Get ready to party to the beat of salsa and calypso with over 150 singers, dancers, and stiltwalkers. Be sure to ask where the parade stops along the route, and you’ll be treated to a spectacular street show by the talented cast.

Prepare to catch a string of beads or a Party Gras coin, tossed into the crowd by the entertainers. Better yet, accept a rhythmic instrument and become part of the performance. Or just let your feet dance as you watch the parade (but try not to step on anyone who’s sitting on the curb).

Crane your neck to see the tops of the six big inflated floats. They feature Minnie Mouse, Roger Rabbit, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Mickey Mouse. They’re all dressed to party, except for Mickey who’s wearing his sorcerer robe and cap from Fantasia. (Maybe Mickey thinks it’s a costume party.)

Each balloon is around 45 feet tall, about the height of a four story building. And when passing down Main Street, with its reduced scale upper stories, the balloons look even taller.

There are plenty of smaller floats and characters from Disney movies who liven up the party even more.

In Disneyland, the Party Gras Parade ran from January 1990 until November 1990. It was the centerpiece of Disneyland’s “35 Years of Magic” celebration.

The World According to Goofy America on Parade Home

© 2008 Werner Weiss — Disclaimers, Copyright, and Trademarks

Last updated July 18, 2008.

Photograph of Tigger in Party Gras Parade: 1990 by Don O’Neil.
Photograph of Minnie Mouse balloon in Party Gras Parade: 1990 by Don O’Neil.
Photograph of Pluto balloon in Party Gras Parade: 1990 by Don O’Neil.
Photograph of Mickey Mouse balloon in Party Gras Parade: 1990 by Don O’Neil.
Photograph of Donal Duck balloon in Party Gras Parade: 1990 by Don O’Neil.
Photograph of fish and Little Mermaid in Party Gras Parade: 1990 by Don O’Neil.