Afternoon parades vs afternoon breaks

[Miscrapper]

Our last visit to WDW in Sept 2000 we always took break and didn't see any of afternoon parades. I really would like to see the parades at MK, MGM, and AK this time. We are going the first week of October from Saturday to Saturday with 4 kids ages 4-12 and 6 adults. Does any one have any suggestions for working these into my itinerary?

 

[HM]

We seem to be only able to take in one afternoon parade a trip. The heat just is too much to take for an extended mid-afternoon wait for us and our kids.

What we usually do is visit one park in the morning (maybe the EMH park) and then leave for a late lunch at our resort and maybe a swim. Then we go back to a different park arriving about 1/2 hour before parade time and find a good spot. Then we spend the evening at that park. This works well for the MGM parade or the MK parade. AK closes shortly after that parade is done so you can't tour there afterward.

For the MK parade, you'll probably have more luck finding room for your large party if you look for a spot in Frontierland. In MGM there is usually good space between the HAT and the ABC Theater.

Good luck with this. -HM

 

[tjmw2727]

We try and alternate our schedule to include parades one day then early parks, pool breaks and late nights another day. We try and pick 1 or 2 must see parades each trip and play the rest by ear. Although this year my girls like the cinderella show better then the mk parade so that helps.

For example our first full day would start at MK at park opening returning to the resort for lunch and a pool break about 1pm. Then about 4pm we head over to epcot to do world showcase and illuminations. Next day would be a leisurely morning since we were out late for Illum so late breakfast and probably a morning swim and then to a new park, perhaps AK for the parade and staying until closing. Early morning, pool break and late night next day and so on. This seems to keep everyone happy and rested!!

TJ

 

[Harambe]

You will want to do at least one parade during your trip. We always do the EE morning, go back to resort, then back to another park. However, if we stay out late one night, say to see Illuminations, we will sleep late the next day and head to a park at around 1pm (us and the rest of the world!!!!) so we can see the parade at that park. But never at the EE park for that day!

Since you will be going in October, the crowds should be managable and the weather should be cooling down from the summer temps! Enjoy!

 

[Rpsemont]

I'm not sure about hours in October, but we have gone many times with shorter hours and missed parades because we've ended up park hopping during that time - I hate that! (With shorter hours, I have never felt we could take the time to go back to the resort. ) With a larger group like yours it may be harder to get everyone to agree they want to see a parade! Parades are not a priority for my DH. We finally do what TJ suggested. Pick our priorities and alternate days doing things. Overall though, if the parks close at 7 we have never found the need to "rest and refresh" mid afternoon by going back to the resort. (We usually just find a nice airconditioned tavern on site - LOL) If you plan a late lunch at a sit down restaurant that could probably serve the same purpose.
P.S. Last time I really wanted to see the AK PArade, which seems easy to miss becuase it's late in the afternoon and we usually try to do AK in the morning. Anyway, DD and I left Epcot (WS) at 3:30 PM, ran to the car, drove to AK, ran into the park. Had just enough time to get a cold drink and settle in about 15 minutes before the parade. Watched the parade, ran out, back to the car, back to BWV, the boat to Epcot and met DH at Germany at 6:00 just in time for our PS. Not something I want to do every day, but it kept everyone happy!