Tag Archives: Magic Kingdom

New Haunted Mansion Store Now Open at Magic Kingdom

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Earlier this week, the long awaited Haunted Mansion store finally opened inside Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Memento Mori, the new Haunted Mansion themed merchandise shop, can be found in Liberty Square just past the iconic attraction. The store was “once considered the abode of Madame Leota” according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The Haunted Mansion shop offers a variety of authentic Haunted Mansion merchandise and souvenirs that have been created specifically for Disney Parks. The store does have a purchase limit of six items per style, per guest, per day for all items that can be purchased in the shop. The store will be one of two Magic Kingdom locations to carry the new Haunted Mansion open edition pins (the other spot is Frontier Trading Post). The coveted Haunted Mansion-themed Dooney & Bourke bags will not be available at Memento Mori. The bags will be carried exclusively at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street, U.S.A. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the unique Haunted Mansion merchandise available at Memento Mori:

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If you can’t get to the Haunted Mansion store in Magic Kingdom, but need some Haunted Mansion merchandise, the Disney Parks online store does have select items available.

Are you planning to visit the new Haunted Mansion store on your next trip? Which souvenir are you “dying” to pick up?

Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

Top 7 Reasons to Love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom

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The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train officially opened inside New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida at the end of last month. This new attraction is sure to be come an instant classic with guests of all ages so we wanted to share with you the top seven reasons to love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!

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As the crown jewel of New Fantasyland, the new attraction features “just the right combination of heart, humor, and thrill to appeal to everyone in the family.” The attraction was built with a unique new ride system that allows the mine cars to sway back and forth while you are immersed into the world of Snow White! Inside the mine, you can see some newly invented Audio-Animatronics magic that brings the seven dwarfs to life unlike ever before: Doc, Sneezy, Sleepy, Grumpy, Bashful, Happy, and Dopey are all there!

Here are the top seven reasons to love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train:

    1. It’s the newest Disney “mountain” – The debut of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train not only added another attraction to New Fantasyland, but it also plussed up the park’s landscape with another Disney “mountain” – the newest sinceSplash Mountain debuted in 1992.
    2. It features an innovative ride system – Imagineers developed special five-car trains designed to swing independently from side to side as they move along the track.
    3. A fun interactive queue – The attraction’s queue allows guests to immediately step into the story of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by becoming miners themselves and playing a jewel washing game. See photoshere.
    4. Awesomely advanced Audio-Animatronics figures – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train features some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics figures our Imagineers have ever created.
    5. Its amazing level of detail – Like the rest of New Fantasyland, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is incredibly detailed – from the Wisteria Vine that lines the door of the Dwarfs’ cottage (just like in the film), down to the tracks of forest creatures that can be seen in the attraction’s pathway.
    6. Special nods to the film – Be on the lookout for a few historic treasures on your way through the attraction, including the song “Music In My Soup” in the queue. This tune was originally cut from the film during production in the 1930s, but Imagineers re-recorded it for this attraction. Also note the shadows of the Dwarfs marching home along the lift inside of the mine. These shadows were actually rotoscoped (traced frame by frame) from a scene in the original film.
    7. References to the previous Snow White attraction – When Magic Kingdom Park first opened back in 1971, Snow White’s Scary Adventures was one of the opening day attractions. As a tribute to the original attraction, be sure to look for familiar vulture figures sitting at the top of the first climb as well as Grumpy, Doc, Bashful, Sleepy, and Happy figures toward the end of the ride.

Have you had the chance to experience the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train first hand? What did you think of the ride?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

Meet Anna and Elsa in Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom

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Chances are you have seen Disney’s latest hit film “Frozen” and your kids LOVE it! You probably hear them sing “Let it go” and talk about the royal sisters Anna and Elsa. Well, good news parents, you can now visit the royal sisters from Disney’s hit film “Frozen,” Anna and Elsa in Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom. Best of all, in their new location, you can take advantage of FastPass+ to minimize your wait time in the park!

