Parades are back at Walt Disney World with the return of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom

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Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade returns March 9 2022

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Posted: Wednesday March 9, 2022 1:21pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World welcomed back large-scale parades today with the long-awaited return of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade returns March 9 2022

The parade features most of the original floats, including the fire-breathing steampunk Maleficent unit. The Brave unit is missing, with Merida now taking part int he Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade. It is also apparent that a number of performers between the floats are missing compared to the pre-pandemic version totaling approximately 40 performers.

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade returns March 9 2022

Watch the video below for a look at the very first showing of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade since the shutdown.

During the upcoming spring break period, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is performed twice per day, at 11:30am and 2:30pm. The second showing means that guests park hopping at 2pm will be able to catch the parade.

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade returns March 9 2022

The parade steps off in Frontierland, passes through the hub, along Main Street U.S.A. to the train station, ending in Town Square.

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade returns March 9 2022

See more pictures of the return of Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade returns March 9 2022

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bmr15912 days ago

I think they are perfectly content with its current state. Diehards are frustrated, but the vast majority of visitors enjoy the parade and think it's great. I wouldn't expect much changes or upgrades to it until it's retired at the end of the decade when Villains Land opens.

Starship8242 days ago

I think the best bet if they ever bring it back to a full cast would be summer with Starlight but I'm doubtful anything will happen.

jrhwdw2 days ago

Not Yet! I wouldn't expect New Years Day either! Maybe MKwill think about it by Summer???? Honestly!

Starship8242 days ago

I saw an update in this thread and thought it meant it was brought back to it's former glory. Silly me, should've known that wasn't gonna happen, especially since it's only 11:30 AM and the parade hasn't even happened yet today lol

DCBaker2 days ago

Disney has added showtimes for Festival of Fantasy through February 1: January 1 through 13: 12pm and 3pm January 14 through Feb 1: 3pm

gerararSep 17, 2024

WDW has been refurbishing their pyro barges the past month, so doubt it. Probably conflicted with the DL incidient recently.

Disney AnalystSep 17, 2024

Maybe they crossed stories.

SquishySep 17, 2024

Sounds like the same as the DLR incident

Disney AnalystSep 17, 2024

Anyone hear of this?

dmwJul 23, 2024

the change in parade times made me think of the funny question: what time does the 3pm parade start? Now it starts at 2. 😆

TTA94Jul 22, 2024

I wonder how they will manage the new nighttime parade? Hire more float drivers and performers?

SpectroBroJul 22, 2024

This is just to allow for float drivers and performers to get proper rest. Between am rehearsals for Halloween and Christmas, daily operations, events, and overnight rehearsals they are always stretched very thin.

jrhwdwJul 22, 2024

Hopefully with Wonderful 2025 News!!!!!!!!!! Looks like FOF is going back to 2pm for Party Season like it was Pre COVID. I'm bothered by only 1 Adv. Friends. Either add another one, or add another MMFF or Finally return the Trolley Dancers!!!! Please let MK Entertainment get a BIG Boost during or after D23!