Maleficent in Disney's
Festival of Fantasy
Parade
by chezp

Fun and excitement surround you in the Magic Kingdom. Guests may now enter the Magic Kingdom before the park officially opens, grab a bite at a Main Street eatery (now with new breakfast foods!), shop at select Main Street shops, get photos taken, and then enjoy the new Let the Magic Begin welcome show at Cinderella Castle. Before this change, the welcome show was at the Main Street Railroad Station.

Live entertainment fills the streets with parades, performers, bands, and fireworks. Every afternoon, the 20-minute-long parade highlights favorite Disney moments (see the parade route on the map on page 132). The current parade, Disney Festival of Fantasy , debuted in February 2014 with innovative new floats. We like to watch the parade from Frontierland or Liberty Square. Note that the Festival of Fantasy parade moves from 3:00 to 2:00 pm in the afternoon on August 20, 2017.

'The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History' is a new show in Liberty Square. Sam Eagle hosts the show which either recounts the signing of the Declaration of Independence or the midnight ride of Paul Revere. It's a fun and light-hearted diversion!

The Incredibles Super Dance Party in Tomorrowland ended on April 30, 2017. From May 1–18, 2017, Mr. Incredible will do a character meet in the same space. Rumor has it a new dance party will be coming in mid-May, but no further details have been announced. 

The Main Street Electrical Parade ended here on October 9. Disney has not yet announced its replacement, but rumors are that Disneyland's Paint the Night could debut at the Magic Kingdom. 

The evening fireworks are preceded by the new “Once Upon a Time” show in which sophisticated, animated character images are projected on the castle. The 15-minute show is a marvel of projection, seemingly changing the shape of the castle itself at times. A variety of special effects, fireworks, and lights enhance the show. If you want to see this show, find a good spot in front of Cinderella Castle (you'll want to be far enough back to see the entire castle, so at least past the Walt and Mickey Mouse statue).

The new Happily Ever After fireworks show  is generally held whenever the park is open after dark. Stand in front of Cinderella Castle to see more lasers, lights, and projections than any other show in the history of the Magic Kingdom during the 18-minute show. If you don’t mind missing the castle show, Tomorrowland (near the Speedway) and Liberty Square are good viewing locations, too. Fantasyland is also possible, but it is very loud. Tip: The “Made with Magic” Ear Hats and accessories will light up and interact with the show! 

Cinderella Castle is the backdrop for live musical stage shows such as Dream Along With Mickey stage show. Disney characters make appearances throughout the park, especially at park opening and after some shows.