POTD - The Magic Kingdom

Rapunzel spots something. Is it a new friend? A mortal enemy? Pascal and Flynn? Stay tuned!


Oooh, what's that???

 

Whatever it is, she doesn't like it. Frying pan at the ready!


Oh, no!

 

I don't know if this is good news or bad news: It turns out that what Rapunzel saw was Ulf the mime. That sure would send me running for a frying pan!


Ulf is into mime

 

Strangely enough, today was the first time I realized Rapunzel's float was a boat! I need to pay closer attention to these things.

This week, I'm focusing (no pun intended - well, maybe a little) on the Festival of Fantasy dancers. The big stars and fur characters get all of the attention, but the dancers surely do more physical work in the course of the parade.

Before Merida arrives riding her giant bagpipe, these folks come along dancing a lively jig.


Festive jig

A group of colorful dancers and Ulf (see above) signal the approach of Rapunzel's boat.


I wear a head doily now. Head doilies are cool.

 

Today's Festival of Fantasy dancer is one of the new-look Lost Boys. Quite frankly, I think they look like they're wearing recycled Newsies costumes.


Merida's brother?

 

The end of the parade is getting near. But that doesn't mean things get less interesting. The bubble girls see to that.


Sweet and bubbly

 

Finishing off the week is a photo of someone who's technically not a dancer. There are dancers wearing the same costumes, though. For some bizarre reason, the ladies wearing these tent-shaped costumes are called "Cha Cha Girls."

Has anyone else noticed that they always have cute girls carrying the bar at the end of the parades?


Treat at the end

 

One afternoon in the Magic Kingdom, as I was on my way to meet up with ScottWDW to shoot the Festival of Fantasy parade, Snow White appeared to do her regular meet & greet next to City Hall. But before taking up her position, she organized an impromptu game of "red apples green apples" (red light green light to us more modern folks) with the children who were waiting to meet her. It was one of those magical moments that keeps us returning to Walt Disney World.


Red apples!

 

Nice shots of the dancers, Dennis. They are often overlooked in favor of the characters and it was nice that you remembered to capture them.

 

Thanks, guys.

John, I knew it was a Magical Moment when I was watching it. If I ever see that particular cast member again, I'll have to stand in line just to say "thank you."

Tim, the parade is fantastic. Every part of it, from the floats to the dancers to the characters to the dragon are over-the-top awesome!