The west end of the Downtown Disney District was packed on Saturday night for the first Yardfest at the Disneyland Resort and also the West Coast! This also saw the debut of Drum Major Mickey Mouse at the Disneyland Resort (he previously had been seen in California at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event). The Disney on the Yard event, which officially began at 6:00 PM and ran until 9:00 PM, saw people showing up hours before for a chance to see and take pictures of Drum Major Mickey Mouse. They could be seen in the HBCU and Divine Nine outfits, excitedly anticipating the evening’s offerings.
A Popular Event
Over an hour before the event began, people began to line up for where Drum Major Mickey would be appearing. Mickey and the drum line were scheduled to appear at 6:45 PM. By 6:00 PM when the event kicked off, the area was filling up. As songs would play, HBCU (Historically Black colleges and universities) students and alumni could be seen line dancing to different songs and interacting with the DJ. Many people were also taking pictures in front of the Disney on the Yard trailer, parked where the former stage in the Downtown Disney District used to be. This is also where the performance would be. By 6:30 PM, the area was packed with people crowding in to see the performance as far as the eye could see.
Drum Major Mickey Mouse Debuts
At 6:45 PM, Drum Major Mickey Mouse and the Brooklyn United Drumline made their way through the length of the Downtown Disney District. A few minutes later, the drumming could be heard, and phones and cameras went up as people tried to capture the moment. Mickey and the crew made their way in front of a Disney on the Yard trailer.
Mickey and the crew then performed for about five minutes as the crowd went wild. Plenty of photos and videos were taken as the performance continued.
After they finished with their routine, some photos were taken with different groups of people. Once the photos were taken, the drum cadence began again, and Mickey and the performers squeezed their way out of the area.
The moment the performance was over, people began to take photos with the trailer, other people who were visiting, and a Disney on the Yard logo that was set up near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn. There was also a table set up with some information and giveaways. Games were also available to be played. There just didn’t seem to be a ton of space to play them.
The first performance ended around 7:00 PM. After wandering around the area, the Daps Magic team left by 7:30 PM. While exiting, more people could be seen making their way into the area and the celebration.
YardFest & Disney on the Yard
The first YardFest at the Disneyland Resort was a successful event. It is rare to see the Downtown Disney District as packed as it was on Saturday night. The atmosphere was full of joy, and the community ties were strong. This turned the area into a happy party that celebrated the HBCU culture with lots of smiles, hugs, laughter, photos, dancing, and love.
Disney on the Yard is a program that works across The Walt Disney Company to build a community for HBCU alumni who work at Disney. It also provides opportunities for students. Disney has partnered with HBCUs around the country to develop internships, mentorship programs, and career growth opportunities for HBCU graduates and talent at all levels.
Were you at the first West Coast YardFest? What did you think of it? What was your favorite part of this special celebration? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
