Making Memories: Celebrate and Remember the Magic

on August 17, 2021

Each week through the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary, we will be taking a look back at various parades, entertainment, and nighttime spectaculars throughout the history of the resort. Walt Disney World has seen so many different things come and go throughout its 50 year history. So, let’s take a look back at what people remember dearly or forgot quickly.

This week we are picking up where we left off weeks ago now with Magic Kingdom parades. If you recall we ended with the Disney Character Hit Parade that ran from 1989 into 1991. For the 1990’s we have a lot of anniversaries to celebrate and there is some Mickey Mouse fun.

The first parade that started the 90s was the 20th Anniversary Surprise Celebration Parade. This parade ran from September 1991 through December 1994. It featured six air filled balloon figures that towered 35-40 feet high. This parade mixed Mardi Gras, and Carnival Del Rio with some Disney flare of course. It was based on Disneyland’s Party Gras Parade but featured differences like character dialogue and some redesigns. Characters from Pinocchio kicked off this parade wearing Mardi Gras themed outfits alongside musicians. The giant balloons following featured Roger Rabbit, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy and Mickey!

Featured on the Roger Rabbit float were the parade Grand Marshals. Each day, one lucky family would be chosen to ride in the parade. The finale float featured the King Mickey balloon. Disney royalty such as Snow White and Cinderella rode on this float. While the parade was for the 20th anniversary the parade lasted past the celebration and was just called the Surprise Celebration Parade from 1993 until June 1994.

Up next, Mickey Mania ran at Magic Kingdom from June of 1994 until September 1996. This parade celebrated the one and only Mickey Mouse with the help of friends of course. Each float of this parade represented elements of Mickey Mouse. Over 100 performers were a part of this parade route. From dirt bikes, skateboarders, stilt walkers and more.

The finale of this parade featured performers wearing Mickey’s outfit, walking Mickey gloves, Mickey Ears, and rolling Mickey shoes. The main float featured none other than Mickey Mouse himself! Mickey Mania had two original songs: “Rock the House with the Mouse” by J. Cox and G. Smith and “Crazy ‘Bout the Mouse” by Sherilyn Draper and Ted Ricketts.

That brings us to our next celebration and one of the biggest or most memorable from Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary and the Remember the Magic parade! From a castle dressed like a cake to a brand new parade and more. This celebration brought a lot to Walt Disney World. This parade debuted in October of 1996 and ran through January of 1998.

This parade was unlike others that came before it as it was highly interactive. The parade would stop along the parade route to allow guests to join in the fun. Remember the Magic included six giant floats with tons of Disney characters and performers. Disney Princesses led the parade on the infamous mirrored castle float. Sorcerer Mickey waved to guests from an 18-foot high turret on the castle float. Little Mermaid’s float came next with an audio-animatronic sea creature band. Beauty and the Beast’s float featured the “Be Our Guest” scene. Aladdin’s Treasure Float included an inflatable genie that rose into the air. The Lion King float also featured animatronic characters from the film. The finale was the largest float of all and depicted an enchanted forest. This float was 55-feet long and featured Disney heroes and heroines. This was also the first parade to shoot fireworks from a float.

After the 25th anniversary celebration ended most of the parade remained the same but was rebranded Magic Moments which ran until 2001.

That does it for this installment of Making Memories. Join us next week as we continue our look at a 50 years of Walt Disney World. Tell us your memories from these 1990’s Magic Kingdom parades.

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