Festival of Fantasy Parade coming to Magic Kingdom in 2014

[aladdin2007]

That's my question too. I understand skepticism towards TDO, but it seems like the insiders here believe that MSEP is being refurbed -- I don't see the reason to doubt that, especially since refurbishing an existing parade (instead of building a new light parade) and playing off of nostalgia seems right up their alley in terms of how WDW has been run of late.

Because thats exactly what Disney said about Spectro, that it was going to be refurbed and look what happened. So thats why theres so much doubt anymore. Its difficult to trust them between what they say and what they actually end up doing. Maybe they will surprise us this time, but after what happened to spectro it shows what messed up management and no care for care is.

 

[doctornick]

Because thats exactly what Disney said about Spectro, that it was going to be refurbed and look what happened. So thats why theres so much doubt anymore. Its difficult to trust them between what they say and what they actually end up doing. Maybe they will surprise us this time, but after what happened to spectro it shows what messed up management and no care for care is.

Ok, but there are plenty of counter examples of where TDO has announced and planned to refurbed things and done so. And, specific to Spectro, they had a replacement light parade available that was being used. It went off line, but something was there to take its place. If MSEP goes, then there is no light parade and I don't think that is a situation that TDO wants since they know it is a popular draw for MK.

Furthermore, it appears that under Kalogridis leadership that WDW is more apt to spend money to refurb things. And the insiders on here have seemed to suggest that a refurb for MSEP is actually planned and budgeted.

I know its a fun joke to suggest that MSEP is going to be junked, but I don't see tangible reasons to truly believe it.

I'll also point this out from earlier in the thread...

On the note of storing parades. The somewhat missed Spectromagic has been left out in the rain to rust. Literally. The parade is largely beyond repair and deemed unworthy of the continual cost of storage so within the next few days it will be destroyed.
As night parades go, it was well below the satisfaction levels of Main Street Electrical Parade, which ranks much higher in all levels on guest surveys. As of now, it looks like Disney is hoping that Spectromagic quietly dies...out of sight, out of mind.

I think TDO just felt that MSEP was a worthy/better replacement for Spectro and that with having MSEP around, they did not need to repair or keep Spectro. Just IMHO, I understand the basis for the pessimism though.

 

[aladdin2007]

Ok, but there are plenty of counter examples of where TDO has announced and planned to refurbed things and done so. And, specific to Spectro, they had a replacement light parade available that was being used. It went off line, but something was there to take its place. If MSEP goes, then there is no light parade and I don't think that is a situation that TDO wants since they know it is a popular draw for MK.

Furthermore, it appears that under Kalogridis leadership that WDW is more apt to spend money to refurb things. And the insiders on here have seemed to suggest that a refurb for MSEP is actually planned and budgeted.

I know its a fun joke to suggest that MSEP is going to be junked, but I don't see tangible reasons to truly believe it.

All very true, and I hope they come through this time and refurb msep. But spectro too had a budget to be refurbed and....that fell through. What makes me mad is they keep pulling parades, DHS (granted it was poor anyway), AK next supposedly, for one new afternoon parade at MK, which I dont get. Since when does one have to go for another. If anything I wish they would pull MSIC already. The other parks need something yet everything is going for MK. Just thinking off top of my head on all that.

 

[mm52200]

All very true, and I hope they come through this time and refurb msep. But spectro too had a budget to be refurbed and....that fell through. What makes me mad is they keep pulling parades, DHS (granted it was poor anyway), AK next supposedly, for one new afternoon parade at MK, which I dont get. Since when does one have to go for another. If anything I wish they would pull MSIC already. The other parks need something yet everything is going for MK. Just thinking off top of my head on all that.

I was really excited for FoF originally too but when I started basically learning that it was coming at the expense of a parade at DHS, DAK, and also DCR, then I started to not be so excited. I under CTF at DHS was not a good parade, but you don't just close it you replace it with something better. Also I know many people weren't fans of DCR and I respect that but there went a show with four equity performers and a fair number of dancers with no replacement. Some kind of show on that scale should be happening at DHS, not themed to Disney Channel or HSM but themed to 1940's Hollywood or just movies in general. DCA has fantastic entertainment options that are all excellently THEMED to the environment they happen. DHS and DAK need everything they can to keep people in the parks, MK? Not so much, they have no problem attracting people.

 

[doctornick]

I was really excited for FoF originally too but when I started basically learning that it was coming at the expense of a parade at DHS, DAK, and also DCR, then I started to not be so excited. I under CTF at DHS was not a good parade, but you don't just close it you replace it with something better.

There are plans for a new daytime parade at DCA and it is possible that the PPP will be moved to Florida. I don't know what the timeframe is for the new DCA parade, though, which would affect what happens in WDW.

Also, I thought people had said that the parade storage area at DHS was targeted to be part of the Star Wars expansion at DHS, which might have something to do with ending the parade there. Which might mean a new parade isn't coming until new storage is built.

 

[ddd8170]

There are plans for a new daytime parade at DCA and it is possible that the PPP will be moved to Florida. I don't know what the timeframe is for the new DCA parade, though, which would affect what happens in WDW.

Also, I thought people had said that the parade storage area at DHS was targeted to be part of the Star Wars expansion at DHS, which might have something to do with ending the parade there. Which might mean a new parade isn't coming until new storage is built.

