Hi Laura! Welcome to planDisney.
I see you are planning an October visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, and let me tell you: you have picked a fantastic time for your visit. In
autumn, Mickey pumpkins line Main Street, U.S.A., and spook-tacular treats and activities materialize. October 1, 2021, kicks off
The World's Most Magical Celebration, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. So much magic will be in the air during your visit!
I'm happy to share what I know about Grand Marshals for the Magic Kingdom Park parade, but first I have a little bit of not-magical news. Currently, parades are paused as part of the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort. This means that, at this time, there is not a daily afternoon parade - and Grand Marshals are not being chosen. I recommend reading the
Disney Parks Blog and the
Returning to a World of Magic guidance for the latest news and operational updates.
My family just returned from Walt Disney World and we loved the
character cavalcades that are taking place instead of parades in
all four theme parks. They bring a blast of fun Disney energy, with music, characters, and vehicles, throughout the day.
I don't know if or when parades will return, but I want to share how Grand Marshals were selected in the past. Usually, the family or group selected at Grand Marshals were unsuspecting Guests picked out of the crowd walking right down the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. or in that area. Happy groups who are living their best Disney lives have the best shot at being surprised with this fun honor! That's really the secret pixie dust: just be in the moment, have fun with your family, and let the magic happen.
Thank you for stopping by! Please come back and see us if you think of any further questions as you count down the days.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn