Disneys Mag Mile parade in Chicago - tips and tricks?

[mookie]

We are finally thinking of taking the kids for the first time this year. They are 3, 4, and 7. What's the best way to navigate the parade? I know you don't want to give up your specific "secret" viewing spots...but where is it more crowded than others? We are going to take the train down so parking won't be an issue. Is a stroller doable? Not sure if we want to take it, our kids are good walkers, but I don't want the little guys to get lost in all the chaos. Any help or advice would be great!

 

[dzneelvr]

don't get me wrong...I LOVE Disneybut the year we went downtown to specifically see the parade...it was a real disappointment! The crowds are horrible and I was the only one in the family to actually stick it out by finding a ledge by the Tribune building and standing on that to see above everyone. The crush is frightening...I can't imagine navigating with three small kids. We enjoyed everything else about the weekend though: shopping along the Mag Mile and viewing all the special displays, eating at Michael Jordan's, Rainforest, and Rock n Roll Macdonalds. Sorry I can't be of more support on this one

 

[Minnie824]

We went one year...it was FREEZING!! You have to get there super early for an actual curb spot to sit. We stood near a ledge and the kids stood on it. DH & I stood leaning against it holding them up. I was so cold and uncomfortable for hours. I would suggest making dinner reservations after so you can warm up and get some food if you plan on staying down there. We said if we went again, we'd try to get a hotel room at the marriott and watch from our hotel window. Don't get me wrong, it is fun, but it is way crowded. We always tend to hang around near Crate and Barrel. You need to make sure with kids you're near somewhere with a bathroom too, just in case.

 

[fireworks fan]

We were thinking of doing this with kids too. How early do you think you need to start saving a parade spot?

Thanks.

 

[Belle0101]

Can I jump in too?

I thought about going but then I read their website and now I'm not so sure. My concerns being that we'd be coming in from the South Bend area. We'd either be driving which means I have no clue, even after reading the website, about the parking areas. It mentioned streets being closed and garages charging about $30. Or, take the South Shore in but how far a walk is that?


ETA: Link to the home page
http://magnificentmilelightsfestival.com/

 

[Traveliz]

Here is what we did - not even sure if these restaurants/food courts still exist but when my daughter was little that was the weekend we went to Chicago for all the Chicago stuff. We went to the shopping center about half way down Michigan (the name is escaping me now). At any rate on the top floor is a food court. Then there was a Wendy's that that overlooked Michigan. We got our food and found a table there and watched the parade from inside way up high. Of course its not the same but it is warm, there is a restroom nearby, food readily available and a Diet Coke for me. In our mind it beat out standing on the curb for hours (possibly freezing) and being squished and smashed.

We would take our time leaving afterwards and enjoyed the point of the parade (the lights) on the way back to the hotel.

Liz

 

[Minnie824]

Here is what we did - not even sure if these restaurants/food courts still exist but when my daughter was little that was the weekend we went to Chicago for all the Chicago stuff. We went to the shopping center about half way down Michigan (the name is escaping me now). At any rate on the top floor is a food court. Then there was a Wendy's that that overlooked Michigan. We got our food and found a table there and watched the parade from inside way up high. Of course its not the same but it is warm, there is a restroom nearby, food readily available and a Diet Coke for me. In our mind it beat out standing on the curb for hours (possibly freezing) and being squished and smashed.

We would take our time leaving afterwards and enjoyed the point of the parade (the lights) on the way back to the hotel.

Liz

Thats the Nordstrom mall right next to the marriott...great mall and location. I think thats a good idea.

I would think you'd need to line up by like 1 or 2pm on the street.

 

[CathrynRose]

Can I jump in too?

I thought about going but then I read their website and now I'm not so sure. My concerns being that we'd be coming in from the South Bend area. We'd either be driving which means I have no clue, even after reading the website, about the parking areas. It mentioned streets being closed and garages charging about $30. Or, take the South Shore in but how far a walk is that?


ETA: Link to the home page
http://magnificentmilelightsfestival.com/

If I were you - I'd drive to a suburb, park and take the train in. It won't be much more time consuming.

Thats the Nordstrom mall right next to the marriott...great mall and location. I think thats a good idea.

I would think you'd need to line up by like 1 or 2pm on the street.

1 or 2 is a little early - I've had good luck with 3/4ish.

 

[mookie]

UGH....all the reasons above is why I've been putting it off. I've heard many a horror story of people freezing for hours, and when I saw the weather forcast, I figured this was going to be as good as it could get.

I know the crowds are going to be crazy (it is Chicago, after all) but I wasn't sure HOW bad. Are we talking 3rd of July fireworks bad? We don't want to do all the crazy Chicago touristy stuff, we are down there enough for all of that, and just wanted to make it a low-key, go down, see the parade, get a quick, cheap bite to eat and get out of there so the kids can pass out on the way home. CathrynRose, are you saying we should get to the parade route around 3/4ish? Is that just for a general spot, or one on the curb?

