Every performer in Disney Stars on Parade at Disneyland Paris relies on a dedicated Cosmetology team of hairstylists and makeup artists working backstage from early morning until the parade wraps for the day. We've been given a look behind the scenes at how that team gets wigs, makeup and costumes ready before Mickey and friends set off down Main Street, U.S.A. It's the sort of detail that's easy to miss when you're watching from the crowd with a Mickey pretzel in hand, but it explains why the parade always looks so polished, whatever the weather is doing.
Article Summary
- Who's behind it: Disneyland Paris's Cosmetology team preps hair, makeup and wigs for every performer taking part in Disney Stars on Parade.
- Where it happens: The team works out of a backstage building nicknamed "Nala", with each Cast Member briefed on their assignment every morning.
- Final checks: Performers pass through a hidden checkpoint just before the parade route for one last wig and makeup check.
- Training never stops: Even experienced performers go through refresher hair and makeup training before each new season, including the run-up to Christmas.
- Included with entry: Disney Stars on Parade is included with a valid Disneyland Paris ticket, though a reserved viewing area can be booked separately.
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Read on for the full backstage timeline, what it means for your next Disneyland Paris trip, and how to bag a good spot to watch the parade.
What Is Disney Stars On Parade At Disneyland Paris?
Disney Stars on Parade is the daytime parade at Disneyland Park, first introduced in 2017 for Disneyland Paris's 25th anniversary. Mickey and friends lead the way through a series of storybook-themed floats covering everything from Toy Story to Frozen, with dozens of performers, dancers and Disney Characters taking part each time it runs down Main Street, U.S.A. If you've visited Disneyland Paris at any point over the last few years, there's a decent chance you've watched it without giving much thought to what happens before those floats even leave the backstage area.
You can find full details on Disneyland Paris's official Disney Stars on Parade page.
Who Preps The Performers For Disney Stars On Parade?
That job falls to Disneyland Paris's Cosmetology team, made up of hairstylists and makeup artists who work out of a backstage building nicknamed "Nala" (even the buildings you'll never see get a Disney name). Each Cast Member, which is Disney's term for any employee working at the parks, is briefed on their assignment for the day before a single brush comes out. Some are sent to the parade, some lead training sessions, and others support performers heading to the stage shows. According to the team, no two days look quite the same.
A Morning With The Cosmetology Team
The day starts with workstations being laid out according to who's booked in, brushes, palettes and styling tools included, and every piece of kit gets checked before the first performer arrives. As the morning goes on, the team's workload shifts around each performer's schedule. On one particular day covered in the release, a hairstylist named Océane was assigned to the Snow Flakes performers, who apply their own makeup but lean on the Cosmetology team for guidance, adjustments and wig fitting.
Elsewhere in the building, a colleague named Manon used a quiet gap between appointments to prepare wigs for the next day's performances. It's a job with very little downtime. The Cosmetology team also mentioned that time in the makeup chair often becomes more than a beauty routine for performers, giving them a moment to relax and run through choreography before stepping out in front of a crowd.
What Happens In The Final Minutes Before The Parade?
Fifteen minutes before Disney Stars on Parade begins, performers hear their names called over the backstage loudspeakers.
"Fifteen minutes until parade! Everyone should be outside!"
- Backstage tannoy announcement, Disneyland Paris
From here, several hairstylists and makeup artists head to a checkpoint hidden just before the parade route, where every performer gets one final appearance check. A wig adjustment here, a quick touch-up there, all done out of Guests' view. Once the parade starts, a handful of the team stay stationed along the route in case anyone needs a fix on the move, though on the day covered in the release everything ran without a hitch.
How Do Performers Train For Disney Stars On Parade?
Once the parade ends and wigs and accessories are returned to the backstage building, the afternoon shifts to training. Before every seasonal change, performers go through refresher sessions covering the specific hair and makeup standards for their role, and this applies even to those who've been doing it for years. On the day featured in the release, Manon was running a Christmas season makeup training session, which gives you a decent clue as to how far in advance Disneyland Paris starts prepping for its festive line-up.
Why This Is Relevant To Your Disneyland Paris Visit
None of this changes what you need to book or when you need to arrive, but it does explain a few things you might have noticed without quite clocking why.
- Performers stay polished throughout the parade because touch-up stations are positioned along the route, not just backstage.
- The costumes and wigs you see each Christmas are the result of dedicated seasonal training, not a quick swap the week before.
- If you visit Disneyland Paris at different times of year, the standard of the parade tends to stay consistent, since refresher training happens before every seasonal change rather than once a year.
- The Snow Flakes example shows some performers apply their own makeup, so what you see up close can vary slightly by role.
If you're planning a trip from the UK, getting to Disneyland Paris is straightforward enough via Eurostar to Lille Europe with a connecting TGV service to Marne-la-Vallee-Chessy, or by flight into Paris followed by a transfer. Either way, it's worth building the parade into your day plan rather than treating it as an afterthought, since it's included with your standard park ticket. Our Disneyland Paris offers guide for UK guests covers current package options if you're still weighing up dates.
When And Where To Watch Disney Stars On Parade
Disney Stars on Parade runs daily, though the exact time shifts by season, so it's best to check the current schedule on the official Disneyland Paris app once you've booked your dates rather than relying on a fixed time here. If you'd rather not stand and wait, Disneyland Paris offers a reserved viewing area you can book in advance, with guidance to arrive at the access point 30 minutes before the parade begins, since entry closes 10 minutes before it starts.
If you're still comparing dates for your trip, our pricing calendar tool is a quick way to see which dates work out cheapest, and you can put together transport, hotel and tickets in one go through Disneyland Paris package options here.
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Disney Stars On Parade: Your Questions Answered
Is Disney Stars on Parade included with my Disneyland Paris ticket?
Yes. Disney Stars on Parade is included with a valid entry ticket to Disneyland Park, though it's popular enough that a separate reserved viewing area can be booked if you'd rather not queue for a spot.
How early should I arrive for a good spot at Disney Stars on Parade?
If you've booked the reserved viewing area, Disneyland Paris recommends arriving at the access point 30 minutes before the parade starts, as entry closes 10 minutes before it begins. If you're finding a spot along the route yourself, arriving earlier gives you more choice.
Can I book a reserved viewing spot for Disney Stars on Parade?
Yes. Disneyland Paris offers a paid reserved viewing area for Disney Stars on Parade, though it's in limited quantities. Check current package options here to see what's included with your visit.
Who prepares the performers' hair and makeup for Disney Stars on Parade?
Disneyland Paris's Cosmetology team, a group of hairstylists and makeup artists who work backstage from early morning to prepare every performer before the parade begins.
Do Disney Stars on Parade performers apply their own makeup?
It varies by role. In the case of the Snow Flakes performers featured behind the scenes, they apply their own makeup while the Cosmetology team offers guidance and fits their wigs.
Does the timing of Disney Stars on Parade change throughout the year?
Yes. Parade times vary by season, so it's best to check the official Disneyland Paris app once you've confirmed your dates rather than relying on a fixed time.