Princess Fairytale is a beautiful addition to New Fantasyland inside Magic Kingdom Park. After you walk past the intricate tiara that graces the attraction’s entryway, you will start to feel the anticipation of being in the presence of Disney nobility and truly becoming immersed in their world. With a brightly colored tent facade, Princess Fairytale Hall can be found in the Castle Courtyard.

Upon arrival at Princess Fairytale Hall, you can choose between two queues to meet Disney Royalty: one for Cinderella and Rapunzel or one for Anna, Elsa, and another visiting princess.

The grand entrance to Princess Fairytale Hall features stone walls and beautiful stained glass windows with images from “Cinderella.” The entryway then opens to a large Royal Gallery where framed portraits of Disney princesses adorn the walls. It’s the ideal royal setting for visitors to meet a Disney princess and watch as their timeless tales come to life.

When it’s time for to meet the princesses, you are welcomed into the royal chambers. Cinderella and Rapunzel are in one reception room, while Anna and Elsa are in the other, joined by one other Disney princess. Royal visitors can include Aurora, Snow White, Tiana, Jasmine or Mulan.

When visiting Princess Fairytale Hall, be sure to remember your camera and autograph book!

Are you planning to meet Anna and Elsa in Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom during your next visit?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

Top 10 Reasons to Visit New Fantasyland

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New Fantasyland is the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom Park. Walt Disney World Resort guests can enter classic storybook worlds here, where elephants can fly and castles reach to the sky, where a beauty falls in love with a beast and a mermaid plays under the sea. Walt Disney himself said that “Fantasyland is dedicated to the young at heart and to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.”

New Fantasyland features attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions, recreation and so much more! You will find waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops in this magical land. New Fantasyland is home to the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus areas, which added two more fairytale castles! You can visit a French village and play a role in Belle’s story, ride a clamshell “under the sea” into Ariel’s world, race through the Seven Dwarfs’ diamond mine, soar through the sky with Dumbo, and so much more here!

Here are the top 10 reasons to visit New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom:

  • The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will takes guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” This family-style coaster features a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track. The journey is accompanied by music from the classic Disney film and animated figures of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid takes guests riding in clamshells with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. Adventurers will feel as if they are descending below the ocean’s surface. Once “under the sea,” guests will find themselves immersed in the story of “The Little Mermaid,” sharing Ariel’s adventure through a magical cast of characters and a captivating musical score that will entice everyone to sing along.
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant, the castle of the Beast, stands majestically upon a hill transporting Magic Kingdom diners into the splendor, elegance and fairy tale charm of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” To bring the classic story to life, the restaurant features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, delicate Rose Gallery and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. Out tall arched windows in the ballroom, there are views to the French countryside where a light “snow” falls. With seating for 550, the magnificent Be Our Guest Restaurant offers French-inspired, quick-service lunch by day and full-service table dining in the evening.
  • Enchanted Tales with Belle, inside of Maurice’s workshop, is home to an enchanted mirror that is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: guests will be transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere. Through props and costumes (courtesy of Madame Wardrobe), guests step right into the story of “Beauty and the Beast” and share in a lively, interactive re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”
  • Gaston’s Tavern – a comfy French lodge done in trophies to hunting and other manly pursuits of Gaston – where guests will be able to raise a goblet of LeFou’s Brew, a no-sugar-added frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow, topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam!
  • Princess Fairytale Hall is the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal subjects in the Magic Kingdom. The castle-like entrance features walls of stone and stained glass windows opening up into a large gallery — an airy space with a high ceiling — where portraits of the Disney princesses adorn the walls. When it’s time for their audience with a princess, guests will proceed to elegantly finished chambers to meet their favorite Disney royalty.
  • Dumbo, the Flying Elephant has doubled in size with two Dumbos – one going clockwise, the other counterclockwise. Fantasyland’s iconic attraction features shiny new red and gold colors (inspired by ’50s- and ’60s-era tin toys), beautiful newly-created signature illustrations from Disney animators and a new water feature circling the base of both attractions. The two Dumbos are connected to an air-conditioned “big top” area allowing parents to relax while their children explore an interactive zone of circus fun. Each guest gets a circus ticket pager that notifies them when their elephant is waiting. It’s also a FastPass+ attraction for guests electing to go straight to their flight with Dumbo.
  • The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini offers family-style coaster fun as guests dip and soar daredevil-style above the circus grounds. The circus’ stuntman, The Great Goofini, presents one of his most daring stunts – aerial acrobatics that follow a twisting, turning coaster “flight.”
  • Pete’s Silly Sideshow, set in one of the tents in Storybook Circus,  invites guests to meet some familiar-looking circus hopefuls awaiting their big break. Pete’s Silly Sideshow shines the spotlight on Minnie Magnifique (Minnie Mouse as a circus star), Madame Daisy Fortuna (Daisy Duck as a fortune teller), The Great Goofini (Goofy as a stunt pilot) and The Astounding Donaldo (Donald Duck as a snake charmer). Don’t forget your cameras and autograph books.
  • Fantasyland Train Station pays homage to both the elegant train travel of America’s past — and the passion Walt Disney had for trains. Sharp-eyed guests will notice a Casey Jr. – inspired weather vane and Carolwood Park sign, with “Fair Weather Place” — a nod to “Fair Weather Route,” Walt Disney’s tag line for the Carolwood Pacific Railroad, the steam engine Walt had running through his backyard. The station is serviced by a passenger train encircling the Magic Kingdom, powered by an antique steam engine.

