The Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade
If you’re looking for that perfect mix of music, magic, and Mickey—look no further than the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom.
Festival of Fantasy – Parade Dancers
Bursting with color, beloved characters, and jaw-dropping floats (including a fire-breathing dragon!), this daily parade is a can’t-miss moment during your Disney day.
Festival of Fantasy Parade – Maleficent
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, this guide will help you make the most of the experience—from where to stand and what time to arrive, to who you might see and what to expect if the Florida skies turn gray.
Festival of Fantasy – Donald Duck
Photo: Disney
Where to Watch the Magic
The Festival of Fantasy Parade begins in Frontierland and winds its way through Liberty Square before making that iconic turn onto Main Street, U.S.A.
Parade route – Disney
It ends just past the park entrance near the fire station.
While you can catch the parade anywhere along the route, some spots offer a better view (and a faster getaway after it’s over).
Festival of Fantasy Parade – Peter Pan
If you want a “front row” view, plan to stake out your spot about 45 minutes before the parade begins. Prime viewing locations include:
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Frontierland, near the start of the route, where you’ll see the parade first.
Ariel – Festival of Fantasy
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Main Street, U.S.A., especially right after the Liberty Square bridge—this spot gives you a picture-perfect view with Cinderella Castle in the background.
Belle and Beast – Festival fo Fantasy Parade
Cast Members will rope off parade viewing areas ahead of time, so once you find your spot, stay put—and don’t forget snacks or something to entertain little ones while you wait!
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Time
Photo: Disney
Make sure to check your app for times.
Often, the parade runs at 3:00pm each day!
Captain Hook – Festival of Fantasy
Floats and Characters: Who You’ll See in the Festival of Fantasy Parade
This parade is a celebration of Disney’s most iconic stories, brought to life with towering floats, energetic dancers, and a soundtrack that will have you humming long after it’s over. Here’s a peek at some of the highlights:
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The Princess Garden Float: Leading the parade are classic Disney royalty like Belle and Beast, Cinderella and Prince Charming, Tiana and Naveen, and more, all waving from a rotating garden of elegance.
Tiana and Naveen – Festival of Fantasy
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Tangled Float: Flynn Rider and Rapunzel swing from giant swinging axes in one of the most action-packed parade floats Disney has ever created.
Rapunzel/Tangled Float
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The Little Mermaid Float: Ariel rides high above a colorful seashell while Sebastian, Flounder, and other undersea friends dance along.
Little Mermaid Float
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Peter Pan Float: Captain Hook’s ship soars through the air with Peter, Wendy, and Tinker Bell keeping watch from above.
The Lost Boys – Peter Pan – Festival of Fantasy
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Brave Float: Merida leads a highland-inspired float, complete with giant bagpipes and Scottish flair.
Brave Float
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Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent Dragon: A true showstopper—this steampunk-style dragon breathes real fire as it marches down the street. A fan favorite!
Festival of Fantasy
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Finale Float: Mickey and Minnie take center stage on a hot-air-balloon-inspired float, joined by friends like Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and more.
Mickey – Festival of Fantasy
Credit: Disney
Characters often walk alongside the floats or dance along the route, so keep your camera ready—there’s magic around every corner!
Dale – Festival of Fantasy
What Happens When it Rains?
Florida weather can be unpredictable, and unfortunately, the Festival of Fantasy Parade can’t roll in the rain.
Rainy Day Cavalcade
If there’s light drizzle, Disney may delay the parade in hopes of clearing skies.
But if it’s truly raining—or if there’s lightning in the area—the full parade will likely be canceled for safety.
Rainy Day Cavalcade – Mickey
In its place, you might get to see the Rainy Day Cavalcade instead!
It’s a scaled-down, charming little parade featuring characters in raincoats and galoshes, waving from covered vehicles.
Rainy Day Cavalcade – Characters
While it’s not the full Festival of Fantasy experience, it’s still a cheerful way to see some familiar faces if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
If catching the full parade is a must-do for your group, try planning to see it earlier in your trip so you have time to try again on another day if needed.
Rainy Day Cavalcade – Covered Vehicles
Will the Festival of Fantasy Parade Ever Change?
Disney parades have a long and beloved history, and while nothing lasts forever in the parks, Festival of Fantasy has proven to have serious staying power.
Bashful – FOF
It debuted in 2014 (following the retirement of the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, which ran from 2009 to early 2014) and has been dazzling guests ever since.
Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade (Ended in 2014)
Before that, parades like Share a Dream Come True and Remember the Magic brought their own charm and character lineups to Main Street, each one reflecting the spirit of the era.
Remember the Magic Parade – 1996
Now over a decade old, Festival of Fantasy continues to feel fresh thanks to its energetic music, incredible costumes, and larger-than-life floats.
Festival of Fantasy – Tangled Section
Disney hasn’t announced any immediate plans to retire or replace it, but as with everything in the parks, change is always possible.
For now, it remains a fan-favorite and a must-see for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.
Goofy – Festival of Fantasy Parade
If and when Disney does dream up a new parade, you can bet it will be just as magical—but Festival of Fantasy has certainly earned its place in the Disney parade hall of fame.
Dopey – FOF
Don’t Miss the Magic
Whether it’s your first time at Magic Kingdom or your hundredth, the Festival of Fantasy Parade is a must-do.
Frozen – FOF
From its dazzling floats and fire-breathing dragon to the energetic music and beloved characters, this parade captures everything that makes Disney World so magical.
Festival of Fantasy – Final Float
Photo: Disney
With the right spot and a little planning, you’ll be treated to one of the most unforgettable moments of your day.
Merida – Brave Float
So grab your popcorn bucket, find your viewing spot, and get ready to be swept away in the fantasy!
Stay Magical, friends!
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