Festival of Fantasy and Magic Kingdom Update

Hello, Everyone!

As noted in the previous post, Todd and I attended Magic Kingdom for Easter. However, the day we went was notable for another reason: it was the first day to meet Anna and Elsa from Frozen at Princess Fairy Tale Hall! We didn't get a chance to meet them because, well...

Yikes!

Clearly the sisters continue to be a crowd favorite! Luckily, we've already got that FastPassed for our May trip.

Speaking of Anna, Elsa, and princesses, there seems to have been an adjustment to the leading Festival of Fantasy Float: both figure of Cinderella's dress-in-progress and the Anna and Elsa pedestal now rotate, letting each side of the parade route get a view.  Cinderella and Prince Charming on the reverse side of the gown, and Tiana with Naveen on the reverse of the Frozen trio:

Cinderella and Prince Charming on their rotating platform. 

And is it just me, or are the characters in the parade, particularly the princesses, even more lively and animated than they used to be? They were wonderful!

Elsa, I'm assuming, advising Anna to let it go.

Look at those faces! These princesses are definitely full of magic and energy! It really made the parade even more enjoyable.

And just for fun, here's a few more photos:

Mouse cuddles!

And bonus: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

It's coming along so nicely! Hopefully it soft opens soon :-).

Keep an eye out for more updates, and see you next time.

In your Easter bonnet...at Magic Kingdom!

Every holiday, families from around the globe decide it would be amazing to make the day even more special by visiting Magic Kingdom, and Easter is no exception! And who could blame them? Todd and I have made WDW our own Easter tradition for the past few years, too! However, before your family decides on this course of action, be warned: holidays with a little extra magic are not for the faint of heart.

The wait just after the park was open just to get onto the monorail, ferry, or bus at the TTC.

People go crazy! That being said, we actually saw lighter crowds a bit compared to previous years, but that could have been due to the three hour wait to see Anna and Elsa (more on that next update). It's also worth noting the Tables in Wonderland card discount is not valid on any holidays.

All things considered though, it's a pretty cool experience. After all, the Azalea Maids were all over Main Street, you could meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, and there was a special Easter parade only shown on Easter! So I say, definitely go for it next year if you get the chance!

And now, photos!

Anxiously awaiting the Bunnies of the hour!

 

Photo op!

 

Butterflies ushering in the parade.

 

Daisy in her Easter finery.

So many ruffles!

That's all for today! Happy Easter everyone, and see ya real soon!

Festival of Fantasy Review

      For those of you who follow the happenings of the Walt Disney World Resort, you know that Sunday was the premiere of a brand new parade called Festival of Fantasy at Magic Kingdom. Todd and I visited WDW on Monday, and made a trip to Magic Kingdom so we could see the parade. We absolutely loved it! The music was great, the costumes and floats were beautifully colored and detailed, overall it was great to watch!
      My favorite float by far was Tangled. From the sun lanterns, to the various Snuggly Duckling singers, and the over sized swinging axes, you could see the parade a dozen times and notice something different with each viewing. Not to be outdone, however, was the huge Maleficent dragon, who breathed fire and was flanked by some terrifying crows. I definitely recommend making time in your next Magic Kingdom visit to see it. Without further ado, here are the photos:

The parade is led off by Belle and the Beast

On the same float is Cinderella's dress being made, and Cinderella herself on the opposite side.

Reigning darlings Anna, Elsa, and Olaf round out the title float.

Like Cinderella, they only stay on one side (the right), so keep that in mind when picking your spot. The other side is Tiana.

See what I mean about details?

Rapunzel grinning up at Flynn's smolder.

Coral covered dancers precede the Little Mermaid float.

Ariel being driven by Sebastian and combing her hair with a Dinglehopper.

Bonus: Can you spot the Hidden Mickey?

The Lost Boys usher in Peter Pan's float.

On second thought, maybe this float is my favorite. Look at all those colors!

Captain Hook swinging menacingly on an Anchor, next to the Neverland map on Pride Rock.

Peter Pan and Wendy, always exploring.

Of course, you can't have Peter Pan without Tinkerbell.

Merida clapping joyfully atop her giant bagpipe.

Above her head you can see the plate of pastries and her little brother as a bear cub.

These frightening creatures are nothing compared to what they bring with them...

Maleficent in all her winged glory. 

The sheer size of this amazing.

The Alice in Wonderland and Snow White character strangely don't have a float.

More beautifully costumed dancers in front of Pinocchio and Monstro.

Riding Monstro's tale is Dumbo, followed by Daisy, Donald, and the Fantasia crew.

Fantasia animals.

And Pluto brings up the back!

Goofy, Chip, Dale, and these adorably costumed performers dance behind Pluto...

And then lead up to...

The grand finale! Mickey and Minnie themselves.

I thought they made a greater last float than an introductory one.

And with that ends the Festival of Fantasy!