Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade

NOTE: Celebrate a Dream Come True has been replaced by Festival of Fantasy.

Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade debuted in January of 2009 to coincide with Disney’s “what will you celebrate” advertising campaign. Parades and shows are the best things Disney does. This is no exception.

Photo by Samantha Decker

The Parade

This is the 3rd version of the Dreams Come True parade. Gone are the “snow globes” from the previous version. The performers are live and out in the open.

Photo by Samantha Decker

There are floats from classic Disney movies like Peter Pan and Mary Poppins. Of course the big guy and his lady lead the way. All the floats are led by dancers in brightly colored costumes. There are even some characters that walk along and interact with the crowds.

Along the way there are streamers flags and even fireworks. A “lucky” family is chosen to be the “Grand Marshals”. They get to ride in the vintage car that rides in front along with a few other perks.

The Parade starts in Frontierland at 3:00 every day. That means it arrives on Main Street at 3:20 or so.

Crowds

I’m always asked, hey Dad, will there be a big crowd? I always answer – Yes, yes there will be very big crowds for all the parades at Disney World.

There are always big crowds for the parades in the Magic Kingdom. Even in Frontierland people will be stacked 5-10 deep just to get a glimpse of the show. Even though the show starts in Frontierland, you can’t get to Main Street just before the parade arrives and hope to get a good look. Guests will start lining up on Main Street at around 2:30 or earlier to reserve their spot.

Dad’s Disney World Crowds page

To avoid crowds at Disney World even during the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, you need a good plan of how you are going to tour the Magic Kingdom. Dad turns to Touringplans.com for advice and plans. They have the best and most up-to-date information about how to get around with the least standing in line.

Dad’s Touringplans.com page

Where to Watch

That’s a good question that I’m not sure I have a good answer for. If you want the best seats, stake out a place on Main Street early (around 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled start). You can usually find a spot on Main Street closer to the castle about 15 minutes before start time. Once it’s starts, your on your own.

Dad’s Ride Information Table

Even Green Guys get in the action

Photo by Maliboy

Dad’s Opinion

This is not Dad’s Bottom Line it’s just one old guys opinion of crowds.

Dad’s not a big fan of the afternoon parades. This one is just a 20 minute commercial for old Disney movies. By the time you find and hold a place, see the parade and get back to the attractions, you’ve spend at leas an hour. To get a good look, you have to push and shove your way to the front of the crowds.

Dad really hates crowds.

You’ll find me at one of the Mountains.

Dad’s Bottom Line

Disney knows how to put on a show. This one is one of the most colorful and entertaining parades you’ll ever see. If you have young children, totally ignore Dad’s Opinion. You should, suck it up, slap on a happy face, get out the sharp elbows, and grab a spot. You shouldn’t miss it. Your kids will love it.