Ever wondered what happens backstage before the magic unfolds on Main Street, U.S.A.? Long before the first note of music plays or a parade float glides by, a dedicated team works tirelessly behind the scenes. We’re talking about the unsung heroes of Disneyland Paris: the Cosmetology team. They are the wizards behind the hair and makeup that bring enchanting shows like Disney Stars on Parade to life. Come with us for an exclusive, fan’s look into their incredible day!
Join us as we dive into the daily routine of the Cosmetology team responsible for preparing Disney Stars on Parade.
9 AM: Precision Like Clockwork
It’s 9 AM, and the Nala building (yes, even our backstage areas have Disney character names!) is already buzzing with activity. The Cosmetology team gathers for their daily briefing. Precision is the watchword here – everything runs like clockwork! Each Cast Member gets their detailed schedule, from pre-show prep to training sessions and parade monitoring. Everyone knows their exact mission for the day.
After the meeting, each hair and makeup artist heads to their workstation. Brushes, palettes, and powders are neatly arranged on their tables, organized specifically for the roles they’ll be working on, ready for the first performers to arrive. This is also a crucial time for a meticulous check of all equipment, ensuring not a single accessory is missing.
The team includes Océane, who joined Disneyland Paris a year ago after an extensive beauty and hairdressing education, and Manon, who arrived less than a year ago with her own professional qualifications. These talented individuals are key to creating the park’s visual magic.
10 AM: Skill and Serene Moments
As the morning progresses, artists start arriving at the dressing rooms according to their individual schedules. The team’s organization flexibly adapts to the specific needs of each role. For Océane, who is assisting with the preparation of the Snow Flakes performers today (those lovely characters that look like snowflakes!), the artists often do their own makeup. However, the Cosmetology team is always on hand to advise, guide, and fine-tune techniques if needed. They also expertly handle all wig placement and styling.
Meanwhile, Manon uses these calmer moments to get a head start, already preparing wigs for the following day. Every quiet interval becomes an opportunity to anticipate future tasks.
In the intimate backstage setting, a unique connection forms between the artists and the makeup team. Some performers use this time for a peaceful interlude before stepping into the spotlight. Others focus intensely on the various choreographies planned for the parade. It’s a shared space of calm and preparation.
11:15 AM: Final Preparations Before Show Time
Parade time quickly approaches, and the excitement builds. In the corridors, different roles are called out over the building’s loudspeakers. Just fifteen minutes before the doors open, signaling the start of the show, a final announcement rings throughout the building: “Only 15 minutes for the parade, everyone outside!”
At this point, some hair and makeup artists take on new tasks. While a portion of the team helps colleagues with the very last preparations, others position themselves at the parade gates. This is a strategic spot, hidden from guests’ view, just before the performers access the parade route. Here, every artist undergoes a final inspection by the Cosmetology team’s sharp eyes. A wig adjustment, a quick blush touch-up, or a fastener check – nothing escapes these specialists. Their meticulous attention ensures an impeccable finish under the bright park lights. Once the parade begins, some artists even position themselves along the parade route, ready to assist in case a performer needs a quick hair or makeup adjustment during the show.
12 PM: Post-Parade Wind Down
As the parade concludes, the team is back at their posts, waiting at the exit of the route, behind Main Street, U.S.A. They help the performers remove their elaborate wigs and accessories, carefully store them, and begin preparing them for the next day’s magic. It’s a never-ending cycle of enchantment!
2 PM: Passing On the Know-How for Future Seasons
After the parade and a well-deserved lunch break, the day continues with another essential part of the job: training! This afternoon, Manon participates in a makeup training session specifically for the artists performing in the upcoming Christmas season.
Before every seasonal change, all artists attend these refresher courses. It’s crucial, even for seasoned performers, to re-familiarize themselves with their roles’ aesthetic codes. For the hair and makeup artists, it’s about maintaining their incredible precision and ensuring the artistic excellence that Disneyland Paris is known for. It’s how the magic stays consistently dazzling, season after season!
