How ya doin', Karen, and welcome back to planDisney!
As a Louisiana girl currently in the middle of Mardi Gras Season, I religiously respect the importance of staking out a good spot on the parade route. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade and the Disney Starlight Parade light up both the day and night at
Magic Kingdom, and I know just what to do and the right spots to make them perfect for you.
Festival of Fantasy usually rolls at 3 PM daily from Frontierland through Liberty Square and down Main Street, U.S.A. In normal times, I would tell you to claim a spot near Frontier Trading Post and race to
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad once it passes, but since my favorite ride is currently being refurbished, follow the parade's trail and break left to hop on
Haunted Mansion while everyone else is still awestruck.
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away has been making its way through Magic Kingdom twice a night at 7:45 PM and 10 PM. It follows the same route but requires a totally different strategy. Near the front of the park, in the little corner near
Harmony Barber Shop and the
Emporium, is the perfect spot to catch this twinkly confection. The parade starts here, and as the crowds disperse, cross the road to the
Town Square Theater and finally meet the Head Havarti himself, Mickey Mouse. In the evenings around parade time, most people aren't thinking about meet and greets. I've found this wait time lower than at other times during the day.
Karen, laissez les bon temps rouler, let the good times roll, and have a fantastic time watching your parades. If you have any other questions,
come right back, and we'll answer you as quickly as we can!
Happy planning!
Taylor