The event was started in 1890 by Pasadena's Valley Hunt Club in an effort to promote the area during the winter. The group invited former East Coast friends to a mid-winter holiday, where they could watch games such as chariot races, jousting, foot races, polo and tug-of-war under the warm California sun," according to the Tournament of Roses website.The fresh flowers prompted the club to add a parade which would take place before the competition. Thus the tradition was born.
Here's a look at Disney's involvement over the years, according to a Disney news release:
1938: Disney’s relationship with the Tournament of Roses began in 1938 when characters from the newly premiered “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” were prominently featured in the parade.
1960: The Rose Queen and her Court, along with the competing Rose Bowl football teams, have visited Disneyland Resort each year since 1960.
1966: Walt Disney served as Grand Marshall of the parade. Roy E. Disney, Walt’s nephew and the head of Disney Animation, served as Grand Marshall in 2000. Members of the Disney creative team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Entertainment have served as float judges numerous times.
2004: Disneyland Resort presented “A Sudden Drop in Pitch,” the tallest float in Rose Parade history (110 feet, with live performers at the top). The float’s title played off that year’s theme of “Music, Music, Music,” and the float was inspired by The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror” attraction, which opened in Disney California Adventure that spring.
2005: The 50th Anniversary of Disneyland was celebrated in 2005 with both a dazzling Rose Parade Opening Show and a spectacular castle float called “The Happiest Celebration on Earth.” Mickey Mouse served as Grand Marshall.
2006: the longest float (150 feet) in Rose Parade history, entitled “The Most Magical Celebration on Earth,” celebrated Disney Parks around the world.
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