As the Walt Disney World Resort began its phased reopening in July 2020, everything did not return all at once. In fact, they are still brining entertianment, resorts, and dining back online.
Because of the unpredicibility of the coronavirus, Disney has taken an extremely cautious approach in reintorducing activities back into the resort. Some Disney bloggers irresponsibilky took this as Disney (read: Chapek) was making drastic budget cuts at the expense of the parks. These bloggers posted hyperbolic headlines about the demise of daytime parades, live entertainment, even the elimination of the Maleficent dragon in the “Festival of Fantasy Parade.”
However, recent annoucnements from Disney proved these stories false. Instead of admitting their mistakes, some of the sites posted updated stories by classifying previous stories as “rumors.”
According to the Disney Parks Blog, the “Festival of Fantasy Parade” and “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will return to the Magic Kigndom. In addtion, the character calvacades that Disney introduced during the pandemic will return but in a new form.
Kicking off the fun on Feb. 11 is the brand-new “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade!” Starring nearly 30 of your favorite Disney and Pixar friends, this super-sized cavalcade features Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” Baloo and King Louie from “The Jungle Book,” José Carioca and Panchito from “The Three Caballeros,” plus Merida, Moana, The Incredibles, and more – including the Magic Kingdom debut of Miguel from “Coco” in his mariachi best.
Miguel will appear in a new version of “Vamos!” from “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It.”
Beginning on 9 March, the beloved Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade returns to Magic Kingdom Park. It will debut on the 9th annviersary of the parade.
Returning are many beloved characters inclduing those from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Tangled,” “Peter Pan” and more bringing their individual stories to life on enchanting floats that look as though the characters themselves had a hand in crafting them. Looming 26 feet above the parade route and 35 feet in length, the fire-breathing Maleficent Dragon float returns just as menacing as ever.
“Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” will make its debut on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage Feb. 25. The show, newly enhanced for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, will incorporate favorite scenes inspired by “Frozen,” “Tangled,” and “The Princess and the Frog” – plus a new opening and a new finale with Mickey Mouse and all his friends in their sparkling, EARidescent fashions. Presented multiple times a day, the show will also include an all-new, original song entitled “Where the Magic Feels Like Home.”
Also returning to the Magic Kingdom on 11 February 2022, is The Frontierland Hoedown Happening. The hoedown will feature characters and Cast Members performing at various times throughout the day.
These new and returning experiences add to the all-new entertainment that debuted with the launch of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration, including “Disney Enchantment,” “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade,” and “Harmonious.”
