99th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade - has anyone seen this before?

[CardinalsFan]

Has anyone been to this?

http://www.christmasboatparade.com/

I'm taking my family (DW, DD7, DD4, me) to Disneyland (first time for all of us) December 10-15, staying across the street from the parks, and visiting the parks the 11th-14th. Saturday the 15th is our travel-back-home day, but our flight doesn't leave the Ontario airport until 4:30pm. I've been scouting for something to do for a half-day before we head to the airport, and I really like the idea of visiting Newport Beach.

So, I ordered the visitor's guide, and checked the calendar of events, and noticed this boat parade will be held while we're there! But we would have to miss it because we have to head to the airport.

Before I start debating a one-day extension to our trip, with a one-night stay in Newport Beach so we can do more, including seeing this boat parade that night, I'm wondering if anyone has seen the parade, and can tell me about their experience.

I'm especially curious about the weather, which I suspect will be cold... about as cold as Disneyland at night? Colder? Warmer?

I'd also like to know of any especially good viewing spots, from your first-hand experience! Looks like there is reserved seating at an American Legion Post, and at Newport Sea Base. And there are some restaurants listed as having a view of the parade, but I'd suspect that's a hit-and-miss type of thing (surely not every table in the restaurant would have a good view, would it?).

So, who's been?

 

[Tink33]

I have been several times. I grew up in Newport Beach and wanted my kids to experience the Boat Parade of my youth. There are several restaurants that have prime viewing, but I always stood outside to watch. The weather is cooler than Disneyland, because you are right next to the water.

Send me a pm if you want the location I used about 4 years ago.