DHS ended the CTF Parade because they are doing work behind the scenes near the storage area and there would be no way the parade floats could maneuver backstage. Idk if the reason is because of an expansion of Star Wars or what.
MJJ at AK is the only parade they seem to be ending due to budget cuts. Although the parade has been playing for almost 15 years! There's also talk of some type of water pageant parade in the works at AK to help increase business in the evenings there.

 

[rodserling27]

But wasn't SpectroMagic supposed to be refurbed while MSEP was brought in for Summer Nightastic?

I don't think Disney ever said that, officially or otherwise. It was widely rumored and sort of assumed, but I don't ever think anyone came out and said "While MSEP is here for Summer Nightastic [and beyond], we will refresh Spectro." I remember there being a video of someone backstage talking to an employee that worked on MSEP floats. He said to him "Are we going to get a SpectroMagic refurb while MSEP is here?" The guy just said "Oh, you never know..." sort of beating about the bush.

 

[RAXIP]

DHS ended the CTF Parade because they are doing work behind the scenes near the storage area and there would be no way the parade floats could maneuver backstage.

That's interesting b/c I haven't seen any work backstage in that area. And floats have been using the parade route all summer for Monsters U Homecoming.

 

[TTA94]

Could there be a lot of changes begining next year in entertainment? From everything that's been discussed it seems like that could be the case.. FOF, updated MSEP, maybe PPP from DCA, new DAK show. And what about Halloween and Christmas next year? With the new modern floats for FOF Im wondering if that could cause changes to Boo To You and Once Upon A Christmastime next year?

 

[Tip Top Club]

I think the best we can hope for is some of the Pixar Pals, and CADCT floats to be repurposed into special even floats. (Don't scoff too fast, remember that there's floats from mickey Mania and America on Parade still around in those parades)

 

[meyeet]

where else is the pirate ship float used from the Boo-to-You parade? Maybe it is just because it is dark but it seemed fairly detailed

 

[mm52200]

That's interesting b/c I haven't seen any work backstage in that area. And floats have been using the parade route all summer for Monsters U Homecoming.

I think the best we can hope for is some of the Pixar Pals, and CADCT floats to be repurposed into special even floats. (Don't scoff too fast, remember that there's floats from mickey Mania and America on Parade still around in those parades)

OH WDW entertainment is the best when comes to recycling and reusing things, just ask the crystal castle float....

 

[WDWDad13]

DHS ended the CTF Parade because they are doing work behind the scenes near the storage area and there would be no way the parade floats could maneuver backstage. Idk if the reason is because of an expansion of Star Wars or what.
MJJ at AK is the only parade they seem to be ending due to budget cuts. Although the parade has been playing for almost 15 years! There's also talk of some type of water pageant parade in the works at AK to help increase business in the evenings there.

do we know for sure MJJ parade is ending yet?

 

[BrightImagine]

I can safely tell you Mad T Party choreography will not be a part of Festival of Fantasy, at least not in it's original form.

Oh well. I am catching up on this thread and just watched those two videos. The second one looked like Bollywood-inspired movement. I was boggled that something so modern might be coming to the Magic Kingdom.

If the new parade is going to appear at night, at least for a while... does that mean there are light features in the new floats?

 

[ToTBellHop]

do we know for sure MJJ parade is ending yet?

No, but apparently yes.

 

[WDWDad13]

No, but apparently yes.

When?

 

[ToTBellHop]

When?

In November, they will switch to Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade and then quietly kill it on 1/2/14. Turns out, when the poachers were fired from Kilimanjaro Safaris, they turned their sights elsewhere:

 

[steamboatjosh]

I hope they keep MSEP and just add some new floats. I was really wanting to see it when I come out next year. It would be cool to see a lit-up flying carpet float with Aladdin & Jasmine on it, a light up jelly-fish float with Marlin & Dory on it, etc. Basically just add some modern floats with the nostalgic feel.

But I am very excited about FoF. Happy that we'll have a parade that's not even a year old to see on our Disneymoon.

 

[ford91exploder]

If possible, let's not get too worried about MSEP yet. While it was tragic for Spectro, maybe TDO thinks MSEP is a good fit for MK. I sure do! I loved Spectro but MSEP looks better here than at DCA. For all we know, Steve may have his hands in the rumored referb. He's giving HKDL a Night Parade, we think one's coming back to DL's parade route for the 60th, he could be giving it a little TLC.

If the rumors of the referb are true and has a return date, Does anyone else think that FOF's opening is not a good time? FOF's opening in March. Then, Spring Break, Easter, Summer. Not a good time for MSEP to go down in my mind, even if it's getting a wonderful referb.

But imagine the contribution to the bottom line, If you assume MSEP is down 100 days and it probably costs between 5-10,000 per show so there's an easy $500K to 1M added to bottom line, Plus customers are in the Mall buying food and merch and not WASTING their park time at an attraction.

I think we can safely say Buh-bye to nightime parades at WDW,

Look WDW has become a mall with a cover charge.

 

[ford91exploder]

Doesn't seem like TDL wants to let go of Dreamlights. There has been new floats every few years, sitll looks good but I'm suprised it lasted so long. Dreamlights is the longest Night Parade TDL has ever had. Could TDS have an effect on that or did TDL just find that perfect parade with Dreamlights?

Oh, Fanti, my guess is Fanti is either destroyed or roting away in DLRP. Dreams is great but it shouldn't kill other things.

But look where Meg landed, DLP and the value destruction starts