie the Pooh) were designed and color coordinated by Bill Justice (Parade Art Direction), “translating sketches into three dimensional performers.” New costumes (i.e. that of Mickey Mouse) were also designed and provided by both Lella Easton and Berny Wolf (animation character designer, and current Supervisor of Parade Character Costumes), with some heads (like those of the Scarecrows’) fabricated by Bud Washo’s Staff Shop.
Trooper lights (for the rooftops) were rented for the entertainment areas, and A-7 Speaker sound amplifier systems (in radio amplifier units) were set up along the Parade Route (including a sound system of Dahlquist’s design, installed in Sleeping Beauty Castle), overseen by Dean Narath (Disneyland Sound Manager) and Anderson. Heating Units were acquired. Five Parade Tower Announcer Locations (with telephones) as well as rented bleachers and chairs for guests, were set top in locations along the route.
Some of the Fantasy on Parade Cast (like Mickey Mouse and his friend Paul Castle) were involved in promotional stills and 35mm live-action footage (requested by Phil Bauer) that were shot November 10th, 1965. In addition, television promotion increased during a period from December 8 though 14, 1965.
Rehearsals took place on the evenings of December 15th, 16th, and 17th (the 17th was a dress rehearsal). “It was backed with months, and even years of preparation. The parade was run almost like an army. Section Captains, Division Captains, etc., were all created to help make the parade run as smoothly as possible.” This was necessary for the great multitude of performers and dancers among its units (including the banner bearing members of the Concord Unicyclist Team), floats, musicians (including the UCLA Bruins Marching Band), and even animals (like Norbu the Gorilla and even a baby elephant that pulled a calliope). Backstage Disneyland Editor Wally Boag recalled (in “Letters to the Editor”) his contribution as a “tumbler” alongside John Evans, Bill Sales, Don Feher, and Sandy Sheklow, under the oversight of Marvin Marker (of Disneyland Entertainment): “John, Sandy, and I lived in a motel near Disneyland for the two weeks and had a ball getting up at 10 ‘o clock, eating a big breakfast, going to ‘work,’ at Disneyland and generally doing whatever we wanted to - no parents. The two other boys, Bill and Don, commuted from Los Angeles.”
Disneyland’s own entertainers included Bud and Scott (of the Coca-Cola Corner), the Dapper Dans, the Disneyland Band, the Disneyland Carolers, the Frontierland Gunfighters, the Golden Horseshoe Revue Cast, the Gonzalez Trio, quite a few Indian Village Representatives, the current Space Man & Space Girl (of Tomorrowland), The Young Men From New Orleans, and (of course) the Disneyland Characters. In addition to all these Fantasy on Parade Cast Members, and Disneyland Guests Services Hostesses and Hosts (to attend to the celebrity guests), there were “over 505 people behind the scenes. There were also 65 animals in the parade,” according to Disneyland Backstage (Spring, 1966). Some of these animal acts came from far away locations, like Charlie Allen’s Performing Bears and Zebras (of Pleasant Grove, Dallas, Texas).
Soon the Tencennial Newsletter announced the “Disneyland Christmas Parade to Take on New Look”: “Disneyland guests will find something new and exciting awaiting them this Christmas. The annual Disneyland Christmas Parade will take on a new look as ‘Fantasy On Parade’ be has its premiere performance this year. Most of Walt Disney's famous movies will be represented by favorite characters from them. Alice in Wonderland, with her shuffling deck of cards, the dancing mushrooms from Fantasia, and even a few of the beautiful dolls from Walt Disney's "It's A Small World exhibit at the New York World's Fair. All of these, plus many more, will combine their musical fantasy to bring Disneyland guests the most unusual and entertaining parade ever.
The premiere performance of ‘Fantasy On Parade’ will be held on Saturday, December 18 at 8 p.m. Movie stars from throughout the entertainment world will be present that night to witness the first showing of this uniquely ‘Disney’ parade.
The parade schedule for the remainder of the Christmas Season is as follows:
Dec. 19 - 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Dec. 20-25 - 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Dec. 26-Jan. 2 - 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Dec. 31 - 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.”
The $175,105.42 production of Fantasy on Parade (presented by Disneyland’s Entertainment Division), debuted a day early, on December 18th, 1965, to a host of celebrities (like Annette Funicello, Buddy Ebsen, Dean Jones, Dick Van Dyke, Fred MacMurray, James MacArthur, Jerry Lewis, Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber (the two kids from Mary Poppins), Michael Landon, Pat Boone, Tom Lowell, Vera Miles and many others). Fantasy on Parade was so popular that it ran beyond its last scheduled event date of December 31, 1965, for two additional days (until January 2nd, 1966)!
Walt, Lillian, and Jack Lindquist (then Disneyland Director of Marketing) rode in one of Disneyland’s 1903-inspired curve-dashed autos. They were followed by a Fanfare Unit, and Drum and Bugle Corps. atop horses heralding the beginning of Fantasy on Parade at “Disneyland’s Storybook Castle”!
Mickey (riding “the biggest bass drum in the world”; pulled by six white ponies) led the procession down its route, keeping the beat with his baton, followed by a succession of royal trumpeters on “horseback” and cartwheeling acrobats! As a note, the Biggest Bass Drum in the World was used before, and was in need of some repairs before the big parade. A new, smaller horse-drawn calliope was also included in this Fantasy on Parade!
“As usual, Donald Duck gets in the act,” driving his bright red roadster with his nephews aboard.
Winnie the Pooh strolls along with his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood, and his favorite (oddly, anthropomorphic) Honey Tree (the creation of which can be seen in the Walt Disney Productions Annual Report of 1965, page 10). In these early days, Rabbit carried Piglet in his arms, though he had yet to be featured on screen (which is likely why Piglet wore a blue sweater during this first “come to life” Disneyland incarnation of the character).
The Arabian Knights Unit with Sultan Ali Baba and a Harem of dancing girls is followed by a comical Camel, drummer, flutist, and boy playing the cymbals.
Captain Hook (aboard his pirate ship, the Jolly Roger) fires at Peter Pan, Michael, Wendy, and John flying atop their bed (while they’re followed by a Pirate Band).
Pink circus elephants on parade are the stars of the Dumbo Unit, as they perform tricks while doing handstands, in time with their unit. Bongo the Bear and Lulubelle perform a second ring act, as they they “walk” the parade route precariously balanced atop balls. Members of the Disneyland Marching Band provide the old circus tunes and those goofy circus horses (in clown paint) gallop by!
Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Apparently no one, for the Big Bad Wolf, and the Three Pigs offer a brief interlude, interacting with guests as they make their way down Main Street!
A Pluto Unit entitled “Dawg Gone”! When Pluto puts on a dog show, he goes “all out”. Pluto’s true-life dog performers (in human clothing) emerge from his dog house (at specific places along the route), and perform tricks while walking on their hind legs.
They were followed by the Mary Poppins and the London Chimney Sweeps Unit (Alexander Goldstab, Rolf Haas, and Ray Oja) doing their rendition of “Step In Time” played by Bert’s One Man Band, the Pearly Band, and a couple of Keystone Kops.
“Pinocchio and Company” featuring a gypsy’s wagon (driven by Stromboli) and Honest John (walking a true-life bear on a leash), are followed by the famous Reluctant Dragon (as he blows smoke at the audience), and Goofy’s Gondola (a clown car that would belch smoke, bellow fire, and blow a “tire” (a balloon that would pop). All of this while Minnie Mouse rides passenger!
From “the world’s biggest caterpillar” would emerge a butterfly ballet, as a quartet of “ladybugs” played saxophone. At the end of the act, the butterflies would go back into their “cocoons”.
Snow White and the seven Dwarfs (debuting in Disneyland, from their appearances at the New York World’s Fair of 1964-1965) would move their diamond mine cars down Main Street, and (when before Main Street Station) would release a flock of doves into the air! They were followed by an cavalry of cards (portrayed by an all-girl drill team and a band) and the Alice in Wonderland Unit, featuring the White Rabbit, Alice, the and the Mad Hatter!
The Fantasia Follies Unit, with ballerina ostriches, hefty hippos, and Mushrooms twirling around a Bacchus statue float, offered another musical interlude to “The Dance of the Hours.”
The main act of the Barnyard Unit weren’t the Chickens “fresh from the farm,” ready to engage in a “good old fashioned country hoe-down.” It was the horse-drawn Hay Cart full of rockin’, rollin’, and-a-swingin’-scarecrows! Time and again a couple of eggs would hop out of the hayride and lay an egg or two with the Farmer and the Farmer’s Wife!
Those marching Toy Soldiers (from Babes in Toyland) were followed by the most famous of all reindeer, before the big finale Santa (portrayed by Tim Hahne, as seen on the cover of Backstage Disneyland Vol.4, No.4 ; December of 1965) riding his sleigh surrounded by children’s stuffed toys. Among the toys around the sleigh are popular dolls likenesses of cartoon characters Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, and Magilla Gorilla (if you don’t believe us, just see for yourself)!
A train (a version of Casey Junior colored like the “Toys For Tots” logo) pulls six toy block gondolas which all together spell “T-H-E-E-N-D”. These (in a Disneyland tradition) release thousands of colorful toy balloons in front of Main Street Station, symbolizing the ‘final curtain’ to Fantasy on Parade! As a “sidelight” you may recall that Walt Disney Productions became a proud sponsor of “Toys For Tots” - Casey Junior became the official logo of the organization, and Walt was scheduled for an August 3, 1966 (7 am) commercial shoot (with a Toys For Tots barrel full of colorful toys of Walt Disney Productions - licensed characters, all of which were fabricated through Disneyland, Inc.).
Would you like to watch this first Fantasy on Parade? Portions of the 40-minute parade were immortalized on film, as part of “Disneyland Around the Seasons” (Wonderful World of Color, Season 13, Episode 14). It originally aired on December 18th, 1966, as advertisement for the second Fantasy on Parade, that would debut the following day.
More than 1,000 carolers took part in an hour of Christmas music on Sunday December 17th, and the Winter Season Holiday Festival’s Candlelight Procession which began at 5:15 P.M., December 19th, 1965.
1966 : Much preparation went into planning and coordinating the entertainment events and making arrangements for the winter season entertainment. Bill Justice (Parade Art Director), Lella Easton (Wardrobe), and Ed Winger (Staff Shop) helped coordinate colors and materials, and fabricate props and floats. Some of the costumes were provided though Western Costume. A calliope was rented from Hudgins Bros. (of San Fernando, California).
