Here’s the Real Reason Magic Kingdom Shutdown Main Street and Canceled Its Daytime Parade

If you were at Disney World Magic Kingdom on November 9, you may have noticed some unusual closures and changes to the regular park lineup.

Holiday Filming at Disney World Magic Kingdom Leads to Temporary Closures

Main Street, U.S.A. was temporarily off-limits, the beloved Festival of Fantasy parade was canceled, and Park Pass reservations were entirely booked. Why the shake-up? Here’s the scoop on what’s going on.

Filming for the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

Disney’s annual Christmas parade filming has begun! Each year, ABC’s film crew arrives at Magic Kingdom to record segments for the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. This festive event, broadcast on Christmas morning, features heartwarming moments and exciting celebrity performances alongside Disney’s iconic holiday parade.

During filming, Disney makes adjustments to regular park operations to accommodate the crew and ensure everything runs smoothly. On November 9, Main Street, U.S.A. was temporarily closed for exclusive parade viewing by registered Cast Members, pushing guests to enjoy the parade from Frontierland and Liberty Square instead.

Expect Some Schedule Adjustments

If you’re visiting the park during this time, you might find that a few attractions and events look different or are unavailable. The Festival of Fantasy parade was canceled on November 9, for instance, and additional stage lighting and film crew equipment could be seen near Cinderella Castle.

To stay informed and avoid surprises, check the My Disney Experience app for updates, as it provides current information on closures and scheduling changes.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit During Special Events

Disney goes to great lengths to minimize guest disruptions, but the holiday season often comes with unexpected park adjustments. Here are some tips to help make your visit smooth and enjoyable:

1. Check the My Disney Experience app on arrival for up-to-the-minute schedules and notices of any closures.
2. Stay informed via Disney’s official website for updates on holiday events.
3. Contact Guest Relations for additional information on park changes during filming dates.

By staying in the loop, you’ll be able to make the most of your Disney day, no matter what surprises the season brings!

Disney World Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy Explained

The Festival of Fantasy parade is one of Magic Kingdom’s most vibrant and beloved daytime parades, held in the heart of Walt Disney World. Launched in 2014, this parade celebrates the magic of Disney storytelling, bringing favorite characters, fantastical floats, and show-stopping performances to life.

Highlights of Festival of Fantasy

1. Enchanting Disney Characters: The parade features more than 100 performers, including iconic characters like Mickey and Minnie, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, and Peter Pan. Each float is carefully designed to reflect the unique themes and style of its characters, offering a wonderful variety of scenes from popular Disney stories.
2. Stunning Floats and Visuals: With ornate and towering floats, each representing different Disney tales, the Festival of Fantasy parade is truly a feast for the eyes. Highlights include a Tangled float showcasing Rapunzel and Flynn Rider with swinging lanterns, as well as a Peter Pan ship float that appears to be flying over a rainbow.
3. Maleficent’s Fiery Dragon: One of the parade’s most jaw-dropping floats is the 26-foot-tall Maleficent dragon from Sleeping Beauty. This enormous steampunk-inspired dragon is not only an incredible sight but also breathes actual fire during the performance, adding a thrilling moment of spectacle.
4. Colorful Costumes and Choreography: The performers wear elaborate, beautifully designed costumes inspired by everything from princess gowns to whimsical forest creatures. Choreographed dance numbers bring the stories to life along the parade route, with a musical score that includes reimagined renditions of Disney classics.