Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire Moving to Afternoons-Only at Magic Kingdom for Cinderella Castle Work

Posted: Tuesday January 20, 2026 3:50pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has released new showtimes for Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire as work begins on Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom.

Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire opening show

Starting January 28 2026, the show will move to a modified schedule with four daily performances and in afternoons only. The new times are:

1:00 PM
2:05 PM
4:00 PM
5:15 PM

Current Schedule Through January 27

Before the changes take effect, Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire runs at:

10:05 AM
11:05 AM
12:40 PM
1:55 PM
4:00 PM

The current schedule offers five daily performances, including two morning shows.

The adjusted showtimes accommodate ongoing work on Cinderella Castle. Disney recently confirmed that the castle is undergoing a transformation with a new color scheme inspired by its original 1971 appearance.

Crews will be draining the moat and using cranes to access different sections of the castle for painting. Disney plans to lower and remove cranes from view by noon each day to minimize their impact on park views and guest photos.

Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire opening show

Other Entertainment Changes

Disney previously announced that Let the Magic Begin welcome show will also run in a modified format during the castle project.

Happily Ever After will continue with only minor adjustments as needed.

No end date has been announced for these entertainment modifications. They're expected to remain in place while exterior work on the castle continues.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

Jambo Dad1 day ago

No we haven’t.

Nickm20222 days ago

kinda off topic but just curious, how long would the new paint last before it begins to fade? I ask because I'm curious if they would have to do multiple coats of paint or not

Mkek223 days ago

Recent live streams show the lasers aren't being used.

jrhwdw4 days ago

Lasers wasn't working the first night, Jan 28. But have been working ever since.

Bocabear4 days ago

That photo makes the castle look so garish...Not the ethereal french gothic beauty of my childhood... Looking forward to this going away and getting back to the original (or similar) colors....

James Alucobond4 days ago

I didn't mind the extra gold as much on parts of the keep, but the outer wall seriously already looks so much better in the sections without it.

Disney Analyst4 days ago

looks like the roof tiles are being painted now also.

wdwmagic5 days ago

Cinderella Castle Moat Draining Begins - First New Paint Colors Visible https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/cinderella-castle/news/04feb2026-cinderella-castle-moat-draining-begins---first-new-paint-colors-visible.htm

Mkek225 days ago

Are the lasers likely to be missing from HEA for the duration of the repaint process?

griffin ferrari6 days ago

I don't have pictures from today but, it looks like they have pumps in place to drain the moat.

Brian6 days ago

They have started painting turrets. They're working on the eastern side. Nothing major yet though.

HauntedPirate6 days ago

Once they start painting turrets and spires, progress will be more noticeable.

HauntedPirate6 days ago

I've never pulled for a return of the fun, whimsical castle cake harder than I am right now.

wbostic126 days ago

Any update since the weekend on this? I know obviously not the biggest news today, but just wondering if any more progress (or any changes at all) have been made.