Maintenance Staff (Coordinator Hank Daines, Ted Crowell, Arnold Lindberg), Custodial Staff (Chuck Boyajian and John Martin), and Dean Narath (Sound Department) made arrangements for Christmas events.
The second Fantasy on Parade was advertised by Walt Disney himself, in the Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color episode “Disneyland Around the Seasons,” which aired December 18, 1966 (just three days after Walt passed). The episode utilized footage from the previous year’s Fantasy on Parade for the promotional segment. The second year of “Fantasy on Parade” debuted the following day, on December 19, 1966. You may recall that (though marketed as a holiday themed parade), many of the units and floats were based on Walt Disney’s films and the theme of Disneyland’s diverse lands. Announcers (as the Pendleton plaid-clad Disneyland Hostess in the Plaza) were situated atop areas with a clear vantage of floats and units. In addition to the wreaths, garlands, bows, and bells, the archway leading through Sleeping Beauty Castle was decorated with a banner reading “Happy New Year”! Despite all the preparations, and the grandeur of the show, this would be one Fantasy on Parade that no one would forget.
An article (published December 28, 1966) by journalist Mark Gibbons of “The Motion Picture Exhibitor” mentioned : “Less than 100 hours after its creator’s passing, thousands thronged Disneyland’s 10th annual Christmas pageant, ‘Fantasy on Parade.’ As if they had just leaped off the master animator’s drawing board, more than 400 costumed characters from the Disney cartoon world came to life and paraded down Main Street. They were all there - Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, the Three Little Pigs, Snow White and all the Seven Dwarfs - and in the wonder-world they created . . . There was no thought of death.” Most of this observation was correct, with the exception of the final portion of that statement, as attested to by many former Disneyland employees who worked that very somber day. Entertainment employee Don Payne (Character actor ; Golden Horseshoe Lead) worked recollects the second Fantasy On Parade (1966) vividly :
“I was there at a unique time. Frankly, I feel that it was the ‘Golden Age’ for Disneyland. It was December of 1966, around 9:30 a.m., my 18th birthday, and my very first performance. Walt and his family were supposed to be there and they had set seats up in Town Square. Then, they made announcements that we might close the park. But the show went on. I can recollect going to the spot where Walt and family was supposed to sit. I remember thinking, ‘That’s where he was supposed to be sitting’. The area was roped off, and the seats were empty.”
The second year run of “Fantasy on Parade” continued with encore performances of the one-hour parade running twice a day.
1967 : The “Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule” (prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968, listed the Divisions and Units of the 1967 edition of “Fantasy on Parade” :
Divison I
Unit 1 : Pageantry
Divison II
Unit 2 : Mary Poppins
Unit 3 : Pinocchio
Unit 4 : Peter Pan
Unit 5 : Pluto
Unit 6 : Fantasia
Unit 7 : Alice in Wonderland
Unit 8 : Winnie the Pooh
Division III
Unit 9 : Circus
Unit 10 : Goofy’s Car
Unit 11 : Harem
Unit 12 : Snow White
Unit 13 : Caterpillar
Unit 14 : Song of the South
Unit 15 : Cinderella
Unit 16 : Three Pigs and Wolf
Division IV
Unit 17 : Barn Yard
Unit 18 : Small World
Unit 19 : Jungle Book
Unit 20 : Santa Claus
More than a year in the making, a sneak preview of the new Fantasy on Parade was performed (at 3:00pm, Saturday, December 16th). This was followed by the Grand Premier of Fantasy on Parade (at 9:00pm, Saturday, December 16th). The parade opened to Hollywood celebrities and their families, before beginning its twice-daily appearance from December 17th-30th, 1967 (with the exception of the 24th & 25th, when the parade was performed at 3:00pm only). The final performance date and time of Fantasy on Parade was 3:00pm, Sunday, December 31st, 1967.
Fantasy on Parade premiered this year, during the busiest Christmas season in park history to date! This was a different type of parade from any preceding it, in the history of the Park. According to Disney News (Winter 1967/1968), “Instead of the usual band and float procession, Fantasy on Parade is a series of marching shows, each stopping periodically along the Main Street U.S.A. parade route to perform colorful dances and skits. Even the music is different as Mary Poppins Chimney Sweepers, a comic calliope and The Toy Soldiers Band replace the traditional uniformed bandsmen.”
Equipment was gathered (rented and purchased) including lighting equipment for entertainment areas, and heating units.
Many individuals were involved in production this year, including (but limited to) Hank Daines (Maintenance Coordinator), Bill Justice (Art Director), Ed Winger, John Kuri, John Martin, Eric Wesson and Leila Easton. A calliope was rented (from Hudkins Bros. in San Fernando). Of the 25 show units, three new performing units of “the wackiest, wildest, and warmest characters from the Land of Make-Believe” were added to Fantasy on Parade during 1967, based on Walt Disney’s Cinderella, Song of the South, and (for the first time ever) The Jungle Book. Yes, Baloo, King Louie, and Colonel Hathi made their Disneyland parade debut, along with a cigar-smoking eight-foot rooster, and what have been described as “mammoth Small World dolls”. The stars of Walt Disney’s Winnie the Pooh - Rabbit and Piglet, Kanga and Roo, Eeyore, Owl, and Pooh Bear - also appeared. Finally, Santa Claus was introduced by eight “Silly Reindeer”! [See “Disney News,” Winter 1967-68]
To accommodate visitors, the parade ran twice daily. Disneyland’s seasonal hours were also extended to accommodate the influx of parade-going guests, with a midnight closing daily (except for Christmas Eve - 6pm, and Christmas Day - 7pm). During this time the parade would run twice daily at 3:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., from December 18th thru January 1st (with just one show occurring daily at 3:00 p.m., on December 24, 25, and 31).
There were also more than 1,000 carolers who took part in the 13th Disneyland Candlelight Procession of massed choirs (held for one hour, beginning at 6:00pm, on Saturday and Sunday, December 16th & 17th), while supplementary entertainment was provided by the Magic Kingdom Carolers (also officially billed as “Disneyland Christmas Carolers” according to nomenclature lists). The Disneyland Christmas Carolers were under the direction of Dr. Charles C. Hirt and lead by Mr. Robert G. Hasty, and dressed in “the style of Charles Dickens” costumes. The Disneyland Christmas Carolers appeared at various times and locations during the day, from December 16th, 1967 thru January 1st, 1968. Of course they appeared within the Candlelight Procession, in the Christmas Parade, and even performed a special solo Christmas Carol Concert from the steps of the Main Street Train Station (which was broadcast throughout the Park). [“Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule,” prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968]
“More than 1,500 feet of garlands, 5,000 pine cones, sparkling ornaments, lights, bells and hundreds of other special decorations” enhanced the winter show, according to Disney News (published Winter 1967-1968). Th same publication continues : “A huge white fir Christmas tree which traditionally stands at the entrance to Main Street and Town Square” was “purchased in the Mt. Shasta region of Northern California and brought to Disneyland on a flatbed truck. After the long jaunt from up North, the tree is first sprayed with 75 gallons of green fire retardant paint for color and safety. Then 70 gallons of adhesive is applied so the tree can be flocked with tiny styrofoam beads. A large crane is used to lift the mend equipment for the spraying jobs, and again for the final phases of decoration, including the stringing of more than 2,000 colored lights and the same number of ornaments. The tree is then moved by crane down Main Street and placed on Town Square where many large decorated packages are placed underneath, adding to the Yuletide theme.”
Owing to this entertainment spectacle, a “record one-half million Guests visited Disneyland during the Christmas holidays, 61,088 in a single day”, according to “A Report To Disneyland Lessees, Summer ‘68”.
1968 : From a wealth of Disneyland Inter-Office Communications (dated April of 1968) it can be discerned that by the spring of 1968, many plans were in motion relating to 1968 Fantasy on Parade. Bob Jani (in group meetings) was exploring “the maximum number of new ideas for possible inclusion in this year’s parade,” from the “Parade Title Unit” to the “Major Parade Units” (each with their own “Open-Book Title Units”).
More than 80 new Disney characters and unique floats were added to Fantasy on Parade’s 25 show units during 1968! The parades were held twice daily for two weeks starting with the premier performance December 21st, at 9 p.m. According to “Two Wonderful Ways To Enjoy Disneyland” (published for December of 1968), the 1968 Fantasy on Parade - “a wonderful world of imagination” - featured “the wackiest, wildest, warmest cavalcade of Disneyland characters ever assembled.” Uncle Scrooge appeared atop a Money Bag Float, and Pluto appeared with an oversized dog house and a troupe of canine gymnasts. This year introduced the cast of the Hundred Acre Wood from “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day” and the “Woozil Band”, as well as the smiling animated tugboat “Little Toot”! There was a Coach to Pleasure Island, Donald Duck and His Nephews (aboard a motorcycle and sidecar), Cinderella in her shiny orange Royal Coach, and Mr. Toad (aboard his own motorcar). There was a carousel float in the Mary Poppins Unit, and giant tea pots in the Alice Unit. The Queen of Hearts had a royal band, and a Band of Knights appeared with the Sleeping Beauty Unit. Familiar characters like Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox (grasping Br’er Rabbit by his ears, searching for a place to toss him into the Briar Patch) marched along. Col. Hathi’s “Elephant Patrol” appeared alongside Walt Disney’s newest stars of The Jungle Book - King Louie, Baloo, and Mowgli.
The Candlelight Procession of 1968 was held (at 6 p.m.) twice - once on December 21st, and once on December 22nd.
1969 : Fantasy on Parade featured the “Biggest Bass Drum”, Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox (grasping Br’er Rabbit by his ears, searching for a place to toss him into the Briar Patch) returned, the silly reindeer, Toy Soldiers, Goofy, Cinderella aboard her pumpkin carriage, and Mickey in his sorcerer’s apprentice robe!
Bill Justice (Art Direction), Tom Linville, Don Hufstader, Sonny Anderson, Marvin Marker were all involved in this year’s production.
![“Holiday Time at Disneyland is Entertainment!!” (12/70-90M), published for December of 1970.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1666973521472-KEVB9Z3REDTA74X3CD2P/373EE623-6001-4154-8DCC-C0CE95CA6FE9.jpeg)
“Holiday Time at Disneyland is Entertainment!!” (12/70-90M), published for December of 1970.
1972 : The Candlelight Procession kicks off Fantasy on Parade (December 16, 1972 - January 1, 1973).
1973 : The Christmas Tree was lit at 4 p.m. (with an estimated attendance prediction of 17,000, in comparison with the 1972 attendance of 16,538).
