Paint the Night Parade and Disneyland Forever Fireworks Strategy

mikana876 said:

Just an FYI...

On Friday, CM's were going around saying that starting at 7:30 pm, there would be a "no blanket" policy. They said all blankets must be folded up and put away. They said no backpacks or other items could be used to hold a person's spot. All persons must be in the spot holding the spot or they could lose their spot.

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About time! Sorry to all the folks who are into this 'leave a blanket to mark my spot' way of thinking, but we are WDW veterans and to see this sort of thing being allowed in a Disney theme park simply boggled our minds. When my daughter and I were at DL in June, the amount of unattended blankets, comforters, clothing articles and 'walls' of empty prams lining the parade route was simply ridiculous.

We did the Carnation Cafe trick last night and it worked well for us. We made reservations for 8:20 but showed up just after 8. We requested a seat near the sidewalk and were quickly seated front and center. I'm guessing that was more luck than anything else. But it felt like pixie dust.

The view of the parade was not ideal but it was fine, especially for the amount of time we invested in getting that view.

After the parade, we stepped into the street to watch the fireworks. I wish I could have seen the castle better, but it was also just fine.

And the icing on the cake was my chicken fried chicken was delicious.

We plan to see the parade and fireworks again from IASW area Sunday or Monday night.

I'm thinking of aiming for somewhere between the 5'oclock and the 7'oclock areas of the hub, does that seem like a good spot for a toddler and a short woman to see PTN and the Fireworks? Any other suggested places? What time would you show up to ensure a good spot? We are aiming for Monday, September 14. Thanks!

We booked the River Belle Fantasmic package tonight and loved it! Our meal was absolutely fabulous and then we arrived early enough with our fast passes that we got seats right next to the railing. We stayed there to watch the fireworks afterwards. When the fireworks were over we headed to Main Street and found an empty spot on the curb by the flag pole facing the castle. It was a perfect evening!

This weekend, our family wanted to see the new shows in DL, so I planned for us to make sure we saw Disneyland Forever on Friday night, in case they were cancelled for Saturday. So,we shopped in the Candy Palace until 9:15pm or so, then waited for the last PTN float to come through. We went out into the street, but not quite as far to the right hand side as I would have liked. The trees on the left hand side of the castle obscured some of the fireworks, but not too badly. We were able to see the projections on Main St. and my husband could see them on the castle. No matter where you stand, though, if you are 5 feet tall, as I am, I will miss things due to much of the population being taller than I am. On Saturday 8/1, I decided to camp out on the curb for a front row seat for the PTN parade. We have 2 kids, plus my height makes it difficult to see, so I wanted to make sure we had a great view for our first time watching it.

I brought our Fantasmic cushions from a previous trip and a Monkey Mat for us, and held down our spots right after the Soundsational parade finished up. I grabbed a very good spot between a trash can on one side and a white horse head post on the other. These 2 markers were a good way to keep the same amount of space and not get too squished. There was another family with 3 littles on our right (directly next to the trash can) who were there with me from the get go. I was there from 5:15 until the parade, and I loved it. I was sitting relatively comfortably on the curb, in the shade with a cold Starbucks in my hand. I caught up on email, and then just people watched and talked to others while I waited. As it was a very hot and humid weekend, I was grateful for the opportunity to take a time-out on Main Street to enjoy the atmosphere.

Another large family came up behind us and I chatted with them for quite a while - there was no pushing and shoving at all - just polite people all waiting for good spots for the show. I shared my cushions so we could all sit for a while - I can't imagine standing for 3+ hours! My husband and kids all came over and checked in from time to time, but were off riding rides for the most part. Once it was 7:50, all people had to be present, so they came back and gave me a break, so I could go get chili dogs from Refreshment Corner for our picnic dinner. By 8:30, the crowd was really thick. CMs were going up and down answering questions, making sure people were all sitting on the curb and those behind the curb were all standing.

One of the best things was the All-American College Band that came by and played a couple of times during the wait. They were really good!

The parade reached us about 9:05, and I was so, so, so grateful for our spots. We all had perfect views of the show, we were comfortably seated on the curb (although my DS who is 19 mos, sat in his stroller in the 2nd row with a perfect view) and had a great time chatting with the others around us just enjoying the evening.

Once the parade was done, we gathered into the street - further over this time - and saw the fireworks again. Alas, I had very tall folks in front of me, so I missed the castle view again, but I was glad to have seen it the previous evening a little better.

I all, I was thrilled to have had such a great parade experience. I won't probably camp out again for our Oct. trip, but I was very glad to have done it once - and would recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen the parade yet, and would like a great view.

I'm planning on going sometime soon to see the PTN parade, I am guessing things haven't lessened up when it comes to crowds and the amount of people that want to see it and more than likely I'll be going to the first showing of the parade. I don't necessarily need to see the fireworks, but if I did would sitting at the hub across the way from Matterhorn be a good spot for both? and how early do you need to get to that spot so that you can have a good seat? Also is that a good place to be if I so happen decide to watch the Fireworks as well?

