Disney in a Minute: What is the Main Street Philharmonic?

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

In the larger world, “philharmonic” often implies “symphony orchestra,” but at Walt Disney World the Main Street Philharmonic is Disney’s resident marching band. Consisting of 12 brass and percussion players, the Philharmonic typically appear marching down Magic Kingdom’s Main Street or in Fantasyland. Their schedule is irregular and does not appear in the My Disney Experience app.

Disney often invites high school or college marching bands to perform as a lead-in to an afternoon parade. The Main Street Philharmonic is comprised of professional musicians and typically performs on its own, not in conjunction with other forms of Disney entertainment. Their repertoire includes brassified versions of Disney film music as well as some American standards.

Do not confuse the Main Street Philharmonic with Mickey’s PhilharMagic. PhilharMagic is a regular attraction in Magic Kingdom, a theater-based 3-D film. You can find information about Mickey’s PhilharMagic in the My Disney Experience app.

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