1976 : Art Carney (as “Gramps”) introduces Christmas Fantasy in Disneyland in the ABC televised special “Christmas at Disneyland” (airing Wednesday, December 8, from 8-9p.m. on ABCTV), starring Sandy Duncan and Glen Campbell! The special would leave many remembering “the night it snowed at Disneyland…or did it?” (Okay, truth be told, the ice rink between the Market House and Town Square was in actuality a layer of plastic tiles sprayed with silicone and foam.)
Anyhow, from December 13 to December 31 (of 1976), the battalion of wooden soldiers marched with a special Christmas Unit of the Christmas Fantasy at Disneyland holiday parade.
1978 : The Very Merry Christmas Parade ran twice daily - once from “its a small world”, and once from Town Square.
1979 : (December 21 - 31) Though Fantasy on Parade did not run during 1979, it was replaced by “A Very Merry Christmas Parade”, which featured similar units (including a Babes in Toyland soldier unit).
1980 : (December 20, 1980 - January 4, 1981) After a three-year hiatus, a thirty-minute version of Fantasy on Parade performed during Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary - the Family Reunion! It ran twice daily, for sixteen days. Knights on horseback, a fanfare of trumpets and drums, white ponies, Court Dancers, a Crystal Coach, and a Royal Band were among the Opening Unit and 350 participants of the pageant (a record-breaking number of performers in a Disney parade up to this point)! Units reenacted scenes from popular Walt Disney Motion Picture classics (including Mary Poppins, Cinderella, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland), as they made their way from the Small World Gate, down Matterhorn Road and Main Street U.S.A., all the way to the Egg House Gate! Huge moving holiday scenes, (like the North Pole Post Office where the Seven Dwarfs help sort mail), were fabricated. The soldiers from Babes in Toyland also returned to join the march for this holiday spectacular, and puppets came to life in one of the scenes entitled Santa’s Toy Shop.
Many major changes occurred with how parades were run, since Disneyland's 25th Anniversary Family Reunion Parade of 1980. Computers commanded the operation, transmitting to 23 high-powered antennae buried beneath Main Street. All previous parades were narrated by “live commentators stationed at six points along the route… [and] lighting was also done manually in coordination with the narration. While the ‘human touch’ is nice, the drawbacks are obvious when a parade must be presented twice daily. Then the tape system was introduced, an improvement, but still subject to occasional lapses. This is the system that, until now, has guided our parades from Small World to Main Street and back again.
To encapsulate the present system : Each parade unit carries (and broadcasts at a standard level) its own musical theme. A common tase emanates from Audio Central (above Bank of America) and is transmitted to various speakers by way of the Matterhorn. The main problem with this system, aside from the heavy equipment required, is that there can be no smooth transition from unit to unit. As each unit enters a new zone, it must compete with the one preceding it. At times the result can be unnerving cacophony.
The microprocessor, which acts as the ‘brain,’ is a product of Berkey Colortran, a company specializing in dimmers for theatrical productions. A Ranko system from Sacramento is the actual switching mechanism which sends the proper sounds to the appropriate speakers. As the sound travels through the speakers, a Neve Control (courtesy of an English company) alters the level to ensure a blending effect in background music between units.
And where do those cleverly concealed antennae get into the act? Each antennae indicates a specific ‘zone.’ This signal is, in turn, sent to Audio Control which then sends a command to the transmitter on the Matterhorn. For example, Unit # 20 arrives at Zone 1. The antennae passes on this information to Audio Control, ‘Unit #20 at Zone 1.’ Audio Control commands the transmitter, ‘send music for Zone 1 of Unit 20.’ This music is received by the unit and played over its own speakers.
Also hidden along Main Street’s Parade route until commanded by the computer to make their appearance are the special lighting units. Pneumatic lifts carry these light trees into a working position at Parade Time.
With the installation of a new system, a few alterations had to be made on existing complimentary equipment. For instance, a new fiberglas enclosure for speakers was designed at WED and built here by our versatile Staff Shop. The actual parade units themselves also needed minor adjustments. Each unit will now carry a receiver for sound and a transmitter for location. Although it may sound more complicated, the net result is that the parade units will be carrying far less equipment than what the present system requires.
Work on the project began in early March, 1979 at Walt Disney World with engineers from both Parks collaborating on the effort. The schedule calls for complete implementation by March, 1980. Zoned lighting will be in effect for our ‘Very Merry Christmas Parade,’ but in a manual mode.
If the system does well during its ‘internship’ here at Disneyland, it’s slated to be incorporated into several facets of Walt Disney Productions - - Walt Disney World, Tokyo, even EPCOT! For a system that began as an ‘underground operation,’ a bright light os shining at the end of the tunnel.” [Disneyland Line, December 13, 1979]
Many individuals are responsible for this progress - Project Manager Jerry Hefferly, The Disneyland Engineering Department (comprised of Ernie Bucher, Ben Longo, Tom Zaczyk, and Rick Medrano), WED/WDW engineers (John Haupt, Mike Sommer), Chuck Graff and Bob Ridge (of Kirwood Electric), Maintenance Area Supervisor (Jerry White) and many others.
1981 : Trees dances down Main Street U.S.A., drum floats were re-purposed, and Dancing Snow People (Snowmen and Snowomen) were added to this version of the 16-day Yuletide show!
1982 : The Snowpeople returned to join a cast of 400 performers!
1983 : Your imagination will run wild right before your eyes with the Flights of Fantasy Parade! The Walt Disney Productions Quarterly Report (for nine months ended August 12, 1983) included the “all-new ‘Flights of Fantasy on Parade’ at Disneyland” on its cover.
1984 : More than 500 of your favorite Disney characters, colorful floats, dancers, marching bands starred in this 19th Fantasy on Parade, twice daily!
1986 : Fantasy on Parade’s final year!
1987 : (November 30th - December 6th) “The New Very Merry Christmas Parade” of 1987 featured Disney’s newest stars - The Gummi Bears! Parades occurred two times daily (December 17-23, 26-30 & January 1), and once a day (December 24, 25 & 31), from Town Square to its a small world and its a small world to Town Square! A Candy Shop float featured Donald Duck , Chip ‘n Dale, and the Gingerbread Men and Gingerbread Women.
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held (not once, but) multiple times from November 28th thru December 25th. There were also Christmas Fantasy Follies (at the Plaza Gardens) and “The Magic of Christmas” on theVideopolis Stage.
1988 : (November 24th - January 2nd) A Very Merry Christmas Parade featured units like The Queen of Hearts and her entourage of playing cards!
1996 : A Christmas Fantasy Monday thru Friday, 4 p.m.
2012 : A Christmas Fantasy Parade was held twice daily (at 3:00pm and 5:30pm).
It appears that this is the point where we “Step-Down” (that is, the point in the backstage area where our parade of Vintage Views ends).
![Cinderella Costume Design and Color Board by Jack Muhs](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1623611811419-RH02KK2ZG77W54Q0BTJX/185E63A6-80BA-48D5-BCC8-DB13B51471B5.jpeg)
Cinderella Costume Design and Color Board by Jack Muhs
![Entertainment Participant Gate Clearance Pass, (1968)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1621642544057-FP8Y6EHHCN8EGK5B5BUA/CE1CD5BC-A95A-484E-A719-1684FA4C7084.jpeg)
Entertainment Participant Gate Clearance Pass, (1968)
![(December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590964494930-UV6OO4GITJC7K6V808I6/E6B31947-D4BE-439E-8364-2A36DF93B7F6.jpeg)
(December, 1965)
![(December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591036950522-8HQJX6SUBOV81BSSSTBG/489892A4-8BFB-4C84-BA32-0A5541878789.jpeg)
(December, 1965)
Various school marching bands (from Maryknoll All Girl, Anaheim High, Azuza High, Antelope Valley, Burbank, Bakersfield, Bolsa Grande, Huntington Beach, and others) filled out the gaps of the parade units and provided lively musical themes. Here, the talented students of the Mayfair High School (of Lakewood, California) have the pleasure of leading the festivities today in Walt Disney’s “magic kingdom” during December of 1965! When the cheer leaders and marching band members are all done performing, they’ll enjoy the rest of their day enjoying the festive atmosphere on Main Street U.S.A., in Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland.
![(December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591036933097-UUDTYHCITS65APW0C5SQ/1CAF2F3F-8B02-4B10-9400-A3CA21932A17.jpeg)
(December, 1965)
![(December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590986516780-OCZ8EZ6FHVWBY18DWBDQ/554367C5-3438-4013-BDF7-B8586E6F3605.jpeg)
(December, 1965)
Mayfair High School is followed by another marching band (perhaps members of the Juniors Reserves Officers Training Corps.), seen bearing the flag of the United States of America in this seasonal procession.
![Goofy's "Dizzly Lizzy" (also referred to as "Goofy's Gondola"), (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591816282524-HALULB9FZOUVCKEMI9HW/08BF3A34-6BAD-470E-B996-F6B63B3413AF.jpeg)
Goofy's "Dizzly Lizzy" (also referred to as "Goofy's Gondola"), (December, 1965)
Have you ever seen anything like the “Goofy’s Gondola”? You may recollect Goofy driving the old jalopy that periodically broke down along the 1964 parade route. Now, Goofy drives another new car - the “Dizzy Lizzy”. The show car was in reality a 1908 Ford Model T that was owned by Ollie W. Hutton (a retired Motor Cop, and friend of Walt Disney). Ollie’s “Dizzie Lizzie” seen in the Santa Ana Christmas Parade of 1964. The vehicle was altered with the help of Bob Gurr, to be perform in the seasonal parades and daily parades down Main Street at Disneyland during the 1960s.
How did it perform all those fancy moves? According to its current caretakers : “The wheelbase was offset so the weight distribution would easily allow the front-end of the car to lift into the air. The weight was controlled by passengers and sand bags. There were two levers that would control the rear brakes individually to allow the car to make turns while doing a wheelie. Its only fitting that Goofy was the only one to drive the car [during parades].”
Because Ollie was the only one that knew how to operate the vehicle, a special c. 1920s-era costume was designed for the Goofy costume - the same one that Mr. Cook would wear. Ollie would wear these while driving his automobile (renamed “Goofy’s Gondola”) and performing at Disneyland! By December 17, 1964, Mr.Hutton was granted West Street Security Gate & Harbor Gate clearance from Saturday, December 19th through Thursday, December 31st, 1964. Ollie and his car would perform “in the big Christmas Parade Sunday, December 20th and in all of the Daily Toy Parades.”
Goofy’s Gondola performed in Disneyland’s big Christmas Parade (held on Sunday, December 20th, 1964), and was so popular that it was brought back for a 1965 season (pictured above).
