Hey there, Lindsey!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! We're glad you stopped by with your question!
Chef Mickey's, which is located at Disney's Contemporary Resort, is one of my family's favorite Character Dining experiences. This festive dining location featuring the "Fab 5" is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. After all, what can be better than seeing the monorail whiz by overhead while enjoying a delicious meal and being greeted tableside by several of your favorite Disney pals? It is magical!
I can certainly understand not wanting to miss the beautiful
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, which is a "must do" for my family when visiting Magic Kingdom Park. We have dined at Chef Mickey's multiple times over the years and always found our dining experience to take at least 60 - 90 minutes. In addition, we've never been seated right at our dining reservation time. For Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, I recommend securing a spot along the parade route at least 45 - 60 minutes before the parade start for optimal viewing. Based on my own personal experience, I don't feel you will have ample time to fully enjoy your dining experience at Chef Mickey's and make it back to Magic Kingdom Park in time to see the parade. I would definitely recommend moving your reservation to an early dinner that same day or a different day, as you mentioned. If your schedule permits, you may also want to consider booking Chef Mickey's for dinner on your arrival night or breakfast on the morning of your departure.
I hope this information has been helpful in making the best decision for your family, Lindsey. Please stop by again with any new questions. We would love to assist you in planning a magical trip!
~Jodie