Bonus: Don’t miss Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station water play area!

What is your favorite part of New Fantasyland?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

Plan Your Child’s First Haircut at Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom

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If you are planning a visit with your little one to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you are most likely looking for unique ways to make this a very special visit, especially if it is your child’s first! A great activity to plan for little ones is to have your child’s first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom.

Harmony Barber Shop sits at the beginning of Main Street USA, just past the entrance inside Magic Kingdom Park. They actually cater to first haircuts here and usually perform  anywhere from 10 to 15 each day. The barbers have even commented that a child’s first haircut at Harmony Barber Shop is looked at as a rite of passage.

To commemorate this special occasion, the first hair cut experience includes a lock from your child’s hair cut for a keepsake, a certificate, and even embroidered Mickey Ears that read “first hair cut.” Best of all, this first haircut package is only $19!

Harmony Barber Shop also performs general children’s haircuts as well as adult haircuts. There are lots of special Disney touches at Harmony Barber Shop such as “pixie dust,” bubbles, Mickey Mouse stickers and whimsical giant red scissors to make any hair cut a one of a kind experience! You may also enjoy the music of the Dapper Dans, Disney’s barber shop quartet.

Reservations are accepted at Harmony Barber Shop and are strongly recommended.

Have you ever gotten a haircut at Harmony Barber Shop in Magic Kingdom? What did you think?

Siera is a Disney travel specialist. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Debuts Today at Magic Kingdom!

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The brand new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will make its debut at Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort this afternoon! A fire-breathing dragon, a pirate ship with smoking cannons, a music box that’s a seashell, sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy hair, and a mega-sized bagpipe are just a few highlights from the new parade we are looking forward to.

Classic Disney stories will soar to new heights when the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade hit the streets of Magic Kingdom. The parade pays tribute to Fantasyland while highlighting several new classic Disney and Pixar stories with almost 100 performers and larger-than-life floats.

Disney Festival of Fantasy parade will be the first of a new generation of parades at Disney Parks that will feature “never-before-used technology on eye-popping floats adorned with Disney characters from more than a dozen fairytales. Set to an all-new musical score, the dazzling parade floats will soar up to three stories tall with spirited performers donning dramatic costumes” made at ten different locations all over the country.

Seven unique units made of nine amazing floats will march down Main Street, U.S.A to the beat of an original soundtrack that was inspired by several Disney films. The parade will have its own voice with a theme song created for each float that will be followed by a medley of songs woven throughout the parade.

You can learn more about each float with the following details and descriptions:

The Princess Garden – This pageantry of princesses celebrates Disney royalty. Cinderella, Tiana and Belle are all accompanied by their respective princes and ride in a garden of topiaries with woodland creatures, birds and more. Cinderella’s dress playfully twirls like a turntable, while Swan Court couples lead the 50-foot-long majestic float, topped off with a special appearance by Anna and Elsa from Disney’s most recent successful animated feature, “Frozen.”

