I don’t know about you, but my family and I thoroughly enjoy the parades in Disney World. The attention to detail in the costumes and floats is unparalleled! We find ourselves inevitably singing or clapping along to the soundtrack. The parades just make you happy! So, here are some fun facts about Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade in the Magic Kingdom!
1. Movie Representation
The 9 parade floats represent Disney characters from over 12 classic stories!
2. Multi-Talented Performers
The amazing parade performers appear on stilts, swings and pendulums, bringing a contagious energy to the parade celebration!
3. Reaching New Heights
The finale float, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, is the tallest float topping out at 32 feet!
4. Needle and Thread
The parade costumes were crafted by 10 different costume houses, in 8 cities, and in 2 countries — including facilities in both Florida and California.
5. It Takes a Village
The Festival of Fantasy parade features over 100 performing cast members!
6. Using a 3D Printer
Some pieces, including the Seashell Girl (The Little Mermaid float performer) headpiece, were digitally sculpted and then grown to size with a 3D printer.
7. Bring on the Bling
Minnie Mouse’s Dress and Hat uses 95 gold lame dots that are cut out, “blinged out,” and then sewn on.
8. Specialty Socks
The socks worn by the Lost Boys, in the Peter Pan float, are custom designs that were knitted to order in Hong Kong.
9. The Showpiece
The Steampunk-inspired Maleficent Dragon stretches 53 feet from snout to tail and reaches 26 feet in the air. It was designed with the help of Tony Award-winning designer, Michael Curry.
10. Breathing Fire
The fire-breathing Maleficent Dragon caught fire on May 11, 2018. No one was hurt, but the float was damaged and removed from the parade until her triumphant return on January 25, 2019.
I hope these Fun Facts about Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade help put a little pep in your step today!
Until next time… cheers!!