Christmas Parade Taping FAQ : Crowds / Dates / Etc

Um... Josh Groban. In WDW at the same time as me. My husband just received a screaming phone call. I hope the site is accurate. It will be my mission to see him. At his concert in Pittsburgh I was lucky enough to stand against the stage for his last few songs. My husband thought I lost my mind when I saw Kirk Cameron last year at Epcot. Just wait if I have a Josh Groban encounter!
 
I wish it was Dec 8th it would take allot of confusion out of my life I would still get to see it cause we do not leave till the ninth but it would not disrupt our first days there
 
Ok, so now we really don't know.......I origanally thought it was nov 30 dec 1&2.
I asked our reservationist @ wdw and she said she did not know. What is the most reliable source? I am trying to plan our days. We are there nov 28, 29, 30,1,2. I have been looking at the extra magic hours and park hours trying to make some sort of a plan...... I hope someone has some info soon lol.....
 

OK, so all taping is over by December 9th? Just clarifying as I've not been aware of this crowd situation at all, must've missed it before!
 
I looked in the Wikipedia site and saw nothing about the Christmas Day parade, let alone mentioning the dates of December 8 and 9. Can you copy/paste the info?

Any latest info on when it will be? Why are the sources so contradicting?!? :confused3
 
When do they annouce the dates? Will they let everyone know in anvance whos going to be there?

Also for those who was at the taping of the parade, what time should we arrive to get a good spot on the parde part of Main street usa?

Donna
Again...you can't just walk in and plop your family down on the curb and watch the parade taping. Those that wish to be part of the taping have to be chosen previously. You are then given instructions to get to MK very early that morning...about 6:30ish. In order to get in, you have to show your paperwork at the appropriate turnstyle. You are then placed along the street.
When the normal park guest shows up, the curbsitters are all in place. Those entering the park will be routed through the shops. I would hate for people to think they can just show up and be part of the taping.

As I said on page 2:

As it gets closer (I believe it will be about mid-November), they will release the stars who will be in the parade. It's just too early.

Last year, DVC members and AP holders were invited to be in the audience (they must commit to standing there so many hours and dress festive and then they get a free ticket to enter MK) the beginning of November. Regular folks can also stand in front of the castle (as I did) but these folks are committed to standing there a certain amount of time.
Those of us in front of the castle also were prechosen, and put in our 'spots'. It was about 11:00-11:30 that people started to get really pooped so they left, which left a lot of empty spots for others to fill in.

:confused: I had originally made plans to be in the MK on DEC 1st. I even made my princess: an appointment at the BBB for 5pm. Now I know that the parade will be taped that day. At first I was bummed but then I decided my daughter would like to see it. So I looked up some info on random Discussion boards. I have heard that in order to even see it you have to register and get tickets with lightshiptv.com. I went to their web site and they don't have anything up and says it is coming soon. BUT its only 40 days away. Not much time. Does anyone know if as we are walking through the park can we see it or is it all blocked off and if we do decide to watch the whole taping do we realy need tickets? I am so confused on the whole process. I hope there are some parade vets that can give some details on how it all works.:scared1:
Yes, in order to be part of the Main St. group, along the parade route, you do have to have a pass given by the production company. Those spots go very fast...I know that two years ago, I thought I was really quick about responding (both an AP holder as well as DVC owner), but I was shut out of all the Sat tapings. Best I could get was Friday morning. I can't say for sure who will be eligible this year. I really didn't pay attention last year since I wasn't going to be there at the right time.
 
/
So HSM stars? My dd4 will be sooo excited. We are watching HSM2 right now. She sings the songs non-stop.

I too hope Miley and Billy Ray would be at the same park - and being selfish I hope they are at WDW. DD would be on top of the world. We were unable to get tickets for the Pittsburgh show.

When do you all think they will "Officially" announce the stars? And finally, how do you go about seeing one of these performances?
 
We have found that during special parades, and not just the holiday tapings, people tend to bunch up on Main Street even if they're not extras. I guess they just want to see what's going on, especially during Christmastime when there are usually lots of celebrities in the show.
The rest of the park is dead.
 
Those of us in front of the castle also were prechosen, and put in our 'spots'. It was about 11:00-11:30 that people started to get really pooped so they left, which left a lot of empty spots for others to fill in.