Soon, Goody drove a wreck that shot fire and sprayed water.
![Goofy's Gondola, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591895246110-3FV66WW35K066YJVND5T/0FD323BD-581B-49C8-8583-6D2ACAE1EF4A.jpeg)
Goofy's Gondola, (December, 1965)
![Maude “ the Comedy Mule ” usually wore ice skates (and before this point, had two sides to her character John Dauphinias & John Colter). The duo was also known for their Ice Capade portrayals of Fifi the poodle and Scottie the terrier. Ma](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1589573288133-P33SGKEYP16U1EFWLUO4/A9AD0CD3-7580-4003-BF85-84575884BC34.jpeg)
Maude “the Comedy Mule” usually wore ice skates (and before this point, had two sides to her character John Dauphinias & John Colter). The duo was also known for their Ice Capade portrayals of Fifi the poodle and Scottie the terrier. Maude was one of 20 acts featured in the 1957 Ice Capades.
![Maude “the Comedy Mule,” (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590731020132-OOU1RD691GR07M8X8ESJ/40C35C0B-B8F1-442E-823A-8493DC6954E6.jpeg)
Maude “the Comedy Mule,” (December, 1965)
Now, the popular Maude “the Comedy Mule” comic strip character comes to life once more, to greet Disneyland’s guests in the 1964 Parade of the Toys! This is perhaps the only time in the Park’s history, that it was permissible for a Disneyland Cast Member to engage in “horseplay”.
![(December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590970220897-ELA36PHZYM6STP51R9FX/E4F04040-7AAC-47E7-B6AA-D8E180CD70D3.jpeg)
(December, 1965)
![(December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591811500999-8DITLCQSZZJCR2L940GH/4734AC71-8D41-4B4A-8069-99BD5697C048.jpeg)
(December, 1965)
![08AB9287-5F8F-40CA-B1E8-80279F655B64.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1589560006820-QQDGHHH8MAAAO4IN1YXY/08AB9287-5F8F-40CA-B1E8-80279F655B64.jpeg)
![1DCF4569-D772-40F5-9715-4D7F9A4274A5.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592938134676-9SJ7MRPEZ3U54OFEEDW8/1DCF4569-D772-40F5-9715-4D7F9A4274A5.jpeg)
![TOY SOLDIERS](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1581820058388-Y1MLJZQC5Q6H71DIWOHM/41FAFC87-86E1-418B-A654-9F1A6F99E7D2.jpeg)
TOY SOLDIERS
Some of Disneyland’s later toy soldier heads were built and maintained by Bobby Babcock and his crew at RWB Props! Disneyland’s Toy Soldier costume design (based on the characters featured in Walt Disney’s Babes in Toyland feature film) was popular, and versions of this costume would go on to appear in many other seasonal parades outside Disneyland, like the Hollywood Christmas Parade.
![Ludwig Von Drake continues to prove that "music is for everybody" aboard the Biggest Bass Drum, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590988382056-H237PMUN75W3E54ZRM2W/15085291-9AF9-4259-BD21-C480BCB56458.jpeg)
Ludwig Von Drake continues to prove that "music is for everybody" aboard the Biggest Bass Drum, (December, 1965)
![Mickey Mouse & the approximate 11-foot-diameter Biggest Bass Drum, December, 1965.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590967523111-DKLSPEX7227CS87JX2Z0/83151BE8-5819-48F3-8F56-3261798A54C4.jpeg)
Mickey Mouse & the approximate 11-foot-diameter Biggest Bass Drum, December, 1965.
“Biggest Bass Drum”
It is believed that the Biggest Bass Drum was designed by Dean Tavoularis (Choinard artist, first hired as an in-betweener for feature film, before moving to live-action, and prop designs for “Disneyland, U.S.A.” the 1960’s Radio City Music Hall production). It is also believed that Carroll Clark (who served as Art Director for “Disneyland U.S.A.” the very same Radio City Music Hall production) also contributed to designs. Previously, both Dean and Carrol were nominated for Oscars for their Art Direction of the Absent Minded Professor and Mary Poppins. Now, the duo would be responsible for one of the most memorable units in Disneyland parade history!
The Big Bass Drum was definitely co-created by renown percussionist Remo Belli (founder of Remo) and debuted during the annual Disneyland Christmas Parade of 1961. “There appeared for the first time a bass drum measuring 10’ - 7" in diameter, and perched on top was Paul Castle in the character of Mickey Mouse. That parade launched a new beginning for Paul. He became a roving ambassador, not only for Disneyland, but for all of Walt Disney Productions.”
The drum also appeared in the half-hour Tencennial parade of 1965. In a rare instance, the details of the drum were divulged in a contemporary article published in the Herald Examiner of Los Angeles, California, on Thursday, February 11, 1965.
Whether pulled by Owen Pope’s miniature ponies or some popular Disney Characters (like Pluto and Goofy), the Park’s ten-foot, six-inch Biggest Bass Drum (featuring one of the world’s largest Weather King brand drum heads), would become the highlight of Fantasy on Parade! Though Purdue University, the University of Texas, and the University of Arkansas tried to hold the title of “biggest bass drum”, Disneyland’s was still “the tallest of them all” by 1967, according to Disney News, Winter 1967-1968.
![Mickey Mouse & the Biggest Bass Drum, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591125667462-JYOQC2Y4IJ4U50RNVFKL/3D038D79-A07B-4039-976C-1966A3B26ACA.jpeg)
Mickey Mouse & the Biggest Bass Drum, (December, 1965)
Mickey (in full Disneyland Band regalia) stands atop the “Biggest Bass Drum in the World”!
![Jacques Mouse, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591125511980-ME8EQ24JJL0W36BIJYQ8/BD2B28EA-3950-4F82-862F-132A3886FACE.jpeg)
Jacques Mouse, (December, 1965)
![Thumper and Flower, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591074220985-LHVTRBAHORXNPUPIAWOU/39E6FDB8-5D4D-4F73-996D-76686E61C017.jpeg)
Thumper and Flower, (December, 1965)
![Peter Pan & Captain Hook, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592789785239-OP32X4V6V00W6MFTTMMA/6D9DBDF0-5D65-4DBB-A4CD-AB4CCD423C6C.jpeg)
Peter Pan & Captain Hook, (December, 1965)
![(December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590970476446-CAFG02PFGPOQGNG3RYOZ/EC83898D-2DDD-4EE4-B6A9-99391C4BFB07.jpeg)
(December, 1965)
![Chip 'n' Dale, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590980760543-KAXLK91YKG662AEGAVQP/9941666F-4EA8-4049-AA52-9F99CC8685DF.jpeg)
Chip 'n' Dale, (December, 1965)
Chip ‘n Dale (the indistinguishable versions seen from 1960 - 1968), pull a toy canon and wooden toy soldiers on horseback in “Parade of the Toys”!
![Chip 'n' Dale, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1583294559363-EEU3FTNYYGLXMMQXP6FC/B6C56450-8B84-4918-8492-0F40EF9890CE.jpeg)
Chip 'n' Dale, (December, 1965)
![John Harris' Oz Toy Soldiers, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590683480442-FSG7CFZE34FFQX3USMDN/8B8FB6ED-4C97-4E33-9C07-6A6A18493EED.jpeg)
John Harris' Oz Toy Soldiers, (December, 1965)
You may have first seen these little soldiers in the Ice Capades’ production of The Wizard of Oz presented by John Harris (and not Walt Disney). To clarify, these were not licensed Walt Disney characters, but rather original versions of the popular characters made just for the Ice Capades of 1961.
![Gideon, Honest John and Pinocchio, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591036941070-1NOGLP1W8ELLFQ07WNG9/C4F3697E-4414-4371-B7E4-891CDF6CC00D.jpeg)
Gideon, Honest John and Pinocchio, (December, 1965)
The next unit features the cast of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio (Honest John, Gideon, and of course, Pinocchio)!
![Toys in Parade Formation Area, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591810822942-SQQYQ1GW19Y01DD2770T/318F705B-D833-4714-AC30-675DAA22A6A9.jpeg)
Toys in Parade Formation Area, (December, 1965)
These toys (with turning keys, and moving parts) were getting ready for their big debut in the Backstage Disneyland Area, c. 1961. Many of the large floats had fun animated features, like the flag reading “bang”, which would jettison from the canon before retracting.
After moving on from the Staging Area (behind the Jungle Rivers of the World), the toys assembled in the Parade Formation Area (not far from the Frontierland Station). All of these performers, floats and units would emerge from a certain part of the Backstage Disneyland Area (the future site of the Haunted Mansion attraction). Once On Stage via the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad Tunnel (of a greater height clearance than the Indian Village pedestrian tunnel) which bordered the Indian Village, the parade units would start to proceed down the Parade Route.
Guests sitting on the highest section of the bleachers catch a glimpse of the Parade Formation Area (as seen in the previous Vintage View).
![Toys, (December, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591080096864-G0CO9J3K2KRS2OJR9LGV/9ACC633B-7B6A-4758-B0F5-191150658BEF.jpeg)
Toys, (December, 1965)
Prior to this, they had appeared in the “Disneyland ‘59” pageant and parade.
![Toys, (1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609043861448-B1H1J0OBVC709BZTEZJS/3789BA78-C17A-432D-8A09-248D16530C41.jpeg)
Toys, (1961)
These animated knights and toy steeds were around in 1961.
![Toys, (c. 1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590362735369-XML6UJSYSLMZOHO9YGBY/74831B0F-3F68-4E9C-B471-95B59C5CF4A6.jpeg)
Toys, (c. 1960)
Sitting in his wagon is the giant toy clown, gaily bobbing his head from side to side and waving to the crowds.
![Gypsy Wagon and Pinocchio Unit in Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1630959764641-1NNYIFFPENG5E5VOKN7Q/9CF20C1A-5084-4A4F-82C2-C226292CE103.jpeg)
Gypsy Wagon and Pinocchio Unit in Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)
“The Legend of a Gypsy Wagon”
![Dancing Bear and Pinocchio Unit in Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1630959548040-YN82H29QBHK1TZBY3V00/92D4E096-7E07-4BE8-8A11-3404886F8554.jpeg)
Dancing Bear and Pinocchio Unit in Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)
![Arabian Knights "Harem" Unit, "Sultan" and "Harem Girls", two oriental pipe players, a kettle drum on wheels, and (an out-of-sight) knobby-kneed camel, c.1966.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609044319900-8UALNMT4SR14SX74EXUF/299988F3-D470-4C12-8A6D-3148DB895613.jpeg)
Arabian Knights "Harem" Unit, "Sultan" and "Harem Girls", two oriental pipe players, a kettle drum on wheels, and (an out-of-sight) knobby-kneed camel, c.1966.
