Taping is a long drawn out process done over multiple days. How do I want to put this -unless you want to do nothing else, but sit and wait for things to happen in taping, don't bother with trying to be in it. It goes all day when they are doing the actual parade.
Celebrity appearances only come out through leaks and gossip, so watching the dis is best for that. The reason is they want to control the crowds and not have a rich on screaming Tweens who will disrupt the crowds.
Surprisingly, Attraction waits are light because of the curious guests and tapings are held on low traffic weekends with the celebrities done on weekdays to eliminate the aforementioned Tweens.
CMs will not tell you anything. They are specifically kept in the dark about the schedule unless they have a need to know. Signs are posted in specific areas, but are vague. They will say things like Taping is Occuring, your presence indicates permission to be photographed.
Bring holiday hats and clothes if you want to be in the close-up crowds. On the parade dancer day, usually Saturday, all of the parents and extra people stay along the parade route, so they don't affect the park guests for rides. If you want to see a celebrity appearance and be in the front of the taping, plan on standing in the same spot forever and doing nothing else, or wander up at the last minute and stand in the back if you don't care.
Leave the tapings when you have your reservations. No one cares if you are there or not and your reservation is more important.
Did that answer everything?