On May 7, 2004, a new show called Drawn to the Magic debuted at Disney California Adventure. The show was about three animators who brought Disney animated stories to life with music and some Disney magic. It culminated with the arrival of three Disney characters. Frequently the characters were Sorcerer Mickey, Cinderella, and either Woody or Hercules. However, at times, other characters were put into the show. The show would run for the next six years before its final performances on October 17, 2010.
The show was about 15 minutes long. It would initially appear on the stage in what is now Hollywood Land in the backlot area. Later on, it would also be presented in front of the Animation Building. During the show, a demonstration of how animation happens was made using some young viewers from the audience. They would show how they could pose to be an inspiration for the animated characters that were being “drawn.” The animators would also share how a voice or line could be an inspiration. One of the kids would then say a line to be a vocal inspiration. A third kid helped show how music is an inspiration as well. This led to a medley of Disney songs from different Disney animated features that ended with Disney characters joining the animators.
The show included the following songs and medleys:
- Drawn to the Magic
- Friend Like Me – Aladdin
- Animation Inspiration Medley
- I Will Go the Distance – Hercules
- Part of Your World – The Little Mermaid
- Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo – Cinderella
- Higitus Figitus – The Sword in the Stone
- Hakuna Matata – The Lion King
- You Can Fly – Peter Pan
- A Whole New World – Aladdin
- You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story
- When Somebody Loved Me – Toy Story 2
- A Dream is a Wish – Cinderella
Drawn to the Magic performed for the final time on October 17, 2010. The animators brought the magic of Disney to life again as they were joined by Woody, Cinderella, and Sorcerer Mickey for one final time in front of the Animation Building on Hollywood Blvd at Disney California Adventure.
Drawn to the Magic was a charming show that while may have not been the biggest show Disney ever created, still shared plenty of magic in Disney California Adventure. It brought the magic of Disney to life in Disney California Adventure in a beautiful way that didn’t rely on major special effects but instead simply on the magic of the performers and Disney characters.
Shows, like Drawn to the Magic, are really special and set Disney apart from other theme parks. It is wonderful to look back and remember these different magical offerings through the years as a part of the DAPS from the Past series. Check back at DAPS MAGIC for more looks at the past in the future. Also, check out Doug Marsh’s 30 Years Ago at Disneyland column to see what Disneyland was like 30 years ago when he became an Annual Passholder.
Do you remember Drawn to the Magic at Disney California Adventure? Did you see it live? What was your favorite part of it? What was your favorite memory? Share your thoughts, memories, and opinions in the comments below!
