This is the first episode where only two out of the six main ponies appear, and the first in which Twilight Sparkle doesn't appear at all.
Derpy Hooves, the fan-favorite pegasus with crazy eyes, can be seen briefly in the crowd listening to Granny Smith's announcement at 17:10.
Rarity's and Sweetie Belle's parents appear for the first time in this episode, though unnamed.
This is the first episode in which Sweetie Belle appears without Scootaloo.
This the first episode with a friendship report where Twilight Sparkle is not present during its creation.