Tangled – A massive long ship on the high seas features Flynn Rider and Rapunzel in search of adventure and another Best. Day. Ever! Rapunzel’s iconic hair will weave throughout this 36-foot-long float that has been decked out with swaying pendulums carrying dastardly thugs.

Little Mermaid – Ariel and her friends will sit  on top of a colorful seashell music box that plays an enchanting musical jubilee. There will be no shortage of whimsy on this Under the Sea float, complete with conga dancing fish kicking up their fins and bubbles galore. These runway-inspired costumes will feature shimmering fabrics and intricately designed costumes for the Lion Fish, Coral Fish, Seashell and Sea Horse performers.

Peter Pan – Peter Pan and Wendy will be soaring high above the famous Jolly Roger pirate ship, featuring smoke effects and special surprises. A rainbow arch will shine over Skull Rock and Tinker Bell will be nestled among giant flowers while Captain Hook sits center stage on a swinging anchor. There will also be Lost Boys kicking up their heels to high-energy choreography.

Brave – Celtic couples and a float shaped like an enormous bagpipe will announce the arrival of Merida sitting high on her majestic crown. Scottish dancers will dance to melodies from the Great Highlands in honor of the Disney-Pixar film, “Brave.”

Sleeping Beauty – The heroic Prince Phillip will battle the wicked Maleficent, a Steampunk-inspired Dragon. The float is 53 feet long and 26 feet tall with a prickly spinning wheel at the center of the float. With fiery eyes and glowing effects the massive dragon was built on an articulating chassis to allow the float to bend and flex while it moves along the parade route. The float will be accompanied by Prince Phillip, thorn-inspired stilt performers, dramatic raven dancers, and the three good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather gliding along the parade route.

Finale and Mickey’s Airship – The parade will finish with a 90-foot-long magical caravan featuring Disney characters such as Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter, Pluto and more in a splashy carnival of color. There float will be accompanied by Pegasus horses, dancing hippos and sassy Bubble Girls with cotton-candy-like hair celebrating Storybook Circus in New Fantasyland. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will also be here sporting zany new costumes, and sitting sky high in Mickey’s Airship — a giant hot air balloon that culminates the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Are you looking forward to seeing the new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom? We can help get you there!

Siera is a Disney travel specialist who would love to help you plan your vacation at no cost to you. Plus, you receive extra perks like itinerary planning, dining reservations, an Orlando discount card, discount watching, and more! Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information. 

New Fantasyland Updates at the Walt Disney World Resort

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The New Fantasyland expansion is still underway at Magic Kingdom. Here are some New Fantasyland updates on the last two attractions to be added.

Princess Fairytale Hall:

  • Opens tomorrow, Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
  • Storyline is that Princess Fairytale Hall is a gift to Cinderella from the king for her and any visiting princesses to meet Fantasyland subjects
  • Design was based on the original Cinderella film and Cinderella Castle
  • Cinderella and Rapunzel will meet guests in Princess Fairytale Hall every day and a third princess will also be present (the third princess can change from day to day)
  • Storybook collection pays homage to all of the Disney princesses (Hint- look for the Snow White book that is open on a table to honor the former ride)
  • Cinderella’s famous glass slipper will be on display
  • FastPass and FastPass+ will be available, with FastPass machines located near Peter Pan’s Flight

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train:

  • Still no official date announceed for completion (other than 2014)
  • Began manually pushing a mine car through the ride yesterday
  • Ride height restriction will be 38″
  • Wheelchair/ECV guests will need to transfer to ride so a transfer accessible seat will be available in each coach
  • Seating for four guests per car (2+2)
  • Ride moves in and out of interior/exterior areas/scenes
  • Cars will swing independently
  • Storyline is from the seven dwarfs’ perspective
  • Cottage will not be a walk through area (just part of scenery)
  • The evil queen and Snow White  may make appearances and elements from the former Snow White ride may be integrated as well

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney World vacation so you can experience New Fantasyland first-hand! Request a free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email spreadingmagic@gmail.com! 