Walt once said (on “The Disneyland Story”), “We hope that it [Disneyland, the place] will be unlike anything else on Earth…a city from the Arabian Knights”.
![Honey Tree and Thousand Acre Unit of Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1630960232610-0S3LMUWM0FDCGWX72LY2/F4E36809-C0AE-430F-BCE2-336B990BF8C2.jpeg)
Honey Tree and Thousand Acre Unit of Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)
![Small World Unit Living Dolls in Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1630960446218-W0V73AH57ISR3LXAJQBT/7AFC3C82-4635-4730-8E2F-48E932D9C77E.jpeg)
Small World Unit Living Dolls in Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)
![The "Pluto" Unit of Fantasy on Parade](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1596831773727-X5QQ0ZZR4MRWZAN72CXO/0719692A-AE07-4E37-B14F-EA7C22A883F0.jpeg)
The "Pluto" Unit of Fantasy on Parade
The talented pups of Pluto’s Dog House Unit (including a dog walking another dog whom we like to call “Pablo the Dancing Chihuahua”) are a tough act to follow, even for Mickey’s pup, Pluto!
![Alice in Wonderland Unit in Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1630960613819-DQJIAXGMXTQE0HFUVLGL/2D31DE58-614C-45A8-B705-D7A6CFE295B5.jpeg)
Alice in Wonderland Unit in Fantasy on Parade, (December of 1965)
![The Biggest Bass Drum pulled by a Six-Horse Hitch, (1966)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318069762-MBWUKMCLZA1ZACMGA6WG/BF3B3156-73E3-4ADA-B045-06FFB8B69B2E.jpeg)
The Biggest Bass Drum pulled by a Six-Horse Hitch, (1966)
![The Biggest Bass Drum, 1966.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318121213-FVJF30FJANH1QYYDF2AO/5476231A-2280-416C-9F2F-AB2E6267CDE1.jpeg)
The Biggest Bass Drum, 1966.
“Ha-Rum-Pah-Pah!” Mickey Mouse rides and plays (what has been called) “the Biggest Bass Drum In The World”.
!["Fantasy on Parade" Balloon Blocks, (1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610336898871-5E3NC1FETTKBB4XGD278/1F2FAA04-1E3F-4E3F-A867-44725BF36D2B.jpeg)
"Fantasy on Parade" Balloon Blocks, (1965)
The Fantasy on Parade Blocks were fabricated by Bud Washo. At the right moment, the cue was given and balloons were released.
![553F6C2B-E622-4A4F-8980-BE3B154174D6.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1622521398766-WV1UHG7M79M43AMJH03N/553F6C2B-E622-4A4F-8980-BE3B154174D6.jpeg)
![1966](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318122441-P65Z8YX6WPYBK9ZMGDTO/321A84CC-956E-4609-B07B-407FBE0934CA.jpeg)
1966
The “Royal Drumline” follows the leader of the band.
![1966](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318157339-6Q5JIYJ5GO5RRSDCY1WH/9DB5CD6B-FBA1-43B4-8CDC-96FAF4AA8A70.jpeg)
1966
![1966](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318157563-K5RVURWEA30XXMYZ0VAV/B464D0E4-177A-4191-BB31-61733960744D.jpeg)
1966
The head of the 28-foot “fire-breathing” Reluctant Dragon.
![1966](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318162165-85J1C6QLI6WUXL8JJIDE/CE1021AF-5EC7-4FFE-AF54-268F29095571.jpeg)
1966
![1966](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318159596-6604T90SQ9J27TB5D6KM/F48F2F4E-64C2-45A0-8C3B-AF4B3FDC3BB8.jpeg)
1966
It looks like we’ve caught the “tail-end” of Pluto’s Dog Show unit. You may recall this memorable Fantasy on Parade tradition had true-life dog performers in it - including a dog walking another dog!
![“STEVE LIVES A ‘FANTASY ON PARADE’”, 1966](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1586707363457-Z86S1TLL6MOX5AOLAKBJ/4E739215-5DFA-446E-A073-FD6E64A2DB35.jpeg)
“STEVE LIVES A ‘FANTASY ON PARADE’”, 1966
“For a little over a month I was a comedic/acrobatic matador in the Ferdinand the Bull unit Disneyland Christmas parade 1966. I'm the Matador on the left. I was 18. My teammate and fellow Matador [was] Mark Fessler on the right. We were members of the Anaheim High School gymnastics team...designated as Parade Aides.”
HOW DID STEVE LIVE A FANTASY (performing in a Disneyland Parade)? Steve explains :
“My brother Stan would become a permanent part-time [sweeper] for five years, earning his way through college from 1960 to 1965. [As for] myself, I became a sweeper in 1967, and my area was the new Tomorrowland Moon ride on swing shift. I did that, part time seasonal through 1968. I'd entered College in ‘66, and my brother Stan (about a month before Christmas), called me on the phone and said I should go down and talk to Chuck Boyjian (Supervisor of Janitorial). ‘He'll get you a job sweeping’. So I called personnel...went down there...filled out an application and had to see Chuck.
He told me that he had great respect for my brother, that he was one of the hardest workers, and since I was his brother he'd like to put me on...I could start during Christmas Vacation. That's when I told him that I was already going to be working the Christmas parade as a matador in the Bull Unit. And that's when he nearly exploded asking me, ‘You're not going to be spilling popcorn all around like Wally Boag in last year's parade are you?!’ And I kind of laughed and said, ‘No, that's not part of our routine.’ Apparently Wally played a matador in the previous parade (spilling popcorn as part of his act), but unfortunately Chuck's sweepers would have to...sweep it all up. The poor janitorial crew had enough just cleaning up after the guests, so Chuck was not too happy about Wally's adding to it.
However to me personally, it was kind of a boost to my ego to know that I was following in the footsteps of the ‘Clown Prince of Disneyland’, Wally Boag!”
![1966](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318160028-CQR8QXJRR5DWZ4YJM2IL/00EF576C-5EB3-4F33-8EA3-0587BADE0BC2.jpeg)
1966
![Caterpillar, (1966)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318161400-NQNIZNZKTIHYU7N47GO0/5C7170FF-5409-4F21-A2E0-ABBA6E3EE9F0.jpeg)
Caterpillar, (1966)
A close-up of the world’s longest (46-foot) multi-colored caterpillar, leading a butterfly ballet, to a lady bug saxophone quartet!
![(c. 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1589040158469-L9VTRE1FUEHYXHP7W7U9/D6B133C6-B457-4D65-A01B-E05E11084717.jpeg)
(c. 1967)
![(1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1588872038115-DH9YBAP8S6XPXYX8KMQG/A86D6447-6CBE-48F2-AB58-6EFFF20033E1.jpeg)
(1967)
![Many years later, the following letter was sent to the editors of Disneyland Line (January 31, 1980) : “Dear Disneyland, Happy Anniversary! My husband and I met during your 1969-1970 Christmas Parade. (I was Maid Marion and he was in the d](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100338736-2EE9M6YXF26RF18M1ZJO/CEFE26A7-AE24-47BB-AF95-6CF7EFF9170C.jpeg)
Many years later, the following letter was sent to the editors of Disneyland Line (January 31, 1980) :
“Dear Disneyland,
Happy Anniversary! My husband and I met during your 1969-1970 Christmas Parade. (I was Maid Marion and he was in the dragon) and we will be celebrating our seventh anniversary this February. We have two beautiful little girls and owe it all to ‘the Magic Kingdom.’ Thank you.”
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590346587980-IB44JMSJ3IDRNBFWEQK7/B1F4AAEC-EC40-4F84-80F6-1728A23AA422.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590346451701-9HG7SBDWIM66538H5TEX/94AF484A-0CC9-4696-A157-1DE5FA742FCA.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
Pluto’s Dog Show unit.
![Fantasy on Parade Ostriches, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590279741638-SJVHQZNJA1S77KMKHOFM/ED1F2723-495F-446B-85FB-48F63114E9D5.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade Ostriches, (Winter, 1967)
The Fantasia Unit was comprised of “Chinese Mushrooms”, colorful ballerina ostriches and ballerina hippos, and a mobile statue of Bacchus, which had appeared only a few years prior, in the Ice Capades production of Walt Disney’s Fantasia!
![Fantasy on Parade Casey Junior Followed by "Little Squirts", (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590348425774-GVEMEY63N5BYHTQHGQ0E/15B38F47-4470-44B9-BC3C-3E52CD9454B0.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade Casey Junior Followed by "Little Squirts", (Winter, 1967)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590287538852-HDIQXYBT89IYNYFIS7EP/03480E29-521F-4A1A-BF36-57E88FC42F44.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
Bands played far enough at intervals between units, to help them keep step.
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590284965500-T1SUBPNPP15EHHGLU38Q/D26E001C-CA2D-4949-9DDB-133C83EE1B38.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
The Seven Dwarfs march to the tune of “Heigh Ho” as they make their way along the river front.
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590347928701-YCVMQMNHWQ8N3L1JY871/751746DC-ADB0-478A-A21A-828F10DBC927.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590291690118-6J3ZXPWTUIT4QRUPTR0G/D9D5FD58-91DB-40E2-AE60-E3034502D397.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
The Fantasyland Unit featured valiant knights riding steeds.
![Caterpillar and Butterflies Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590287347761-0X7JIVLX0EPOFZ15VXJG/1420DEC7-C83B-483B-8BDC-AC150B8080CA.jpeg)
Caterpillar and Butterflies Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
The world’s longest Caterpillar periodically stops along the route as beautiful Butterflies emerge, and dance to a ladybug saxophone quartet!
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590287434681-PJQABENOKE0L971FK3SK/31D8D536-1503-40FE-9AC5-C9F2B3FB6B22.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
Goofy’s Jalopy (also known as “Cook’s Comedy Car”) would experience technical difficulties along the route. The act was so popular, that his son Jack would build a duplicate automobile, and continue the act and his father’s legacy (for more than four decades).
![F0E6CFF7-03EA-43E2-B350-1A50C1228358.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100253387-BYH64MDYTI731SP9CZYD/F0E6CFF7-03EA-43E2-B350-1A50C1228358.jpeg)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590347722213-W6VXCUW80JEEISRBM0ZM/A3609C8E-8004-4CAE-B7C9-E74DA0EF3DE9.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590292211456-2U5UWL3LF4H1HQH5PPIG/FF408FC6-4671-4190-90A7-60995CADD085.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
The stars of Pinocchio greet guests!
