In honor of the United States’ 249th Birthday on July 4, 2025, Here is the scan of the “America On Parade” Booklet from 1975. I’m hoping that we’ll still have a Republic intact for the 250th next year, when I’ll present the scan of the “Disney’s America On Parade” book. Below is a summary of what’s in this 24-page booklet:
Walt Disney’s vision of American pride and innovation is a key influence behind both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. “America On Parade” was conceived as a tribute to the United States during its Bicentennial, celebrating the country’s achievements, lifestyle, and cultural milestones. Designed as a grand spectacle, the parade showcases iconic moments and inventions in American history with a distinct Disney flair. The accompanying booklet offers a visual and narrative look at the production, highlighting the connection between Walt Disney’s ideals and this celebration of “Americanism.”
To prepare for such an ambitious parade, extensive research went into portraying the lighter and more joyous sides of American history. Rather than focusing on wars or political events, the creative team chose to highlight relatable and nostalgic moments like school days, Thanksgiving, and popular inventions. Disney’s artists and designers worked to conceptualize a whimsical, immersive experience through large-scale musical stages instead of traditional floats, bringing America’s stories to life in stylized and theatrical ways. Careful consideration was given to the practical logistics of moving massive structures through theme park streets.
Central to the visual identity of America On Parade were over 300 original characters known as the “People of America.” These larger-than-life figures, reminiscent of the style used in “It’s a Small World,” were crafted with exaggerated features to create a childlike, whimsical atmosphere. Equally important were the historically accurate and visually striking costumes, which required intensive research and fabrication. Costumes had to be durable and eye-catching, designed for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World versions of the parade, emphasizing entertainment value and authenticity.
Music played a crucial role in immersing guests in the patriotic spirit of the parade. The soundtrack, built around a restored 1890s band organ named “Sadie Mae,” featured classic American tunes presented in a unique, mechanical style. The parade introduced a novel audio system where each float broadcast its own music via FM signals to speakers embedded within the stages, allowing for a seamless and dynamic sound experience that matched each scene and performance.
The execution of America On Parade relied heavily on a massive team of performers and behind-the-scenes crew. Thousands of students, dancers, and marching bands from across the U.S. participated, often as part of work-study programs. Meticulous training, costume management, sound engineering, and logistics were handled by dedicated staff, all contributing to a 15-month run that celebrated not just American history, but the collective effort of individuals coming together—embodying the very spirit the parade set out to honor.
Click here to download the PDF.
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