Flights of Fantasy Parade is the current daytime parade at Hong Kong Disneyland which premiered on January 18, 2011, as part of its 5th anniversary celebration. This parade replaced the former Disney on Parade which had been running since the park opened in 2005.
Disney's Flights of Fantasy Parade was an 18-month collaboration of Cast Members from Disney Parks around the world, led by Chief Imagineer Steve Davidson. Many are specialists of parade float development, scenic design, show actions, and developing the large inflatable elements used on the floats. The team has also invited renowned costume designer Mirena Rada from New York to work with the local costuming team on the costumes for the Parade.
Parade Units
Mickey's Magical Airship
The parade starts with Dumbo and Timothy Mouse from Dumbo in “Dreams Take Flight”, Dumbo is a fully working animatronic and hovers over the title-float; Mickey drives a giant airship named “Flights of Friendship”, and greets all the guests around the parade route, and his friends, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, and Chip 'n' Dale also sing and dance along with him.
Caught Up in Daydreams
Based on the 1977 animated film The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The float features Winnie the Pooh next to his good friends Eeyore & Tigger, and attached to the float are Heffalumps and Woozles and four performers, with four "Tigger family" members and a performer in a honey pot bringing up the rear. During the show stop, four bungee-jumping bees rise into the air to perform tricks.
Characters such as Baloo & King Louie from The Jungle Book, Rafiki & Timon from The Lion King, and Tantor from Tarzan feature on this float, styled to look like the jungle. Monkey dancers join this party, dancing along with them, and four female African dancers and four male African dancers bringing up the rear. During the show stop, Simba the lion king rises into the air.
The Magic of Pixie Dust
Presenting the Disney Fairies. Based on the character from the 1953 animated film Peter Pan. Tinkerbell takes on the starring role atop the flying cotton float from Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. Meanwhile, four fairies ride on the bug cars, and two flower girls bring up the rear, generously sharing their joy and happiness with everyone!
Hangin' Ten and Ridin' High
Based on the 2002 animated film Lilo & Stitch. Stitch proudly presents his tropical world. He windsurfs in the air, on a float similar to the Peter Pan float from Jubilation!. Lilo leads her dancing team, which is made up of Hawaiian dancers and surfers.
To Infinity and Beyond
Based on the Disney and Pixar film Toy Story. The larger float features Woody, Jessie, and Hamm, and the parade ends with Buzz Lightyear, Rex, and the Green Paratroopers, who show off their parachute bungee jumping skills, and deliver the greatest joy of "Celebration in the Air".
Show facts
Opening Announcement (English): "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. We're proud to have you join our 5th anniversary celebration. And now, let your imagination soar as we present: Flights of Fantasy!"
Show Stop song: Cantonese version of the Jonas Brothers' "Fly With Me" and "You Can Fly" from Peter Pan