Best places to view parades?

[aubriee]

I'll be in WDW in 7 days (first trip). In your opinion where are the best spots to view the parades (Jammin Jungle, Share a Dream, and Stars & Motor Cars)? Also where is the best place to view Illuminations and Wishes? Are the Fantasmic Pkg seats OK or should we go ahead and get there early for better seats? Also since Jan supposed to be a month of low attendance how early should we start saving our seats for all this stuff? Oh! One other thing we have PS for CP at 4:20pm and the Wishes parade starts at 3:00pm--any problem getting there? Alot of questions I know. Sorry, but any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[flyingenie]

I love Share a Dream and Spectromagic on Main Street USA in front of the shops!

for Wishes, there is a fast food place in Tomorrowland right on the water (forget the name) and there are tables right there with a lovely view.. OR to the left of it there are a bunch of steps down and patio umbrellas (I think a smoking section). If you can take the smell, I stood at the top of the stairs and had a perfect view with perfect pictures of Cindy's castle and Wishes.

Haven't found the "perfect" spot for Illuminations, but I like watching from the bridge between France and UK.

 

[woodysgrl]

we stumbled onto some great spots in Dec during our trip

wishes-- on the bridge/walkway into tomorrowland near Stitch ride. Tinkerbellle flys right over your head, it was awesome!

stars and cars-- there is a restaurant right by the start of the parade
I can't remember the name, the outside was packed with people but
the inside was empty. we ate at tables right by the window on the
parade side and some of the characters came to the window and waved
at the kids. they loved it !

illuminations-- we watched from a private area for grand gatherings near
the Oddysey center. We stood at the very edge of the roped off area
and had what I think was a great view.

good luck

 

[MrsJ Henry]

In MK the aprades are best on Main street but can get very crowded. We have watched the parades over near the country Bear Jamboree and have had LOTS of seating available. Not nearly as many people.

 

[talicskai]

For the Share A Dream Come True parade we sat on the curb outside the emporium but facing City Hall. It is where the parade ends and all the characters we attentive to our kids. the sun is bright there so bring good hats and lots of sunscreen! We were basically sitting alone because everyone else was on the curb facing main street. It was great!

 

[flyingenie]

talicskai, that sounds great! I usually like being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of things, but the parade end spot is something I'll definitely check out next time- I love attention!!!

 

[LLD]

Illuminations: I like the bridge by France. Get there early!

 

[DisneyaHolic23]

After LOTS of research here are my favorite viewing points for the various parades:

*Magic Kingdom - anywhere in Frontierland is best. Much less crowded.

*MGM - sit on the steps in front of the ABC Theater

*Animal Kingdom - we sit at the DAWA Bar in Africa. The parade goes by, and then everyone leaves. Then, we move forward, because the parade comes by a second time, about 10 minutes later (the bartender can tell you exactly what time it will come by the second time).

*Epcot for Illuminations - make Priority Seating arrangements for Rose & Crown about 1.5 hours prior to Illuminations. When you check in, ask for a table on the rail. Then, enjoy your meal slowly (requires drinks, appetizers, and dessert!) while sitting right on the water!

 

[Maliki2]

After LOTS of research here are my favorite viewing points for the various parades:

*Magic Kingdom - anywhere in Frontierland is best. Much less crowded.

*MGM - sit on the steps in front of the ABC Theater

*Animal Kingdom - we sit at the DAWA Bar in Africa. The parade goes by, and then everyone leaves. Then, we move forward, because the parade comes by a second time, about 10 minutes later (the bartender can tell you exactly what time it will come by the second time).

*Epcot for Illuminations - make Priority Seating arrangements for Rose & Crown about 1.5 hours prior to Illuminations. When you check in, ask for a table on the rail. Then, enjoy your meal slowly (requires drinks, appetizers, and dessert!) while sitting right on the water!

Going to Epcot in Feb..what time usually is Illuminations? That's a great idea and I'd like to make PS for that time!

 

[sPaRkLeSpAz]

I always liked viewing them from Main Street. Main Street does get really crowded though. :jumping4:

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

We also prefer Frontierland for Share a Dream---much less crowded.

 

[talicskai]

talicskai, that sounds great! I usually like being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of things, but the parade end spot is something I'll definitely check out next time- I love attention!!!

The end of the parade is also a great spot because you don't have to be there until about 30 minutes after the parade starts. We cut through the stores on main street (starting at the hotdog place beside the Crystal Palace) and ducked through the stores (they are all connected) No one was in the stores because they were outside waiting for the parade!
A CM took us right through. It was great.

 

[LLD]

Going to Epcot in Feb..what time usually is Illuminations? That's a great idea and I'd like to make PS for that time!

On Disney's calendar, Epcot closes at 9 PM during the month of February. That's generally when they have Illuminations.

 

[HollyJoy]

We had THE BEST view (IMO) for MGM's parade when we were there.. we sat just outside of Star Tours, at the beginning of the parade. AWESOME!
Can't help you with the AK parade, WE WERE IN IT! lol.. good spot though is just near the bridge in Africa.