Major changes are underway at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom this March, with key adjustments to the park’s entertainment lineup shaping the guest experience. As schedules shift and new developments emerge, visitors should take note of the latest updates at the Central Florida destination.
Disney World continues to hold its place as a top-tier vacation spot, despite ongoing refurbishments, temporary closures, and large-scale transformations throughout the resort. While some travelers might delay their visit—or turn their attention to Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe—Magic Kingdom remains a crowd magnet, drawing guests eager to enjoy its signature attractions and entertainment offerings.
Beyond its headlining thrill rides, such as EPCOT’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios, Disney’s stage shows and nighttime spectacles play a major role in shaping the overall guest experience. From Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Magic Kingdom’s iconic Happily Ever After fireworks, entertainment is an integral part of the magic. However, operational shifts this season bring notable adjustments to Magic Kingdom’s show schedule.
One of the first major changes took effect in mid-February when the Festival of Fantasy parade expanded to two performances per day. Previously held at 3 p.m., the parade now runs at both 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., offering more opportunities for guests to enjoy the beloved daytime spectacle.
This shift, however, resulted in a schedule change for the Disney Adventures Cavalcade Parade. Originally performed twice daily at 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., the cavalcade has now moved to a single performance at 5:10 p.m.
Daylight Saving Time is also bringing adjustments to Magic Kingdom’s nighttime entertainment schedule. Beginning tomorrow, March 9, the fan-favorite Happily Ever After fireworks show will move from its current 8 p.m. time slot to 8:30 p.m. before shifting once again to a 9 p.m. start time on March 30.
The timing change coincides with the spring break rush, a period that traditionally sees heightened attendance across the resort. With record-breaking numbers anticipated at Orlando International Airport (MCO) this season, Walt Disney World Resort has already seen its high-demand Lightning Lane Premier Pass sell out on multiple consecutive days.
Looking further ahead, an even more significant entertainment update is on the horizon. Summer 2025 will mark the debut of Magic Kingdom’s all-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight. First announced at the 2024 D23 Expo, this highly anticipated production will carry on the legacy of the Main Street Electrical Parade, integrating cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling for a new generation of parkgoers.
“Disney Starlight will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the Main Street Electrical Parade using the latest technology to tell new stories about the characters you love,” Disney Parks Blog confirmed. “All of this is brought to life by the magic of the Blue Fairy, in addition to beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more.”
As Magic Kingdom undergoes these operational shifts, guests can expect an evolving entertainment landscape filled with both familiar favorites and new experiences.
What are your thoughts on these updates at Walt Disney World Resort? Let us know in the comments!
