Christmas Parade

[stncldlager]

Hi all,

I don't know if this was asked lately, but any word on when they are taping the parade this year? Didn't know if we would be able to incorporate it in with our trip. And if we are there during this, what can we expect. Thanks and Happy Camping!

 

[clkelley]

The parade taping is usually during the first weekend (mainly Saturday) of December.

It is really a zoo. I have not stood on main street to watch the parade, but last year because of the large amounts of rain, some of the taping was also being done on Sunday. We had some group activities scheduled on Sunday and had to navigate around that mess. It is really a farce. You watch floats move slowly back and forth and repeat many times. You are asked to cheer by a director for some star that isn't even there at the time. Really lame in my book. (The actual stars tape their portion early in the morning before park opening with no guests around.) Everything is then dubbed together at post production.

 

[auntie]

Okay..that just stinks.

Cheer for "stars" that aren't even there.

WTH is that?


I'll stick with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Real people, real weather, real light posts falling on people's heads.
"Stars" that lip sync poorly, usually in freezing cold temperatures.
Now..THAT"S A PARADE!

 

[gmflanigan]

And to think I thought it was live

 

[stncldlager]

Ya but you have to admit its cool to watch it a few weeks later with the kids opening the presents under the tree and see em on tv. i bet the ride lines aren't as bad when there taping though. Its going to be interesting for sure!

 

[BradyBz12]

A few years ago we didn't know anything about the taping and wandered into MK by mistake. EEK!! Main St/Hub/Fantasyland were a zoo. We waited an hour in line to get french fries. Then we gave up and went to Epcot.

Ride lines are pretty good in the rest of the park during the taping, but it's a good idea to plan to bug out before the parade masses flood out into the park later in the day (2-3ish)

If you take a peek over on the Theme Park boards there are lots of threads about what all goes on, how tickets are distributed to whom, personal experiences and what to expect.

 

[mikmouse]

The parade taping is usually during the first weekend (mainly Saturday) of December.

It is really a zoo. I have not stood on main street to watch the parade, but last year because of the large amounts of rain, some of the taping was also being done on Sunday. We had some group activities scheduled on Sunday and had to navigate around that mess. It is really a farce. You watch floats move slowly back and forth and repeat many times. You are asked to cheer by a director for some star that isn't even there at the time. Really lame in my book. (The actual stars tape their portion early in the morning before park opening with no guests around.) Everything is then dubbed together at post production.

Yes, because of the rain, the decorations weren't put back and lots of favorite places in front of the castle were not available because of the stage. The Christmas tree on Main Street is not up either....we saw it because it was up on Monday, but hated for our family that had to leave. Also Main St. garland is down and doesn't get put back up until the tree is put back. So if you're going to the Mickey's VMCP there isn't even a Christmas tree until AFTER the taping

 

[Tri-circle-D]

In 2009, the taping was scheduled for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend in December. This seems to be the pattern that has been followed for the past few years.

The TCD gang went to the taping on Sunday, December 6th. There is a brief report about our experience here:

2009 Christmas Parade

We had fun, but I agree with those who have described it as chaotic. We are lucky to be able to go to WDW frequently, so it was fun for us to do something different. But, I am not sure I would recommend spending the time on this activity if you will only be visiting WDW for a few days.

On Christmas morning, as we were watching the parade, we saw one of the TCD twins in the front row of the Jonas Brothers' performance! That was fun.

TCD