Christmas Parade taping, how crazy is it?

[marcemc]

I just found out that a childhood friend is coming to visit I thought it would be nice to surprise her by visiting DL for a couple of days. It would be her first time at the parks.

I read that the Christmas Parade is being videotaped on Saturday (we would be there friday & saturday) and I'm wondering if the parks will be extremely crowded, like let's say, Christmas week.

I would appreciate any inputs & tips. We would have to stay offsite, the only Disney Hotel available is GCH, which I love, but the rate is very high.

 

[LizzyS]

I was there last year for the Christmas Parade taping and although I can't compare it to Christmas time as I've never been during that time, it wasn't horribly bad.

Main Street is clogged and terrible to get through, but we just used the train to get around.

What I found disappointing was, you couldn't get to Sleeping Beauty Castle all day long and they seemed to close Fantasyland down early because they had a concert that night.

Hope this information is helpful!

 

[marcemc]

I was there last year for the Christmas Parade taping and although I can't compare it to Christmas time as I've never been during that time, it wasn't horribly bad.

Main Street is clogged and terrible to get through, but we just used the train to get around.

What I found disappointing was, you couldn't get to Sleeping Beauty Castle all day long and they seemed to close Fantasyland down early because they had a concert that night.

Hope this information is helpful!

It is, thank you! What about the attractions? Long wait?

 

[LizzyS]

We got there at opening and even the most popular attractions weren't that long of a wait. As usual, the later in the day, the longer the lines, but I didn't think it was that bad.

Do the popular stuff first or get FPs, just like any other busy day.

 

[madigraham]

what is the actual date? i want to go

 

[starshine514]

I was there last year for the Christmas Parade taping and although I can't compare it to Christmas time as I've never been during that time, it wasn't horribly bad.

Main Street is clogged and terrible to get through, but we just used the train to get around.

What I found disappointing was, you couldn't get to Sleeping Beauty Castle all day long and they seemed to close Fantasyland down early because they had a concert that night.

Hope this information is helpful!

We were there last year as well. Main street was horribly clogged up and we had to enter/exit there b/c we had a wheelchair and an ECV. The park wasn't super crowded, but Main Street was horrible. We also didn't get any castle picts that entire trip b/c it had stuff setup all around it for a couple days before the parade filming.

I believe the actual day this year is November 3.

 

[Tif]

I believe the actual day this year is November 3.

Saturday, November 3rd is correct. And the 4th is backup in case of bad weather or celebrity scheduling conflicts (which I've heard is uncommon).