Can’t-Miss Walt Disney World Parades and Shows for Families

Step into a world where fairy tales come to life and characters dance before your eyes in spectacular displays of music, color, and joy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, the parades and shows at Disney World are sure to delight and inspire you.

From the charming floats of the Festival of Fantasy Parade to the breathtaking fireworks of Happily Ever After, every performance celebrates storytelling and imagination. Get ready to experience the wonder and excitement of Disney World parades and shows like never before!

History of Disney World Parades and Shows

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Disney World Entertainment dates back to the opening of the Disneyland theme park in 1955. Since then, Disney has continued creating magical experiences for visitors at their various parks worldwide. The oldest show, Country Bear Jamboree, has entertained guests since October 1, 1971! It is special in Disney’s history and remains a beloved and nostalgic family favorite.

From the iconic Disney parade that marches down Main Street in Magic Kingdom Park to the dazzling performances at Hollywood Studios and Epcot, Disney continues to impress guests with their entertainment offerings.

Famous Parades at Disney World

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Experience the magic of Disney classic parades, where timeless stories and beloved characters come to life against the enchanting backdrop of Cinderella Castle. These spectacular parades are a cornerstone of entertainment at Walt Disney World, captivating guests with vibrant floats, delightful music, and unforgettable performances.

Here’s a list of parades within the Disney parks.

Electrical Water Parade

The Main Street Electrical Parade is a nighttime spectacle at the Magic Kingdom. This colorful and enchanting parade features a variety of illuminated floats that glide across the Seven Seas Lagoon, accompanied by music and dazzling lights. Families line the shores of the lagoon to watch as their favorite Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Cinderella, pass by in a magical display of lights and music.

The Electrical Water Parade has been a popular attraction at Disney World since the 1970s and continues to delight guests with its whimsical charm and spectacular visuals.

• Best viewing spots: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (beach area), Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (boat dock & marina), Contemporary Resort (beach & dock area), Wilderness Lodge (beach & dock area), and Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Festival of Fantasy Parade

Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy Parade is one of the most popular attractions at the theme park. Featuring elaborate floats, Disney characters, and catchy music, this parade is a must-see for visitors of all ages. The parade takes place daily and showcases the magic and wonder of Disney vibrantly and colorfully. Guests can glimpse their favorite characters, from Mickey Mouse to Moana, as they go down Main Street, USA.

• Best viewing spots: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Liberty Square (near the Liberty Tree Tavern or across from the Hall of Presidents)

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Parade

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parade is a spooktacular event held during the Halloween season. This family-friendly parade features all your favorite Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes, themed floats, music, and plenty of tricks and treats for all ages.

The parade includes dance parties, special effects, and a special appearance by the Sanderson Sisters from the movie “Hocus Pocus.” Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoy the fun as they watch the parade.

• Best viewing spots: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Liberty Square (near the Liberty Tree Tavern or across from the Hall of Presidents)

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held at the Magic Kingdom during the holiday season. This festive party is full of holiday cheer and magic, with special holiday-themed shows, parades, and fireworks.

Guests can enjoy exclusive meet and greets with their favorite Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, as well as delicious holiday treats and hot cocoa. The park has sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive decor, creating a magical atmosphere.

• Best viewing spots: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Liberty Square (near the Liberty Tree Tavern or across from the Hall of Presidents)

Must-See Shows at Disney World

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Discover the magic of must-see shows at Disney World, where captivating performances bring stories to life in unforgettable ways; from the enchanting “Festival of the Lion King” to the mesmerizing “Happily Ever After” fireworks at Cinderella Castle, these shows offer world-class entertainment for guests of all ages.

Here are our favorite family-friendly shows at Disney World.

Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! features a combination of water effects, fireworks, music, and characters from classic Disney movies. One of the highlights is using mist screens that display scenes from various Disney films, including Moana, Mulan, Pocahontas, and more, creating a magical and immersive experience for the audience. The show also includes live-action segments with characters like Mickey Mouse battling villains in a stunning display of lights and special effects.

