Walt Disney World has made a notable adjustment to its November 2025 entertainment calendar. The popular Festival of Fantasy Parade is now absent from the Magic Kingdom schedule on November 8 and 9. This change suggests that these dates are likely reserved for the filming of "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade," a key component of ABC's annual Disney Parks Holiday Specials.
While Disney has not yet officially confirmed any filming plans, this scheduling pattern aligns with previous years. Production crews historically utilize early November to record segments for the televised holiday specials, which typically air on ABC and other Disney-owned platforms during Thanksgiving and Christmas week.
Key Takeaways
- Festival of Fantasy Parade removed from Magic Kingdom schedule on November 8-9, 2025.
- Dates likely reserved for filming "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" for ABC's holiday specials.
- Filming for this year's specials has already begun, featuring Mariah the Scientist.
- Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade officially debuts for guests on November 7, 2025.
Holiday Filming Takes Center Stage
The removal of Festival of Fantasy from the schedule on these specific dates provides a strong indication of upcoming production activity. Historically, Magic Kingdom has used these early November days to capture footage for the widely watched holiday broadcasts. This allows for controlled environments and multiple takes, ensuring a polished final product for television audiences nationwide.
Filming for the current year's holiday specials has already commenced at Walt Disney World. Earlier this week, crews were seen at the iconic Tree of Life, where recording took place for a performance by artist Mariah the Scientist. These early tapings are crucial for producing the high-quality entertainment segments featured in the annual specials.
Did You Know?
The ABC Disney Parks Holiday Specials typically air nationwide on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, showcasing performances and parades from Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Resort, and other Disney destinations.
A Glimpse into Past Production Practices
In previous years, when the holiday specials were being filmed, Magic Kingdom usually scheduled two performances of the Christmas parade. These often occurred at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This allowed regular park guests to experience the festive parade live, even amidst the production work.
However, filming often necessitated specific crowd control measures and periodic pauses along the parade route. This ensured that camera angles were clear and that the production team could capture the desired shots without interference from the general park crowds.
"The absence of Festival of Fantasy on those dates strongly hints at similar production activity, following a pattern seen in past years," a Disney observer noted. "It's a clear signal that the holiday magic is getting ready for its television debut."
What This Means for Park Guests
As of now, Disney has not officially confirmed whether guests will have access to view the parade tapings during November 8 and 9, 2025. While past filming events allowed for guest viewing, the specific arrangements for next year remain unannounced. Visitors planning a trip during these dates should monitor official Disney channels for any updates regarding park operations and entertainment schedules.
The official debut of Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade for day guests will be on November 7, 2025. This coincides with the first Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party of the season. The Festival of Fantasy Parade is scheduled to resume its regular daily performances starting November 10, 2025.
Understanding Disney's Holiday Filming
Disney's annual holiday specials are a cornerstone of their seasonal programming. They feature musical performances, celebrity appearances, and iconic parades from their theme parks. Filming these elaborate segments requires significant logistical planning and often impacts regular park operations for a short period.
Planning Your 2025 Holiday Visit
Guests considering a visit to Magic Kingdom in early November 2025 should be aware of these potential changes. While the Festival of Fantasy Parade will be absent for two days, it indicates the exciting preparation for the holiday season's televised spectacles. The return of the Christmas parade signifies the start of the festive period at the park.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the holiday parade, November 7, 2025, marks its official launch. This allows guests attending the first Christmas Party of the season to experience the full festive atmosphere. The brief pause in the Festival of Fantasy Parade schedule is a small trade-off for the extensive production that brings Disney's holiday magic to millions of homes.
- November 7, 2025: Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade officially debuts.
- November 8-9, 2025: Festival of Fantasy Parade not scheduled; likely filming dates.
- November 10, 2025: Festival of Fantasy Parade resumes regular schedule.
Staying informed through Disney's official website and mobile app will provide the most current information for planning a seamless and magical visit during the holiday season.
