Magic Kingdom Is Bringing Out Santa Early and You Don’t Need a Party Ticket

Okay, holiday people, this one’s for you. If you’ve already got your Christmas playlist going and it’s not even Halloween yet, Magic Kingdom just gave you a reason to feel totally justified.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade is hitting the daytime schedule for two days in November so ABC can film its holiday special. Translation: you can see the Christmas parade in the middle of the afternoon with just a regular park ticket. No Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ticket required.

Here Are the Dates

The parade is happening at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11.

If those dates sound familiar, it’s because Disney does this every year. Last year, the filming happened on November 8 and 9, so this is right on schedule.

Festival of Fantasy Is Taking a Break

Here’s the tell that this is definitely a filming situation. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade isn’t scheduled at its usual afternoon time on those two days. Pretty clear sign that ABC is filming on both dates.

So if you were planning to see Festival of Fantasy during your trip on November 10 or 11, you’ll have to swap it out for Santa and friends. Honestly, not the worst trade.

Why This Is Kind of a Big Deal

Normally, if you want to see Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, you have two options. You can buy a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and see it at night, or you can wait until the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when Disney runs it during the day, and the park is absolutely packed.

Neither of those is great if you’re trying to save money or avoid wall-to-wall crowds. Mid-November isn’t empty by any means, but it’s a whole lot better than December 27.

What You’ll See

This parade is full-on holiday mode. There are Disney characters, festive floats, Christmas music, and of course, Santa Claus makes an appearance. Seeing it all in the daytime sun hits a little differently than the nighttime party version, and it’s a great way to kick off the season early.

Where to Watch

The parade usually starts in Frontierland, right next to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. From there, it goes through Liberty Square, loops around the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, and heads down Main Street, U.S.A.

Our advice? Main Street, U.S.A. and the castle hub are going to be busy, especially with cameras around. If you want a little more breathing room, try somewhere along Frontierland or Liberty Square. And get there early, because filming days can bring out bigger crowds than you’d expect for a random Tuesday.

You Might End Up on TV

ABC hasn’t announced when this year’s holiday specials will air. Last year, The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular aired on Monday, December 1, and the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade aired on Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day.

If the schedule looks similar this year, the specials will probably air sometime in December. So if you’re in the crowd on November 10 or 11, there’s a chance you’ll spot yourself waving at Santa on national TV. Might be worth wearing the good holiday sweater.

Quick Tips Before You Go

Get to your spot early, since a 2:00 PM parade on a filming day could fill up fast. Expect cameras and crew along the route. And don’t plan your afternoon around Festival of Fantasy, because it won’t be running at its usual time.

Christmas Starts Early at Magic Kingdom

Seeing Santa and Mickey on Main Street, U.S.A. weeks before Christmas, in the daytime, without paying for a party ticket? That’s a win. If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom in mid-November, try to make this part of your day.

So who’s planning to be at Magic Kingdom on November 10 or 11?