Trying to catch some extra pixie dust on your trip and wondering what time does the parade start at Magic Kingdom? We’ve got you covered on this and all of the Magic Kingdom parade details, as well as tips and tricks, to catch the best view!

This blog is all about the Walt Disney World parade- the Festival of Fantasy- and answers common questions like what time does the parade start at Magic Kingdom, where should I watch the parade, what Disney characters are in the parade, and are there any other types of parades at Walt Disney World?

By the end of this blog you’ll be an expert on not only the Festival of Fantasy parade but also learn more about the other magical Walt Disney World parades too.

WDW Guide: What Time Does the Parade Start at Magic Kingdom?

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is famous for its spectacular parades, which bring Disney characters and magical floats to life. To plan your visit and catch this Disney parade, it’s important to know what time it starts. The afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom typically has two run times (see the parade schedule section below). It’s always recommended to check the park events schedule, the official Disney World website, or the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date information on parade start times.

Make sure to arrive early to snag a good viewing spot and enjoy the enchanting procession.  We’ll talk more about the best parade viewing areas so keep reading!

Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is the current daytime parade at the Magic Kingdom.  It is one of the highlights of the Magic Kingdom Park experience, featuring incredible floats with characters from all over the Disney animation universe.  It is a definite must-see on your visit to the  Walt Disney World Resort!

Here is everything you need to know about this enchanting parade:

Parade Characters

The parade features an incredible lineup of favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and a host of others. You can expect to see princesses like Cinderella, Belle, and Ariel, as well as characters from popular movies like Frozen, Tangled, Princess and the Frog, and more!

Characters usually found in Festival of Fantasy:

• Alice in Wonderland
• The Little Mermaid
• Princesses Anna and Elsa
• Belle and the Beast
• Captain Hook, Peter Pan, Wendy, and Tinker Bell
• Alice in Wonderland and the White Rabbit
• Chip & Dale
• Donald Duck and Daisy Duck
• Rapunzel and Flynn Rider
• Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Pluto
• Pinnochio and Jiminy Cricket
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
• Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen
• Cinderella and Prince Charming
• Prince Phillip, Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, and Maleficent in dragon form!

Keep in mind this character list is always subject to change and can even vary from day to day, but the above list is the most up-to-date for what characters are usually in this parade.

Parade Route

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade follows a designated route through Magic Kingdom, allowing spectators to find a great viewing spot in different areas of the park. The parade begins in Frontierland, then proceeds through Liberty Square, passes in front of Cinderella Castle, and makes its way down Main Street, U.S.A., and town square.  This carefully planned route ensures that visitors can enjoy the parade from various vantage points throughout the park.

Parade Schedule

The parade schedule for the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is 12 pm and 3 pm.  As noted above, there can be delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, but cast members and announcements at the Magic Kingdom will let you know of any last-minute changes.  And consulting the My Disney Experience app times guide can be helpful for any updates also.

Parade Floats

The parade floats in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade are incredible pieces designed by talented artists and sometimes even Tony award-winning set designers!

Each float is artistically designed and expertly crafted to reflect the magical world of Disney. From Ariel’s underwater grotto to Elsa’s ice palace, the floats capture the imagination and often spark magic in guests of all ages.

Here are the current Festival of Fantasy Floats you will see:

The Princess Garden Float

This beautiful float features- you guessed it- Disney princesses! Cinderella, Tiana and Belle ride on this float with their respective princes.  There’s twirling, dancing, and waving.  And it also features Princess Anna and Queen Elsa in a Frozen wonderland!

Tangled Float

This one is my favorite! This parade float features Rapunzel and Flynn Rider riding on what looks like a Viking Ship complete with a swinging pendulum starring the loveable thugs from the Snuggly Duckling.

The Little Mermaid Under the Sea Float

This colorfully delightful float shows Ariel sitting in a bedazzled clamshell music box playing our favorite Little Mermaid song, Under the Sea.  Ariel sits very high atop this float so it’s easy to see her even if you don’t have an ideal parade viewing spot.

Peter Pan and Friends float

This float of course is designed after the Jolly Roger pirate ship and shows Peter Pan at the helm while Captain Hook swings on an anchor.  Tinker Bell sits in a beautiful array of flowers and it even features Skull Rock. The lost boys march along side the parade making it even more fun!

Maleficent Dragon Float

This float features Maleficent as a fire-breathing dragon which is quite impressive! She’s only able to breathe fire in certain parts of the park now due to her unfortunate catching on fire incident in Disneyland but she’s a site to behold even without the fire.  Maleficent able to stretch and bend, stands as high as 26 feet tall and glows with fiery eyes.  She is also surrounded by raven dancers, the fairies Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, and Prince Phillip.

Character Caravan Float

​In the second to last float, you can catch several classic characters including Pinnochio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, and Pluto.  The float is brightly colored and carnival-themed and spans 90 feet in length!

Mickey’s Airship Float

​The Main Mice themselves Mickey and Minnie Mouse are the stars of the final float, a lovely Airship.  They sit high up just like Ariel making it easier to wave to them from practically anywhere!

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Best Places to View the Parade

Finding the perfect spot with the best view to watch the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade can make this experience even more special!

