Afternoon parade

[DYOBL0305]

We'll be heading to DW soon and I'm starting to plan our days (as best and as possible, with a baby in tow I feel like we may need some structure lol) and was wondering what the best spots were for the MK afternoon parade? I read a post on Liberty Square, very helpful but was wondering if there were any other spots around the park. Anyone have a favorite place they'd like to share?

 

[andyman8]

The quintessential spot for most is about halfway down Main Street USA. Should you want to see it from there, you'll need to show up by 2pm and secure your spot.

If you're willing to show up about 20 to 30 minutes prior to the start of the parade, the side nearest Tomorrowland in the Hub is nice. Not much shade but for whatever reason I like watching it from there.

Last-minute viewing can be found in parts of Town Square and Frontierland.

Actually just got a chance to see the new parade for the first-time yesterday and it was AMAZING! I had seen a couple videos and had a vague idea of what to expect but it blew me away. I meant to take pictures but halfway through realized that I was so mesmerized by it that I had forgotten to take pictures! Very elaborate and impressive parade. By far the best MK has offered.

 

[Robo]

We'll be heading to DW soon and I'm starting to plan our days (as best and as possible, with a baby in tow I feel like we may need some structure lol) and was wondering what the best spots were for the MK afternoon parade? I read a post on Liberty Square, very helpful but was wondering if there were any other spots around the park. Anyone have a favorite place they'd like to share?

A look at the MK Parade Route-
Disney's (MS) Electrical Parade starts near the Firehouse and exits near Splash Mtn.
The New 3 O'Clock Parade (Festival of Fantasy) and both the MVMCP and MNSSHP parades start near Spalsh Mtn. and exit near the Firehouse.

Less crowded than on Main Street, but still spectacular viewing can be found near the Hall of Presidents,
or deep into Frontierland, past the Country Bears.

 

[Radiorox]

I agree with Robo, near the Hall of Presidents is nice and not crowded like the Hub or Mainstreet. I saw the parade about a month ago standing in front of the Christmas shop. The parade is great and the new floats are spectacular.

 

[horse11]

IMOP a good spot is a covered area that is in the back of Aladdin's Carpet ride. According the map above it looks like it would be where it says cross over in white the one closest to Country Bears. We happened to find it by accident after getting off the Aladdin's Carpet ride. There is a good amount of shade and it seems you can see it pretty well. Hopefully others can verify that. We had the FF+ for the parade but it was out in the direct sun. We walked up to the parade while it was going on in the covered area I mentioned above and had no problems seeing it and it was a much better spot. the nthe FFP+ location.

 

[bweagle]

My favorite spot is on the hub seated somewhere in the section of walkway between the path to tomorrowland and main street. Love watching (and getting pictures of) the parade with the castle in the background. Curb seats begin filling here early though, so we only sit here when we have a more casual day. Truthfully, I think it's probably my favorite spot because it's where my parents always sat when they brought us as kids.

We've also watched it from Main Street (from spots anywhere from the flag pole to the hub) as well as from Frontierland, near the bridge in liberty square and near Hall of presidents. All spots offer good views.

 

[DYOBL0305]

Thank you all for your input, and Robo, thanks for the visual, all very helpful!

Truthfully, I think it's probably my favorite spot because it's where my parents always sat when they brought us as kids.

Love this! Cant wait to start some traditions of our own with my girls

 

[Smokeyjinxie]

We are headed to DW in August on a multigenerational trip. I am wondering if we should skip the afternoon parade due to the heat. Is it unbearably hot even in the shade?

 

[andyman8]

We are headed to DW in August on a multigenerational trip. I am wondering if we should skip the afternoon parade due to the heat. Is it unbearably hot even in the shade?

DO NOT SKIP IT! It's absolutely amazing (see my previous post). All of the Frontierland spots mentioned all have very good shade and are relatively easy to get last-minute. Particularly if you're going with first-timers, this is a must-see.

 

[mickey1968]

In front of Hall of Presidents has become one of my favorite spots for watching MNSSHP parade and I also watched the new parade from there in May. It is a good spot because you can see the floats coming toward you, but they also slow down a little right there as they make the turn.

I also watched the new 3 o'clock parade from the platform of the train station in Town Square. This was good for some shade and if you are willing to get there early, you can get a chair at the rail. Again you could see the parade coming toward you down Main Street with the castle behind it, and then up close as they make the turn around Town Square. The floats are so tall that the platform makes a good spot.