Best place to watch the big parade?

[garn]

What is your strategy...if you are willing to tell us?

 

[IBLarsen]

This past October we happened to sit in front of the Crystal Arcade (we were sitting on the opposite side facing the arcade actually), and the Celebrate Parade stopped right there. Our two children (4 and 6) were pulled out to participate in the parade and dancing! It was a huge highlight for them. It was a great spot for that particular parade if that is still the one running. Either side of the street would be fine i'm sure. They picked a few kids from each side of the street.


Keep in mind we had to get there an hour before the parade started to get a curbside spot! But it worked out well, while DH and the kids sat, I ran over to get ice cream and we sat and ate that while we waited. The Ice Cream line was LONG right before the parade, so give yourself enough time if that is your plan!

 

[DLtorgo]

We also stood in the same spot and DD 4 was chosen to come and dance in the street. We only had to line up about 30 min prior, but it was in early Nov and not very crowded. It was when they filmed the Christmas parade and they were letting the dance teams dance as a preparade show which was extra cool.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Re: CELEBRATE

FYI-you don't have to wait for one of the dancers to pick your kid(s) or yourself. You can just go out there and dance. There are 2 times you can join in-first they will do the Twist and a few minutes later they invite you in to join in the Conga. Everyone grabs onto the rope held at the front by a dancer and everyone "congas" around the float, returning to where they started.

If you only want to go out for one, do the twist, it's more dancy!

The first parade of the day heads down MS from IASW. I like to watch by IASW, at it's first stop, on the left side of the street (East) facing MS. The tiered viewing area is a great way to see the parade. If you want your kids to dance in it, stand in front of the railed off area.

Going up MS, we stand on the West side of MS, right by the Watch Shop.

Both of these locations a directly in front of where the middle float stops. I have a family member in the parade. As the parade time nears you'll see some pink and green pieces of tape in the street. Those indicate where the floats stop.

For The Electrical Parade. (runs through April 18th) we watched it on Friday, the first night and I saw some guests being able to grab seats about 30 min. before the parade started directly across from where the parade first comes out. As you face the giant sun sculpture in the plaza, this would be to the left (East) side. Then once the parade ends you are in a perfect location to hurry to get one last ride in on ToT.

HTH.

 

[DizFan13]

Does anyone know approximately how long the Celebrate! parade lasts? This will be our first time watching it!

 

[tomato]

I didn't time it but it seemed to be about 20 minutes long. (And 90 minutes of waiting/holding your spot on the sidewalk!) LOL!

We always sit in front of the Arcade. We were in the second row of standers. Just a reminder that everyone stands for this parade ... no one is allowed to sit on the curb. So younger/shorter people simply cannot see everything unless they are not in the front row.

That being said, there is enough on the floats that is quite high up that you can see a fair bit. Just not "everything."

 

[B9erSteve]

I like to sit on the benches about midway down mainstreet on the right facing the castle. You have to claim them early but they're a great seat for the parades.

 

[mystic_path]

My favorite place to sit is along the path that is on the backside of the Alice in Wonderland ride, near the washrooms and faces Pixie Hollow and the Matterhorn.

 

[rentayenta]

My favorite place to sit is along the path that is on the backside of the Alice in Wonderland ride, near the washrooms and faces Pixie Hollow and the Matterhorn.

I like that place too and it seems less crowded than Main St. My favorite thing to do is grab some treats and a mocha while waiting for the parade on Main St. We always seem to meet the nicest people.

 

[mystic_path]

I like that place too and it seems less crowded than Main St. My favorite thing to do is grab some treats and a mocha while waiting for the parade on Main St. We always seem to meet the nicest people.

Definitely grab some treats. I really like the macadamia caramel clusters. Or quickly run and grab that dole whip and sit and wait for the parade to start. I too tend to talk to the folks sitting beside me. Its fun to see where they are from, where they are staying and what they find so fun about the park. Everyone is always happy and chatty about their days at DL. Never a dull moment.