Orlando’s theme parks put holidays on parade
Sure, Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. But we may also be the holiday parade center of the universe with three processionals in three attractions running multiple times during the season.
While each parade is festive, they each have distinguishing features ranging from stilt walkers to horse-drawn carriages to Big Bird shaking his tailfeathers.
Sesame Street party
What and where: Sesame Street Christmas Parade, SeaWorld Orlando
What you see: An array of Muppet characters on floats from the park’s daily parade outfitted with holiday decor and costumes, right down to Oscar the Grouch, who remains moody. The units move into place, halt for choreography-heavy performances and then head backstage.
What you hear: Upbeat seasonal songs framed by “Meet Me Right Here on Sesame Street” coming and going.
When you get the feels: There’s a somber section featuring “One Candle” that gives even grounches pause. But the dancing picks up again right afterward.
When: Most days, the parade, held in Sesame Street Land, naturally, steps off at 2:30 p.m. But some days, it’s 4:15 p.m., and other days, it’s both times. Check the listings on the park app upon arrival. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration runs through Jan. 4.
More info: seaworldorlando.com
Up in the air time
What and where: Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, Universal Studios
What you see: A collection of floats tied to films such as “Shrek,” “Madagascar” and the “Despicable Me” franchise. Balloons (a la Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade) that are movie-related (that’s one big ugly-sweatered Minion) or generic holidays are a distinguishing part of the parade. New this year: the floating penguin.
What you hear: Again, the soundtrack is soaring yet downbeat. It’s not the usual parade tunes, and some marchers have trouble going that slow. It feels classical and seasonal, but it stumped Shazam. Is it Bach? Liquid Child? The app also gives a digital shrug. Music from the floats sometimes weaves in and out effectively. Spectators also may catch snippets of snarky dialogue from Donkey of “Shrek” and King Julien from “Madagascar.”
When you get the feels: Bringing up the rear is Santa, preceded by several related floats and dancers. He’s way up in the air, but we can hear his greetings. This look is especially effective next to the park’s enormous tree in the New York area.
When: It begins at 5:30 p.m. daily through Dec. 31.
More info: universalorlando.com
Merry medley
What and where: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Magic Kingdom
What you see: A cavalcade of Disney characters, sometimes presented in unusual groupings (Mary Poppins, Mad Hatter, Tigger?). But, of course, there are themes, including “Frozen” and a baking segment. There have been a few shifts in where characters appear and in costuming.
What you hear: The parade has kept its theme song of “Once Upon a Christmastime” but has incorporated more mash-up moments, including selections from “The Nutcracker,” a song from “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” and “From All of Us to All of You” from a 1950s Disney TV show.
When you get the feels: The sentimentality is pretty evenly distributed, but let’s go with the stretch of royals: Snow White and her prince dancing in a moving gazebo, Cinderella and Prince Charming waving from the horse-drawn carriage, a squad of elegant ballroom dancers and the big ol’ regal float with Ariel, Tiana, Jasmine and company.
When: This is trickier. Officially, this parade is run during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separately ticketed event from Magic Kingdom admission. The party is sold out for the rest of 2024, Disney says. Normally, it is also produced near the end of the year, after the party circuit is over (the last one is Dec. 20 this year). But that’s not on the official schedule yet. If you are so crazy/motivated to go to the parks during Christmas week, well, we suggest you confirm the times.
More info: disneyworld.com
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