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590346806641-HGZ3WM9VOSFUFT6JOWEA/EEA70500-2BB6-4A33-9F8A-44C2046C3819.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590347537462-IVP3Z3TO6EC6W0RIRH4T/60745B63-3025-4C1F-A137-F250056C40D7.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590292463368-9P279DTQ4GG2XQQUXU7W/1D8AFC97-5B92-4FA8-9686-2BC0D4BD5A75.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
The Adventureland Unit featured live animals, including an adorable baby elephant.
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590347805069-813843OTXFFOP4CTOTB3/D4E4ED07-056B-44DA-94C9-D70ACE6D778D.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
![38D3DC61-022A-426D-AFA8-58A8D084C044.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100165853-CMGWV49UN19SK48GI05Z/38D3DC61-022A-426D-AFA8-58A8D084C044.jpeg)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590295339062-5H4DR8V0PDOUY9RH4CWG/CDCF3A75-20D2-4B26-AEE4-6CB5150700C1.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
“And here comes Captain Hook’s Pirate Ship!” Captain Hook gives the commands, “Fire Mr. Smee!” and “Shoot them down, Mr. Smee!” To which Mr. Smee responds, “Aye, aye, Captain!”
Atop the king-size” bed are Peter Pan, Michael, John, and Wendy.
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590265858070-J6OEQQE98YSRKJVI8WIK/870A0064-A3AF-4F50-AA86-4602E4BBF5E1.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
The Wonderland Unit features those popular characters from Walt Disney’s 13th feature-length animated film, released back in 1951. These characters were recently seen at the New York World’s Fair of 1964-1965, where they welcomed and greeted new friends from all over the world, at the UNICEF Pavilion.
![Alice, Mad Hatter and White Rabbit are followed by cards - a sixteen member all-girl drill team!](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611099944694-OXS7WI5YPQXCP8S1SOM5/E830D34F-A3AB-48BF-9305-DE0C2B8BC352.jpeg)
Alice, Mad Hatter and White Rabbit are followed by cards - a sixteen member all-girl drill team!
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590266147025-NCVJCNQFNQA02DKEMQRA/854D8AAD-03F9-4D4A-926F-1CADC78DBB08.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
Most days, Alice and the Mad Hatter can be found chasing the White Rabbit through Fantasyland. Now, in Fantasy on Parade, a brigade of cards files down Frontierland’s main thoroughfare, part of the Wonderland Unit.
![Fantasy on Parade](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1598708474036-YAVN35EHNZQBNZ5FZHOW/C360FF4B-95F7-4264-81A5-139E6C1F6BC6.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade
The Alice in Wonderland Unit begins with the march of the cards!
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590281350854-LMU1GFC34QM1JTBYMDP6/5B9422DF-36A0-475F-9488-78F5A4670651.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
A procession of the “children of the world” begins, aptly titled the Small World Unit, with a small world of lands and cultures represented - from Asia to America!
![“Christmas of Many Lands” (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1588308138212-9SZP1MSJA9UKIGGVU4L4/ED480B87-3174-4D2C-B0C2-D30C7461AC43.jpeg)
“Christmas of Many Lands” (Winter, 1967)
One of the Thai “children of the world” makes her way down Main Street U.S.A.
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590279536445-DE8CSTMBVZGEEF97BQX2/BAFB7399-F855-4573-8154-CAAEE140AD73.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
Babes in Toyland Unit
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590347183193-01X7JVA07XOD4A96WB3L/3FA836CF-DB72-4275-B2C5-F5AC302B2A7C.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
![Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590347615184-MCHRGNN662S5E4BKN698/C8599A0A-F6E5-485E-BA19-66A7F41FE7B3.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, (Winter, 1967)
Since the mid-1950s, Walt Disney Studios had worked with charitable organizations, like the “March of Dimes”, producing animated commercial campaigns in support of polio research. Following the Santa Claus Unit was the Casey Junior Unit (symbol of “Toys for Tots”).
![Mr. Toad commandeered the automobile in the 1969 Fantasy on Parade , after Donald Duck and his nephews previously drove the vehicle (e.g. 1964).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1607469029095-PUZ4M67WORN82962JPBN/87B18684-3186-405A-8186-3238B6B6BC51.jpeg)
Mr. Toad commandeered the automobile in the 1969 Fantasy on Parade, after Donald Duck and his nephews previously drove the vehicle (e.g. 1964).
![During the 1970s, dress rehearsals were generally held in the morning, a day before the big Sneak Preview Opening of Fantasy on Parade . By the 1970s, Fantasy on Parade was still being held for just two weeks during the holiday season. For instan](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318186937-80XWXTBPWKE9KIEYE9P2/59EB9624-7F91-4BBC-B52D-041BFE50BFFD.jpeg)
During the 1970s, dress rehearsals were generally held in the morning, a day before the big Sneak Preview Opening of Fantasy on Parade. By the 1970s, Fantasy on Parade was still being held for just two weeks during the holiday season. For instance, Disneyland’s 1971 edition of Fantasy on Parade was held daily between December 18, 1971 to January 2, 1972. These parades were generally held twice daily (once at 2 pm and a second parade at 9 pm). The only exceptions were December 24th, 25th. 31st, and January 2nd, where holidays mandated a sole 2 pm performance (but no 9 pm parade).
Fantasy on Parade was so popular, that it inspired souvenirs like the hardcover “Fantasy on Parade” - a Golden Press collection of stories featuring characters like Lambert the Sheepish Lion, the Reluctant Dragon, Little Hiawatha, and even Walt Disney’s Zorro!
![The King, Sleeping Beauty Unit, (December, 1972)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1587784868688-3MUX8RERQOCTO62DV4T6/52D8B26C-595A-43ED-96D1-9DD9F4394EB3.jpeg)
The King, Sleeping Beauty Unit, (December, 1972)
Don remembers, “We had to sleep the entire parade. One of the hardest gigs we ever had at Disneyland.”
![1972](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318180457-PQZ4HCPRSSQK9U7JDNI5/D2A35864-7825-4E77-95F7-D550DED4524E.jpeg)
1972
“To be ‘with it’ is a show term. It means getting in the mood of the show. This is no place for a Grouchy Gus... a Sad Sam or a Harried Harriet in our cast. Disneyland is a fun show… not a sad story.” Unless your name is Maleficent. Maleficent the Queen was part of the Sleeping Beauty Unit (Division I of Disneyland’s Fantasy on Parade line up during 1971).
![1972](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318180736-4FXU89OTKQCA3NAVREF9/C622DE6A-0613-42A3-9FB7-ED4B75E9E5FC.jpeg)
1972
Scrooge Mc Duck was also part of Disneyland’s Fantasy on Parade Division I during the 1970s. Before the Money Truck, Scrooge drove the Money Motorcycle!
![The animated "A Barnyard Bash" Unit, (1972)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318184913-P37NPZ218XSLNUOSY4GZ/335E38F8-5FD2-494F-B9F9-65E83BCA8FD4.jpeg)
The animated "A Barnyard Bash" Unit, (1972)
In 1965, the “Fat Lady” costume, “Scarecrow Band” costumes, and hat for the “Sway-Back Horse” were originally provided by Easton, while the “Two Hens and Rooster” costumes were originally provided by B. Wolf. Bud Washo manufactured the “Scarecrow Band” heads. The “Farm Cart” was originally provided by Gene Holter.
![The Barnyard Unit, 1966](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1586404415576-S86S40NNOHW26ST0W392/09582899-40F7-4262-B64D-474A8F1E3080.jpeg)
The Barnyard Unit, 1966
Don Payne recalls : “I was cast as Clara Cluck in Fantasy on Parade. We had a choreographed routine sitting on the wagon. A woman was cast as the Farmer’s Daughter. There were girls in orange tights wearing fiberglass eggs, and there were roosters too. A band followed us and we would stop and do a routine, then move down the route. Back then it was more about interacting with guests. We would shakes hands with people, take pictures and pose with guests.
One time, Walt White smuggled eggs inside his costume. ‘Henrietta’ would stop, squat, and then she would ‘lay’ an egg on Main Street. The Rooster would stop, look at the egg, and then step on it! It was not part of the choreography, and wasn’t safe. But people laughed, and it got good results!”
![1972](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318184530-Y6AVKG9NNFZIBA9CBJC8/55693C25-4257-4B08-BC81-E7E07674D369.jpeg)
1972
![1972](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318188427-48CRT4NBHWOZYQ832M62/7A127AC1-EACB-4959-B5AE-5FD2F9A9840E.jpeg)
1972
Small “in scale” characters were often a part of holiday parades - Donald’s nephews briefly played the part of “back seat driver”, Br’er Fox clutched the likes of a much smaller Br’er Rabbit in search of a briar patch to toss him into, and Eeyore tows Piglet in a wagon (pictured).
![(c. January, 1972)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590386877155-86UNLK9UOP58MVKP37CN/A9499E8B-6E37-45B1-AD01-3CB969D36032.jpeg)
(c. January, 1972)
![1972](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318211174-XFEULZC7EEH9PGJ1A77A/35253777-ACAE-4884-8350-1F46E52B927E.jpeg)
1972
![1972](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318211637-47X5BT1R5MOQZDY5ZS02/0881AE6A-EE87-4546-9FC1-AB36EBBEF634.jpeg)
1972
![C6EC21E6-F35C-4F88-9A7A-BE4A4676FD75.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1580188001231-3BZGGX2EE2E7GCY3MD5J/C6EC21E6-F35C-4F88-9A7A-BE4A4676FD75.jpeg)
![AD2C1E3D-66E6-4E37-9957-E63C423F843B.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1580187999607-3P1ITMDAF6KWLC950UJY/AD2C1E3D-66E6-4E37-9957-E63C423F843B.jpeg)
![1973.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1583294569443-8VVC7R2G18SBSNDO8FKH/6E02DCAC-4400-492A-BC34-94BB3BF0AF88.jpeg)
1973.
Mickey dons his sorcerer’s apprentice outfit he first wore in Fantasia (released November 13, 1940) as he leads a group of broomsticks down the Fantasy on Parade route (December 21 thru January 1)! It’s all part of the “50 Happy Years of Family Entertainment” celebration at Disneyland!
