Fans have begun to speculate when Magic Kingdom’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will be filmed. The calendars show the normal daytime parade, Festival of Fantasy, is absent from its daily showing on November 8th and 9th. As in past years, these dates will likely feature filming of the Christmas-themed parade.
Typically, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is featured exclusively during the nighttime Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event held on select nights from November 7 through December 21, 2025. However, during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, the parade is also presented during regular daytime park hours. In previous years, daytime performances have been scheduled in early November to facilitate filming for the holiday special.
Mary Poppins, Bert, and Other Disney Characters in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, Credit: La Reina Creole
The 2025 daytime performances are set for 2 p.m. On both November 8 and 9, the Christmas-themed parade is likely to replace the regular 2 p.m. showings of Festival of Fantasy. The Festival of Fantasy Parade will return to its regular schedule on November 11th. Additionally, the Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire stage show, typically performed in front of Cinderella Castle, will not take place on November 9th and 10th. This adjustment is likely due to the construction of a larger stage for filming purposes.
ABC Christmas Parade Holiday Special Context
The Christmas parade is frequently featured in The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, an annual television special that airs on Christmas morning.
Cinderella and Prince Charming Arrive During the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, Source: La Reina Creole
The special includes performances filmed at Disney parks, often incorporating parades, stage shows, and other holiday events. While Disney does not always publicly confirm specific filming dates, scheduling adjustments in the park—such as daytime parade performances and stage show changes—have historically indicated filming activities.
These adjustments allow crews to capture the parade and other performances for broadcast while minimizing disruption to regular park operations.
Implications for Park Visitors
Visitors attending Magic Kingdom during the rumored filming dates should anticipate schedule changes and potential crowding near parade routes.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus Arrive in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, Credit: La Reina Creole
The 2 p.m. daytime parade may replace regular performances, and some areas near Cinderella Castle and Main Street, U.S.A. could be restricted to accommodate filming equipment and crew. Guests are encouraged to consult the official Walt Disney World entertainment schedule and park maps for the most up-to-date information.
These adjustments are temporary and typically affect only specific locations during the parade performance times.
Summary
Disney is likely to film its Mickey Very Merry Christmas Parade on November 8 and 9 ahead of the annual The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration.
Mickey and Minnie at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Guests in Magic Kingdom are likely to experience crowds and restrictions around the parade route.
Will you be trying to sneak a peak at the ABC Christmas Parade while filming? Let us know in the comments!
