While magic comes to life along the parade route and on the stages of the Disney Parks, a different kind of excitement unfolds backstage. Long before the first notes echo down Main Street, U.S.A., the behind-the-scenes buildings are already buzzing with activity. Through precision, teamwork, and the passing down of expertise, Disney’s hairstylists and makeup artists work tirelessly every day to create the looks that help bring unforgettable performances to life for our Guests.
Step behind the scenes with the Cosmetology team responsible for preparing Disney Stars on Parade.
9:00 a.m. – Precision Planning
It’s 9:00 a.m. inside the Nala building (yes—even our backstage buildings are named after Disney characters!). The day begins with the team’s daily briefing, led by the Team Leader. In a department where artistic excellence is paramount, every detail is carefully planned and nothing is left to chance. Each Cast Member reviews the day’s schedule and receives their assignments. Whether they’re heading to the stage, leading a training session, or supporting the parade, everyone knows exactly where they need to be throughout the day. No two days are ever quite the same on the Cosmetology team.
Once the meeting wraps up, each hairstylist and makeup artist prepares their workstation. Brushes, palettes, powders, and styling tools are carefully laid out according to the performers they’ll be working with, ready for the first artists to arrive. It’s also the perfect time to check every piece of equipment and ensure nothing is missing.
10:00 a.m. – Expertise and Moments of Calm
As the morning unfolds, performers begin arriving backstage according to their individual schedules. The team’s workflow adapts seamlessly to the specific needs of each role.
Today, Océane is assigned to the Snow Flakes. The performers apply their own makeup, but the Cosmetology team remains on hand to offer guidance, answer questions, and make adjustments whenever needed. The hairstylists and makeup artists are also responsible for fitting and styling each performer’s wig to ensure it looks flawless before they step on stage.
Meanwhile, while waiting for the performer she’ll be working with later in the day, Manon prepares wigs for tomorrow’s performances. Every quiet moment is an opportunity to stay one step ahead—because every minute counts.
Backstage, the time spent in the makeup chair often becomes much more than a beauty routine. Performers who receive full hair and makeup services enjoy a rare moment to relax, clear their minds, and mentally prepare before taking the stage. It’s also a valuable opportunity to review the parade choreography one last time.
11:15 a.m. – Countdown to the Parade
As parade time draws near, the energy backstage picks up. Throughout the building, performers hear their role names announced over the loudspeakers. Fifteen minutes before the parade begins, a familiar announcement echoes through the halls:
“Fifteen minutes until parade! Everyone should be outside!”
For many members of the Cosmetology team, this signals the start of a new assignment. Some lend a hand to colleagues putting the finishing touches on performers, while others head to one of the parade’s most strategic locations: the backstage checkpoint just before performers enter the parade route, safely hidden from Guests’ view.
Every performer stops here for one final appearance check under the watchful eye of the Cosmetology team. A wig adjustment, a quick makeup touch-up, a final check to ensure everything is securely in place—no detail is overlooked. Their goal is simple: every performer should look picture-perfect under the spotlight.
Once the parade begins, several hairstylists and makeup artists remain stationed along the parade route, ready to step in if a performer needs a quick adjustment to their hair or makeup. On this particular day, however, everything goes according to plan, and the parade runs flawlessly from start to finish.
12:00 p.m. – From Start to Finish
When the parade comes to an end, the team is once again waiting backstage near the exit behind Main Street, U.S.A. They help performers remove their wigs and accessories before returning everything to the backstage building—ready to do it all again the next day.
2:00 p.m. – Passing on the Craft for Future Seasons
After the parade and a well-earned lunch break, the afternoon is dedicated to another essential part of the job: training.
On this particular day, Manon is leading a makeup training session for performers preparing for the upcoming Christmas season.
Before every seasonal change, all performers take part in refresher training to review the specific hair and makeup standards for their roles. Even experienced performers benefit from this opportunity to sharpen their skills. These sessions are equally valuable for the Cosmetology team, allowing hairstylists and makeup artists to refine their techniques, maintain the highest artistic standards, and ensure every performance continues to reflect the level of excellence Guests expect from Disneyland Paris.
