"Magic Happens" is the grand finale song of the Disneyland parade with the same name. The parade made its debut in February 2020 as part of the park's efforts to bring a fresh and immersive experience to its guests. As the final piece of the parade, "Magic Happens" is a vibrant and enchanting song that encapsulates the essence of Disney magic. The song is accompanied by a dazzling display of choreography, intricate float designs, and captivating performances by beloved Disney characters. The lyrics of "Magic Happens" celebrate the power of dreams, imagination, and the belief that anything is possible. It encourages listeners to embrace the magic within themselves and embrace the wonder of Disney storytelling.
Todrick Hall, who co-wrote the main theme song for the parade shared what it meant to him to work on this parade. He started his career at Walt Disney World Resort in entertainment where he performed in Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. Hall said, “Co-composing the music for ‘Magic Happens’ was a full circle moment for me. I learned how to dance from watching Disney parades, so the fact that I got to create the music that these iconic Disney characters perform to is pretty much the most epic thing that has happened to me in my life!”
I can t wait for Disneyland Park guests to once again delight in the magic of Coco, the transformation of Cinderella, the moment Arthur pulls the sword from the stone and so many more. Featuring a musical score and new songs co-composed by singer-songwriter Todrick Hall, the Magic Happens soundtrack and choreography are heavily influenced by today s pop culture , putting a contemporary spin on classic Disney hits.
It encourages listeners to embrace the magic within themselves and embrace the wonder of Disney storytelling. The music of "Magic Happens" is a catchy and energetic composition that incorporates elements of pop, rock, and Broadway-style tunes. The melody is uplifting and filled with optimism, capturing the joy and excitement of Disney's enchanting world.
‘Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah’ Line Removed From ‘Magic Happens’ Parade at Disneyland
The “Magic Happens” Parade returned to Disneyland Park this afternoon and the line of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” was noticeably missing from the finale of the show.
The line, which is also the title of the song originally composed for the controversial Disney film, “Song of the South”, was perhaps most widely recognized as part of the Splash Mountain attraction based on the film. It has been replaced at the end of the “Magic Happens” parade with the line, “think of the happiest things,” from the song “You Can Fly” featured in Disney’s “Peter Pan”.
At the time, Disney released a statement regarding the removal of the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song stating, “The removal of the song from Downtown Disney’s background music is part of a continuous process to deliver an environment that features stories that are relevant and inclusive.”
Known as the theme song of Splash Mountain, “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” has been the subject of critique given the racist undertones of the film it was based on. In fact, “Song of the South” has been locked in the Disney vault since the 1980s due to its idyllic portrayals of Southern plantation life in the late 1800s Reconstruction Era. The song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” itself was likely influenced by the chorus of the pre-Civil War folk song “Zip Coon”.
Current reports indicate that Disneyland Resort may be aiming to permanently close Splash Mountain in May 2023. The Walt Disney World version of Splash Mountain closed forever in January 2023 and the reimagining of the attraction as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is already underway. Check out our complete history of Splash Mountain at Disney Parks for a fuller history of the attraction.
Aside from a minor costume and choreography refresh, the removal of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” from the finale of the “Magic Happens” parade was the most noticeable change from its 2020 version. Watch the full updated version below:
“Magic Happens” will be performed at Disneyland Park twice each day at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
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The lyrics are empowering and inspiring, reminding listeners that magical moments can happen anytime and anywhere. In addition to the musical aspect, the parade finale incorporates stunning visuals. Colorful floats showcasing beloved Disney characters glide through the streets, creating a truly immersive experience. The performers are dressed in elaborate costumes, each representing a different story or theme from the Disney universe. Fireworks, confetti, and other special effects add an extra touch of magic to the overall spectacle. "Magic Happens" serves as a powerful conclusion to the parade, leaving guests with a sense of wonder and a reminder of the timeless magic found within the world of Disney. Whether it's Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, or Frozen's Elsa, each character is brought to life through the parade, reminding us of the impact these stories have had on our lives. The parade and its finale are a testament to the enduring legacy of Disney, where dreams come true and magic is always present. As guests watch and sing along with the finale song, they are transported into a world where imagination knows no bounds and where enchantment is always within reach. Overall, "Magic Happens" finale song captures the spirit of Disney and leaves its audience spellbound. It celebrates the power of dreams, the magic of Disney storytelling, and the belief in the extraordinary. As the parade finale, it serves as a reminder that magic truly happens when we allow ourselves to believe in the impossible..
Reviews for "Musical Alchemy: How the 'Magic Happens' Finale Song Transforms the Show"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was so disappointed with the finale song in "Magic Happens". It felt like a generic pop song that added nothing to the overall story or theme of the production. The lyrics were forgettable and the melody was uninspired. I was really hoping for a powerful, emotional finale that would leave me with chills, but instead, I was left feeling underwhelmed. It's a shame because the rest of the show was so magical, but the finale song fell flat for me.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I couldn't stand the finale song in "Magic Happens". It was so cheesy and predictable. The lyrics were cliché and the vocals were weak. It felt like a song that was thrown together last-minute without much thought or effort. I expected better from such a highly anticipated show. The finale is supposed to be the grand finale, the moment that leaves you in awe, but this song just made me cringe. It was definitely the weakest part of the entire production.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As much as I wanted to love the finale song in "Magic Happens", I have to admit that it was a major letdown. The song felt out of place and didn't match the overall tone of the show. The melody was forgettable and the lyrics lacked depth. I was hoping for a powerful, emotionally resonant moment to end the show, but instead, I got a lackluster pop song that didn't do justice to the rest of the production. It's a shame because "Magic Happens" had so much potential, but the finale song fell short.