Be Our Guest Restaurant Received National Recognition

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Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida received national recognition for the revolutionary dining experience available to guests in New Fantasyland.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts earned an Operator Innovation Award from the National Restaurant Association for the innovative technology at Be Our Guest restaurant. An independent panel of expert judges recognized Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for leading advancement in the food-service industry.

“The 2013 Operator Innovations Awards winners redefine how the industry views innovation and will serve as the benchmark for other operators to apply the same innovative spirit within their own operations,” said Jeffrey W. Davis, convention chair for NRA Show 2013.

State-of-the-art touch-screen terminals allow guests to customize their orders at Be Our Guest Restaurant. This allows chefs to efficiently prepare and serve meals to individual requests. The personalized, streamlined experience enables Be Our Guest restaurant to serve more than 3,000 meals at lunch every day.

Be Our Guest Restaurant in New Fantasyland continues the evolution of Disney’s food and beverage offerings with incredible storytelling and “flex” dining, transforming from a casual, quick service location for lunch to a table-service dining experience every evening.

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your Disney World vacation and grab one of the coveted Be Our Guest reservations! Request your free, no obligation quote on the right side of the page or email spreadingmagic@gmail.com!

New Looks and Packages at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Pirates League

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Aspiring pirates, mermaids and princesses can now experience an even more pixie dust and piratical fun with Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirates League’s new packages that have been added to their line-up of already magical makeovers!

You can visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside Fantasyland at Disneyland park in California and the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to check out the new makeover now available. Inspired by Disney Junior’s Sofia the First, young girls can learn what it’s like to not only look like a princess, but to have the heart of a princess, too. The Sofia the First transformation includes “Sofia the First” hair styling, shimmering makeup, nail polish, and an assortment of delicate accessories including a crown and hair bow.

Ahoy ye mateys! If savvy swashbuckling is more your style, then you can head over to the Pirates League at the Magic Kingdom. The Pirates League has added a “Mermaid Deluxe Package” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates Deluxe Package” to its offerings. These deluxe style packages will include your favorite elements from the ever-popular “Mermaid” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” packages (which will still be available), but with a few new additions!

The Mermaid Deluxe Package includes Luminous Mermaid Make-up and make-up palette, Mermaid Hairstyle with Color Changing Hair Clip, Distinctive Mermaid Necklace, Nail Polish, Mermaid Sash, plus a special mermaid costume T-shirt and tutu!

“The Jake and the Never Land Pirates” Deluxe Package includes a Jake Bandana with faux hair, sword and sheath, The Pirates League Bag, a unique pirate coin necklace, and a Jake and the Never Land Pirates costume T-shirt to complete the look!

Be sure to book your appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirates League as early as possible as space is limited. For the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, children must be between 3-12 years of age and accompanied by an adult.

When you book your next vacation with me, I can make your reservations for you!

Siera is a Disney travel specialist and would love to help you plan your next Disney vacation! Contact her at spreadingmagic@gmail.com. 

Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is Coming Spring 2014

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Disney is always looking to improve their guests experience and add new attractions to keep visitors coming back! The Walt Disney World Resort will be welcoming a new parade, The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, to the Magic Kingdom in the spring of 2014.

Parades are one of the special events you can see every day at one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is coming spring 2014 and will be replacing the current Celebrate a Dream Come True parade at Magic Kingdom.

The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will be a celebration of New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in park history. The magic will take place down Main Street, U.S.A. According to the Disney Parks blog, you can look forward to “fantastic and innovative new parade floats, vibrant costumes, and an original soundtrack that will feature beloved songs from favorite Disney films, plus a parade theme song.”

Disney has announced that the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will highlight the stories from the popular films of “The Little Mermaid,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Dumbo,” “Pinocchio,” “Peter Pan,” “Tangled,” “Brave,” and more!

What do you think of the new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade?

Would you like to plan your next Disney World vacation to see the new Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade? Email Siera at spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information!