Coordinating the Elec light parade with fireworks

[Disneyenthusiast]

Is it possible to do both in the same evening? What is the best location so that we can scoot over to the fireworks at the castle? Thanks!

 

[tortugaverde]

I don't remember when the parade ends or when the fireworks start (9:30?). At any rate, I know folks start finding a spot for the fireworks several hours before hand and it really starts to fill up 45 min or so before the fireworks. Also, if you are leaving a parade, crowds will be difficult to maneuver through... I suggest watching the parade from the starting point so you can get out of DCA quickly! Just my thoughts about crowds, I don't really have any good advice about if it is doable or not

Have fun

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

This is what we did.

We saw the Electrical Parade next to the Golden Dreams theater. As soon as the parade was over we quickly walked to the DCA exit, going past Grizzly River Run & Soaring. By the time we reached the plaza the parade was almost over, but we were ahead of the crowd that was watching the parade from the plaza. We made it to Main Street in time to watch the fireworks.

I wouldn't advise this during peak season, though, since the fireworks are really popular.

The parade is typically at 8:45pm, and the fireworks begin at 9:25.

Also note that a lot of people watch the fireworks from the Esplanade.

 

[bumbershoot]

Love that picture!

The one thing that DangerMouse suggested a couple months ago is to go right around Grizzly instead of left. To me it seemed that was was geographically longer, but it's almost deserted so you can go faster, so what DM said and what now makes sense to me is that you end up getting past Grizzly faster, by going around it to the right, instead of skirting GCH.

Though it's probably worth noting that you'll be going through a smoking section, and you'll be going slightly uphill if you go that way.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Molly,



I was thinking that going through the right might be even faster, but might be out of the way....

I think that bears testing

 

[tofubeast]

I am a bit confused by the map.

Is the star, the starting point of the parade...or where the golden dreams theater is in which you saw the show.

IS that the route of the parade...the green arrows?

I am also hoping to find a great spot where I can watch the parade and exit quick. I want to be able to run back to DL, board the train, and head out to Tomorrowland during the fireworks. IS this possible or am I crazy?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I edited the pic just a little bit. Hope that makes more sense

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I am a bit confused by the map.

Is the star, the starting point of the parade...or where the golden dreams theater is in which you saw the show.

IS that the route of the parade...the green arrows?

I am also hoping to find a great spot where I can watch the parade and exit quick. I want to be able to run back to DL, board the train, and head out to Tomorrowland during the fireworks. IS this possible or am I crazy?

The train will take at least 15 minutes after it leaves the station to get to Tomorrowland. If the train ride is your goal, then that would be fine, but if you want to get to Tomorrowland, it would be quicker to walk, IMO.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We saw both on our first night! We got a good spot, close to where the Electric parade will first end. Then made our way around by GRR, and out of the park, beating the parade and everyone else trying to leave.

Then went in to DL, and got an excellent spot on main street. Close enough to be even standing where the fireworks on the sides go up around us. It was great. We could have totally gone from there and seen the second showing of Fantasmic, but we were all too tired!

 

[tofubeast]

The train will take at least 15 minutes after it leaves the station to get to Tomorrowland. If the train ride is your goal, then that would be fine, but if you want to get to Tomorrowland, it would be quicker to walk, IMO.

THanks for the new picture. So helpful.

I guess I was thinking about taking the train to TL during the fireworks...because I was hoping to take on some rides while tons of people are watching the show. I was afraid to walk to TL with the crowds of people watching the show. Tell me what is best...and I will do it!

 

[jpharis]

Great minds think alike, Mary Jo. We did EXACTLY what you described Friday night and it worked perfectly. We ended up about halfway up mainstreet with a perfect view. I would second veering to the right. There were lots of crowds veering left and my family kept questioning me. I started questioning myself since it was almost desserted, but it really saved us time by having an empty walkway. Good luck!

 

[kiwitravel]

I am sure someone will be able to answer this....

Does the ELP start from down at the Pier end every night? Or does it alternate direction each night? I can clearly remember it coming from the Pier end one night but also think I can remember it going the other way a different night. This would have a huge impact on the plans below if the parade was going the wrong way...

 

[tofubeast]

I still have my question up above that I would love to get feedback on...but I also have another!

Rather than exit the main entrances...where the parade might still be going on...would I also be able to exit via GCH? Just trying to see what exit to actually take before I run to DL. Thanks!

 

[bumbershoot]

Does the ELP start from down at the Pier end every night? Or does it alternate direction each night? I can clearly remember it coming from the Pier end one night but also think I can remember it going the other way a different night. This would have a huge impact on the plans below if the parade was going the wrong way...

Pretty sure it only goes the one way.

Rather than exit the main entrances...where the parade might still be going on...would I also be able to exit via GCH? Just trying to see what exit to actually take before I run to DL. Thanks!

No no no no.

You'd have to get to the hallway leading to DTD, then go through DTD from between Sephora and Libby Lu, then through security just as everyone else and their brother are trying to get in as well. Then wait to get into the DL gates and THEN start your trek.

Just skirt past Grizzly, and you will very likely be to the BurrBank Cones area before the parade gets there, and you'll be out the gates as you hear the music of the parade get to the Sunshine Plaza.

Then across the esplanade, get in, and go!

If you don't want to see the fireworks, then catch the train if you wish to (knowing, if this matters to you, that getting off at Tomorrowland station causes you to walk through the smoking area) and go wherever (though someone might want to refresh us on the route the train takes...would this plan take you through all the other lands before tomorrowland, or is tomorrowland the very next stop? I forget).

I would probably just walk with purpose, and know where you're headed (have a meet-up spot in Tomorrowland). If your group splits apart (not kids getting lost, but one adult with a kid splits off from another part, you know what I mean...if you have kids with you and I've forgotten that) you don't have to worry if you know where you're meeting.

Then have fun!