Help! Parade View After 50th Tour

[boo72]

I am wondering about the view of the parade from the reserved seats at the train station after the tour.

My dad (who’s 64) is in a band that is going to be marching in the parade on a Saturday in November. My husband, mom and I are traveling to Disneyland to see him march. I was thinking that we might do the midday 50th tour so we could have the reserved parade seating after (not having to battle crowds as much, not having to have my mom (63) stand around or sit on a curb for hours to stake out a spot). My question is: How is the view from the train station in terms of being able to see my dad well and have him possibly be able to see us?

This will be the first trip to any Disney park for either of my parents. I really want it to be a magical trip for them. I am hoping they will love Disney as much as we do and will want to do more Disney trips with us in the future!

Thanks!

 

[boo72]

Another question:

I see there are two midday tours that get preferred seating for the Parade of Dreams (it's scheduled for 3pm that day). How does seating work with 2 tours? Would one tour (the earlier one maybe) give us a better chance at the best viewing seats for the parade?

 

[Brooklyn]

I have no idea how the seating works for the tours but I do think I have a solution your problems. There are benches at the base of the train station. Those benches are now moved right before parade time to the edge of the parade route. It happens maybe a half hour or so before the parade time. You can't miss the cast members who are doing it. It is a GREAT way to watch the parade. You are sitting on a bench at the edge of the street. No one can sit in front of you, it is great! I hope this works for your family.

 

[cmwade77]

The prefered seating for the Parades is not at the train station, as this would actually be terrible viewing as you wouldn't get to interact with the performers. Last I saw of it (and this one hasn't moved since the first day that I have seen) is it's right in front of Allice in Wonderland, which gets two Parade stops (I believe the Train and Castle) This is a great location to view the Parade from and in previous parades was wheelchair viewing, so it is set up nicely for sitting on chairs such as they set up. I would of course call the tour number to confirm this location.

 

[Brooklyn]

The prefered seating for the Parades is not at the train station, as this would actually be terrible viewing as you wouldn't get to interact with the performers. Last I saw of it (and this one hasn't moved since the first day that I have seen) is it's right in front of Allice in Wonderland, which gets two Parade stops (I believe the Train and Castle) This is a great location to view the Parade from and in previous parades was wheelchair viewing, so it is set up nicely for sitting on chairs such as they set up. I would of course call the tour number to confirm this location.

You may have misunderstood what I was saying. Not benches on top of the train station, the ones on the ground. These benches are moved to the edge of the parade route. There is a TON of interaction. You are right at the edge of the street with no one in front of you. We have sat there 6 times to watch the Parade and it is GREAT!

 

[albianne]

I didn't even know there was preferred seating for the parade, how much does it cost and what is the number to call?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

You can get preferred seating for the parade when you take the 50th anniversary tour - From Imagination to Celebration - it's a little over $50 for the tour.

If you get a Walt Disney Travel Package, and pay for it with your Disney Visa, you also get preferred viewing for the parade, but that location is across from the It's a Small World attraction.

 

[albianne]

If the Alice in Wonderland location is a wheelchair viewing location, would I be able to veiw from there on a handicap scooter? I am a leg amputee and will probably end up having to rent a scooter in order to cope with all the walking involved at DL?

 

[boo72]

Thanks for all the replys about parade viewing! I think we will call to double check location of reserved seating, but book the tour no matter what. As if being at DL wasn't exciting enough, I get to see my father play his trumpet in the parade there!!

 

[*Susan*]

Brooklyn - Why do they move the benches? Are they in the way of the parade or something like that? So do you sit on the bench until the CM's move them and then just 'restake' you claim to them?

Also I guess I'm having a hard time trying to picture them....if you are facing the station w/the castle at your back, is that where they are?

Sorry for all the questions but this is something I've never heard of. Thanks!!

 

[Brooklyn]

Brooklyn - Why do they move the benches? Are they in the way of the parade or something like that? So do you sit on the bench until the CM's move them and then just 'restake' you claim to them?

Also I guess I'm having a hard time trying to picture them....if you are facing the station w/the castle at your back, is that where they are?

Sorry for all the questions but this is something I've never heard of. Thanks!!

They move the benchs from (the backs of the chairs touching the train station) the train station to the edge of the sidewalk where the street starts. Yes we have sat on the benches until they have moved them and then restakes our spots.

If the castle and flag pole are at your back (and you are standing in the street in front of the train station) these benches will be in front of you. They are at the base of the train station (on ground level).

The reason they move these benches is to create a walkway behind all of the people watching the parade. Once the benches are moved to the edge of the sdiewalk (where the street begins) then ropse are placed behind the benches. You can only stop and watch the parade inside the ropes (the same as further down main street). With the benches there, there is enough room for either a stroller or one of 2 rows of people behind you.

If you are in need of shade. The benches to the right (if you are facing the train station) are moved under the tree where there is shade.

Let me know if what I am saying is making sense or not.

 

[*Susan*]

Yes that makes perfect sense - what a great tip. Thanks again!