Did not know about taping parade Dec. 3

[amy4bruce]

Greetings-
When we made all of our plans and ADR for our upcoming week I did not know about the taping of the Christmas Parade. We have planned to go to MK on Sat. We have no interest in the parade taping but are worried about crowds. Any words of wisdom from veterns? We are planning on being there early and leaving after lunch. We will return around 5pm for dinner at Liberty Inn and stay for Wishes. It will be the first time our 5 year old has been to DW.
Any info anyone can give about crowds during taping would be great.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Greetings-
When we made all of our plans and ADR for our upcoming week I did not know about the taping of the Christmas Parade. We have planned to go to MK on Sat. We have no interest in the parade taping but are worried about crowds. Any words of wisdom from veterns? We are planning on being there early and leaving after lunch. We will return around 5pm for dinner at Liberty Inn and stay for Wishes. It will be the first time our 5 year old has been to DW.
Any info anyone can give about crowds during taping would be great.

personally I would stay away from MK that day if at all possible, especially if you are not there for that parade.

Is there any way to change up your schedule a bit? Maybe do Epcot that day, Im sure the other parks will not be anywhere near as crowed.

 

[goofy4tink]

From what I understand there are huge crowds on Main St., but perhaps the attractions aren't as crowded as one would think. If I were you...I would head to a different park that morning and then head back for your Liberty Tree Tavern dinner and stay for the rest of the night.

 

[crow11ad]

It maybe true that you can get to attractions, but we went this time last year and avoided MK.

 

[KFISCHER]

It's not that bad.
Main Street is crowded, no doubt about it.
CM's become a bit overzealous, refusing to let you cross street even when absolutely nothing is going on.
But the rest of the park is a breeze.

I would NOT avoid MK, just because of the TV taping. Have seen this twice and there have been no problems.

 

[liamsaunt]

It's not that bad.
Main Street is crowded, no doubt about it.
CM's become a bit overzealous, refusing to let you cross street even when absolutely nothing is going on.
But the rest of the park is a breeze.

I would NOT avoid MK, just because of the TV taping. Have seen this twice and there have been no problems.

I agree, we were there last year during the taping and it was not too bad. Main Street and the hub were a zoo, but the rest of the park was pretty quiet. When you enter the park, just hop on the train and head back to Frontierland, therefore avoding the need to fight the crowds up Main Street.

 

[amy4bruce]

I never thought of riding the train- We wanted to go to Fantasy Land right away but we could rearrange that. I have all my days planned for which park to go to and I do not want to change it all around. I have 17 days to go and I have 3 suitcases packed with my ME luggage tags attached.
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do they open the park early on that day???

 

[nowellsl]

We were there last year during the taping. It really wasn't bad. The attractions weren't crowded. Most of the crowds were there to be in the parade shots. It was kind of interesting and we got to see Wynona Judd.

 

[bleeps]

Sounds like we're in the same boat -- we, too, will be there 12/3 and I made all our MK plans (including dinner at CRT) without knowing about the taping. BUT, along with all of the wonderful reassurances on this thread, I also had a lengthy response/reassurance from a cast member who works in MK and he said as long as you are OK with missing out on Main Street during the day, it's a great day for the rest of the park and the parade taping keeps all the locals away. You'll note that the parade (the regular park parade) is at 5:00, and by then the taping is done and you can get into the shops on Main St., etc. Who knows, here's hoping for both of us that it turns out to be a 'best ever' day (but nothing beats being prepared!)--

 

[amy4bruce]

Bleeps- You are right. I am now convinced everything will work out. Hope to see you there. We are the crazy family who will be having a ball. Here's to you doing the same.

 

[Paul in CT]

My DW and I were at MK for a taping a couple of years ago. One benefit, if they still do it, is that they run the entire Christmas parade in the evening of the taping. It might be a good idea to do what Goofy4Tink suggested, i.e., go in the evening. The only other way to see this parade is to attend MVMCP.

 

[BeccaGrace]

I'm glad to hear this...we have plans for MK that day as well. My only concern is that we have CRT at 8:15 am and I don't know if it will be more difficult to navigate our way there before the park opens but when the parade prep is already underway.

 

[Stacerita]

Does anyone know what time the parade taping will be taking place?

 

[tjmouse]

It begins bright and early at 7:00 am. So that's 2 hours before the park opens. I think it runs until about 4:00.