Dec 21st - parade viewing with seating and dealing with crowds

[nuzmom]

We have decided to give MK a try on Sunday, December 21st. I anticipate this being the first day for the Christmas parade, in lieu of the FOF parade. The operating hours are predicted to be 8:00am to 1:00pm, with additional morning AND evening extra magic hours.

The main goal for our family is to be in the park LATE at night. Our youngest DS (now 13) doesn't remember being in the park at midnight for MVMCP so he's especially looking forward to being in the park late. We're thinking we can at least stay until 1:00am and hope to shoot for sticking it out until 3:00am!!!

We're going to sleep until 11am or so and then head to the park. Upon arrival, we only want to pick our spot for parade viewing and enjoy a snack while waiting. BUT, my DH(56) and DM(85) can NOT sit on a curb and we would like them to wait "comfortably" for at least a little while! Actually, my DH currently is having hip issues (may need hip replacement surgery!) and we're not even sure if he'll be able to stand for very long at a time. At this point in time, I'm not exactly sure what our touring will look like.

Question:
1) Is there any location for us to see the parade from a seated location? Is it possible to view the parade from the train station and are there seats up there?
2) How early should we find our spot for the parade? (it will be the 2nd parade - 3:30pm)
3) Since we currently have ADRs at LTT right after the parade, is there anywhere in Frontierland that will meet our needs? (I will change the ADR plans if needed to be able to sit for parade)
4) For us, being "comfortable" for as long as possible outweighs a great view. If we can't wait comfortably, then what time and location would be good for the shortest wait possible?
5) will there be FP+ for the Christmas parade?

We're thinking crowds will be crazy - we're just looking to see the parade, eat, and "wander" until dark. Then, take in a few rides and experience MK in the wee hours of the morning.

6) what do you think the crowds will be like AFTER wishes and the MSEP at 10:15pm? We are hoping it will start to thin out! Any insight as to what MK crowd will look like for emh from 1:00 to 3:00am?

7) will BOG extend their hours if the park closes at 1:00am (emh until 3:00am)?

8) we're not crazy for trying this, RIGHT????

 

[Figmentmommy]

You could try staking out a spot in Frontierland going into Liberty Square. We often view parades from this location. There are low stone walls and porch areas that might be more comfortable for your party. Anywhere from Pecos Bill's Cafe to the Diamond Horseshoe should be good for you. A lot better than sitting low on the curb. Since you have an ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern afterwards you'll have less of a walk through the after parade crowds as well.

 

[lilmakattack]

We have decided to give MK a try on Sunday, December 21st. I anticipate this being the first day for the Christmas parade, in lieu of the FOF parade. The operating hours are predicted to be 8:00am to 1:00pm, with additional morning AND evening extra magic hours.

The main goal for our family is to be in the park LATE at night. Our youngest DS (now 13) doesn't remember being in the park at midnight for MVMCP so he's especially looking forward to being in the park late. We're thinking we can at least stay until 1:00am and hope to shoot for sticking it out until 3:00am!!!

We're going to sleep until 11am or so and then head to the park. Upon arrival, we only want to pick our spot for parade viewing and enjoy a snack while waiting. BUT, my DH(56) and DM(85) can NOT sit on a curb and we would like them to wait "comfortably" for at least a little while! Actually, my DH currently is having hip issues (may need hip replacement surgery!) and we're not even sure if he'll be able to stand for very long at a time. At this point in time, I'm not exactly sure what our touring will look like.

Question:
1) Is there any location for us to see the parade from a seated location? Is it possible to view the parade from the train station and are there seats up there?
2) How early should we find our spot for the parade? (it will be the 2nd parade - 3:30pm)
3) Since we currently have ADRs at LTT right after the parade, is there anywhere in Frontierland that will meet our needs? (I will change the ADR plans if needed to be able to sit for parade)
4) For us, being "comfortable" for as long as possible outweighs a great view. If we can't wait comfortably, then what time and location would be good for the shortest wait possible?
5) will there be FP+ for the Christmas parade?

