has anyone here been to the tournament of roses parade?

[princess lovers mom]

this is how we are finishing our trip out next week....we have reserved bleacher seating at the start on Orange BLvd...we have a parking pass..and we have tickets to see the floats day before the parade...

my questions - I have no idea what we are in for - is it organized - it it chaos - how early do we need to arrive - we are staying right over in Glendale at the Hilton???allow 30 minutes for drive or more???

any info/advise appreciated

 

[Miss Peach]

Yes, we have been to see the Rose Parade a couple of times...I cannot say how long to allow to get from your hotel to the parade but leave PLENTY of time.

The problem doesn't lie with those who have parking passes and bleacher seats (good call!) nor with the people that spent the night (hearty souls!), but with the still-a-bit-drunks from the night before that think it might be fun to see the parade---last minute mania!!!

Use your GPS, allow lots of time, dress warmly, and in layers, bring a thermos with a hot beverage, and enjoy!!

Cathy

P.S. Don't be too surprised at how much smaller the floats seem in real life, the first time it was kind of shocking, but of course with each passing year they build them bigger and grander!!

 

[Redwavess]

I've been and love it!! I think it is great that you got tickets to see the floats that is a fun experience. I've camped out and I agree with what the last person posted... There is a whole lot of last minute chaos with people who think they show up 30 minutes before the parade starts with NO tickets. There is a big last minute crush, so I agree that you should arrive early. Hot drinks are a must! I've seen people with blankets, umbrellas if rain looms, and warm clothes. Bring snacks and cash... people are selling things all over the place that might catch your eye.

You will have a great time. I love going in person, it's so much better then seeing it on TV. Have a great time!!

 

[TheColtonsMom]

Lived in pasadena for many years and camped out overnight many times. However you have already gotten all the advice I would have given you. Have fun.

 

[princess lovers mom]

thanks - how early is early? 2 hours before start?

 

[TheColtonsMom]

thanks - how early is early? 2 hours before start?

Two would prob do it...but if it was me it would prob be more like 3. Early isn't about your seating it's about parking and the bigger your vehicle the earlier you will want to be there. No one likes having to walk 3 miles to and from the car in a crowd like that.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I used to work in Pasadena and I've worked on the Burbank float entry for a couple years running.

I've done it with bleacher seating and a parking pass and you will be fine at 2 hours. You have an assigned garage to park in and a reserved place to put your tush. I can't agree more about warm layers of clothes, gloves, a thermos with warm beverages, and snacks. We packed a picnic meal.

Your biggest issue coming from Glendale is to make sure you note the road closures and GPS where your bleacher is. Come in off the highway exit closest to your assigned parking garage and note how far you will walk to the bleachers.

Of course, you could go super duper early and walk down to Orange Grove and walk the parked floats. The floats are there at 12 midnight or else they are fined for being late to judging. You can walk down the middle of the street with floats on either side of you - smelling all of the fresh floral. They are judged again at 3am, with trophies awarded at 6:00am. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

 

[disneygal2007]

I marched in it back in HS. 94 Awww good times. I miss Marching Band!!