Firework and parade strategy please help us.

[lillykat]

We are doing 2.5 days at the MK. We are seeing the parade and fireworks our last night. Last year we got a great spot for the parade (only one parade that night same week 2013). But we had upset kids when we tried to see the fireworks. We were trapped in a spot in the front of the hub near a structure. Three men 6'+ put their kids on their shoulders right in front of us. Our kids were turning 4 and 6. The people behind us had their kids on shoulders two. So DH had to trade kids. I held one but none of us could really see. The kids had been very sad. We couldn't move bc the people next to us would not move to let us through. We had the same strategy as on previous trips. I don't want to make that mistake again.

This year there have two parades. I doubt my kids who normally crash early will make it to the 11 pm parade.

These two are on the kids must do lists.

We liked watching the parade from frontier land near the walkway to magic carpets. DH streaked out a spot and I took the kids on a ride then we returned with desserts to wait. Should we do that again or should we FP the parade? What time do we have to arrive for the FP if we pick the parade? Is the view worth it? Would we need to move for the fireworks? There are 6 of us - kids are 4 and 6 at time of the trip but we are celebrating their upcoming birthdays. I know they want to see the projection show and the fireworks.

So those who really have it down...FP parade or fireworks? Don't but stand in x spot around x time, then move to .......

Also if we want FP for one of the two when do they open up. My 60 day window opened up today. We are looking for 5-16 (Friday night -our last night) if that matters. N

 

[lenkard]

We were just there and discovered a good strategy if you can tolerate a little second hand smoke. We arrived at about 8 and sat down on the right side facing the castle of the bridge from main st to the hub. There was a row of people on the curb already but plenty of room behind them. We then stood right behind the curb sitters for the parade - could stick our heads out for a view down Main st. and had clear view in front of us. After the parade, we moved to the railing along the walkway down to the table/smoking area along the moat in front of the plaza restaurant. Had a great view of the castle for the projection show and only had a small tree of the left blocking just a tiny bit of the fireworks. There are not firm lines for the smoking area and we were not close to any smokers but there was some smoke in the air from the couple that did light up down by the tables while we were there if that's going to bother you.

 

[babydovesx2]

Since you have lots of time in MK my suggestion, if you are willing to wait for a couple of hours, would be on top of the train station. We usually get there about 2.5 hours before the parade starts and we are able to get a spot in the center at the railing.

 

[lillykat]

Since you have lots of time in MK my suggestion, if you are willing to wait for a couple of hours, would be on top of the train station. We usually get there about 2.5 hours before the parade starts and we are able to get a spot in the center at the railing.

That sounds great but I don't think I will get my kids to wait 2 hours. 45 mins maybe but not 2 hours. I bet the view from there is amazing though!!

 

[cgattis]

FYI, right now there is a green construction wall all along the railing in front of The Plaza.

 

[babydovesx2]

That sounds great but I don't think I will get my kids to wait 2 hours. 45 mins maybe but not 2 hours. I bet the view from there is amazing though!!

We usually eat a 4:00 table service dinner then get a spot on top of the train station. One parent stays to hold the spot (usually DH) while the other takes the kids to see Mickey and walk around in the stores. We go to the bakery or candy store and get a snack to eat while we wait. There are chairs and tables up there that you can pull up to the railing. If we have a stroller we pull it up to hold a spot and put jackets or bags in chairs to hold them so DH doesn't have to keep telling people the chairs are taken. We have been doing this for years and the kids love being able to see it from the train station. You can sit down during the parade, castle show and fireworks and have a wonderful view.

 

[lillykat]

We usually eat a 4:00 table service dinner then get a spot on top of the train station. One parent stays to hold the spot (usually DH) while the other takes the kids to see Mickey and walk around in the stores. We go to the bakery or candy store and get a snack to eat while we wait. There are chairs and tables up there that you can pull up to the railing. If we have a stroller we pull it up to hold a spot and put jackets or bags in chairs to hold them so DH doesn't have to keep telling people the chairs are taken. We have been doing this for years and the kids love being able to see it from the train station. You can sit down during the parade, castle show and fireworks and have a wonderful view.

Hmm might have to rethink.

There are tables and chairs? No one says anything if you stay a few hours?