I thought about sitting by It's a Small World but how are the projections there for the fireworks? And what time should I stake a spot there if that's where I decide to sit?

Since I got great insights from this thread for our trip (7/25-27) I want to provide you my experience as tips (although there’s nothing hasn’t discussed before here).


7/25 We used Magic Morning and got to DL at 6:30am, not too many ppl yet but by the time 7am approached, tons of ppl were waiting. Taking a pic for the pass was optional last year but now it seems mandatory, which is okay with us. But why they care about re-selling your passes? They (Disney) already made money on the first pass. I get it, there’s always a scam but still. The first thing we rode was Peter Pan. Have no idea why this ride is SO popular and always at least 50-60 min wait.


For Fantasmic, we bought the dinner package at River Belle Terrace, and the food was fine. It was a hot day (all three days were hot) so it was nice to sit down indoor. The viewing place was excellent as we went back to the line around 8pm (they opened up at 8:45pm to let ppl in), but it was a bit disorganized as blue FP ppl were in the same line. We sat in front of the main stage on Tom Sawyer’s island, enjoyed the show and stayed for the Fireworks, which was truly magical. Then moving back to the Main Street took forever, but we lucked out to find a standing space for 2nd PTN. I didn’t know but at MS, only ppl who are sitting on the curb can sit, and 5 min to the parade, the rest of the ppl had to stand in the back of those curb sitters, which worked well for me (shorty) bc there was nobody standing in front of me. I think we only waited like 45 min and had an excellent view/spot. I think standing back of the garbage cans is another great strategy if you want to stand (my husband doesn’t want to sit on the curb).


7/26 It’s a California Adventure day. We were there for the rope drop, got to meet Elsa and Ana, got the FP for the Sing-a-long (there is no FP for meeting Olaf), then tried to get FP for Grizzly Bear ride but it was down. So we went to RSR, single rider line was no wait so we did twice, and for the third time the ride got down. The Sing-a-long show was excellent, especially when you want to take a break during the hot day. The theatre is huge, you can always get FP.


For WOC we did the lunch package for Wine Country Trattoria, which was another excellent choice. Also, Sonoma Terrace (beer place) next door is a best kept secret. It has a nice shady area for taking a break with a cold beverage of your choice plus you’ll have a perfect parade viewing spot too. We went back for the WOC que line around 7:30pm and by 8pm they let us in. We got another excellent viewing spot (non-wet but right in front of the vantage point) but I wasn’t too impressed with the new show. Maybe it was just that day (but it wasn’t windy), the projection on the water was not too clear on the top. Still we had a good time.


7/27 Last day at the park, we went back and forth and even went back to the hotel for a nap. We had a reservation at Carnation Café, of course we followed the excellent tip from this thread, we saw the first PTN from the sidewalk area. Then as the parade was over, we step out and went to see the Fireworks in the MS. I didn’t know they’d project it on the facades, so we experienced different views from the other night and it was magical! After the Fireworks, getting a perfect curb spot in MS was easy. This time we waited nearly one hour but since the parade is coming from the gate area (not from Toontown) we didn’t have to wait too long either. Both days, we saw ppl started to wait for the first parade right after the afternoon parade is over, which is insane. It was only two of us so if you have a large family, you can take turn to do something while waiting I guess but it’s no fun waiting for 4 hours in the heat.


BTW whenever we saw a CM photographer, we asked them to take our picture, one for the Disney Photo and one for our iphone. Typically we don’t have many pic of ourselves but this time we got tons! Also at CA, we took a pic with Red and the CM noticed the birthday button on my husband’s chest and Red honked “Happy Birthday To You,” which was great and they captured his facial expression too. There are several 60th Diamond Anniversary photo spots, so you should stop and have them take pictures too.

So we really want to see paint the night, we have last minute tickets for Monday a short 30 something mom and 5 year old little girl, what is the best way for her to see the parade with out us waiting for hours?

dmcdixie said:

So we really want to see paint the night, we have last minute tickets for Monday a short 30 something mom and 5 year old little girl, what is the best way for her to see the parade with out us waiting for hours?

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Can your 5 yr old daughter stay up until 10pm? If so, you should wait for the 2nd parade. Read my post just above yours, you want to be at the parade route before the fireworks starts, I was at the Main Street. After the 1st parade has gone through, people will be standing in the street to watch the fireworks. Your daughter may not be able to see it bc everybody is standing. But after the fireworks, since everybody is standing, it's easy to stake out for a spot for the 2nd parade. You still have to wait for one hour or so but if you are in the Main Street, the parade starts at the end of the MS so you don't have to wait too long compared to IASW location. Good luck and have a fun!

We head to DL one week from today. I've been studying this thread for months, but it's still my número uno concern for the trip/ that we won't see PTN and DL forever in a decent spot. We have BB F! and will see fireworks from there and have Carnation Cafe dinner to get a mediocre-but-sitting view of PTN. We will scramble other nights to see fireworks and (fingers crossed) the late parade. We won't sit for hours, so have to accept that our options will be more limited. I guess we can always come home and watch someone else's perfectly iPad-captured video on you tube!

