The Magic Kingdom’s afternoon parade, “Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade,” debuted March 9, 2014.
The parade presents “Mickey and his Fantasyland Friends” through a series of new floats, music and dancers.
It begins typically every day at 3p, although two afternoon parades are scheduled on the very busiest days of the year.
The parade presents a mix of both classic Disney characters and those from its most recent films, and, because of its “Fantasyland” theming, a more coherent set of characters than in some past parades.
The new floats are really tall, which means littler kids can see most characters even if they are not right at the very front of the parade viewing areas.
The all-new musical track combines a new parade song with stretches from the classic songs of the films depicted on the floats, and ends with a really big beat.
The more visible floats, more current characters, and a bunch of really nice designs make the Festival of Fantasy Parade the best new parade at Disney World in decades.
Belle and the Beast lead off the parade, as the first part of a three part-float.
At the center of this float is Cinderella…
…and at the rear is a rotating tableau, with Tiana on one side…
…and these hot yet Frozen princesses on the other.
Rapunzel is next…
…then Ariel.
Then we go back to the golden age, with Peter Pan and Captain Hook…
…and some evidence via Tinkerbelle at the rear of the Peter Pan float that this parade is fun for dads, too.
A float themed around Brave is next, presenting Merida.
Following it, the tone shifts for exactly one float to Disney villains, with Maleficent in her dragon form. I love this float, but its presence makes no sense in the order of ideas depicted so far.
The tone shifts immediately back, with another multi-scened float, this one circus-themed. The lead scene is Pinocchio.
Next is Donald and Daisy…
…then Dumbo…
…and Pluto bringing up the rear.
The parade ends with Mickey and Minnie in a very cool hot air balloon float!
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33 Comments on "Review: The Afternoon Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom"
Lisa, yes this will now go on for years. And as long as Maleficent is in her dragon form as a float, that’s the only way I expect her to show up!
Do you know if this parade is long standing as in will it still be running in September? Also are you aware if Malifecient will also be in the parade or just the dragon?
Thanks!
KE, because the floats are so tall you can get great views from all kinds of spots. To see the dancers at ground level, FP+ is OK, or pick a spot 30 minutes befroe in Frontierland.
So not worth a FP+? How long in advance does one need to stake out a spot in order to get a great view if not FP+’ing it? And how early/late can you arrive if you have a FP+?
I ask because when we went a few months ago we only saw one parade (MCMCP) and the worst part was containing/entertaining the children while we waited. This parade is a must for us on the next trip and I’ve been wondering if FP+ is worth it or not in our case…Thanks for your thoughts!
Joe, there’s plenty of great viewing spots for the parade, so I don’t think it worth a FastPass+.