The Festival of Fantasy Parade debuted at the Magic Kingdom earlier this Spring, and it has been a hit!
The parade features a new (and crazy catchy song) with amazing costumes and floats that is a celebration of Fantasyland and its many inhabitants.
The garden of Disney Princesses float leads off the Festival of Fantasy Parade starring Cinderella, Belle, Tiana, and Elsa & Anna (and of course Olaf). The float has sections that spin so that everyone can catch a glimpse of their favorite Disney Princess. You will also notice that the original song is mixed with each character’s song. It is a great touch!
Next Flynn Rider and Rapunzel from Tangled swing on the streets in search of the “best day ever”. The performers on this float are amazing, and I get tired just looking at them!
Then we go under-the-sea with a jubilee starring Ariel, Sebastian, and an enchanted ocean ensemble from The Little Mermaid atop a sparkling music box. This is the shortest and smallest portion of the Festival of Fantasy Parade. It is really cute, but I wish there was a little bit more to the float.
Peter and Wendy from Peter Pan come soaring through the sky aboard a pirate galleon perched on a sparkly rainbow pursued by Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Tick-Tock the Crocodile. The Lost Boys are really what make this section of the Festival of Fantasy Parade so great for me! They have great interaction with the crowd and their choreography is perfect.
When you see the Scottish Dancers, you know that Merida from Brave accompanied by her triplet “bear” brothers are headed your way on top of a gigantic bagpipe. The bears are my favorite part of this float, because their spirit from the movie is captured so well.
Following Merida is Maleficent as a fire-breathing, clockwork dragon rolling down the street your jaw will absolutely drop!!! Before she arrives you will see Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather flying around as Prince Phillip uses his mighty Sword of Truth to take on Maleficents henchmen. This section is by far the most amazing part of any parade I have ever seen! You will be spellbound by the floating trio, amazing henchman costumes, fight choreography, and Maleficent herself. It is stunning to watch.
The Festival of Fantasy finale features high-flying fun with Mickey and Minnie in a giant hot-air balloon, plus a cavalcade of beloved Disney Characters from Pinocchio to Snow White. Make sure you take your time and look at each and every bit of the finale floats that you can, because details and characters can be found everywhere! I feel like I spot something new every time I watch the parade!
I couldn’t end this post without sharing some of my favorite tips about watching the Festival of Fantasy Parade!
Pick Six: Festival of Fantasy Parade Watching Tips
1. Look up to pick your spot!
A lot of the action on the Festival of Fantasy parade floats takes place above you, so make sure you look up to pick your spot to watch!
2. Best places to watch
I like to watch the Festival of Fantasy from the hub, so if you can try to watch the parade from the Fastpass+ area! Another great spot is right in front of Town Hall, because without a curb it makes for a more up close experience.
3. FIRE!
Yes the Maleficent float breathes fire, but she doesn’t do it all of the time! Make sure you listen for the musical cue of a large build up and she will also raise her head up very high.
4. Taking Pictures
Since a lot of the action and characters in the parade are up high, you are going to want to make sure that you are not standing in a place where the sun is in front of you.
5. Front Row
If you can clear your schedule and get to your parade viewing spot early I would! Being front row for Festival of Fantasy is the best!
6. CAUTION!!!
YOU WILL SING THE FESTIVAL OF FANTASY SONG OVER AND OVER AND OVER! It’s not as bad as ‘Boo to You’, but it’s really close!
The Festival of Fantasy runs daily in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. It steps off in Frontierland at 3:00 pm, but make sure to check your times guide and listen for updates in case of inclement weather.
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