Here are some top recommendations for the best places to view the parade:

1. Main Street, U.S.A.:

   This iconic spot offers a classic view of the parade as it makes its way down Main Street. To get a spot on Main Street you will want to arrive about 30-45 minutes before the parade starts.

2. The Hub:

   Located in front of Cinderella Castle, the Hub is another popular area to watch the parade. Here, you’ll get more of a panoramic view of the floats and performers as they pass by the castle.  And could there be a more perfect backdrop than Cinderella Castle? This is probably the MOST popular place to watch the parade so definitely get there early- about an hour before start time is good.  There will be a section of this roped off for the Genie + designated viewing area (if you have Genie Plus this is a great use of a Lightning Lane if you have any to spare).

3. Liberty Square:

   For a less crowded viewing area head to Liberty Square. This is one of the best places to walk up and get a last-minute spot and a pretty good view of the parade.  This spot does become a major pinch point so if you get stuck in this crowd just wait it out, the crowd will disperse.  Another option is to turn around and head towards Adventureland to get out of the crowd and try to get on Pirates of the Caribbean or Jungle Cruise before the castle crowds disperse.

4. Fantasyland:

   If you’re traveling with little ones, watching the parade from Fantasyland can be a magical experience. Find a spot near It’s a Small World or Peter Pan’s Flight, and enjoy the parade while surrounded by classic Disney attractions.

5. Frontierland:

   For another great way to watch the parade from a less crowded place head to Frontierland. Grab a seat near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (not open yet and formerly known as Splash Mountain), to enjoy the parade at its beginning.   In this spot you can also then head off to ride Big Thunder after you catch the parade.

These locations are known for offering great views and a memorable parade experience. Remember to arrive early, especially during busy times, to secure your spot and make the most of this enchanting spectacle.

Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade

In addition to the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, Magic Kingdom also offers the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. This character-filled procession showcases a variety of beloved Disney characters from movies like Zootopia, The Jungle Book, Brave, Moana, The Incredibles, Toy Story, The Aristocats, Pocahontas, Aladdin, Mulan, Coco, and more.

The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade is a fun and interactive way to see your favorite characters up close. You can wave, take photos, and enjoy some magical moments with your favorite Disney friends.

To catch the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade, just keep an eye out for people gathering as there is not a predictable or scheduled time most days.

To make the most of your parade experience at Magic Kingdom, here are some helpful tips:

1. Arrive Early:

   To secure the best spot for viewing this popular parade, it’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time (or earlier, see my recommendations above). This will give you enough time to find a prime location and ensure a great view of the magical procession.

2. Research the Best Spot:

   Before heading to Magic Kingdom, do some research to find out the best spot for you to view the parade.  This can be different for each travel party based on preferences so check out my notes above.

3. Park Admission and Park Hours:

   Remember that park admission is required to attend the parade. Check the park hours for the day of your visit to ensure you set aside enough time for the parade without missing out on other attractions and experiences in the park.

4. Consider Parade Dining Packages:

   If you want to combine a delicious meal with a great view of the parade, consider booking a parade dining package. These packages offer reserved seating or special viewing areas specifically for dining guests.  BUT this type of package has not yet returned to Walt Disney World, but it has to Disneyland.

5. Bring Snacks and Water:

   While the actual parade only lasts 12 minutes you need to arrive early to get a good spot so it’s a good idea to bring some snacks and water with you. This will keep you hydrated and not hangry while you wait for the parade to begin.

6. Keep an Eye on the Weather:

   Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before scoping out your spot. Bring sunscreen, hats, and ponchos in case of rain or intense sun. Being prepared will help you stay comfortable throughout the parade.

7. Capture the Magic:

   Don’t forget to take plenty of photos and videos to capture your memories- particularly if you have little ones with you!

Seasonal Parades at Walt Disney World

At Walt Disney World, the magic doesn’t stop with the regular parades. During special holidays like Christmas and Halloween, the park comes alive with unforgettable seasonal parades. These parades are a must-see for anyone visiting the Disney World theme parks during these festive seasons.

Keep in mind though that these parades are only available at the special events that are separate ticket nighttime events.  These are not daytime events that are included in your day ticket, unfortunately.

Christmastime Parade

During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the Christmastime Parade officially titled Mickeys Once Upon A Christmastime Parade spreads holiday cheer throughout the park.  You’ll see your favorite Disney characters, dressed in their festive best on dazzling floats adorned with twinkling lights, holiday music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself.

Halloween Parade

If you visit Walt Disney World from August to Halloween and have tickets for the Mickey’s not so-scary Halloween Party you can catch the Halloween Parade- also known as Boo to You. This spooktacular procession brings together Disney villains, haunted floats, and eerie (and ear-worm) music to create a festive Halloween experience. From the Headless Horseman’s iconic ride to the wickedly delightful character appearances, the Boo to You Halloween Parade is sure to send chills down your spine in the best possible way.

These seasonal parades add an extra touch of magic to any fall (or even late summer) or winter Magic Kingdom visit!

Parades, cavalcades, and Special Event Parades are unique must-do experiences for Disney Parks- no one does a parade quite like Disney! The theming, the costumes, the music and the work of art floats are incredible and you can’t help but smile when you watch any of these shows!

This blog was all about Magic Kingdom parades and details like what time does the parade start at Magic Kingdom!

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