Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, the daytime stage show performed in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, will move to an afternoon‑only schedule beginning January 28, 2026. The change coincides with the start of exterior repainting work on Cinderella Castle.
Disney has published updated showtimes as work begins on painting the castle to restore its classic color scheme first seen during earlier years of park operation. Under the revised schedule, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire will be presented four times daily at the following times: 1:00 p.m., 2:05 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Current and Revised Performance Times
Through January 27th, the show is listed on the official Magic Kingdom entertainment calendar with five daily performances at the following times:
- 10:05 a.m.
- 11:05 a.m.
- 12:40 p.m.
- 1:55 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m.
READ: Keenan and Kel Set to Meet Frankenstein in New Horror-Comedy
Beginning January 28th, morning performances will be removed entirely. The show will run exclusively in the afternoon with four performances daily, reducing the total number of appearances by one each day.
Repainting Project and Castle Work
The schedule changes are part of operational adjustments tied to the refurbishment of Cinderella Castle, which includes repainting the structure’s exterior to a palette inspired by its original appearance. Work on the project began in January 2026, with crews draining the castle moat to prepare for painting and using cranes to access higher sections of the façade. Disney plans to lower and remove cranes from guest sightlines by noon each day to lessen their visual impact on park views and photographs.
Cinderella Castle and Main Street USA decorated for Fall – Photo Credit: Ron Bradley
Disney has not yet published an official completion date for the repainting project or announced when entertainment schedules will return to their prior formats.
Other Entertainment Adjustments
In addition to changes for Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, the morning welcome show Let the Magic Begin will no longer appear on the daily schedule beginning January 28. Historically held at 8:55 a.m. in front of Cinderella Castle, the ceremony has been listed without performances through mid‑March on the official calendar, and no fireworks component will accompany it while castle work continues.
Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World at Dusk looking into Liberty Square – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
READ: Paramount Warner Bros. Showdown Intensifies as Skydance Extends Hostile Takeover Deadline
Nighttime entertainment such as the fireworks and projection show Happily Ever After is expected to continue, with only minor adjustments noted to its presentation during the repainting project. Disney has not published details about how castle facade work might affect projection mapping or other technical elements of the show.
Park Operations and Guest Planning
Disney park calendars reflect the revised showtimes and indicate that these changes will remain in effect as long as exterior work on Cinderella Castle is ongoing. Guests planning visits to Magic Kingdom in early 2026 are advised to consult the official Walt Disney World calendar for daily showtimes and updates.
Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom during a clear Orlando day – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
The shift allows refurbishment crews to work in the morning while still keeping some afternoon performances for guests in the meantime.
Is your family planning a Magic Kingdom trip during the castle repainting? What do you think of Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
