The Festival of Fantasy Parade

The brand new Festival of Fantasy Parade recently replaced the 3 O’Clock Parade in Magic Kingdom. I was kind of disappointed when I heard this because ever since I remember it has been the 3 o’clock parade. (I still wonder what they did with all the t-shirts and mugs that said “What time is the 3 o’clock Parade?”)

However when I saw this new parade, I wasn’t nearly as disappointed. The floats are very elaborate and detailed, complete with a fire breathing dragon. All of your favourite characters are still there, and they added in Anna and Elsa.

You really need to start searching for a spot about 45 minutes before it starts.  It won’t seem long, because while your waiting is a good time to check out the gift shops near by. I prefer watching from Frontierland, somewhere along the same street as the Country Bear Jamboree, but really anywhere will provide good viewing as long as your at the front.

The parade is still at 3:00 every day (weather permitting), and it lasts about 12 minutes.

Of coarse I’ll miss the 3 o’clock parade, but the new Festival of Fantasy is a pretty good replacement in my opinion. I mean really, who doesn’t love a fire breathing dragon?

 

The Dwarf’s Mine Train

We were recently to Disney World about mid May, and while we were there, I got to ride the Dwarf’s Mine Train for the first time! (And the second…and the third… oh and the fourth time too!)

I absolutely loved it! It’s different from all the other coasters I’ve been on due to the carts swinging away from the train, which was really cool.  It’s a very tame ride. There are a couple small drops, and one larger, but still small, drop. My only complaint about it was that it was rather short.

This attraction is currently the newest ride in all of Disney World, as it is part of the New Fantasyland Expansion in Magic Kingdom. The wait time is really long. The whole time we were there it was over 45 minutes, even first thing in the morning when the lines are typically short. So Fastpass this one!

This is is a fantastic ride, and I strongly encourage you to try it, if you haven’t already. And if you have, ride it again!

 

MyMagic+ and Fastpass+

Disney’s new MyMagic+ is a great way to decrease running around time while your on your vacation, however it does require more preperation before you leave.

Fastpass+ is part of this new system. Don’t worry about having to run to get your Fastpass when the park opens, because now you can just book them ahead of time on Disney’s website.

When you book your Fastpasses, you will get to customize your Magic Bands. Everyone in your party gets one, and they are your room key, your Fastpasses, your Photo Pass and your ticket to the parks. You can even get your debit connected to your band so you don’t have to worry about bringing your money to the parks. Just tap your band and off you go! (You still need to enter your PIN number if your band is connected to your debit.)

*Note that the Magic Bands are available only to guests staying at Disney resorts. Guests who are not staying at Disney resorts must still book Fastpasses in advance.*

You will be given your Magic Band when you check in to your Disney Resort, and you can start to book your Fastpasses 90 days in advance.

Walt Disney World is the only location that is doing this system currently, but Disneyland Califorina is suppose to start testing it this summer. Hong Kong  is scheduled to start it in 2016.

 

Katie’s Top Ten in Magic Kingdom: #10 Journey of the Little Mermaid

Journey of the Little Mermaid is one of Disney’s newest attractions. Part of the Fantasyland expansion in Magic Kingdom, this ride is a must do for Little Mermaid fans of all ages!

You board your clam shell right inside Prince Eric’s castle, and from there you go through some classic scenes from the movie.

I have seen this ride have a wait time of 45 minutes, though I have also been able to walk right on. Try to aim to do this one earlier in the morning or later in the evening. The line seems to be shorter then.

This is a great ride, especially for those princess fans. Don’t miss this one!

Katie’s Top Ten in Magic Kingdom: #9 Haunted Mansion

Take a tour through a haunted house in your Doom Buggy, with a ghost as your guide! There are ghosts everywhere, totalling “999 happy haunts”. It goes backwards once, but it’s really slow and smooth. I love the illusions. Like the floating candlestick in the hallway, or  the invisible ghost playing the organ.

*Note: When you reach the banquet scene, the dishes next to the head of the table form a hidden Mickey.*

This is probably not the best ride for younger kids. If you have a fear of ghosts, zombies, haunted houses, or the dark, check out the Ol’ Christmas Shoppe across the street while the rest of your party rides it. (Don’t forget about the Parent Swap option!) The Haunted Mansion is an awesome ride. Just try not to pick up any hitchhiking ghosts along the way!!