A note on FoF parade FP+ at MK

[Shelby109]

We just got back from a weekend at WDW. One of the key things we wanted to do was see the new parade so we did the FP+ for it. The viewing location is right by the castle and we had an amazing view of the parade. That said- it was a VERY hot day and there is not one bit of shade in the FP area. We didn't line up very early, but since it is the middle of the parade route it was a good 30-40 minutes before it came. Also the ground was so hot that you had to sit on something or it was painful. We brought water and ice cream with us, but by the end I felt sick and our 4 year old was done after that.

The next time we were at MK we wanted to see the parade again (it was an awesome parade). We found a non- FP location near Diamond Horseshoe in the SHADE. Much better and we didn't have to use one of our FP for it.

Just a thought if you are considering using a FP for it. If you are there during a very high crowd day and want a guaranteed good view it makes sense. If not, it may not be worth it (we didn't think so).

 

[Princessriley]

Hi! Thanks for the tip. Im a long time lurker and appreciate everyones advice over the years. I have another trip coming up and will be in MK on May 30th.

I have a few questions about the parade. What time did you line up in frontier land to get the shaded spot? Are there several shaded areas? I have a 1 yr old and we can't be out that long in the direct sun. I'm in a bit of a squeeze because I have Anna and Elsa fast passes for 2:30-3:30. I can't decide whether to go at the beginning of my window or end after we catch the parade. What time does the parade arrive in frontier land and when would it be over there as well? Thanks!

 

[Princessriley]

Oh sorry- another question- does the fire breathing dragon do his thing in frontier land as well? I thought I read the other day that he doesn't because of the buildings and trees. Thanks again!

 

[Itinkso]

Hi! Thanks for the tip. Im a long time lurker and appreciate everyones advice over the years. I have another trip coming up and will be in MK on May 30th.

I have a few questions about the parade. What time did you line up in frontier land to get the shaded spot? Are there several shaded areas? I have a 1 yr old and we can't be out that long in the direct sun. I'm in a bit of a squeeze because I have Anna and Elsa fast passes for 2:30-3:30. I can't decide whether to go at the beginning of my window or end after we catch the parade. What time does the parade arrive in frontier land and when would it be over there as well? Thanks!

The parade begins in Frontierland and it would be over by 3:20 in that area of the park.

 

[Cobern]

Hi! Thanks for the tip. Im a long time lurker and appreciate everyones advice over the years. I have another trip coming up and will be in MK on May 30th. I have a few questions about the parade. What time did you line up in frontier land to get the shaded spot? Are there several shaded areas? I have a 1 yr old and we can't be out that long in the direct sun. I'm in a bit of a squeeze because I have Anna and Elsa fast passes for 2:30-3:30. I can't decide whether to go at the beginning of my window or end after we catch the parade. What time does the parade arrive in frontier land and when would it be over there as well? Thanks!

I'm wondering this same thing, (our fastpass is almost the same time too!).

 

[PinkBudgie]

You'd think the FP area would have some covering! Is there room for someone to bring a regular rain umbrella to provide some shade? Or would that be in the way of people behind you?

 

[Indecisive]

I was just at MK last week and did not have a FP+ for the parade. While looking for a shady spot, we discovered a lovely shady area just over the bridge from Liberty Square. We were told we could not sit there because it was being reserved for FP+. I was confused because I know there is an area in the Hub that is reserved for FP+. I mention this for what it is worth. I do not know how this works. If you have a FP+, I do not know whether you can go straight to this shady area or if they let the Hub area fill up first and then use this (better) spot for overflow . . . ?

 

[ferd]

We have viewed the FOF parade from the FP+ spot a few times now, and YES, it is very, very HOT! (At 3pm---when they do the parade at 12noon it's much more tolerable.)

We have a 'shady baby' parasol that attaches to our daughter's stroller and it provides a great deal of shade over her and even on us if we sit on the one side of her stroller. A lot of people do use umbrellas for shade.

I would also recommend using something like a Frog Toggs chilly pad (WONDERFUL THINGS!) to help keep cool, as well as one of those misting fans (Walmart sells both). I always bring a small blanket or beach towel to sit on.

My advice would be that although Liberty Square and Fronteirland has some *limited* spots with shade, you would have to secure a shady spot at least an hour before the parade starts, and at that time of day it's still going to be hot to sit that long, some shade or not. With FP+ you can show up a few minutes before the parade and be guaranteed good viewing. Just arrive prepared for the sun and heat and bring the proper items to help keep cool.

Oh sorry- another question- does the fire breathing dragon do his thing in frontier land as well? I thought I read the other day that he doesn't because of the buildings and trees. Thanks again!

I viewed the very first performance of FOF near Diamond Horseshoe/Liberty Tree area and Malificient did breathe fire there that day.

 

[HopperFan]

We had FP+ for the parade back in September - we actually did FP+ for ALL the fireworks, parades etc. This was the one thing I reported is that you are baking as you wait. That is a long time on an extremely hot surface and pure sunlight. Maybe in winter months it would not be so bad.

We saw the old parade and yes, I got some great shots with floats and the castle behind it but we also found (1) that we seemed to get less interaction as parade people seemed concerned about watching their movements since on the curve. (2) You really couldn't get any head on shots of the floats because they enter the hub basically behind you (unless they have expanded the FP area to extend to the bridge area), pass you on the curve. (3) If you want front row you do have to arrive very early and get in line - I can arrive early on my own without a FP+ and have some shade.

I would not use a FP+ on this parade again. We have now seen the new parade, from shade in Frontierland.

 

[Disney_Fanatic]

We used FP+ for the Christmas parade in December and thought it was great, but it never cross my mind that the FP+ spot does not have any shades. We are arriving this weekend and just scored some FP+ for FOF yesterday and I thought we are all set! Now we are having second thoughts if the heat and sun will be unbearable since DF does not like heat.

OP - thanks for the heads up!