During my latest visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom I was very eager to see the new afternoon parade, Festival of Fantasy. Knowing how crowded it gets for the parade, I arrived early to my favorite spot, Main Street U.S.A. Train Station. The train station is sheltered from the sun and rain and has a few seats (if you are lucky enough to get there early) which will keep you comfortable until the parade starts. Additionally, you will have a fantastic view of Main Street USA looking towards Cinderella Castle.
The parade, as all you Disney lovers already know, starts exactly on schedule. You can hear the music as it works its way from Frontierland (near Splash Mountain) and winds its way to Main Street.
Before the floats are in view, an announcement is made to get you all excited and then the theme music of the parade starts to play. The performers make their way down Main Street USA showing off their vibrant colorful costumes. I have to admit, Disney really outdid themselves with this beautiful parade.
During the Sleeping Beauty segment of the parade, parents with small children may want to prepare them for a change in pace. A menacing 26-foot tall Malificent dragon appears, breathing fire! Add to that stilt walking performers dressed as black crows, and all this can be a little too much for small children.
New segments of the parade include the casts from Tangled with their very active float, Brave with Merida who appears on a giant bagpipe, and Frozen with Anna and Elsa joining the Princess float. Old favorites are back such as the beautiful Ariel and Peter Pan with a very mischievous crocodile following them.
My favorite float has to be the princess float – one of the longest floats in the parade. It starts off with Belle and the Beast and also has Tiana and Prince Naveen, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and finishes with Anna and Elsa. You might catch a glimpse of Olaf, too.
I can honestly say this is one must-dos at the Magic Kingdom! It is truly breathtaking.
Leave a Reply