5 Expert Tips for Viewing Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade with Kids – Schedule, Route, and More
One of the best parades performed at Walt Disney World is Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade. This special seasonal parade is offered exclusively during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and is a favorite among longtime Disney fans. And for many families it is one of the main reasons for attending this special Christmas event at Magic Kingdom.
But you’ll want to plan ahead to get the most for your money. Stick with me, I’ve witnessed this parade, and the many past versions, more times than I can count.
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
Tips for Watching Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade
- Know the characters
- Showtimes are 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM
- Watch in Frontierland
- Bring a towel or blanket
- Mobile order food while you wait
Showtimes are 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM
Great news! This year marks a big change in the parade time. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade has two performances, the first at 8:30 PM which is much earlier than in years past. The earlier performance is better for kids, but the later performance is much less crowded.
The parade itself lasts about 20 minutes.
Watch in Frontierland
If you’re going to see the first performance at 8:30 PM then head to Frontierand. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade route starts in Frontierland, winds through Liberty Square, in front of Cinderella Castle, and finally up Main Street U.S.A.
So if you watch from Cinderella Castle or Main Street you’ll be at the end of the parade and therefore the parade won’t get to you until about 8:40 PM. Minutes matter!
By watching in Frontierland you’ll see the parade right when it starts AND when it’s over you’ll be closer to many of the attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain, The Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Bring a towel or blanket
You’re going to be sitting on the (potentially) hot pavement for a long while as you wait for Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade to start. So bring a towel or other soft material to place on the ground and make it more comfortable.
Mobile order food while you wait
One of my favorite Disney World tips to share with someone is to mobile order your food! Practically every quick-service restaurant at Magic Kingdom has mobile ordering. So while you wait for the parade, pull up the Disney app and order some food. Then send someone from your party to pick it up and bring it back to your parade viewing spot.
If you decide to watch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade from Frontierland the closest mobile order spot is Pecos Bill Tall Tale Cafe.
Know the characters
Perhaps you don’t want the parade to be spoiled, which I totally understand. But if someone in your party is willing to know which characters appear in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade, it can help keep the kids excited and entertained while you wait.
Of course, elements of the parade are subject to change, but such an occurrence is rare. Here are the main characters to expect, in order of appearance.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade Floats and Characters
- Disney pals such as Pluto, Pinnochio, Peter Pan, Wendy, Donald and Daisy, Alice, the Mad Hatter, Tigger, and Mary Poppins
- Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their holiday finest
- Frozen characters including Olaf, Anna, and Else
- Vanellope von Schweetz in her sweet ride
- Chip n’ Dale, along with Clarice, and Clarabelle baking up some holiday goodies
- Your favorite Disney Princesses including Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Aurora, and of course the Fairy Godmother
- Toy Story characters include Woody, Buzz, and Jessie
- The man himself – Santa Claus!
After watching Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade enjoy some of the special character opportunities, and attractions, or snatch up a special holiday treat.
If you watch the 8:30 PM parade from Frontierland, you’ll be done around 8:50 PM. This gives you about an hour and 30 minutes before you need to worry about getting a viewing spot for Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show at 10:00 PM.
One thing is for sure, there is a LOT to do at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and it’s really difficult to do it all. So pick your top three or four must-dos and focus on those.
Ready for more festive fun?
- Best Places to See Santa Claus in Orlando
- Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll
- How to Do a FREE Tour of Monorail Hotel Decorations
