grrrr...taping of MK christmas parade on our 1st day at MK

[KelseyLaPerle]

Will it be REALLY extra crowded or just a bit inconvenient? Kids have never been and I don't want them to be overwhelmed with our first minute on Disney ground. Also, I don't want to change our schedule as I think MK for their first park is best.

[snowwhitesmom]

what day of the week is it?

[DebbieB]

Saturday December 5 will be very crowded.

[MouseMomx2]

The MK will be VERY crowded on the parade taping days so I'd switch your schedule around.

Personally, I think a non-MK park first is always best for kids. MK will, in all likelihood, be their favorite, so other parks might not be as exciting for them. Going to those parks first and keeping the MK for later in the trip will allow them to tour those other parks without pining to go back to the MK.

[henry72]

We are going to MK on Dec 4 which is technically one of their taping days - not for the actual parade but for the performances at the castle. I don't figure it will effect us that much. I would definitely stay away on the 5th - which is the actual parade taping day plus a Saturday so it will be CROWDED (at least on Main Street and the Castle area.)

[jb01]

A saturday + taping = very Overcrowded. I would stay away from MK that day. So your choice is either fight the crowds or change your schedule.

[Robo]

I vote against the trend of this thread.

While Main Street will be packed, the rest of the MK should be relatively empty until later in the afternoon when they release all of the guests into the rest of the park who
were there earlier just to participate in the Parade taping.

If you go directly to the MK attractions in the morning and early afternoon, then exit MK about the time
they have wrapped up the show taping, you should be able to ride most of the MK attractions
with relative ease.

[DebbyLof428]

We were thinking of doing the Keys to the Kingdom Tour on this day. Do you think the taping will effect the tour? Should we just try to reschedule for another day?

[fairestoneofall]

Originally Posted by Robo

I vote against the trend of this thread.

While Main Street will be packed, the rest of the MK should be relatively empty until later in the afternoon when they release all of the guests into the rest of the park who
were there earlier just to participate in the Parade taping.

If you go directly to the MK attractions in the morning and early afternoon, then exit MK about the time
they have wrapped up the show taping, you should be able to ride most of the MK attractions
with relative ease.

I agree. As long as you stay away from Main Street, it won't be too bad.

[Nadjalu]

Personally I think doing the "best" park first sets up disappointment for the others. JMO
And it depends on a person's "best". For the kids, MK will most likely be the best, so all others will not compare. Personally I would hate my kids to be disappointed for the rest of the parks. Doing them in reverse order will add antisipation and a excitement to the trip.

[cjnix29]

I wouldn't risk it. If this is your kids first trip to WDW....don't risk getting extra frustrated by the crowds. I would go to a different park. I agree with those that said that the slight disappointment that the other parks aren't MK will hinder future touring. Try animal kingdom or Epcot. Epcot is probably my son's second favorite park. I wouldn't risk the troubles you may have on taping day, and have it taint the rest of your week. Good luck and have a great time whatever you decide!

[Shanan]

When we travel with families with kids under age of 12, we always go to MK last. I was at WDW when the Christmas parade taping was going on. I definitely avoided MK. Although the back of the park is normally not as crowded during the taping it was so worth it to me to avoid MK that day.

The only reason I would not change my plans would be if I had ADR at Cindy's. JMO

[joeathome167]

This is also our first day. We won't be arriving at MCO till 10am. Then ME to Fort Wilderness and a boat to MK. I plan on arriving at MK around 3pm and taking the train back to Splash Mountain. We always like to start our trip with MK if possible.

Another thing to consider is Dec 5th is a Spectromagic night. My plan is to ride a few rides very low key and then grab a spot for Spectro and Wishes.

Spectro is one of my favorites and it's only a few night during the 8 nights we are at WDW.

[thesupersmartguy]

Yes, Saturday Dec 5th will be extremely crowded. I was there last year and they were routing people backstage.

[DebbieB]

Originally Posted by joeathome167

This is also our first day. We won't be arriving at MCO till 10am. Then ME to Fort Wilderness and a boat to MK. I plan on arriving at MK around 3pm and taking the train back to Splash Mountain. We always like to start our trip with MK if possible.

Another thing to consider is Dec 5th is a Spectromagic night. My plan is to ride a few rides very low key and then grab a spot for Spectro and Wishes.

Spectro is one of my favorites and it's only a few night during the 8 nights we are at WDW.

I've arrived on the taping day in the past and went to MK to see Spectro that night. It was a madhouse. Spots on Main Street and in front of the castle were taken over an hour before. One time I did it they ended up pushing Spectro & Wishes back an hour because of delays during the taping. We had arrived expecting the first Spectro to be wrapping up and it didn't even start yet.