We're thinking crowds will be crazy - we're just looking to see the parade, eat, and "wander" until dark. Then, take in a few rides and experience MK in the wee hours of the morning.

6) what do you think the crowds will be like AFTER wishes and the MSEP at 10:15pm? We are hoping it will start to thin out! Any insight as to what MK crowd will look like for emh from 1:00 to 3:00am?

7) will BOG extend their hours if the park closes at 1:00am (emh until 3:00am)?

8) we're not crazy for trying this, RIGHT????

We went to MK on the Sunday before Christmas last year and will be there on the 21st this year as well! We saw the 3pm parade and I think we staked out our spot on Main Street at 2pm. We were able to sit front row on the curb. For a place to actually sit, I would go with somewhere in Frontierland. There are several walls to sit on and a couple of porches. I would arrive approx. 1 hour before the parade.

In terms of crowds, it was busy but manageable. Quite honestly, the only time I felt packed was for the MSEP that evening. We had gotten a spot about 1.5 hours before the parade started and we were hugging the tape. The CM's did a great job of not letting anyone stand behind us (even told us how to angle our stroller) but once the parade started, there were so many people and the crowd literally became unmanageable. People were pushing us, stepping over my children, forcing their kids ahead of ours, etc. It was insane. So I guess the moral of my story is that if you wish to see the MSEP, note that it will be a hot mess in terms of the crowds. Once the parade was over, it became much less crowded when they opened the streets up for Wishes.

Other than the MSEP incident, we had a great day. We rode several rides, saw the show "A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas", loved the christmas parade, and just had fun. It was our last day so and we'd already done MK twice so we went in with no expectations except the afternoon Christmas parade and holiday wishes. I was pleasantly surprised by how much we actually pulled off that day.

Looking forward to a repeat of the same this year!

 

[pouncingpluto]

Why do you think Sunday will be the first Xmas parade? I was hoping Saturday would be.

 

[nuzmom]

Why do you think Sunday will be the first Xmas parade? I was hoping Saturday would be.

I am using the predictions on easywdw. I know the last MVMCP is that Friday, but Josh doesn't have the parade changed on Saturday.

 

[Figmentmommy]

Why do you think Sunday will be the first Xmas parade? I was hoping Saturday would be.

I also think it will be Saturday 12/20 as the last MVMCP is Friday 12/19.

 

[nuzmom]

We went to MK on the Sunday before Christmas last year and will be there on the 21st this year as well! We saw the 3pm parade and I think we staked out our spot on Main Street at 2pm. We were able to sit front row on the curb. For a place to actually sit, I would go with somewhere in Frontierland. There are several walls to sit on and a couple of porches. I would arrive approx. 1 hour before the parade.

In terms of crowds, it was busy but manageable. Quite honestly, the only time I felt packed was for the MSEP that evening. We had gotten a spot about 1.5 hours before the parade started and we were hugging the tape. The CM's did a great job of not letting anyone stand behind us (even told us how to angle our stroller) but once the parade started, there were so many people and the crowd literally became unmanageable. People were pushing us, stepping over my children, forcing their kids ahead of ours, etc. It was insane. So I guess the moral of my story is that if you wish to see the MSEP, note that it will be a hot mess in terms of the crowds. Once the parade was over, it became much less crowded when they opened the streets up for Wishes.

Other than the MSEP incident, we had a great day. We rode several rides, saw the show "A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas", loved the christmas parade, and just had fun. It was our last day so and we'd already done MK twice so we went in with no expectations except the afternoon Christmas parade and holiday wishes. I was pleasantly surprised by how much we actually pulled off that day.

Looking forward to a repeat of the same this year!

Thanks for your firsthand feedback!!! Easywdw has 2 parades and 2 MSEP predicted... is that what you remember from last year? We're thinking the 12:15am MSEP might be an option for us, or we'll skip it, assuming it's not a Christmas version, as we've seen it several times.

 

[pouncingpluto]

I am using the predictions on easywdw. I know the last MVMCP is that Friday, but Josh doesn't have the parade changed on Saturday.

