Disney Electrical Parade Back at DCA on March 16

[HydroGuy]

According to the DLR website, the DEP is back at DCA for the Spring Break period starting March 16. Looks like it will be weekends in March, and then transition to every night in April.

 

[mamatojade]

That's great news, I don't need to try and squeeze in the EP and the fireworks on the same night!

Thank-you.

 

[Albort]

i was wondering why they didnt move the DEP from the original holding. Now i know!

 

[csolson2003]

Where is the best place to sit and watch the DEP? How far in advance should we get there? Is it possible to make it from DEP at 8:45pm to the fireworks in DL at 9:25pm the same night? TIA.

 

[Amy&Dan]

That is great news for people going in that timeframe. I wish they would go back to running this all year long again. Its such a classic and such a shame for people who travel in the offseasons to miss it.

 

[Albort]

Where is the best place to sit and watch the DEP? How far in advance should we get there? Is it possible to make it from DEP at 8:45pm to the fireworks in DL at 9:25pm the same night? TIA.

Depends on how fast you can run ^_^. but 10% chance of making the fireworks. basically, you would have to sit by golden dreams, and run to the front of the park, try to get out, then wait in line to get into Disneyland. That might take too long.

I usually tell people its one or the other. and sit anywhere BUT the front of the park area.

 

[HydroGuy]

Is it possible to make it from DEP at 8:45pm to the fireworks in DL at 9:25pm the same night?

DLR has purposely chosen the time and direction of the DEP parade to make this almost impossible. They do not want tons of people skipping out of DCA and into DL after the DEP to see the Fireworks because they already have a crowd control nightmare on their hands in the hub and on Main Street both before and during the fireworks.

 

[Zoemakes5]

Whoo hooo! I LOVE this parade, and I just checked and it will be showing while we're there!! Yay!

 

[Zoemakes5]

Oh, forgot to ask.....is it possible to watch the parade and then still make the fireworks over at DL at 9:25?? Best place to watch both is we do try?

 

[Amy&Dan]

Yes I agree, unless there are only about 100 people in DCA you cannot see that parade, exit and get into DL in time for the fireworks. You used to be able to, because we used to do it but no more. Here is what we do now. On the night(s) we choose to see the Electrical Parade, we exit DCA and just watch the fireworks from the Espanlande area near the big CALIFORNIA letters. Yes its not optimal but its better than nothing. You can also exit through the GCH entrance and see the high up fireworks from DTD. I think the Espanlande area is better however, so I just go through the main gates of DCA and then settle down right there. You can sit on the ground, there are others doing the same but its not overly crowded. We did this twice last summer and the second night they even piped the music out onto the Espanlande which made this an even better option.

If you only have one night to see both things you will have to pick your priority, the fireworks or the parade. I love them both so it would be tough choice. If you have more than one night thats good since even though you can see the high up fireworks of Remember from DTD or the Espanlande it is very much a better idea to see them inside the park. No comparison better.

 

[Zoemakes5]

Thanks!
Unfortunately, the first night we're there, neither the fireworks nor the ELP is happening. Bummer.

 

[denyd]

One more thing to try is watch the EP at the beginning and then go to the Sun Wheel for a ride. There should be no crowd and you'll be able to walk right on and watch the fireworks from the top of the Sun Wheel with a wonderful view. Once your ride is over ask if you can go around again (they'll probably say yes). If you get there too early, you might want to wait until the fireworks are supposed to start before boarding (you probably don't want more than 2 rides around). Note that it might be a little chilly. Also make sure you choose the NON-SWINGING cars unless you like to toss your cookies.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

One more thing to try is watch the EP at the beginning and then go to the Sun Wheel for a ride. There should be no crowd and you'll be able to walk right on and watch the fireworks from the top of the Sun Wheel with a wonderful view. Once your ride is over ask if you can go around again (they'll probably say yes). If you get there too early, you might want to wait until the fireworks are supposed to start before boarding (you probably don't want more than 2 rides around). Note that it might be a little chilly. Also make sure you choose the NON-SWINGING cars unless you like to toss your cookies.

Great advice on all accounts. Especially tossing the cookies. We like to watch EP back in between Golden dreams and the zepher. There has never been a large crowd back there!!! It's like our own private parade!

 

[mamatojade]

So, can you not watch EP from the beginning of the route and leave from there once all the floats have passed and still make it to DL for the fireworks?

 

[HydroGuy]

So, can you not watch EP from the beginning of the route and leave from there once all the floats have passed and still make it to DL for the fireworks?

As I said, DLR has tried to make this very difficult if not impossible. Which is not to say it cannot be done. But to plan to be able to do this is not realistic.

FWIW, the Remember fireworks/laser show is far better than DEP and, all esle being equal, see the fireworks.

 

[Motherofafae]

Oh I'm going to miss that too Along with the Cars parade!!!! It was scheduled but now its gone. Oh and no Fireworks either. I wish I had a way to have them all happening when I go. But I bet it will be a quite week at the park if nothing is happening. So in a way its a good thing

 

[HydroGuy]

Oh I'm going to miss that too Along with the Cars parade!!!! It was scheduled but now its gone. Oh and no Fireworks either. I wish I had a way to have them all happening when I go. But I bet it will be a quite week at the park if nothing is happening. So in a way its a good thing

Off-season has its goods and bads as I describe here: "HydroGuy's High Season/Off Season Tradeoff Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199852

 

[TwingleMum]

So as a recap for us newbies ~ Where is the best place to view ELP???

 

[HydroGuy]

So as a recap for us newbies ~ Where is the best place to view ELP???

In my experience the DEP at DCA is just not that crowded and anywhere is fine. It starts back by Paradise Pier and ends in Sunshine Plaza. I saw it in Sunshine Plaza and it was fine. Some people have stronger opinions and like to see it back near Paradise Pier.

 

[Motherofafae]

Off-season has its goods and bads as I describe here: "HydroGuy's High Season/Off Season Tradeoff Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199852

Thanks for the link! You have great tips!