Anyone out there use FP+ for the Main Street Electrical Parade at MK?

[horse11]

For anyone whom has used the FP+ for the Main Street Electrical Parade at MK how much before the Parade did you have to get to the reserved spot in order to get the best view. I have older parents going with us and standing for long periods of time after doing the park I am afraid, will be too much for them. This is why I am considering useing a FP+ for the Parade but it defeats the purpose if we have to get to the parade and hour or so early and then stand around. Any information on this would be helpful. Thank you all in advance!!!!

 

[AmyB2006]

Yes! I've done it twice now. Depends on when you go crowd wise but the first time showed up about 20 minutes till, got a spot behind a family right up by the rope. They sat the whole time so it worked out.

Second time, showed up 30 minutes before parade and got a spot right at the rope.

 

[Lord Fantasius]

Just returned from WDW after visiting MK during President's Day week...one of the busier times of the year...and my sister used a FP+ for the parade. She only arrived 10 min's before the parade started and still was able to be in front along the curb. Could be because there aren't that many people who will use a FP+ for the parade, but it was a nice roped-off area w/out too many people crowding you.

They don't have grandstands up or anything, but she and her nieces definitely got alot of interaction with the performers in the parade. Not sure whether it was because they were in the FP+ area or that there weren't many other kids in that area, but her nieces definitely felt as though it was a rolling meet-and-greet just for them.

Probably depends on the day you go, but unlike the Fantasmic dinner package that still recommends you show up half an hour early, don't think the parade is as critical.

 

[horse11]

Thank you both!!! That helps alot!!!! How many days in advance does the parade show up as an option for a FP+?

 

[CassieF]

Thank you both!!! That helps alot!!!! How many days in advance does the parade show up as an option for a FP+?

For me, it was great, but I did end up in the third row of people (everyone stayed seated though) when I arrived 20-30 minutes before the parade. It was the first week of Feb, so not busy, but it also wasting running every night, so I think it was more crowded due to that. Still, it was very much worth the use of a FP.

It showed up for me in MDE just a few days before my trip, but it opened for the entire month at that point. I'd start checking the last week of the month prior to your visit for openings.

 

[horse11]

For me, it was great, but I did end up in the third row of people (everyone stayed seated though) when I arrived 20-30 minutes before the parade. It was the first week of Feb, so not busy, but it also wasting running every night, so I think it was more crowded due to that. Still, it was very much worth the use of a FP.

It showed up for me in MDE just a few days before my trip, but it opened for the entire month at that point. I'd start checking the last week of the month prior to your visit for openings.

Will do and thanks! This sounds like a nessessary FP+ choice considering the cirumstances of our family. Thank you all for your help!

 

[acceber32]

If the area is still the same as it was in December (and I think it is) then there are a couple benches in the area roped off so they might be able to get a seat on one of the benches and be able to see. We loved using a FP+ for MSEP, best use of our FP+ the whole trip.

 

[AmyB2006]

Typically, the FPs for the parades and Illuminations and such open up for the entire month a few days before the beginning of the month. Maybe a week before. The entire month opens up on the same day I believe. Whether your trip is March 1st, or March 31st. I don't know why, but that's they way they've been doing it, from what I've seen.

The viewing area is the front section of the Hub right across from the Castle. Robo has a nice map of the area to show you where.

 

[Tuffcookie]

If you use a FP+ for MSEP , does that include Wishes in the same spot?

TC

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

I finally was able to book FP+ for MSEP today, for 3/5.

If you have FP+ for MSEP you can just stay there and watch Wishes from there. My understanding is that they take down the rope(s) and others can stand there too but you already have a spot. Also, it isn't the best spot for Wishes but it works just fine.

 

[horse11]

If you use a FP+ for MSEP , does that include Wishes in the same spot?

TC

Wow good question. I wouldn't think they would chase you out of there but I could be wrong. Hopefully some one who has used the FP+ will know because I sure would like to the know the answer as well.

 

[surferdave]

If you use a FP+ for MSEP , does that include Wishes in the same spot?

TC

Almost whether you want it or not! We were pretty much at the tip of the hub towards the castle for the parade in the MESP FP+ area. As soon as it ended the masses swarmed in filling the parade route, and it would have been a much greater effort than my family was willing to make to move.

From that spot, many of the fireworks were obscured by the castle, so it is not an ideal spot for viewing the parade. But it was by far the best view I've had for the castle projection show, and the later parts of Wishes when the fireworks stretch far to the sides were pretty spectacular.

 

[horse11]

Almost whether you want it or not! We were pretty much at the tip of the hub towards the castle for the parade in the MESP FP+ area. As soon as it ended the masses swarmed in filling the parade route, and it would have been a much greater effort than my family was willing to make to move.

From that spot, many of the fireworks were obscured by the castle, so it is not an ideal spot for viewing the parade. But it was by far the best view I've had for the castle projection show, and the later parts of Wishes when the fireworks stretch far to the sides were pretty spectacular.

Thanks surferdan! Great info!

 

[winthropf]

If you use a FP+ for MSEP , does that include Wishes in the same spot?

TC

The Wishes FP+ location is not in the same spot, but you could stay at the MSEP parade location to watch Wishes, but it's a little too close to the castle. The Wishes FP+ is in the rose garden, a short way down the bridge to Tomorrowland.

 

[larie21]

What about the castle projection show? Is that visible from the Wishes FP+ location?

 

[larie21]

Bump

 

[winthropf]

What about the castle projection show? Is that visible from the Wishes FP+ location?

It is visible, but not the best view since it is off to the side. If the weather is wet, they probably will keep you off the grass and only on the pathway which takes you further to side and down to the old swan boat dock.

 

[jneally]

We had a FP+ on Feb 7th. My wife stood in line for about an hour to make sure she could get front row. For some reason they said they only open up half the reserved section unless it's crowded and then they would open up the other half. I have to say I thought it was pretty crowded there. We were able to get front row but there were people 4 and 5 deep. I would not have been happy to have a FP+ and then have to have people in front of the kids so they couldn't see. Everyone was standing, maybe because it was rainy. It was neat to see the castle in the background but I wouldn't do it unless you can get in line early, and if you have to do that is it really worth the FP+? I guess it's up to you. By the way I was very excited when I was able to get it but I was disappointed they didn't open up both sections and it was crowded.

 

[Robo]

If you choose FP+ for MSEP only, I've included red arrows to show where to MOVE
for viewing Wishes (and Celebrate the Magic) right after the parade passes the parade FP+ reserved area.