• Length: 29 minutes
• Location: Hollywood Studios

Happily Ever After

The Happily Ever After show is a spectacular fireworks and projection mapping show at the Magic Kingdom park. This nightly performance celebrates all the Disney characters and stories, showcasing iconic moments from classic films. The show is set to a beautiful soundtrack that includes popular Disney songs, creating a magical and emotional experience for guests of all ages.

• Length: 18 minutes
• Location: Magic Kingdom

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Beauty and the Beast is a stunning production that brings the tale to life in a new way. The Broadway-style show features all of the characters from the classic animated film, including Belle, Beast, Gaston, and Mrs. Potts. The musical numbers highlight the show, with unforgettable songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast” performed with energy and emotion.

• Length: 30 minutes
• Location: Hollywood Studios

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!

Finding Nemo is a thrilling stage adaptation of the iconic Disney Pixar film. This live-action show brings to life the characters from the movie, including Nemo, Marlin, Dory, and Crush. The production features vibrant costumes, catchy songs, and incredible puppetry that truly captures the magic of the underwater world. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen it, Disney recently updated the show, so you’ll have to check it out!

• Length: 25 minutes
• Location: Animal Kingdom

Country Bear Jamboree

Country Bear Jamboree is a classic attraction that has delighted visitors since it opened in 1971. The show features a cast of animatronic bears who perform country music songs in a fun way. Guests can sing along with characters like Big Al and Liver Lips McGrowl as they play their instruments and crack jokes. In total, there are 18 audio-animatronics in the show! Many visitors consider the Country Bear Jamboree a must-see, especially for those who appreciate classic Disney entertainment.

• Length: 16 minutes
• Location: Magic Kingdom

Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King is a popular live show celebrating African culture, as well as the Disney film The Lion King. Guests are treated to a high-energy performance featuring costumed actors, acrobats, dancers, and singers. The show includes iconic songs from the movie, such as “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata,” as well as impressive aerial stunts and puppetry.

Audiences of all ages can’t help but sing along and dance in their seats as they are immersed in the magical world of Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa.

• Length: 40 minutes
• Location: Animal Kingdom

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is a magical experience that brings the characters from the hit movie “Frozen” to life. This interactive show (and the longest show on our list at 60 minutes) allows guests to sing along to popular songs from the film, such as “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”. The show is hosted by Anna and Elsa, who guide the audience through the movie’s story and engage them in the performance.

• Length: 60 minutes
• Location: Hollywood Studios

Luminous The Symphony of Us

Luminous The Symphony of Us is a magical nighttime show that combines music, lights, and fireworks to create a truly unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. As the sun sets and the stars emerge, the park transforms into a symphony of color and sound. The show’s music is carefully choreographed to coincide with the dazzling display of lights and fireworks, creating a truly immersive experience for everyone in attendance.

• Length: 20 minutes
• Location: EPCOT

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a 4D show that takes guests on a musical journey through some of Disney’s films. The show features a musical score of popular songs from movies like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King, all brought to life in stunning 3D animation. As guests don their 3D glasses, they are transported into the world of Disney music, with special effects like water sprays, smells, and even a bit of mist to create an immersive experience.

The show’s star, of course, is Mickey Mouse himself, conducting the PhilharMagic orchestra and getting into all sorts of musical shenanigans along the way.

• Length: 12 minutes
• Location: Magic Kingdom

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is a one-of-a-kind interactive comedy show that takes audience participation to a whole new level. Guests are seated in a theater filled with digital screens and greeted by their favorite monsters from the hit Pixar movie.

The monsters interact with the audience in real time, cracking jokes and engaging in witty banter that will have everyone laughing out loud. The show is a perfect blend of scripted comedy and improvisation, making each performance unique and entertaining for visitors of all ages.

