Anyone use a FP for the 3pm Fantasy Parade?

[ehlander]

I know you don't really need to use a FP for a parade, but just curious if folks were glad that they did? We want to see the 3pm parade and then still have time to get to our Hoop-dee-doo dinner at 6:15pm. I don't want to feel rushed and be able to take the boat to the Wilderness Lodge vs by bus. It is a slower day for us, and I have a spare FP that I don't really need to use. Any suggestion if not for the parade?

 

[Number Six]

I thought it was gone but in another post everyone was talking about it but no one told me where I can find the fastpass on the app.

 

[DemonLlama]

We did the FP+ for the Festival of Fantasy parade and LOVED IT.

Don't know if the area is still the same, but we were in the center of Main Street watching the parade come straight toward us from the Town Square hub.

 

[Robo]

We want to see the 3pm parade and then still have time to get to our Hoop-dee-doo dinner at 6:15pm. I don't want to feel rushed and be able to take the boat to the Wilderness Lodge vs by bus.

Hoop-Dee-Doo is not at the Wilderness Lodge.
It is at Ft. Wilderness.

And, just as a point of reference, you would not be saving time at all by taking a bus to get to the Hoop.
The boat is much faster to get to the Hoop, regardless.

However, to get to the 6:15PM Hoop, you would in no way be impeded by watching the 3PM parade from anyplace at all along the parade route.
(I recommend near Hall of Presidents.)

You will have more than plenty of time after the parade is long gone to exit MK and get aboard a Ft. Wilderness boat.

 

[ehlander]

Thanks for the map! yes, I meant to say we are going to Fort Wilderness. I didn't realize you can take a boat straight there though. I thought we had to walk the path from the Wilderness Lodge. Appreciate the info! It turned out I had to modify my FP plans on another day, so did end up using all three for rides we want to do before the parade starts. So will camp out for the parade near the Hall of Pres per your suggestion. Thanks again!

 

[ehlander]

We did the FP+ for the Festival of Fantasy parade and LOVED IT.

Don't know if the area is still the same, but we were in the center of Main Street watching the parade come straight toward us from the Town Square hub.

What awesome pictures!!!!! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Shanti]

I know you don't really need to use a FP for a parade, but just curious if folks were glad that they did? We want to see the 3pm parade and then still have time to get to our Hoop-dee-doo dinner at 6:15pm. I don't want to feel rushed and be able to take the boat to the Wilderness Lodge vs by bus. It is a slower day for us, and I have a spare FP that I don't really need to use. Any suggestion if not for the parade?

We've used it and it was very nice. There are other places to watch it from, but typically with a lot of crowding. If it's your first time to watch it & you don't "need" the FastPass for another attraction, I would do it.

 

[ehlander]

We did the FP+ for the Festival of Fantasy parade and LOVED IT.

Don't know if the area is still the same, but we were in the center of Main Street watching the parade come straight toward us from the Town Square hub.

Just curious, but how early did you have to get to the FP area to get a decent spot? Did you sit on the curb?

 

[ehlander]

Also what happens if the parade is canceled due to weather? Do you just loose a FP for the day?

 

[DemonLlama]

Just curious, but how early did you have to get to the FP area to get a decent spot? Did you sit on the curb?

I can't remember the exact time, but it was just before the band came down Main Street. Not sure how much earlier they march, maybe 15 or 30 minutes prior? We'd picked up ice cream and gotten around to the area a few minutes before that and were just off center when we arrived. But the people in the center/curb facing the castle were just there to film their kids in the band and as soon as they'd marched by, those folks left and we scooted over to direct center.

Yes, we were sitting on the curb. A few minutes later, they strung the rope across the Emporium side to the hub and more of the FP+ people behind us filled that up and sat directly on the street.

This is Stella, who was with her grandparents, meeting the White Rabbit. The red-haired Princesses Ariel and Merida made a huge deal from their floats to her about her red hair and she was just adorable. Hint: remember to ask people for email addresses if you know you've gotten a good shot for them. They are usually super appreciative!

 

[Robo]

Also what happens if the parade is canceled due to weather? Do you just loose a FP for the day?

All FP+ (ANY of them) can be re-booked to another FP+ at any time, even after the Return Window has passed.
You can choose any other still-available FP+.
(Tiers must be respected at Epcot and DHS, of course.)

 

[ehlander]

Good to know, thanks! Appreciate all the great feedback!

 

[ehlander]

I can't remember the exact time, but it was just before the band came down Main Street. Not sure how much earlier they march, maybe 15 or 30 minutes prior? We'd picked up ice cream and gotten around to the area a few minutes before that and were just off center when we arrived. But the people in the center/curb facing the castle were just there to film their kids in the band and as soon as they'd marched by, those folks left and we scooted over to direct center.

Yes, we were sitting on the curb. A few minutes later, they strung the rope across the Emporium side to the hub and more of the FP+ people behind us filled that up and sat directly on the street.

This is Stella, who was with her grandparents, meeting the White Rabbit. The red-haired Princesses Ariel and Merida made a huge deal from their floats to her about her red hair and she was just adorable. Hint: remember to ask people for email addresses if you know you've gotten a good shot for them. They are usually super appreciative!

What a sweet photo! Our girls are little older, but at 7 & 8 we are hoping they find Disney magical. Most of our afternoons will be at the pool, but I thought this parade was worth seeing at least once. Thanks again for really helping me out today while I was trying to figure out my FPs. MK was such a headache since most of the time slots I was planning on getting were gone. So was a mad dash to refigure it all out again!