First time parade/fireworks help

[beachteachlv]

Hi everyone,

We finalized our December plans and will be in the parks for one day Dec 18. We visit often so while we know it’s a lot for a day, we are mostly going to experience the holidays at the parks.

We’ve never staked out a spot for a parade or fireworks.

It would be tremendously helpful if anyone had tips to offer for both the parade and fireworks during that time at the parks.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Aspencreek]

Not sure of the best parade spots, but by far our favorite fireworks viewing location is in front of Small World. Doesn't seem to get nearly as crowded as in front of the castle so you can get a better spot without being there so early. If we aren't able to snag a seat somewhere good we will just get any old seat nearby then when the show is about to start move in to the standing-room-only area where you'll have a great view of both the fireworks and the projections on the Small World building.

 

[LKing]

If you have been reading about people staking out spots for a parade, they are likely referring to Paint the Night. It is an evening electric parade that won't be running during the holidays.

The Christmas Fantasy Parades are at 3 pm and 5:15 pm. The later parade is more crowded because locals go after school/work and many people prefer the parade at night. Fireworks are at 9:30 pm.

Below is a map of the parade route. The 3 pm parade starts near Small World (at the top of the map) and ends on Main Street (at the bottom). The 5:15 pm parade goes in the opposite direction. If you don't care about watching the parade at night, I would find a spot near Small World for the 3 pm parade. Since you will be at the beginning, it will finish by 3:30 and you can head off to do other things.



For fireworks, you'll want to watch them from an area where you can see projections.

• Front of Castle (should arrive by 7 pm for a 9:30 show)
• Main Street
• Small World
• Rivers of America (immediately after Fantasmic ends)

 

[beachteachlv]

If you have been reading about people staking out spots for a parade, they are likely referring to Paint the Night. It is an evening electric parade that won't be running during the holidays.

The Christmas Fantasy Parades are at 3 pm and 5:15 pm. The later parade is more crowded because locals go after school/work and many people prefer the parade at night. Fireworks are at 9:30 pm.

Below is a map of the parade route. The 3 pm parade starts near Small World (at the top of the map) and ends on Main Street (at the bottom). The 5:15 pm parade goes in the opposite direction. If you don't care about watching the parade at night, I would find a spot near Small World for the 3 pm parade. Since you will be at the beginning, it will finish by 3:30 and you can head off to do other things.

View attachment 1013718

For fireworks, you'll want to watch them from an area where you can see projections.

• Front of Castle (should arrive by 7 pm for a 9:30 show)
• Main Street
• Small World
• Rivers of America (immediately after Fantasmic ends)

Thanks again for all your thoughtful posts. Your advice is so valuable! We saw Paint the Night at their sneak peek night in May, it was stunning.

How early would we want to be for a spot by Small World for the 3pm parade? And how about the same area for fireworks?

 

[LKing]

Thanks again for all your thoughtful posts. Your advice is so valuable! We saw Paint the Night at their sneak peek night in May, it was stunning.

How early would we want to be for a spot by Small World for the 3pm parade? And how about the same area for fireworks?

For fireworks at Small World, there is a lot of space and you can stand pretty far back and get a great view. You can likely arrive a few minutes before they start. Maybe plan on 15-20 min to be on the safe side. Most people like to stand centered with the dolphin topiaries but then the fireworks are off to your left side. I think a better view is if you are to the right of the large Small World marquee.

I'm not sure what the crowds will be like for the parades. I'll be there Nov 14-16 and can give you a better idea after that. You'll be there on a Thursday so crowds will be a lot less than opening weekend.