Spring at Magic Kingdom always brings higher attendance, but this year Disney is adjusting how entertainment unfolds throughout the day. The result? A completely different flow from morning through fireworks.
If you rely on familiar parade patterns to plan your day, now is the time to reset expectations.
Two Chances to See Festival of Fantasy
Starting March 15, Festival of Fantasy will run at both 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Previously, the single 3:00 PM parade created a predictable surge of guests into viewing areas. Now, that surge will happen twice.
The earlier noon showing could break up ride demand during peak lunchtime hours. Guests who skip the first performance may find shorter waits nearby, while those lining up will fill parade routes earlier than usual.
Flexibility is the real win here. You’re no longer locked into one parade window.
Cavalcades Shift Into Prime Time
The Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade is leaving its morning slot behind and moving into the 5:00 PM hour.
That timing shift changes the park’s late-day feel. Instead of morning character energy, the cavalcade now adds momentum heading into dinner and nighttime entertainment.
Expect busier walkways during those times, particularly near parade paths. But also expect a more layered entertainment experience as daylight fades.
Nighttime Gets Bigger
Disney Starlight will begin offering an 8:15 PM performance nightly in early March, with additional late-night performances at 10:30 PM on select days.
Multiple showings typically ease congestion. Guests willing to stay later often experience more breathing room. Pair that with Happily Ever After moving to 9:30 PM, and evenings now feel more extended.
Instead of a single nighttime crescendo, Magic Kingdom now builds in waves.
Rope Drop Still Feels Different
While showtimes shift, one thing remains paused: the Let The Magic Begin welcome show. With castle repainting still underway, the morning opening ceremony has not returned.
That means rope drop continues to feel more immediate and fast-paced. Guests move directly to attractions rather than gathering for a show.
The Bigger Picture
Magic Kingdom is recalibrating its daily tempo.
Earlier parades pull crowds forward. Later fireworks push guests deeper into the night. Multiple nighttime offerings divide attendance across time slots.
If you adapt, you can find better ride windows and potentially less crowded viewing experiences. If you stick to last year’s rhythm, you might feel caught off guard.
March visits require awareness. With a little planning, these changes can actually work in your favor.