Yeah, I noticed that too, but looking at how it was done in 2013, I decided easy wdw was likely wrong. Fingers crossed, bc predicted crowds are lower on Saturday.

 

[KittyKitty]

Fp+?

 

[gtpoohbear]

We'll be in MK Sun 12/21 too! I do expect it to be busy, but not as crazy as it will get later in the week. A few years ago we were there right before Christmas (the 23rd I think, and the crowds were pretty similar to spring break).

I am not an expert on parades, but do know that in general, it is a lot less crowded in Frontierland. We've had some good, first-row viewing spots back there with minimal wait beforehand. Anything on Main Street is going to be packed.

 

[Southerndisney]

Frontierland will be fine for viewing the parade. Chose a place to sit that is close enough to the parade path that you are going to be next to the rope. I can't remember if there are lines on the ground, but there are post holes for the parade post that hold the rope. The closer to the parade time the more crazy crowded the parade route becomes that weekend.

Since you are staying late and are going to see the Christmas fireworks I would suggest staying to one side of the hub and move quickly to another land once the fireworks are over. After fireworks the hub has been very crowded and not moving.

If there is a FP+ for the parade that day I would consider using it and your husband might be comfortable in a wheelchair even if he does not use it for the whole day.

 

[nuzmom]

Yeah, I noticed that too, but looking at how it was done in 2013, I decided easy wdw was likely wrong. Fingers crossed, bc predicted crowds are lower on Saturday.

I'm with ya!!! We are actually in MK Saturday night also. We're spending the day in AK and then popping over for dinner and to check out the crowds. Don't know how late we'll stay, but it gives us options and works well with going back the next day.

So.... Christmas parade on Saturday would be great, and MAYBE help a LITTLE bit with crowds for Sunday.

 

[nuzmom]

Fp+?

I'm wondering if FP+ will be offered for the (Christmas) parade. I would guess that it will be, but I don't think there's seating there other than on the curb. But, we will be considering it because we don't have to wait "as long".

I am not an expert on parades, but do know that in general, it is a lot less crowded in Frontierland. We've had some good, first-row viewing spots back there with minimal wait beforehand. Anything on Main Street is going to be packed.

Frontierland will be fine for viewing the parade. Chose a place to sit that is close enough to the parade path that you are going to be next to the rope. I can't remember if there are lines on the ground, but there are post holes for the parade post that hold the rope. The closer to the parade time the more crazy crowded the parade route becomes that weekend.

Oh, I so agree - we've only done Main Street a couple of times. We've done well in Frontierland, but oftentimes my DH and DM end up on a wall that's "too far" from the rope and people stand in front of them. Granted, we normally don't care since we're not "first timers" and we know those seats don't "own" the space in front of them. But, for this one time, I think I'll try to search out a "half wall" without "extra" space.
But... I just can't recall exactly where they are!!!

Seems to me the rocking chairs are way to far from the rope to be all the helpful. (but may still be an option until we start seeing the crowd form).

Since you are staying late and are going to see the Christmas fireworks I would suggest staying to one side of the hub and move quickly to another land once the fireworks are over. After fireworks the hub has been very crowded and not moving.

If there is a FP+ for the parade that day I would consider using it and your husband might be comfortable in a wheelchair even if he does not use it for the whole day.

We're really not planning to "watch" the fireworks. Our current thought is to possibly ride BTMRR (or 7DMR) while the fireworks are happening.
My DSs and I are discussing how to propose a wheelchair to DH. In the past, he has NOT been willing to even rationally discuss the option. At this point, I think it's either have the surgery soon and hope for a full recovery or consider renting a wheelchair, at least "now and then".

A big thank you to all your suggestions and comments!!!! We have spent around 250 days in the world and I'm not usually one to have so many questions - but for this trip, I just can't seem to get this day sorted out. Each of your comments have helped!
We'll still "go with the flow" and I'm sure we'll have a great time - but I find that with some upfront planning, I can help keep everyone in a relaxed spirit.