Hi Melissa,
Welcome to planDisney! I watch the
Festival of Fantasy Parade at least once during each visit to Walt Disney World. Most recently, my family found a spot to watch after my boys had Knight makeovers at
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. It was so sweet to see them reaching for their swords when Maleficent appeared in her dragon form.
There is no tried-and-true method to be chosen for the Grand Marshal position in the Festival of Fantasy Parade. Based on stories from my fellow panelists, the Grand Marshal is chosen at random by a Cast Member on the morning of the parade. Some say the Guest or family is selected at rope drop, while others have said they were chosen after being in the Magic Kingdom for a few hours. It can happen any time before the parade is scheduled!
I always recommend grabbing a celebration button from
Guest Relations, which you can use to indicate your birthday. And of course, being kind to fellow Guests and Cast Members is another way to spread birthday cheer. My favorite thing is finding a Cast Member who is from my city. I hope that when I talk to them about our local area it adds a little magic to their day.
Sorry I couldn’t give you more information, Melissa. I have to share that just last week my husband was asking how to be the “Rebel Spy” on
Star Tours in Hollywood Studios! Unfortunately, I had no tips and tricks for his goal either. Just a lot of wishing on a star and hoping for a bit of pixie dust. If you have any more questions while you’re planning your big birthday visit, please come back to see us at
planDisney.
Kaitlin