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"
Hi Dave, how early do you recommend getting into place for the parade during a high crowd time of year? We have little kids but I think they are tall enough to see these extra tall floats even if others are in front of them, so I’m not that worried about it. But we didn’t at all try to see a parade with them last time, so I am new at this. Thanks!
Debbie, FP+ for the parades will almost certainly be booked weeks before, so you will not be able to add them that day. For more on FastPass+, see this, and we also have extensive guidance and priority lists in Chapter 6 of our book, and technical guidance on how to book it in Chapter 9.
Forgot to mention late October and its a party of 5. My husband, my 3 sons (15,13,13) and me. Thanks!
Hi Dave, we are going to Disney in October and we’re planning. We want to have FP+ that will be done by 12:30. Is it worth it to try to get a daytime parade FP+, then later the nighttime parade FP+ after? Or should we spread our FP+. If we don’t, should we book more attractions after instead of parades? Will the crowds be a problem and affect any of this? I’m just really confused and have a hundred things in my hand. Thanks!
Ann, the timing may well be tight. Head back towards the Castle, but go right between its a small world and Peter Pan, and continue past Haunted Mansion, to find a spot in Liberty Square.
The hub construction is having little impact on movement–and some is done!!