![Fantasy on Parade](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609629897256-IECE00Y57MJ9YFLUCDBF/FE8D2449-947D-4CB5-9419-1E92522DE64C.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade
![(c. November, 1973)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590122659464-QP9F7JOGR5VOHAIX6WIG/77368CE2-2B82-43ED-9593-153E9AF39FB8.jpeg)
(c. November, 1973)
![(1973)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1607306975555-7LUZQO34C2IZXES7O5YD/C8AC7253-73D0-4F37-B1F8-4496DD73970B.jpeg)
(1973)
![December 31, 1980](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1587536373904-V0IYLCVSTLZ5MUGO43J9/FC4DBA58-A4C4-435C-BFC0-695D8EE3FF41.jpeg)
December 31, 1980
![1973](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1607317880927-5U1KWSZLV5VXH0LZ3SQL/60129219-CB42-487E-AB7A-8D863CFEAEED.jpeg)
1973
![(1974)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604874646765-N6F9Q77IY3QRXVK59VFV/647ABFF3-7CD7-4982-A3E1-B15E8E0FB358.jpeg)
(1974)
![1974](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1578546405409-YP0BPVMVTWJSW8MEQBR2/6AEA7EE7-1126-4E76-98C6-4CEA8321A04B.jpeg)
1974
![(September, 1974)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591294231022-FY3A0SMNVZ8DV64YQKQI/FBE57CEB-B17A-47A6-86A0-F288176EA716.jpeg)
(September, 1974)
![1976, December 31](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318072477-LXO67MR25TPQZ3AMMHF7/801A3E14-8E22-43E1-A008-6629D224B51B.jpeg)
1976, December 31
![1976, December 31](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318116209-6J9UUO3L6UVI8DMEOP0P/8D712733-A06E-45C6-A305-B1A13D66E15C.jpeg)
1976, December 31
![1976, December 31](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318119231-BOHNMUFTT1RGG8XKEPZO/CA27BA4D-2AC6-476D-9D8B-AD41A522B0C1.jpeg)
1976, December 31
“I’m the shaggiest candidate you ever saw, and I’m runnin’ for the D.A.” during Fantasy on Parade! Long after his theatrical debut (on March 19, 1959) and theatrical rerelease (in 1967), Wilby Daniels takes advantage of the holiday parade, to campaign for District Attorney.
![1976, December 31](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318119861-NF4DOS91CE6ZC8OM75D4/0954C5F6-D039-4FAF-A2B8-BCA7369CDC37.jpeg)
1976, December 31
![1976, December 31](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318072887-DH9D6S4UT1W8YMBFC411/04349AE4-A6FC-4572-AA39-78E50D926122.jpeg)
1976, December 31
![1976, December 31](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318116718-SVTMFPUR0EOKE27CLWT6/10163504-8F65-4238-9890-4A27FE3E63BB.jpeg)
1976, December 31
![1976, December 31](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318069628-F6WIXRBDPREHR0H5QGFD/24A48783-FA78-46A3-9AE8-EADF1F2E60D6.jpeg)
1976, December 31
![9B599CD3-99CD-43DC-88C2-2BD23F7A8CF8.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318075422-3HP0FP6M19S5H1IJJS93/9B599CD3-99CD-43DC-88C2-2BD23F7A8CF8.jpeg)
![1976, December 31](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318075736-ZY3SZHIAKV7BHA476BIN/D4A123C9-55E8-461B-87E4-884FCA41934E.jpeg)
1976, December 31
![1980s, Promotional Painting](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574319691324-OHM7SLFCT8A5MJ4V88IY/E96C27F7-E905-48DD-9557-63E50DADB250.jpeg)
1980s, Promotional Painting
The usual cast of characters returns, but you’ll also note the inclusion of the Snow People (which debuted in 1982).
![Mary Poppins' Penguins and the Pearly Band, (c. 1980s)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318213723-D818AVXTB6B15QYTJAJ7/861CA95C-BBCE-42C3-AB79-FD783F5C4B68.jpeg)
Mary Poppins' Penguins and the Pearly Band, (c. 1980s)
![SNOWPEOPLE, (1980s)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1583294570926-V5QQLPU0IXZ5EN92Q1JI/4D816B0F-15D8-4D24-A937-230FC5A99885.jpeg)
SNOWPEOPLE, (1980s)
In this official Disneyland publicity photograph (contemporaneous with the “50 Happy Years of Family Entertainment” campaign, “Mr. and Mrs. Snowman visit Disneyland daily between December 21 and January 1 during the Park’s ‘Fantasy on Parade’. The are joined by hundreds of friends, including numerous characters from many Walt Disney film classics, as they promenade through the center of Disneyland.”
![Alice in Wonderland's Mad Tea Party Unit, c. 1980s](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318214197-KWNK9I1V81N4H133ZJJZ/B6C7F35A-ECB1-4296-963F-E65972B671E8.jpeg)
Alice in Wonderland's Mad Tea Party Unit, c. 1980s
“Are you ready for a New Years ‘Mad Tea Party’?…Look who’s in those tea pots! The Cheshire Cat! Must be Catnip Tea! And there’s ‘Door Mouse’! It IS Catnip Tea!
![Fantasy on Parade, 1982](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1596227440348-MYJRE06IYA54G2VQLMJY/0A1CF2C8-BCB1-4488-9A1E-A47E7D0950E2.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, 1982
By 1982, the Butterfly Ballet Unit would still perform, sans saxophone-playing insects and “the World’s Largest Caterpillar”.
![Fantasy on Parade, 1982](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1602303116411-6FP174H81S2ILA9KY2RL/D65DC2BE-1A19-4B94-9028-82147AE4AB09.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, 1982
![An animated Butterfly of Fantasy on Parade, 1982.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1602303120381-X042C8MHM41IGENC11WE/0CCAD5A0-58F4-4634-8396-D60DD73071B5.jpeg)
An animated Butterfly of Fantasy on Parade, 1982.
![C0AE4AB0-0A1C-4F93-A715-157682ED67FE.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590179456171-MD94RNJGWALNKXNBBIS5/C0AE4AB0-0A1C-4F93-A715-157682ED67FE.jpeg)
![Fantasy on Parade, 1982](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1602382034234-QRRDT915WOM3KQSUEOMI/C19C4DB8-7D6B-4C7F-8E8C-4E05C2C85D89.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, 1982
Prince John greets his adoring public from his royal carriage!
![Fantasy on Parade, 1982](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1602300968721-QMBFUCDJ3T7XZ4NJDWDX/FEE1012D-8E9B-4013-B1DC-54E56F830A41.jpeg)
Fantasy on Parade, 1982
To put this parade unit in perspective, Walt Disney’s Song of the South was first released 36 years earlier, on November 12th, 1946. Since then, the film had been rereleased theatrically in 1972 (for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney Productions), in 1973 (as a double feature with the Aristocats), during the 1977 “Fall Family Film Festival” at Disneyland (from November 14 - 17, 1977), and most recently theatrically released in 1980 (coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Joel Chandler Harris’ writings). Disneyland Cast Members had the opportunity to watch it again, at the Disneyland Fall Family Film Festival during November of 1980.
Now (by the winter of 1982), the cast and story of Song of the South was fresh and resonating in the minds and hearts of several generations of children, and still beloved (perhaps) by many of the children who had seen the film during its first theatrical release. Here, in Fantasy on Parade, Uncle Remus waved to crowds from a horse-drawn buggy, and guests waved back to the storyteller!
Four years later (on November 21st, 1986), Song of the South returned to “theaters everywhere.” Three years after that, it was decided to attempt to further preserve the unforgettable music and tone of Uncle Remus’ fables of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Bear, and Br’er Fox (as portrayed in the 1946 release) in a new Disneyland adventure! Splash Mountain would would open to the public on June 17th, 1989! Why was Song of the South (a Walt Disney Production more than 40-years-old by this time) selected as the theme of a new Disneyland attraction. Disneyland LINE (Vol.18, No.34 ; published August 21, 1986) provided the answer this way : “All our films are considered as possible attraction themes. But money will not be committed until the film has proven to be popular over an extended period of time.” Considering the box office receipts from the re-releases (in recent years), and merchandise sales, the characters and story of Song of the South still resonated with a wide array of demographics, and would prove a viable and successful theme for Splash Mountain at Disneyland and other Disney Parks!
![Snow White Unit, c. 1980s](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318215261-SIUEZTQ5XKFJFEIEYNH6/47A1AC76-CDEF-436D-951B-55BA0A32A4A0.jpeg)
Snow White Unit, c. 1980s
“Looks like the Wicked Witch is giving sleep-apples away for presents this year!” A voice from the float invites you to “have an apple, dearie? They’re good for you.”
![Dogcatcher Unit, 1980s](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1574318215544-TD8VTTNXJ62ZC71CH6A3/148F272B-33EE-4547-811A-3AB47BA28A8C.jpeg)
Dogcatcher Unit, 1980s
“Hold onto your hounds kids! Here comes that mean ol’ Dogcatcher, ‘Peg-Leg Pete! And he’s after our playful pal Pluto!…Hey, Pete! Your jalopy jailbirds have flown the coop! Hey, Pluto! With THESE guys you could make a fortune in the flea market! But you’d have to start from scratch!”
As a “Barking Reminder”, we must inform you that “pets are not permitted in the Park and should not be left in your vehicle. Kennels, are located to the right of the Main Entrance Ticket Booths. They offer individual enclosures and food for a nominal fee for the day.”
![December 31, 1980](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1587536362935-SG5WB8MS0FUI11IK3AJ9/5E9C5D22-D678-4252-8771-80768B21EA36.jpeg)
December 31, 1980
A form of this float appeared in the Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade in 2023.
![December 31, 1980](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1587536368805-3KB7U474RU2ZBGSKIGL1/FF0D47BD-B9B0-4192-BBEE-51600AEDF005.jpeg)
December 31, 1980
The Disneyland 25th Anniversary floats appeared in Fantasy on Parade during 1980. The Jungle Book float featured a swinging’ ensemble of jungle guides!
![Cinderella's Pumpkin Carriage Float](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1607851026450-4TL4IMHPXQOM8CJW4Q7X/1AE5AC29-77E9-46F9-8CB8-681DDA39E5C5.jpeg)
Cinderella's Pumpkin Carriage Float
A Pumpkin Carriage (a different one) first appeared in the Opening Day Parade.
![Alice In Wonderland Cheshire Cat Float](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608011698193-O0ZB5PU3KC23F5MEMU0T/24320404-C1DA-4254-8DAA-444C6D71DF6F.jpeg)
Alice In Wonderland Cheshire Cat Float
![Alice In Wonderland Dormouse Float](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608012375763-F0W0H185RU5Z43UA0N6X/BDE0812E-1C3F-40B2-81F2-D263E4532242.jpeg)
Alice In Wonderland Dormouse Float
![Alice In Wonderland Unit](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608012463598-380DVKQHZJFSRCYL1I8V/E7AB23D5-7DC5-456E-AC75-433815D13418.jpeg)
Alice In Wonderland Unit
![The Reluctant Dragon Unit](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608013034502-9B8XBZZ9Z3E8HBSTONOT/EEB304D5-7DD3-48F5-B602-A3760B679F66.jpeg)
The Reluctant Dragon Unit
Make way for the Reluctant Dragon!
