Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Magic Kingdom
In fact, as the theme park with the most character cavalcades, you can expect one to drift past around every 15 to 20 minutes or so. Matheson was leading a workshop on Disney’s approach to Quality Service in Orlando, Florida. It’s one of several corporate training courses that the Disney Institute – a training division of the company better known for its animated cartoons and theme parks - offers on everything from corporate leadership through to business excellence.
There’s no shortage of whimsy on this Under the Sea float with conga dancing fish kicking up their fins and bubbles galore. Shimmering fabrics and intricately designed costumes for the Lion Fish, Coral Fish, Seashell, and Sea Horse performers are runway-inspired. As with other things returning to Walt Disney World, there were some small changes that guests might notice.
Located right near the start of the parade route, this is a great spot if you want to catch the parade before running to get in line for Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – and hopefully beat most of the crowds. For the biggest head start, stand on the same side as these Magic Kingdom mountains facing Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café. Much of Town Square near the park entrance offers up some of the best views of the Magic Kingdom parade, as Parade well as picturesque photo backdrops. For slightly off-center views with Cinderella Castle rising in the background, post up near the flagpole off to the left of the Sharing the Magic statue across from the Fire Station facing up Main Street. Things tend to get pretty crowded along the route before the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, especially at the more popular viewing locations in Magic Kingdom.
That said, this Magic Kingdom Christmas parade has also been shown on a select few days during regular park hours in past years. The snowy display lasts approximately 25 minutes and usually jingles all the way down Main Street, U.S.A. at least a couple of times each day. In addition to these daily displays of Disney characters on parade, depending on when you visit, guests can also take in one of the seasonal spectacles that return for a limited run during the holidays.
Mark Hammond, whose previous work includes Disney California Adventure’s World of Color and Hong Kong Disneyland’s Flights of Fantasy Parade, designed the musical score. Mirena Rada, who has previously worked on projects for Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, designed the costumes. You can’t beat the ambiance of watching the floats roll past with Cinderella Castle and the adorable storefronts of Main Street, U.S.A. in the background. This is also one of the most popular places to watch the Magic Kingdom parade, so line up an hour early to snag a front-row seat. Stand on the Emporium side of this old-timey avenue to try and soak up some shade. In a nod to the park’s old “Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade,” Hollywood Studio’s only remaining motorcade sees characters cruise past in fun themed convertibles or stroll by on foot.