Credit: Marada, FlickrChanges are afoot.
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom in early November are in for a change: the beloved Festival of Fantasy Parade will not be performed on November 8 and 9, 2025, as Disney shifts focus to its annual holiday festivities.
The adjustment comes as filming begins for The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, and with it comes an exciting update—Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade has now been confirmed to perform on November 8 in the daytime.
That same weekend marks the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, running select nights from November 7 through December 21.
The after-hours event transforms Magic Kingdom into a snow-filled spectacle complete with cookies, cocoa, and snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests can enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, and festive overlays on attractions like Jingle Cruise and Space Mountain–Holiday Run.
On November 8, daytime visitors will get an early treat, as the Christmastime Parade will make a confirmed special appearance in the afternoon, replacing Festival of Fantasy. Expect appearances by Elsa, toy soldiers, dancing gingerbread men, and Santa Claus himself—often as part of the parade filming for the televised holiday special.
While the Festival of Fantasy Parade takes a brief pause, the park will be bursting with seasonal energy.
With the first weekend of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party underway and the Christmastime Parade confirmed to roll through Magic Kingdom on November 8, Disney’s transition into the holiday season has officially begun. That said, guests hoping to visit Magic Kingdom this weekend may want to reconsider, as the holiday filming will make the park significantly more crowded.
“Wave to Elsa and other beloved Disney pals as they float by in this yuletide parade,” Disney writes on the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
“Delight in an entertaining display chock-full of good cheer. Snap memorable photos of dancing gingerbread men, marching toy soldiers, and beloved Disney Characters as they float by, waving hello. There’s even a special appearance by Santa Claus—riding in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas,” the Mouse House adds.
How do you feel about the changes made to the schedule at Magic Kingdom this weekend? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!