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Disney World Slowly Removing Fan Favorite Fixture

Mickey Mouse Festival of Fantasy Parade
Credit: Disney

The Walt Disney World Resort is home to some of the most magical experiences on earth, but in order to keep moving forward, some experiences soon find themselves left behind.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in front of Cinderella Castle at Disney World

Credit: Disney

Big changes are underway for the Disney Parks in 2024, and the Magic Kingdom is no exception. Along with getting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Frontierland, Main Street, U.S.A. is getting a slew of Disney characters joining in the fun for the Adventure Friends Cavalcade.

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As exciting as it is to see the likes of Mirabel, Stitch, Nick Wilde, and Judy Hopps come waltzing down the main drag, it doesn’t come for free. Disney has several parades in the parks, but sometimes they have to make cuts to make room for newer experiences.

Disney World Slays the Maleficent Dragon

Maleficent dragon in the Disneyland Paris parade

Credit: Disney

The Disney World parades are the best way to see the most characters and movie fixtures in the parks, and some of their elements have become instantly recognizable to Disney Park guests everywhere. However, few have reached the popularity and recognition of the Maleficent Dragon in the Festival of Fantasy.

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This massive metal monstrosity is a steampunk nightmare that absolutely thrilled guests when it came to life, especially with that pyrotechnic effect. That said, recent events suggest that she’s become too difficult and dangerous to maintain (especially after catching fire in 2018).

Mirabel Madrigal from 'Encanto' during the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort

Credit: Disney Parks Blog

More evidence to this claim can be found on Disney’s official parade schedules. Notice how further into the new year, the times for the Festival of Fantasy are gradually being removed until only the 3:00 show remains. Contrary-wise, the Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade has earlier and additional times on it’s schedule.

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Simply put, it looks as if the Festival of Fantasy is phasing out. As much of a draw as the piece is, Disney might have taken this as a sign to replace the entire parade. As the Adventure Friends Cavalcade slowly takes more and more spots from the Festival of Fantasy, it’s only a matter of time.

Will you miss the Festival of Fantasy? 

This post is originally appeared on Inside the Magic.

About Zach Gass

Zach Gass is a writer from East Tennessee with a passion for all things under the Disney name. From Disney history to the careers of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, Zach tries to keep his finger on the pulse of the mouse. While he would certainly love to see the parks around the globe, his home park will always be the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. When he's not rubbing elbows with Mickey, Zach enjoys reading fantasy novels, retro video games, theatre, puppetry, and the films of Tim Burton.

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