• Length: 15 minutes
• Location: Magic Kingdom

Muppet*Vision 3D

Muppet*Vision 3D is a popular attraction that combines live-action, puppetry, and 3D technology to create an immersive experience for guests. The show features Muppet characters such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo as they prepare for a demonstration of their new 3D technology. The humor and wit of the Muppets shines through in this hilarious and entertaining show, which has been a fan favorite since it debuted in 1991.

• Length: 17 minutes
• Location: Hollywood Studios

Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire

Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire is a lively and enchanting show celebrating friendship’s power. In this magical performance, Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy come together to spread joy and entertainment to audiences of all ages. Through music, dancing, and storytelling, the characters showcase the importance of love, unity, and camaraderie in overcoming challenges and sharing special moments.

• Length: 20 minutes
• Location: Magic Kingdom Park

Tips for Finding Good Parade Viewing Spots

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Check out these parade viewing tips if you’re motivated to find a great viewing area.

1. Arrive early: Arriving early is essential to secure a prime viewing spot for a Disney parade. Plan to stake out your place at least 30-60 minutes before the parade begins.

2. Look for elevated areas: Find an elevated spot to view the parade floats and performers better. This could be a raised platform, bench, or even standing on a curb.

3. Avoid obstructed views: Be mindful of trees, poles, and other obstructions blocking your view of the parade. Position yourself strategically so that you have a clear line of sight.

4. Consider the route: Familiarize yourself with the parade route ahead of time so you can choose a viewing spot that offers the best vantage point for seeing all the action. Remember that certain areas may be more crowded than others, so plan accordingly.

For optimal parade viewing, secure a spot in front of Cinderella Castle—an iconic location offering a central view. Arrive early as these parades occur several times daily, ensuring you catch all the magic up close.

Tips for Enjoying Disney Shows with Little Ones

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As for the shows, here are some ways to make the most of each magical performance.

1. Get there early: Arrive at the theater early to ensure you have a go and avoid any last-minute rushes. This will give your family time to settle in and get excited for the show.

2. Bring snacks and drinks: Bring snacks and beverages to entertain your kids during the show. This will help prevent any hunger or thirst-related distractions.

3. Interact with the show: Encourage your kids to participate in the interactive moments during Disney shows. Clap along to the music, sing the songs, and cheer for the fun-loving characters on parade to enhance the overall experience.

4. Discuss the show afterward: Talk about it with your kids after the show ends. Ask them about their favorite parts, characters, and any questions they may have. This will deepen their engagement with the content and create lasting memories of the experience.

Check the showtime schedule to ensure you get all the magic.

FAQs: Disney World Parades and Shows

What is the most famous parade at Disney World?

The most famous parade at Disney World is the Festival of Fantasy Parade held at Magic Kingdom. It features colorful floats, Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie, and catchy music.

Are parades included in the admission to Walt Disney World Resort?

Yes, the parades at Walt Disney World Resort are included in the general admission to the theme parks. There is no additional cost to enjoy the parades.

How often do Disney World parades and shows take place?

Disney World parades and shows typically take place daily at various times throughout the parks. It’s advisable to check the park schedule for specific times during your visit.

Can I watch parades at Disney World from any location in the park?

While you can catch glimpses of the parades from different areas within the parks, prime viewing spots are often along Main Street in Magic Kingdom for the best experience.

Are characters from classic Disney movies featured in the parades at Disney World?

Yes, classic Disney movie characters appear in the Festival of Fantasy Parade and other parades at Disney World. Guests can see beloved characters from films like The Lion King and Cinderella.

What is the duration of a typical parade at Disney World?

The duration of a typical parade at Disney World can vary, but most parades last between 15 to 20 minutes. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

Conclusion

With entertainment featuring all your favorite Disney and Pixar characters, including Disney friends and princesses, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale every time you watch the parade. As you take in the sights and sounds of the parade, you’ll truly understand why Walt Disney World is known as the Most Magical Place on Earth!