Best Parade - Less Crowds

[Susie Bee]

I tried doing a search for parades and the search function is disabled at this time...sorry!!

Heading to the World in about a month--SO EXCITED--and we've NEVER stopped to watch a parade!! This time we plan on doing so!

My question is, is out of the four parks which parade would you say is the best (keep your kids' attention the best)? At what point on the parade route would you say is the best viewing--the beginning, middle, end??? Any secret places to watch from so your not being totally squished or touched???

Thanks in advance! Have a great day!

 

[Steph5324]

I think with kids you really can't go wrong with any of the parades. I absolutely love Spectro and I think your kids would too however since they usually only run it once a week you will probably be both squished and touched!

Try Frontierland for a viewing spot. It's a little less crowded than Main Street.

 

[Susie Bee]

Originally posted by Steph5324
I think with kids you really can't go wrong with any of the parades. I absolutely love Spectro and I think your kids would too however since they usually only run it once a week you will probably be both squished and touched!

Try Frontierland for a viewing spot. It's a little less crowded than Main Street.

Thanks, Steph5324!!! Was just wondering if one parade stuck out more than any other! Thanks for the tip regarding Frontierland--we'll try it there! Also, how early ahead of time before the parade starts should you be there???

 

[Dan Murphy]

How old are the kids?

 

[MaryKatesMom]

The first time I saw Spectro was a jaw dropping experience. The music and lights! Really spectacular.

 

[Susie Bee]

My kids are 5.5 & 7.5 and have been to Disney twice already...

Spectro sounds great--can't wait!

 

[Talking Hands]

AK Jammin Jungle Parade. I usually watch it at Creature Comforts and it is never crowded. Just be sure on Saturday to leave the area across the small walkway from the sign language interpreters open for deaf and hard of hearing. Rarely a lot but normally a few. Get lots of character interaction there as well.

 

[Dan Murphy]

With those ages I think AK's Jammin Jungle is the best, really lively, colorful, peppy, nice interaction along the parade route with characters. A great spot is by the ITTBAB Fast Pass area.

Good area for MGM parade is immediately in front of the Hall of Fame display, near Sounds Dangerous. Stand right in front of waist high wall in front of the HoF. For MK parade, I like the Frontierland area too, the river side is nice. Also, as you come into Liberty Square, up on the platform that the pillory is on.

Enjoy.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

If you're looking for a spot that isn't too crowded I suggest just over the bridge from the hub into Liberty Square. There is an area to the left that is pretty small with a wall there. There is only room for people sitting behind the rope and maybe standing right behind you.

If Spectro is only running once during your stay then Steph5342 is correct and it will be crowded but definately worth it!!

 

[Susie Bee]

Thank you all soooo much! I think maybe we'll do both parades! Again, thanks for the tips!

 

[Harambe]

Another vote for AK parade! Absolutely love this parade! Only thing is that the parade route is long, so if you find a spot toward the end of the route, you will be sitting for quite a while before the parade gets to you. I'm not sure if it still starts near the Safari ride, but if it does, try for a spot around here - that way you can watch the parade, then jump on the safari ride after it passes by!

 

[PandyPaws]

Even better is to watch the AK parade during it's second sweep through Africa. It begins at the gates next to the Safari ride entrance, heads through Harambe and over the bridge into Discovery Island with the majority of the crowds following it towards the park exit. It continues to circle the park counter-clockwise, then returns through Harambe to exit through the same gate it started from.

With the crowds all gone, there is lots of elbow room in Africa to watch it

 

[Susie Bee]

Thank you, PandyPaws!! I'm so glad I asked! I hope not too many read THIS thread--I'll lose my good viewing spots!! LOL

Again, you have all been SOOOO helpful! Thank you! Hearing from nice people like you makes these boards so GREAT!

 

[Dan Murphy]

And Susie, if you head over to the Safari ride afterwards, ask for a drive named Donna, I have heard she is GREAT!!!!!!


PS: Another neat thing about that area that Pandy suggested, or near there, it hat you can watch the parade twice, the start and the finish after it loops around and back. Here is a map of route, as well as the other park maps with routes marked.

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/akmap.html

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/mkmap.html

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/mgmmap.html

 

[PandyPaws]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy
And Susie, if you head over to the Safari ride afterwards, ask for a drive named Donna, I have heard she is GREAT!!!!!!

 

[bjakmom]

Susie Bee - just have to add my two cents here for the Stars and Motor Cars parade at MGM. For young kids, like yours, it's a great parade - moves quickly and so many characters are in it, even some that aren't usually seen in the parks because it is hard for them to get around. My favorite spot for this one is in front of the kiosk directly inside the main gate or a little to the left by the end of the parade. You get to see the stars/cars as they come head on and then turn in front of you. At the end of the parade you turn around and are the first ones out of the park (not a good spot if you aren't leaving the park after the parade, as you will be swimming 'upstream' against the hordes who are leaving!) IMHO all of the parades are awesome, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them!
Ditto the spot for Jammin Jungle at AK - we were practically alone on the safari ride (great pictures - I could shoot out either side without any heads in my way) - we watched from the beginning near the safari and jumped on as soon as the parade passed- everyone else in the park was lined up and still watching the parade!

 

[Steph5324]

You asked how early to get there for Spectro, I know during the busy months people start lining up 2 hours early. I'm leaving in a couple days and it's a pretty slow time (I certainly hope those crazy holiday crowds are gone!) so we won't get there more than an hour early if that.

 

[Susie Bee]

Sounds like a great plan!! I'll have to request her...you!!!

 

[Susie Bee]

Thanks, Steph 5324!!! Let me know when you get back if 1 hour was enough time...