Cutting it Close...

[HelloTheDrakes]

I've made our FP+ reservations, and we will be going on 7DMT at 2:25 (10 min before the actual FP+ starts...I know we can scoot on in) and then will want to watch the Festival of Fantasy, which begins at 3 on the day we're gong to MK. I know we'll be cutting it close, but where will be the best place to watch the parade from in relation to the 7DMT? I'm thinking of running through Cinderella Castle to go to the Central Plaza and watching from there, or walking around the Carousel beside Tomorrowland and watching from the side of Central Plaza. I just figured y'all would know which would be faster/easier or a better viewing area. This is not my first time to WDW, but my first time watching FOF Parade (other than YouTube Vlogs).

Thanks for the advice and help! I love the Dis and am so happy I've learned so much here to plan the most magical trip with my husband and friend.

 

[CAS239]

You can't enter the FP line 10 min before your time. The most you can enter is 5 min before so you'll have to wait until 2:30 if your FP time is 2:35

 

[HelloTheDrakes]

For some reason I thought it was 10. Thank you!!

 

[ArielSRL]

For some reason I thought it was 10. Thank you!!

The grace period is 5 minutes before and 15 minutes after.

 

[gap2368]

I would watch the parade from the old firework FP area on main street. most of the tings are up high and you should be able to see most of it. and the parade should be getting that area about 3:10

If you FP is fro 2:35 and you can get in a 2:30 on the ride by 2:45 off of it by 2:55 ( no the ride is not this long but if you get stoped to let someone that need more time on or off the ride) you should be able to walk fast to the area by 3:05

 

[HelloTheDrakes]

The grace period is 5 minutes before and 15 minutes after.

Aha!! Perhaps I'd read this previously and averaged 10 in my mind or something... thank you for clarifying!

I would watch the parade from the old firework FP area on main street. most of the tings are up high and you should be able to see most of it. and the parade should be getting that area about 3:10

If you FP is fro 2:35 and you can get in a 2:30 on the ride by 2:45 off of it by 2:55 ( no the ride is not this long but if you get stoped to let someone that need more time on or off the ride) you should be able to walk fast to the area by 3:05

Thank you!!

 

[marcyleecorgan]

I'm thinking of running through Cinderella Castle

Most of the time, the area is roped off and a CM is ensuring that guests don`t go inside. My family tried all week to take a peek inside the castle at our visit but never got in.

 

[willmccready]

We had good luck finding spots by the entrance where the parade ends. We didn't plan it, sort of followed the parade down from Fronteirland and settled there. Bonus was that each time we watched from there we left right after and beat any crowds that were going to the busses.

 

[wdw_nutz]

Remember that your best-made plans might not fit with everyone else's in the park that day. Lots and lots of people will spend a good 45-60 minutes reserving the spot they want for the parade, and you may well struggle to be anything other than 6 rows deep back from the edge. Also people can be a little less than polite if they feel you are trying to squeeze in to a spot they have waited for. The hub is often totally blocked and although they try to keep it moving, when the parade actually arrives it can be totally grid-locked. Just factor that in to your plans - in my experience the thing that makes people feel disappointed in a Disney day is their expectations not being met so just set them realistically based on how popular the parade is and the factors outside of your control.

Have fun!

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

I've never planned a spot for the Festival of Fantasy parade, and I've always found a spot... with a double stroller, and each spot has had its pros and cons. Just go and enjoy. It'll work out.

 

[subtchr]

You could use the FP after the parade.

 

[DWillowBay]

Liberty Square? I'd do the parade and then skeee-daddle up to 7DMT. That's just me.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Not that common but on occasion rides do go down and the FP lines can be much longer than you expect. 7DMT with a FP is not usually a "walk on" - there will still be some level of wait (5-15 mins). If things were 'off' that AM, could be much longer.

 

[kreckl]

Agree- why not do the ride AFTER the parade?

 

[Jamie77]

You could use the FP after the parade.

Same thing I was thinking.

 

[KC Mouse]

I once attempted to enter the fast pass line at Expedition Everest 9 min early. It went a little something like this....

I strolled up to the fast pass line, with a seductive sparkle in my eye, casually I asked the young man to scan my magic band. Boop beep bop! NOOOOOO! DENIED! Sir you will NOT be riding this ride, unless you wait an extra 4 min, you will leave the area and return at your designated time. He was a cold, unfeeling, troll of a man! I wondered if he was packing his 9? He did make a sudden movement towards his hip, to my shergrin he removed a small water bottle and took a sip. He knew I was a thirsty patron. Thirsty for a Himalayan themed thrill! Taken aback I mustered my self-respect and waited until a large group of people where scanning their bands to enter the line. With ninja like stealth I rolled from shadow to shadow, nearly had to dispose of a small toddler who was a little to curious, slowly I slinked my way into the back of the line. With uncanny resolve, I changed into my usual vacationing disposition. In order to avoid detection, I turned my hat backwards and spoke with the distinct dialect of a South Dakota Cruise Ship Captain. As I approached the same young man I averted his peering eyes and held my magic band to be scanned. What happened next took me by surprise! The sweet jingle and jangle of a fast pass approval. In triumphant glee, I corrected my baseball cap, spoke with my usual Kansas City swagger and looked him strait the in the eye. "SO, WE MEET AGAIN!" I bellowed. He was so embarrassed that he could only say. "Um...you can ride now..." With that I danced my way onto the fast pass line.

 

[LizGirl]

We always have good luck finding open parade viewing spots in Liberty Square or Frontierland at the last minute.

 

[SureAsLiz]

I would watch from Frontierland/Liberty Square and then use the FP after. The ground performers are an important part of the parade, and I would definitely make sure you can see them.
If you watch from Liberty Square, you can take the side path up the castle once the end passes and be in Fantasyland in 30 seconds.

Most of the time, the area is roped off and a CM is ensuring that guests don`t go inside. My family tried all week to take a peek inside the castle at our visit but never got in.

The castle is blocked around the times of the stage show (+-15 minutes on either end). There are a few times during the day (between the 11:30 and 1pm shows, and between 2 and 415 show) where the castle will be open, as well as about 20 minutes after the last show up to 1 hour before fireworks and about 20 minutes after.

 

[KC Mouse]

We always have good luck finding open parade viewing spots in Liberty Square or Frontierland at the last minute.

That post was a little lack luster. Do you think you could spice it up with an awkwardly dramatic tale of deception and espionage?

 

[HelloTheDrakes]

Agree- why not do the ride AFTER the parade?

The issue is we had to make separate FP+ reservations for our friend who is coming with us, but not staying on property. My husband and my FP+ are from 1:55 -2:55 and our friend's is from 2:35-3:35. So they overlap, which is fantastic, but not ideal for catching the parade afterwards. Unless, we ride before and he rides after, which would not be near as fun as it's his first time in the park and first time riding 7DMT. I'd rather be late/miss the parade than to not ride together.

Nonetheless, we'll play it by ear. I just wasn't sure if someone experienced something similar to this before.