Now I'm liking that Wendy's idea. Sit in the warmth, let the kids graze on whatever they want while watching the parade indoors. Can you really see it that good from there? I wonder if they will nail you for loitering if you sit there the entire length of the parade?

Maybe we should plan a Wendy's DIS meet...who's saving seats??

 

[mookie]

Can I jump in too?

I thought about going but then I read their website and now I'm not so sure. My concerns being that we'd be coming in from the South Bend area. We'd either be driving which means I have no clue, even after reading the website, about the parking areas. It mentioned streets being closed and garages charging about $30. Or, take the South Shore in but how far a walk is that?


ETA: Link to the home page
http://magnificentmilelightsfestival.com/

I was reading the website too and I can't be of much help for your area. I wonder if the Soldier Field/McCormick parking lots will be available? Then you could cab it up from there?

 

[CathrynRose]

UGH....all the reasons above is why I've been putting it off. I've heard many a horror story of people freezing for hours, and when I saw the weather forcast, I figured this was going to be as good as it could get.

I know the crowds are going to be crazy (it is Chicago, after all) but I wasn't sure HOW bad. Are we talking 3rd of July fireworks bad? We don't want to do all the crazy Chicago touristy stuff, we are down there enough for all of that, and just wanted to make it a low-key, go down, see the parade, get a quick, cheap bite to eat and get out of there so the kids can pass out on the way home. CathrynRose, are you saying we should get to the parade route around 3/4ish? Is that just for a general spot, or one on the curb?

Now I'm liking that Wendy's idea. Sit in the warmth, let the kids graze on whatever they want while watching the parade indoors. Can you really see it that good from there? I wonder if they will nail you for loitering if you sit there the entire length of the parade?

Maybe we should plan a Wendy's DIS meet...who's saving seats??

It is NOT 4th of July crazy - and it's odd because the street is open until the parade is set to go, so you can't really just sit there on the curb. But we've always gone down for a late lunch (for whatever reason, the tradition has been Buca Di Beppo's) we get done 3/4ish, and head to the Chicago River and Michigan Ave. This is a good spot for both the parade and the fireworks at the end (the fireworks are RIGHT there)

You won't be "on the curb" no matter what, as they set up guard rails, into the street - does that make sense?

Lemme see if I can't find some pics from the year I brought my camera... I'll be back.

 

[Traveliz]

Thats the Nordstrom mall right next to the marriott...great mall and location. I think thats a good idea.

I would think you'd need to line up by like 1 or 2pm on the street.

I kept thinking Nieman Marcus and I knew that wasn't right!

Liz

 

[SideshowBob]

It sure has become a HUGE crowd these days ... just be prepared for. We used to help give out hot cider in front of Fourth Presbyterian Church (just across street from Water Tower Place) each year when living there.

 

[Traveliz]

UGH....all the reasons above is why I've been putting it off. I've heard many a horror story of people freezing for hours, and when I saw the weather forcast, I figured this was going to be as good as it could get.

I know the crowds are going to be crazy (it is Chicago, after all) but I wasn't sure HOW bad. Are we talking 3rd of July fireworks bad? We don't want to do all the crazy Chicago touristy stuff, we are down there enough for all of that, and just wanted to make it a low-key, go down, see the parade, get a quick, cheap bite to eat and get out of there so the kids can pass out on the way home. CathrynRose, are you saying we should get to the parade route around 3/4ish? Is that just for a general spot, or one on the curb?

Now I'm liking that Wendy's idea. Sit in the warmth, let the kids graze on whatever they want while watching the parade indoors. Can you really see it that good from there? I wonder if they will nail you for loitering if you sit there the entire length of the parade?

Maybe we should plan a Wendy's DIS meet...who's saving seats??

You can see it but you are way up hign - but there is no one in front of you either...they never seemed to care about us watching it but to be honest I think we were the only ones there watching the parade. And also we did not get there that early. I think we got to the shopping mall a couple of hours early and scoped out the place, realized we could shop and keep and eye on things and got dinner the same time as the parade.

Oh and seriously there is NOTHING low key about any of Chicago that weekend. There is no way this is a quick and easy trip to Chicago...the traffic (both cars and people) will be out of control.

Liz

 

[CathrynRose]

Again - if it were me, and you are driving in - I'd drive to the suburbs and take a train in. You'll have no problem parking, and it would just be a thousand times easier...

I can't lie to you - there are a LOT of people. Lots and lots and lots. You'll ask yourself why you even bothered...but if you're prepared for it, it might not be as bad - which is why I'm telling you.



