Christmas Parade Taping or non-party day?

[Chaitali]

I only have 2 options for days we can go to the Magic Kingdom, either Monday, November 9th or Tuesday, November 10th. The other day will be at Epcot. Initially, the plan was easy in that we'd go to the MK on Tuesday as that was a party day and crowds would most likely be lower. But now that day is a parade taping day. So I'm thinking we may be better off going to MK Monday, even though that is a non-party day and may be more crowded. We're staying off site so won't be able to use the extra magic hour.

What do people think would be a better option between the 2?

Thanks for the opinions!

 

[sharonabe]

Wow, that is a tough one. Parade taping day will definitely be lower crowds on the rides, but you will miss out on some of the ambiance of MK. If that's okay with you, I'd stick with this plan (and that's what my family would do). I'm assuming missing the night-time entertainment is okay with you since you were already planning on that.

If you'd like to see MK in it's entirety with nothing blocking your way AND you want the night-time entertainment, then you'll have to muddle through what will most definitely be a much more crowded day...it's Monday which is typically one of the busiest days at MK and it's a non-party day during party season which are more busy and a lot of people will not want to mess with the parade taping which will make it a busier day.

 

[Chaitali]

Thanks All of those things are definitely what's making this a little difficult. We're ok with missing the night time entertainment but the one thing we really want to do is see the Festival of Fantasy Parade as we've never seen it before and I'm not sure if the taping could potentially impact that?

 

[DebbieB]

They have not announced which of the 4 days will be the actual parade taping, some dates may be stage shows only. When they taped Thursday to Sunday, the actual parade was Saturday with a rain day Sunday. Thursday & Friday were stage shows.

 

[Chaitali]

They have not announced which of the 4 days will be the actual parade taping, some dates may be stage shows only. When they taped Thursday to Sunday, the actual parade was Saturday with a rain day Sunday. Thursday & Friday were stage shows.

That's good to know. For some reason, I envisioned them doing the whole thing each day and then choosing the best version. Thanks for those details. I think we're leaning toward going the taping day then instead of the non-party day. Fingers crossed that it won't impact the Festival of Fantasy parade.

 

[sharonabe]

Thanks All of those things are definitely what's making this a little difficult. We're ok with missing the night time entertainment but the one thing we really want to do is see the Festival of Fantasy Parade as we've never seen it before and I'm not sure if the taping could potentially impact that?

You will need to keep an eye out for that actual taping date. If they are taping the parade that day, they will move the regular afternoon parade to a later time (5 or 6 pm). Since the day you want to go is also an MVMCP, it would be difficult logistically for them to do that, so you're probably safe. But with Disney, you never know!

 

[Chaitali]

You will need to keep an eye out for that actual taping date. If they are taping the parade that day, they will move the regular afternoon parade to a later time (5 or 6 pm). Since the day you want to go is also an MVMCP, it would be difficult logistically for them to do that, so you're probably safe. But with Disney, you never know!

Really helpful, thanks! I hope they release the information in advance. I thought I had everything planned out but Disney likes to keep me on my toes.

 

[DebbieB]

That's good to know. For some reason, I envisioned them doing the whole thing each day and then choosing the best version. Thanks for those details. I think we're leaning toward going the taping day then instead of the non-party day. Fingers crossed that it won't impact the Festival of Fantasy parade.

They do it multiple times on the one day, that's why it takes all day. It would be too expensive to have all the performers there multiple days.