Walt Disney World previews its new Festival of Fantasy parade units

February 10, 2014, 4:47 PM · Walt Disney World is cranking up the publicity in anticipation of the debut of its new Festival of Fantasy parade in the Magic Kingdom next month, today releasing new photos and details about the upcoming production.

Here's what you can expect when the new parade starts rolling down the Magic Kingdom parade route in March, with float descriptions from Disney's press release.

The Princess Garden – This pageantry of princesses celebrates Disney royalty. Cinderella, Tiana and Belle accompanied by their respective princes, ride in a garden of topiaries with woodland creatures, birds and more. Cinderella’s dress playfully twirls like a turntable, while Swan Court couples lead the 50-foot-long majestic float, capped off with a special appearance by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s hit animated feature, “Frozen.”

Tiana

Tangled – A massive long ship on the high seas showcases Flynn Rider and Rapunzel in search of adventure and another Best. Day. Ever! Rapunzel’s iconic tresses weave throughout this 36-foot-long float decked out with swaying pendulums carrying dastardly thugs.

Little Mermaid – Ariel and her friends sit atop a colorfully kinetic seashell music box that boasts an enchanting musical jubilee. There’s no shortage of whimsy on this Under the Sea float with conga dancing fish kicking up their fins and bubbles galore. Shimmering fabrics and intricately designed costumes for the Lion Fish, Coral Fish, Seashell and Sea Horse performers are runway-inspired.

Seashell Girl

Peter Pan – Straight from Never Land come Peter Pan and Wendy soaring high aboard the famous Jolly Roger pirate ship complete with smoke effects and special surprises. A rainbow arch shines over Skull Rock and Tinker Bell nestled among giant flowers, while Captain Hook takes center stage on a swinging anchor. “Newsies-inspired” Lost Boys kick up their heels to high-energy choreography.

Lost Boys

Brave – Celtic couples and a vessel shaped like an enormous bagpipe announce the arrival of Merida perched high on her majestic crown. Scottish dancers step to melodies of the Great Highlands in celebration of the popular Disney*Pixar film, “Brave.”

Sleeping Beauty – The heroic Prince Phillip battles a Steampunk-inspired Dragon as the wicked Maleficent. This float stretches 53 feet in length and 26 feet tall with a prickly spinning wheel dead center of the float. With fiery eyes and glowing effects the spectacular dragon was built on an articulating chassis allowing the float to bend and flex as it moves along the parade route – a first for Disney parades. This float was designed in a partnership with Tony Award-winner Michael Curry. There’s Prince Phillip, thorn-inspired stilt performers, dramatic raven dancers, plus the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather glide along the parade route.

Dragon float

Finale and Mickey’s Airship – The parade culminates with a 90-foot-long magical caravan of characters featuring Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, Pluto and more in a splashy carnival of color. There’s Pegasus horses, dancing hippos and sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy-like hair celebrating Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland. Sporting zany new costumes Mickey and Minnie Mouse sit sky high in Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon that rounds out Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Disney used 3D printing to create some of the unique costume pieces from the parade, bringing to life designs by Mirena Rada, who has created costumes for the Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, in addition to this production now for Walt Disney World.

Again, the parade will debut sometime next month, though Disney's not yet announced a specific date.

Replies (7)

February 10, 2014 at 5:07 PM · LOVE Disney meets "steampunk." Long time coming!
February 11, 2014 at 4:33 AM · “Newsies-inspired” Lost Boys kick up their heels to high-energy choreography.
WTH!?

From the floats I've seen there is not a lot of space for actual live characters on there.

February 11, 2014 at 9:31 AM · The princess costumes look amazing, but the steampunk float does nothing for me.
February 11, 2014 at 10:20 AM · Something new for DIsney World......It's a small step in the right direction.LOL
February 11, 2014 at 10:36 AM · I presume that the dancers will be performing on the street around the floats. That's the way it's been with the recent Disneyland parades.
February 11, 2014 at 11:40 AM · Does anyone know how long this parade will be presented at the MK? Also, is the MSEP sticking around? I've heard rumors that it may be moved to Disneyland next year, for the 60th anniversary.
February 12, 2014 at 7:49 AM · I think the Lost Boys costumes are just adorable. They give me some ideas for my boys for Halloween this year. I think they look too cute! This parade is going to be very fun to watch. I can't wait to see it!

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