!["Alice In Wonderland Playing Card Band" Unit](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608013550906-426ZUOGE2VGE4BTUZ5Z2/55C3404F-9D79-4679-B76E-09CA2C79917F.jpeg)
"Alice In Wonderland Playing Card Band" Unit
![The first incarnations of those two-ton ballerinas (in a way that would probably make Ken O’Connor smile) - “the Hefty Hippos ” - have been a feature of Disneyland parades as early as 1962. The 1957 Ice Capades stars can briefly be seen (w](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590179451825-SGI910U2LLBG9ZI2W2TL/6E2D2549-BB7D-41B6-9278-405E27EB76EC.jpeg)
The first incarnations of those two-ton ballerinas (in a way that would probably make Ken O’Connor smile) - “the Hefty Hippos” - have been a feature of Disneyland parades as early as 1962. The 1957 Ice Capades stars can briefly be seen (wearing blue tutus and slippers) in a Fantasia-inspired unit during Disneyland Around the Seasons’ coverage of Fantasy on Parade 1965 on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. Now, these second incarnations of the performers, dance down Main Street U.S.A.
![December 31, 1980](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1587536371303-5M6GJ5TXI0KI4ED6HE9S/AE79A59E-E211-416E-8BF7-9F8B4C21E3BD.jpeg)
December 31, 1980
As usual Disneyland tradition, the brigade of Toy Soldiers also appeared!
![“Twelve of King Arthur’s knights canter past…” as they did during the “ Parade of Toys ” in 1961, (according to “Jack and Jill” magazine, published December of 1961).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610431563622-210S0JN9QIZKKVMCVSQK/E4435114-950E-46F9-8FA3-E3EBBE4F09E1.jpeg)
“Twelve of King Arthur’s knights canter past…” as they did during the “Parade of Toys” in 1961, (according to “Jack and Jill” magazine, published December of 1961).
![BA770C53-3B57-4364-8DC1-D3FF28E0639A.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610432395300-S4RY1PD12AAU909QLWLM/BA770C53-3B57-4364-8DC1-D3FF28E0639A.jpeg)
![F8B5174F-F28A-4F4B-9062-039F11A52305.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611099797647-9N3HN3FRINUSE2UKNKT5/F8B5174F-F28A-4F4B-9062-039F11A52305.jpeg)
![88A68458-0134-4513-B928-146D34F737E2.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100035830-NR4BD4FMHXBNFDFXUWGK/88A68458-0134-4513-B928-146D34F737E2.jpeg)
![B8D11843-B922-420F-8422-E3E2A2F59209.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100426763-091NIK7CEMGCKQ8FIGOO/B8D11843-B922-420F-8422-E3E2A2F59209.jpeg)
![Toreador and Bull Unit](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100523702-7JXRBEHIDL3NQ3G8J9HN/CC415737-D231-4C4A-B02B-558A59C1A53B.jpeg)
Toreador and Bull Unit
Music for the Toreador and Bull Unit was provided by a Small Mariachi Band.
![42A24D84-93B6-49C5-95BD-FAE1A6684FAF.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100623243-3530SOEHFKHD6PUIXAOG/42A24D84-93B6-49C5-95BD-FAE1A6684FAF.jpeg)
![The “Little Squirts” Unit](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100699760-C9FXMZBBT1QWZMVAWA8W/00B45180-4A23-451F-883C-0517415BFDCB.jpeg)
The “Little Squirts” Unit
![Scarecrows and Hay Cart](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611100773687-NXV61KL6DMSPUFRJ4AGZ/F955A507-C547-4A5B-88EC-59E299B6ED3C.jpeg)
Scarecrows and Hay Cart
As a “sidelight”, the Scarecrow Hay Cart was initially designed by Dahlquist with the capability of storing amplifiers. Once the design was approved, a Hay Cart was purchased with the help of resident equine specialist - Owen Pope.
![Four Mushrooms inspired by Hop Low and the Mushroom Dancers.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611280122976-CQIUE7MQ3F6UR8ZG8B9Z/81A6B563-425B-4A9C-95DD-C76C364573B4.jpeg)
Four Mushrooms inspired by Hop Low and the Mushroom Dancers.
![The “Little Squirts” Unit](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611281280901-NSXAYVXF3QVEVF2E8S6F/866FDE49-DCC2-4733-BA6F-4CE0CB9BF81D.jpeg)
The “Little Squirts” Unit
![CE7FB17E-177B-4406-9595-FB9FB14BBF42.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611282106738-BCZFFUA0TI3BXEY4EQ9F/CE7FB17E-177B-4406-9595-FB9FB14BBF42.jpeg)
![D83D2966-D3C5-4A62-BA99-44E9FF2478AD.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611288045954-PMKTZA6P6HC03EK0029M/D83D2966-D3C5-4A62-BA99-44E9FF2478AD.jpeg)
![80908EDA-88D9-4DA6-9384-5B5245D862D3.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611288181167-EAM4KWF5URCZPI84WT8K/80908EDA-88D9-4DA6-9384-5B5245D862D3.jpeg)
![2E8B6648-5E23-4449-8B88-DA0F9B3B1440.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611704873705-4E2P8TAHAFBR0UFMXYTY/2E8B6648-5E23-4449-8B88-DA0F9B3B1440.jpeg)
![A4E4DCA2-437B-4384-9102-A3C67F939832.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611454483988-04B0SE5V6SM4QA5HF92L/A4E4DCA2-437B-4384-9102-A3C67F939832.jpeg)
![B9700EB6-D26A-410C-93C6-0FA069702A75.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611454485544-DS3WYNNBBCAWSEOCKO6X/B9700EB6-D26A-410C-93C6-0FA069702A75.jpeg)
![28640720-F99B-4270-987A-057C4A335B5D.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1613879278186-3ILIJTR9ZGP91GD8C0QR/28640720-F99B-4270-987A-057C4A335B5D.jpeg)
![A80B3F07-860D-4F91-A849-C071DA5F8DF0.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1617336694348-C2KBJNH2UNWLLRHGE2SF/A80B3F07-860D-4F91-A849-C071DA5F8DF0.jpeg)
![F6F76057-CF47-4212-BFA8-535159E54932.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1617512840352-AP8RJH638Q991CJ6LIWW/F6F76057-CF47-4212-BFA8-535159E54932.jpeg)
![5E9A0A0E-4D1A-4E66-B345-5FB4C45BD15B.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1629781146286-Q5II2SL1ZEQGZK5HARS1/5E9A0A0E-4D1A-4E66-B345-5FB4C45BD15B.jpeg)
![0AE9C181-B121-4B4F-8252-7D03413150E1.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1620966741047-WNNXQGSYO48HLHW33RC9/0AE9C181-B121-4B4F-8252-7D03413150E1.jpeg)
![186AC449-5931-480E-85C8-0ADFE375A42C.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1621138883425-19AOR167BBQCEC7FWUNK/186AC449-5931-480E-85C8-0ADFE375A42C.jpeg)
![569A7F60-E092-4588-AE62-9EA8C60934AD.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1621138901700-XYZ7IQMC29Q0XYGJXD55/569A7F60-E092-4588-AE62-9EA8C60934AD.jpeg)
![88A7EB5E-AA5B-40CD-9085-5FCA8F12241B.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1621138904686-GHJDD6T8SQBFE2UKW1XU/88A7EB5E-AA5B-40CD-9085-5FCA8F12241B.jpeg)
![Pleasure Island Coach](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1625201590539-EDK2KFYYDPBFBZ1NFJ7T/CAE25331-FC8C-49DE-8169-2A61B1D843DE.jpeg)
Pleasure Island Coach
![An elephant performs a handstand.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1651652361570-G3X9ENZNNN1RJQF4SDVS/30F2061C-3D5A-40B4-9CA3-C61783993239.jpeg)
An elephant performs a handstand.
![The official Flag of Disneyland , which was flown over Disneyland City Hall, the Main Street Station, Guest Relations, the Disneyland Fire Department, and even “ Big Bass Drum ” in the world. A big bass drum would soon appear in the Walt Disney Wor](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1626290232762-R0OCGRPJ19BKF8FT3UUR/2B600ED7-1D08-4770-A7D2-97AEBA6EB213.jpeg)
The official Flag of Disneyland, which was flown over Disneyland City Hall, the Main Street Station, Guest Relations, the Disneyland Fire Department, and even “Big Bass Drum” in the world. A big bass drum would soon appear in the Walt Disney World Opening Day Extravaganza Parade.
![The Blue Fairy,](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1627436301778-0YS2CNF8UDI0PILT19FL/F08EF669-C840-4D38-8F4F-45DB1A6AADC4.jpeg)
The Blue Fairy,
![35D87CB4-9387-4B21-98EF-25EDFA7591FB.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1648878700871-EDSBUAWRIS07PDARFROF/35D87CB4-9387-4B21-98EF-25EDFA7591FB.jpeg)
![F7E2A983-70DA-41DE-B09B-71480B9D3B16.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1627518615068-9GW4VQ6GWB98596PUNK1/F7E2A983-70DA-41DE-B09B-71480B9D3B16.jpeg)
![F82E8C53-8040-4787-ABD1-CA641EE6D359.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1629004832468-CKWX5BVHUQ2BFQJHYDPE/F82E8C53-8040-4787-ABD1-CA641EE6D359.jpeg)
![B105FB49-4F3E-497C-9AB6-C88EE5597C61.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1634253615329-RNMHAPOT55A7Y7LZMX7O/B105FB49-4F3E-497C-9AB6-C88EE5597C61.jpeg)
![2760A418-B48E-4D7C-87C1-912B5146C189.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1640709515907-SXTBCX4F05LBD5K5C188/2760A418-B48E-4D7C-87C1-912B5146C189.jpeg)
![15726C62-418B-49C1-A74A-41886FFDB6E9.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1647922147427-3S21NTU1ZGBX3CT1WBLK/15726C62-418B-49C1-A74A-41886FFDB6E9.jpeg)
![Winter season holiday parade tradition would continue with “La Parade de Noël.”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1647922149295-MN4VIRX39H8IHBS07LFI/705BC22A-A25C-4150-A987-5E3C0D149063.jpeg)
Winter season holiday parade tradition would continue with “La Parade de Noël.”