Are you a "parade" person?

[alicenwonder99]

Do you like to see all (or most) of the parades? Or are you someone who chooses to skip the parades to visit more attractions. I usually don't like to see the parades just for the fact you usually have to case out a spot a long time beforehand and sit and wait. But the few times we have done this, we have really enjoyed the parade. This trip, the kids requested we see all of the parades. I'm trying to figure out the best places to wait. Maybe a spot where the kids can move around a bit and play while I hold our spots, but I can keep an eye on them (dh isn't going this trip...just me and the little ones). Can someone suggest a spot at MK and MGM for me?

TIA!

Mary

 

[blessedby3]

We usually dont see the parades either with the exception of Spectro Magic. This trip will be different because we are traveling with my Stepfather who has never been and my DD15's best friend who has never been. I am thinking we will hit a couple of parades this time. Sorry I cant help you with where to pick a spot, but I am intrested in that also and I know someone will have the answer.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

We like the parades. Except last year it felt like 100 degrees on Main Street. I kept going in and out of the air conditioned shop. I'm sure this year will be very comfortable.

 

[cleo]

Once I've seen a parade I don't generally feel the need to see it again unless someone I'm with wants to see it. Spectromagic and Tapestry of Nations (Dreams) are the exceptions, though T of D is gone now.

I'm not big on staking out a spot along Main Street (or any front-row location) an hour or two ahead of time, which is what you have to do for a front row view during busy season. It's just not worth the time or the headache in trying to 'defend' a spot and I hate to look over 8 sets of shoulders to see a tiny fraction of a parade float because I didn't get a decent view ahead of time.

Anywhere along any parade route that's right up front will be a good spot. Obviously, Main Street in MK (or over by Liberty Square's Sleepy Hollow) are good, and Hollywood Blvd at MGM is good (avoid the end near the Fantasia Hat since people seem to barge in there a lot, ignoring the fact you're standing there already ).

 

[Horizons16]

Once I've seen a parade I don't generally feel the need to see it again unless someone I'm with wants to see it. Spectromagic and Tapestry of Nations (Dreams) are the exceptions, though T of D is gone now.

My thoughts EXACTLLY

 

[boomhauer]

Nope - Could care less about them. Except for Spectromagic. I'll watch that on most every trip.

 

[hockey mom]

I like to see them once also. Although in 13 trips I have yet to see the one at AK

For a good spot in Mk how about in Frontierland in front of the arcade or shooting gallery.

 

[SaraMc]

We try to get the parades in. We have seen the 3:00 parade at Magic Kingdom several times and since they really havnt changed it much in the last couple of years if we miss it , its not such a big deal.

We have to see Spectromagic and wishes its just a must. We have never seen the cars and stars parade at MGM so I think I would like to see that.

 

[ScoJo15]

We usually end up watching them because it gives DD a nice 30 minute or so break in the middle of the day. I agree that while I like each parade, none are really worth seeing each time with the exception of Spectromagic. I do like the music in the AK parade and I wish they'd change up the MK parade a little....the snowglobes are getting a little tiresome.

 

[psiprez]

No, not at all.

We usually catch a passing glimpse on the way to some *now uncrowded* attraction, but that's it.

IMO, they are b-o-r-i-n-g, and a pain to navigate around.

 

[beattyfamily]

Yes, we are parade people.
I can now, though, skip SADCT parade after seeing it 5 or 6 times, we can now skip AK after seeing it ONCE, and we can now skip seeing MGM after seeing it 5 or 6 times as well, but I may try and see it this year because it will be the "Holiday" one.

We never want to miss Spectro and we LOVE the Christmas parade and the Halloween parade and would never want to miss any of them.

 

[fitgirlFL]

Parades don't really interest me too much. I usually skip them. And it's usually more trouble than its worth to scope out a good spot. I also hate trying to see over other people. I'd rather be enjoying a ride.

I do enjoy Spectro Magic. We usually grab a spot well in advance, maybe an hour ahead, but by that point in the day we are tired and more than happy to just sit down for a while and take a break.

 

[nicki dahling]

Yep, love them and even have a fav. spot I have always sat at when going. I rarelly miss any of them. The one exception was the year we only had one day at the park.

Cyndi

 

[Family Fun Mom]

I didn't expect to love the parades. We happened uopn our first parade by accident at the Animal Kingdom. We had just rode Kiliminjaro Safari and were on our way out of the park when we were stopped by the parade. We were irritated at first, thinking all we want to do is leave, then out comes this jamming, fun parade. We loved it! The next day we made a special trip to the MK to see the Spectro Magic Parade... WOW! That's all it took. We are now offically parade people. I can't wait to go back and see them again!

 

[TDC Nala]

Not any more. They're fun, but I've seen them all. Staking out a good spot works quite well until someone comes in late and stands in front of you. When I used to stake out for parades I would let small kids stand in front of me until I got a set of parents who decided it meant them, too. I complained that I couldn't see over the parents. They said the parade was for children and it shouldn't matter whether I could see or not since I didn't have children with me. After that I decided maybe staking out for parades wasn't worth it.

If you're really that interested in watching your kids' faces when they see the parade, stake out your own spot early.

 

[missypie]

I love parades. They make me all tear-y eyed. I even mist up when the High School bands walk in the pre-parade.

I wll say that it is important to find a place in the shade. At AK we had not planned to watch the parade. At the last minute we decided to and stood out in the blazing sun...that did us all in!

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I agree that after the first time it isn't worth getting there early and then "defending" your spot! Nothing will put me in a bad mood quicker than playing that game (not the waiting - I have NO problem with that, but the fending off rude people who come along at the last minute and think they are entitled to the view you have just waited forever for), and that's not what I am at WDW for! If it isn't crowded and you can get a decent view without the hassle - then I am all for it. I consider myself a "parade person" - but only without the hassle!

 

[susan0326]

Yes, we rarely miss parades. I love them all, but the Jammin' Jungle parade in AK is my favorite.

The key for us is to find a spot around 1 hour before the parade begins. I know some people don't want to waste that amount of time, but it's not a waste for us. We use that time to regroup, rest, and eat a snack. We've got kids and we've never had to go back to the resort to rest because we take our 'parade breaks.' We are usually able to stay til park closing, too.

If you get a good spot, your pictures will be great, too! We have some awesome parade pictures. I have two suggestions regarding where to sit for parades:
1) Get a spot right where the parade starts. Look at your guide map and see where the parade starts. (Remember in MK, Spectro is reverse from SADCT.) If you can't get a spot right where it starts, then at least get in a spot where you are facing a bend in the road and can see more of the parade as it takes the turn coming toward you.
2) For the afternoon parades, sit on the side facing away from the sun and your pictures will be better.
3) Get a snack or cold drink before you sit down. Get off your feet. Take a few minutes to look around and absorb all the magic.

HTH,
Susan

 

[MinnieM21]

I never watch parades, they just don't interest me. I did watch the Mickey's Boo to You Halloween parade though and I LOVED it.

 

[whacked]

I would wait a LONG time for the Main Street Electrical Parade.

I have read it will be at the California Adventure park next year.

I will happily make a trip, either driving or flying 1000 miles just to see the Main Street Electrical Parade.

I can pretty much take or leave the rest.