Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Parades and Disney are a match made in magical heaven, like Chip and Dale or Ariel and Eric. And when it comes to parades at Walt Disney World, there’s nothing quite like the vibrant, music-filled experience of Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, this parade is a must-see that brings beloved Disney characters to life in a grand procession of floats, costumes, and infectious music.
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But with the crowds that gather along Main Street, U.S.A., to catch a glimpse of this Disney spectacle, you might wonder, “Where’s the best spot to watch the parade without feeling squished between hundreds of other park-goers?” Well, you’re in luck! We’re here to share the ultimate insider tip for scoring the best viewing spot for the Festival of Fantasy—and it’s in Frontierland! Read on to discover how to make your parade-watching experience stress-free and magical.
What Makes Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade So Special?
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The Festival of Fantasy Parade is a celebration of some of Disney’s most iconic stories and characters, with elaborate floats and dazzling costumes that transport you into the worlds of your favorite Disney films. The parade takes place daily at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., giving guests two opportunities to soak in the magic.
This parade showcases characters from classics like The Little Mermaid (1989), Sleeping Beauty (1959), Peter Pan (1953), and more modern hits like Frozen (2013) and Brave (2012). Princesses such as Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel, and Tiana wave from their floats, while fan-favorite characters like Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and the dashing Flynn Rider keep the excitement going.
One of the most jaw-dropping floats in the parade is the fire-breathing Maleficent Dragon, a stunning 53-foot-long, 26-foot-tall creation inspired by Sleeping Beauty’s villain. Watching Prince Phillip battle the dragon is always a crowd favorite and a highlight of the parade.
The Common “Rule” Everyone Follows: Main Street, U.S.A.
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Most visitors flock to Main Street, U.S.A. to secure a prime viewing spot for the parade, hoping to capture that picture-perfect shot of the floats with Cinderella Castle in the background. While this area certainly offers iconic views, it also attracts the largest crowds. If you’re on Main Street for the parade, you may need to reserve your spot up to an hour in advance—precious time that could be spent enjoying attractions or grabbing a snack from one of the nearby food stalls!
By the time the parade reaches Main Street, the performers and characters have already traveled quite a distance from their starting point. This means the parade’s start time can feel delayed, especially if you’re waiting in the hub near the castle. And let’s not forget about the heat! On sweltering Florida days, waiting in crowded areas with little shade can take a toll.
But what if we told you there’s a better option—one that lets you enjoy the parade with fewer crowds, gives you the chance for front-row views, and lets you jump back into the action right after it ends?
Top Tip: Watch the Parade in Frontierland!
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Here’s the secret every seasoned Disney fan knows: the best place to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade is not on Main Street, but in Frontierland! Located near Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café and the former Splash Mountain (soon-to-be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure), this quieter section of Magic Kingdom offers some serious parade-watching perks.
- Smaller Crowds: Frontierland typically attracts fewer people than Main Street, meaning you can snag a front-row viewing spot without needing to camp out an hour in advance. Show up 15-20 minutes before the parade, and you’ll likely find a fantastic spot to watch all the action unfold.
- First in Line: The parade starts in Frontierland, so you’ll be among the first to see the floats roll by. This means you won’t have to wait as long to experience the magic. Plus, once the parade passes, you’ll be free to hit up your favorite nearby attractions—while the Main Street crowd is still watching the tail end of the parade!
- Character Interactions: Since Frontierland is less crowded, characters often have more time to interact with guests. You might catch Mickey, Minnie, or even Elsa waving directly at you or your little ones! The performers, being at the beginning of their route, are also typically more energetic and excited as they kick off the parade.
How to Secure the Best Spot in Frontierland
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If you want to maximize your viewing experience in Frontierland, we recommend arriving near Pecos Bill’s or the area close to Country Bear Jamboree about 15-20 minutes before the parade begins. There’s a decent amount of space along the parade route here, and the crowds are noticeably thinner compared to the hub or Main Street.
Another benefit of watching from this location? As soon as the parade passes, you can make a beeline for some of the top attractions in the park. Whether you’re in the mood for a swashbuckling adventure on Pirates of the Caribbean, a cruise through Jungle Cruise, or the wild thrills of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland puts you in the perfect spot to continue the fun.
Beat the Heat and Maximize Your Time
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Disney days can be long, and Florida weather can be intense. Watching the parade from Frontierland not only helps you avoid heavy crowds but also saves you from waiting too long in the direct sun. Since the parade starts here, you’ll be able to enjoy the entire performance earlier in the day and get back to enjoying the attractions while the Main Street crowd is still tied up.
For families with young children (or anyone needing a midday break), this strategy can be a game-changer. You’ll avoid the heat and crowds of Main Street and give yourself more time to fit in those extra Disney experiences.
Enjoy the Parade and Beyond
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After you’ve enjoyed the Festival of Fantasy Parade from your prime spot in Frontierland, it’s the perfect time to grab a snack at Pecos Bill’s or head over to Liberty Square for a relaxing riverboat ride on the Liberty Belle. Or, if you’re ready for some thrills, hop on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or head to Adventureland for a spin on Jungle Cruise.
The best part of watching the parade from Frontierland is that you’re already in a great location to continue your magical day. No need to battle the crowds exiting Main Street—you’ve got the upper hand!
Make Your Disney Parade Experience Magical
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The Festival of Fantasy Parade is one of the highlights of any trip to Magic Kingdom, and finding the right spot to watch it can make all the difference. By opting to watch from Frontierland, you’ll avoid the busiest crowds, enjoy a more relaxed viewing experience, and get back to the fun faster.
Next time you visit Walt Disney World, follow this tip and enjoy one of the most magical parades Disney has to offer without the stress of Main Street crowds. And remember, Disney magic is even better when you make it your own!
Want more insider tricks and tips to make the most of your Disney vacation? Head over to Disney Tips for all the best advice on attractions, dining, and ways to avoid the crowds.