Right, but I, as a regular guest, was able to get up pretty close (next to all those 'chosen' with their festive gear on) for a great shot of Vanessa Williams. :thumbsup2
 
Right, but I, as a regular guest, was able to get up pretty close (next to all those 'chosen' with their festive gear on) for a great shot of Vanessa Williams. :thumbsup2
Yep, and if I had it to do all over again, that's exactly what I would do. I was exhausted after three hours of standing there, being shoved around by those who felt they 'should be' up front. Next time, if there is ever a next time, I'll get to MK around 11:30 and fill in in front of the castle. That makes you smarter than me!!!! You got up closer (most probably) and didn't have to take ibuprofan for the rest of the day due to aching joints!!:rotfl2:
 
Yep, and if I had it to do all over again, that's exactly what I would do. I was exhausted after three hours of standing there, being shoved around by those who felt they 'should be' up front. Next time, if there is ever a next time, I'll get to MK around 11:30 and fill in in front of the castle. That makes you smarter than me!!!! You got up closer (most probably) and didn't have to take ibuprofan for the rest of the day due to aching joints!!:rotfl2:

By the time we were there (around 12:00p), the festive 'chosen' crowd had dwindled so it was very easy for me to get pretty close for my picture.

You poor thing!
 
Oh I wish I could be there for the taping. To see Josh Groban on my birthday (dec. 1) would just be amazing. At least I'll get to watch it on christmas. I can't wait.
 
For AP holders, this announcement is in the new issue of the Mickey Monitor:

Be a part of Disney’s Christmas Parade TV taping

Sign up online for a chance to be an audience member for this ABC-TV holiday tradition

Log on to disneyworld.com/passholder to sign up for the pre-taping of the spectacular Walt Disney World® Christmas Day Parade.

The Emmy® Award-winning program features a “sleighful” of floats, fun and Disney Characters—plus performances featuring today’s hottest celebrities. Everyone can watch it Christmas Day on ABC (10 a.m. ET & 9 a.m. PT). But imagine the thrill of seeing it unfold live before your eyes.

Portions of the show are scheduled to be taped at the Magic Kingdom® Park on November 30, and you could be in the audience! But space is limited and advance reservations are required, so visit disneyworld.com/passholder to sign up now!

Tickets are on a first come, first served basis. Sign-up window opens on November 1, 2007, and will close when audience capacity is met.
 
I was planning on going to MK on Sunday, the 2nd. Is it best to avoid it then too or if the taping is all done I should be okay? I have ADR's for CP at 8:20 and MVMCP that night. We were planning to spend the entire day in the park. I was hoping for lighter crowds this time of year. I had no idea they were taping teh parade when I made my reservations and planned my trip or I may have waited a few days.
 
last year dvc got the pre parade tapings and apers got the actual parade. guess they are doing it in reverse this year.
 
Last year we were there during the weekend of the parade taping and they had moved the xmas tree from town square and all of the garlands were removed from along Main St to make way for the parade. I was so disappointed because I wanted to see all of the decos. (yes, I know they moved the tree down by the castle ...)

Once again, we'll be a WDW for only the weekend of Nov30, Dec1 and Dec2. Does anyone know for sure when they move the tree & take down the garland? I am afraid I'm going to miss out again.
 
hmmm, i was scheduled for epcot on the 30th and now i might have to rethink my itinerary. i'm not an AP--does the website list the actual times each act will perform? i definitely want to catch the HSM kids and whitney houston.
 
For AP holders, this announcement is in the new issue of the Mickey Monitor:

Be a part of Disney’s Christmas Parade TV taping

Sign up online for a chance to be an audience member for this ABC-TV holiday tradition

Log on to disneyworld.com/passholder to sign up for the pre-taping of the spectacular Walt Disney World® Christmas Day Parade.

The Emmy® Award-winning program features a “sleighful” of floats, fun and Disney Characters—plus performances featuring today’s hottest celebrities. Everyone can watch it Christmas Day on ABC (10 a.m. ET & 9 a.m. PT). But imagine the thrill of seeing it unfold live before your eyes.

Portions of the show are scheduled to be taped at the Magic Kingdom® Park on November 30, and you could be in the audience! But space is limited and advance reservations are required, so visit disneyworld.com/passholder to sign up now!

Tickets are on a first come, first served basis. Sign-up window opens on November 1, 2007, and will close when audience capacity is met.

Does this mean the ENTIRE parade/pre-taping will be done the weekend of Nov 30-Dec 2? Or will concerts be taped on Nov 30 and other stuff taped the FOLLOWING weekend? thanks!!!
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE







New Posts







DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top