We used the Carnation Cafe tip tonight and it worked perfectly! We had an 8:20 reservation and requested the patio. We had seen the parade two night before from a curb in town square, so we didn't feel that we had to see every detail while we were eating, but it was still fun watching it again. We paid our bill during the parade so we would be able to leave to find a spot in the street for the fireworks. It was a great view! And if you feel like you need another up close view of the parade, you can easily grab a spot after the fireworks.

First let me just say, awesome tips and info on these boards. Leaving in 3 weeks and super excited. My question is for the carnation cafe tip. Carnation Cafe hours during last week in August change to closing at 8pm with last reservation available at 750pm. PTN is at 830pm during this week so I was just wondering if they let you stay until parade passes by or do they shoo you out of the dining area? For those who have done the carnation cafe tip recently, how long were you able to stay since hours say 9pm closing? I guess I'm just trying to figure out if the tip will work when the cafe hours shorten.

jillyasu425 said:

First let me just say, awesome tips and info on these boards. Leaving in 3 weeks and super excited. My question is for the carnation cafe tip. Carnation Cafe hours during last week in August change to closing at 8pm with last reservation available at 750pm. PTN is at 830pm during this week so I was just wondering if they let you stay until parade passes by or do they shoo you out of the dining area? For those who have done the carnation cafe tip recently, how long were you able to stay since hours say 9pm closing? I guess I'm just trying to figure out if the tip will work when the cafe hours shorten.

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I have a 7:50 reservation. Given that I wouldn't get my entrée until about 8:15, they better not bum rush me out of there!

jillyasu425 said:

First let me just say, awesome tips and info on these boards. Leaving in 3 weeks and super excited. My question is for the carnation cafe tip. Carnation Cafe hours during last week in August change to closing at 8pm with last reservation available at 750pm. PTN is at 830pm during this week so I was just wondering if they let you stay until parade passes by or do they shoo you out of the dining area? For those who have done the carnation cafe tip recently, how long were you able to stay since hours say 9pm closing? I guess I'm just trying to figure out if the tip will work when the cafe hours shorten.

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Our reservation last night was at 8:20. We didn't get seated until 8:30. We stayed until about 8:20. As soon as we saw the float with Goofy on the front, we dashed for the door so we could find a spot in the street after the Mickey float passed by. It worked perfectly! I would assume with the adjustment in the parade time it would work for you, too.

Fujithedog said:

Can your 5 yr old daughter stay up until 10pm? If so, you should wait for the 2nd parade. Read my post just above yours, you want to be at the parade route before the fireworks starts, I was at the Main Street. After the 1st parade has gone through, people will be standing in the street to watch the fireworks. Your daughter may not be able to see it bc everybody is standing. But after the fireworks, since everybody is standing, it's easy to stake out for a spot for the 2nd parade. You still have to wait for one hour or so but if you are in the Main Street, the parade starts at the end of the MS so you don't have to wait too long compared to IASW location. Good luck and have a fun!

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Thank you! My biggest concern is her staying awake that late because I am not bringing the stroller. Her bed time right now is 815!

The projections on Main Street look great but are they hard for kids to enjoy if they're surrounded by standing adults? Where is the best spot to go see PTN & fireworks for my kids and I first time?

mikana876 said:

Just an FYI...

On Friday, CM's were going around saying that starting at 7:30 pm, there would be a "no blanket" policy. They said all blankets must be folded up and put away. They said no backpacks or other items could be used to hold a person's spot. All persons must be in the spot holding the spot or they could lose their spot.

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I think is a great policy. Too often at 730 there is one person sitting on a huge blanket telling others they are waiting for their family/friends to return. I'm sorry if you can't wait due a medical condition that is one thing, but that is not what is going on. And these blankets take a huge amount of space.

Meemoo said:

The projections on Main Street look great but are they hard for kids to enjoy if they're surrounded by standing adults? Where is the best spot to go see PTN & fireworks for my kids and I first time?

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I'm 5 feet and I could see the projections on MS but if the kids are shorter, yes it could be a challenge. Is going to Fantasmic an option? They will do the projections on the water and you can see it after Fantasmic is over. The only thing is moving to MS after the fireworks is a zoo. Still it's possible. Good luck.

Fujithedog said:

I'm 5 feet and I could see the projections on MS but if the kids are shorter, yes it could be a challenge. Is going to Fantasmic an option? They will do the projections on the water and you can see it after Fantasmic is over. The only thing is moving to MS after the fireworks is a zoo. Still it's possible. Good luck.

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Thanks, we plan to go to Fantasmic with the BB Dinner package one night. I'm hoping to do everything at least once so we can experience it from both spots and see how we go.

Meemoo said:

Thanks, we plan to go to Fantasmic with the BB Dinner package one night. I'm hoping to do everything at least once so we can experience it from both spots and see how we go.

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You might need to hold the kids up to see the projections and the fireworks themselves if you are on MS. This is what I did for DS7 and I am only 5'2" myself! Otherwise he would not have been able to see anything. We also saw the FW from the Fantasmic! area the night before so it all worked out fine for us. He did say that he liked seeing the show from MS better though. Good luck!