Credit: DisneyThis week, Walt Disney World Resort removed the Festival of Fantasy Parade from Magic Kingdom Park’s entertainment calendar on select dates next month. Although Disney hasn’t shared the reason for the schedule change, the update suggests that ABC is preparing to film Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade on those dates for The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration. This annual television special airs on Christmas Day.
Typically, during the holiday season, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade performs daily in the afternoon. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade is usually exclusive to the ticketed Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event, which takes over Magic Kingdom Park on select nights in November and December. However, Walt Disney World Resort usually offers the parade and other holiday entertainment to regular Magic Kingdom Park guests during the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
Walt Disney World Resort recently updated its official entertainment schedule, canceling the 2:00 p.m. performances of Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park on November 8 and November 9, 2025.
Walt Disney World Resort‘s website doesn’t state that Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade will replace the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park on November 8 and 9, 2025. However, in previous years, Walt Disney World Resort and ABC have filmed segments for The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration in November.
Filming has already begun for other parts of the annual television special. Earlier this week, Disney cast members were invited to attend a holiday performance by Mariah the Scientist in front of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The area was decked out in festive trim for the taping, and attendees wore holiday-themed Disney gear.
In previous years, Magic Kingdom Park has scheduled two performances of Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade on filming dates: at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Regular guests are typically allowed to watch the procession; however, visitors should expect increased crowds and regular show stops to accommodate filming.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t commented publicly on this operational change.
Which do you prefer: Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade or Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments!