11:48pm ET
From the shooting of a singer rising to fame, to the largest and most repugnant mass shooting on U.S. soil, to the tragic loss of a 2 year old boy at the hands of an alligator attack on Disney property-- it's safe to say central Florida needed a ray of sunshine. As victims, family members, residents and tourists began the healing process after overcoming the darkest week in Orlando history they saw hope through love, unity, compassion and selflessness. After seeing a vacant castle stage for more than two months, Mickey and friends came out and truly showed everyone why life is so precious and valuable. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy come out to celebrate the 'Royal Friendship Faire,' but of course, there are always some bumps in the road. Throughout the show, each segment shows how important self-discovery and acceptance really is. Mickey and Minnie come out and look better than ever (fresh off the plane from Shanghai), but Tiana and Naveen are the ones who steal the first seven or so minutes. With that good 'ole southern hospitality, Tiana shows Goofy what New Orleans is all about, the the three show us how sometimes, we have to "dig a little deeper" to find that strength to get through tough times and reach our ultimate goal. Up next is the two love birds, coincidentally in the "Snuggly Duckling." With Daisy not being the star of many shows, she of course mad herself known by appearing with Rapunzel. Also, it wouldn't seem right if Donald and Daisy weren't squabbling about something-- but Rapunzel and Flynn take over telling guests that everyone has a dream. No matter what you look like or how people perceive you, you can dream for anything-- just like Vladimir who collect ceramic unicorns. As the show begins to wrap things up, Mickey gives Minnie the gift she's always wanted: to meet our friends from the Mystic Mountain. Olaf, Anna and Elsa come out to surprise Ms. Mouse. As Minnie completely fangirls over the Ice Queen and tells her she wants to be just like her, Elsa quickly responds by saying Minnie should love herself and be proud of the person she is. After an array of musical numbers, Minnie realizes that it's completely okay to love yourself and as long as you surround yourself with loved ones, anything is possible [wishes do come true [Dream Along reference]. Now while the fireworks may be splendid, and the choreography is sensational, the costumes are surely magnificent and the music is spirit-lifting... just remember the central message of this performance: accept who you are.
This show depicts the direction Disney wants to go in perfectly, with the power of friendship being an essential key to one beings future and self acceptance being pivotal in the growth of a person. While the show is still new, and there is a lot to see, Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire is a prosperous performance that doesn't undermine what Dream Along with Mickey (the predecessor) by any means. So while the city of Orlando may hurt, especially after the calamitous week it has endured, this show is a reminder that there is still a lot of good in the world. **Louis will appear in the Princess and the Frog segment at a later date. His debut was suspended in wake of the passing of Lane Graves.