Here we go....

Okay, the is the street it's on.... it's a 2 sided street with a median, so it only goes down one of those sides, with guard rails up (see the guard rails on the sides? They move them once it starts so only ONE side has a parade)

The river is right there... this is where we always pick. It's only news crews in front of us:

If you see this building and this light post - youre in the right place. Hahaha:

Another shot.... my back would be towards the street, to the right is the river...

Crowd shot AFTER parade passed and people began moving around - but do you see that people are in the east side of the street? :

See?? Good View:

 

[mookie]

It is NOT 4th of July crazy - and it's odd because the street is open until the parade is set to go, so you can't really just sit there on the curb. But we've always gone down for a late lunch (for whatever reason, the tradition has been Buca Di Beppo's) we get done 3/4ish, and head to the Chicago River and Michigan Ave. This is a good spot for both the parade and the fireworks at the end (the fireworks are RIGHT there)

You won't be "on the curb" no matter what, as they set up guard rails, into the street - does that make sense?

Lemme see if I can't find some pics from the year I brought my camera... I'll be back.

That does help, and pictures would be awesome. I am a little worried about our littlest guy, he FREAKED at 4 of July fireworks this year. But, our older ones will love that, and as long as there is a store that will let me hang out inside if he gets weepy, that's all we'll need. (preferably a store with chocolate. and liquor. or both. hee. )

 

[CathrynRose]

Oh, and I don't mind giving away secret spots for it. I'm done with it. My boys are 15 & 19, and even though they asked if we were going down there this year, I said no. I told them I'll order them a pizza and they can watch it on TV....or rent a movie.

I'm going out with my g/f. My days of fighting crowds so junior can get a glimpse of Mickey on a float in 30 degree weather, and you can't even get a damn Starbucks cuz the line is 2 hours long out the door, are overrrr! *halllllelujah!!!*

 

[mookie]

Again - if it were me, and you are driving in - I'd drive to the suburbs and take a train in. You'll have no problem parking, and it would just be a thousand times easier...

I can't lie to you - there are a LOT of people. Lots and lots and lots. You'll ask yourself why you even bothered...but if you're prepared for it, it might not be as bad - which is why I'm telling you.



Here we go....

Okay, the is the street it's on.... it's a 2 sided street with a median, so it only goes down one of those sides, with guard rails up (see the guard rails on the sides? They move them once it starts so only ONE side has a parade)

The river is right there... this is where we always pick. It's only news crews in front of us:

If you see this building and this light post - youre in the right place. Hahaha:

Another shot.... my back would be towards the street, to the right is the river...

Crowd shot AFTER parade passed and people began moving around - but do you see that people are in the east side of the street? :

See?? Good View:

PERFECT. I know EXACTLY where that is!

And yep, that's pretty much what I was expecting as far as crowds were concerned. I love the one picture of the entire crowd and in the lower right corner you can see the poor girl grimacing from the cold! Hopefully it will be warmer this year!

 

[mookie]

Oh, and I don't mind giving away secret spots for it. I'm done with it. My boys are 15 & 19, and even though they asked if we were going down there this year, I said no. I told them I'll order them a pizza and they can watch it on TV....or rent a movie.

I'm going out with my g/f. My days of fighting crowds so junior can get a glimpse of Mickey on a float in 30 degree weather, and you can't even get a damn Starbucks cuz the line is 2 hours long out the door, are overrrr! *halllllelujah!!!*

Jealous isn't even the word to describe it...you are soo lucky! I swear I will be there one day. I actually felt like Clark Griswold when I told them we were thinking about going. They didn't seem as excited as I thought they would when I told them we were going. So I told them to suck it up and we were going and we are all going to smile, be nice to each other and have the best dang family time ever!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

CR - I remember the pics when you posted them way back when.

OP - We’ve gone for the past 4 or 5 years and each year it get worse and worse. DH and I both work d-town and know all the in’s and out’s of the city and we still have a hard time navigating. I recommend getting there early, taking part of the festivities, eating dinner while the parade is going on and then high-tailing it out of there once the parade begins.
The fireworks are actually pretty sad. DS said that we have better ones in our yard on the 4th of July. They are not Disney quality fireworks. They are setting them off on a barge on the River between building, so they aren’t really spectacular.
We watch the parade from the same spot the CathrynRose does (Tribune Plaza). Usually Harris Bank or Southwest air has a viewing area for their VIP’s. DH has been known to slip someone some cash for us to go on their platform. At the Tribune Plaza, its kinda weird, all the entertainment stops around 5p and that ‘s when the crowds come to get their spot for the parade, but there is NOTHING GOING ON THERE.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely day out there on the Mag Mile, but IMHO, the parade is completely overrated.