Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade debuts at the Magic Kingdom!

| March 9, 2014 | 7 Replies

Wow!  What can I say about this parade? It knocked my socks off! I wasn’t sure what to expect since the last few “new” parades were just recycled floats from the previous parade. Walt Disney World knocked it out of the park with this new parade!

 

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The new 3:00 parade at the Magic Kingdom starts in Frontierland and proceeds toward Main Street USA. The parade has over 30 new costumes and some of the floats are over 30 feet in the air.  There is even a 53-foot long Steampunk-inspired Maleficent Dragon.

Check out our full photo gallery here!

 

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The parade starts off with your familiar Disney royalty.  You are then treated to the  “Under the Sea” float and dancers.  This new parade has over 100 performers, including many of the classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio, along with new favorites like Elsa and Anna from Frozen.  I was also thrilled to see Jiminy Cricket, because you don’t usually see him in a parade or around the parks.

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Mickey’s Airship is the final float and it is also the tallest at 32 feet high. The parade floats are also now powered by energy efficient batteries.

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I think this parade is a game changer!  I am thrilled to see the wonderful new parade.  Lately it seems there hasn’t been a lot of excitement in the Disney community with the roll out of the Fastpass+ program.  I have heard too many people saying they don’t think that they will be coming back to Walt Disney World any more. This parade is going to bring people back to Magic Kingdom.

I watched the parade from Town Square and I can’t wait to go back and see it again!  There are Fastpass+ reservations available for a special viewing area so you may want to check that out on My Disney Experience.

Congratulations to the cast members and everyone involved for this awesome parade. It gave me goosebumps and tears and made me proud to be a Disney fan.

The floats were designed by Richard Improta.  The costumes were designed by Mirena Rada and the original music was created by composer Mark Hammond.  The great choreography was created by Stephen Di Schiavi.

Did you see the parade?  What did you think?  Are you excited to come to Walt Disney World to see this new and exciting parade?  Leave your comments below. I can’t wait to go back!  See you in the parks!

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Category: Disney World

About The Author: Kathy Werling

Kathy Werling discovered Walt Disney World later than most people but has made up for it. Living close to the theme parks hasn't gotten old yet for her. Kathy is an accomplished photographer and is always out finding new and different things to photograph in the Orlando theme parks. Kathy is also part of the Orlando DIS Unplugged Podcast team.

  • Donna Dockett Borer

    Love it! Can’t wait to see it in person later this summer. Even more, I can’t wait to take my three new baby granddaughters (all 3 months old) in a few years dressed in their Princess costumes as they watch all the Princesses in the Festival of Fantasy parade!

  • Mark

    My sisters want to take a road trip down to Florida specifically to see this parade. Our motorhome is a pain in the butt to get into Fort Wilderness but I may just do it.

  • Sam Vigorito

    Kathy, This is the review I’ve been waiting for! I watched the coverage on the DIS yesterday on Livestream. The crowd was going crazy for this new parade. There’s a palpable sense of history rolling out with this one. This is right where Disney needs to be with this kind of entertainment. Thanks!

  • Laurie

    I have to comment though that I’m not too crazy about the way the floats turn with the princesses. It seems like you only see one of the couples as they pass since it turns slowly. I would be happier if there were too separate platforms set up on the float where you could see both.

  • Laurie

    Also not too happy with the swinging anchors. I would want to sit on the Flynn side and I believe this could have been avoided if he could move from side to side on the anchor. One anchor with him alone and more moving space for him would have been much better.

  • Daren

    I’m a little surprised I haven’t seen more criticism of this parade. I’m always a Disney supporter and get so tired of reading the fans complain about it “not being enough” or “not getting it right.” However… after seeing the amazing Soundsational Parade at DL, I was expecting the same level for WDW – and this just doesn’t deliver for me?

    For sure it’s an upgrade and much welcomed addition! But, where is the cohesive and fresh look? The new costumes are no doubt amazing, but bubble girls? Circus girls? The finale float is just a little 90’s looking or something? I can’t put my finger on it… but this just left me a little disappointed.

    Does anyone else feel this way? Comparatively to DL, this is shorter, less energy with random splattering of the characters? That’s all I’ll complain – like I said it’s for sure an upgrade and the detail is nice. With the amazing detail & beauty of New Fantasyland, I guess we can accept this parade? LOL

  • Beth

    Just returned from the World and saw this parade on its second day. With 2 teenaged sons (14 & 17) we aren’t usually parked for a parade but this one was different. They were curious to see Maleficent and were hugely impressed. The dragon stole the show! Too cool!

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