Credit: DisneyIf you’re the kind of Disney fan who starts humming holiday music the moment Halloween ends, Magic Kingdom just gave you the perfect excuse to celebrate Christmas early. Disney has revealed the dates for ABC holiday filming at Magic Kingdom, and that means Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade has been added to the daytime schedule for two days in mid-November. For regular park guests, that’s a rare opportunity to see one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved holiday parades without a separately ticketed party and long before the Christmas week crowds arrive.
Normally, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is a nighttime highlight of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which requires its own ticket. Daytime performances usually don’t happen until the busy stretch between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when Magic Kingdom is packed shoulder to shoulder. These special filming days change that, giving guests a chance to see Santa Claus, festive floats, and plenty of Disney characters rolling down Main Street, U.S.A. in the middle of the afternoon.
Here’s everything you need to know about the filming dates, the parade route, and what to expect if you’re in Magic Kingdom on those days.
Daytime Parade Dates for ABC Holiday Filming
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will step off at 2:00 PM on two dates:
- Tuesday, November 10
- Wednesday, November 11
These daytime performances are tied to filming for the ABC holiday special. Last year, filming took place on November 8 and 9, so the timing this year is right in line with what fans have come to expect.
One more clue points to the filming. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, which normally runs in the afternoon, is no longer scheduled at that time on these dates. That swap strongly suggests ABC will be filming on both days.
Why This Is a Big Deal for Regular Guests
Most guests who want to see Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade before late December have to buy a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The parade usually runs at night during the party, and it doesn’t join the daytime schedule until the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
That makes these two November dates a great chance for anyone with a regular park ticket. If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom on November 10 or 11, you can catch the full parade during the day without paying extra for a party ticket.
Mid-November also tends to be calmer than the holiday rush. It isn’t the quietest time of year, but it’s a lot more manageable than the days right after Christmas, when finding a good parade spot can feel nearly impossible.
What to Expect From the Parade
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is packed with holiday cheer. Guests can expect:
- Character appearances
- Festive holiday floats
- Seasonal music
- An appearance from Santa Claus himself
It’s the kind of parade that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit, and seeing it in the sunshine gives it a different feel than the nighttime party version.
The Parade Route
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade typically starts in Frontierland, next to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. From there, it travels through Liberty Square, goes around the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, and then heads down Main Street, U.S.A.
Since these performances are being filmed for television, it’s a good idea to arrive early and be prepared for filming setups along the route. Main Street, U.S.A. and the hub area in front of Cinderella Castle are likely to be especially popular, since that’s where the iconic castle shots happen. If you want a less crowded viewing spot, Frontierland or Liberty Square may be better options.
When the ABC Holiday Specials Will Air
ABC has not announced the exact dates and times for this year’s holiday specials yet. Last year, The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular aired on ABC on Monday, December 1, and the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade aired on Thursday, December 25.
If this year follows a similar pattern, fans can expect the specials to air in December. That means anyone at Magic Kingdom on November 10 or 11 might even spot themselves in the crowd when the specials hit TV.
Tips for Visiting on Filming Days
If you’re planning to be at Magic Kingdom for one of the filming dates, a little planning can go a long way:
- Arrive early for the parade. A 2:00 PM parade on a filming day could draw bigger crowds than usual, so claim your spot ahead of time.
- Expect extra activity along the route. Filming may mean cameras, crew, and adjusted areas along the parade path.
- Plan around the Festival of Fantasy change. Since that parade isn’t scheduled at its usual time on these dates, don’t build your afternoon around it.
- Dress for photos. If you’re hoping to show up on TV, a little holiday flair never hurts.
Getting a Head Start on Christmas
There’s something special about seeing Santa and Mickey roll down Main Street, U.S.A. weeks before the holiday season is in full swing. For guests visiting Magic Kingdom in mid-November, these daytime performances of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade are a fun bonus and a great way to celebrate Christmas early.
Will you be at Magic Kingdom on November 10 or 11 to catch the parade while ABC is filming?
