Holiday shows/events schedule?

[Tiresius]

Is there anywhere to find a list of the times for the various holiday shows and events at both US and IOA? I know its early, so even last year's times would be better than nothing. We are trying to figure out our days and if we need to buy 2-park-per-day tickets or not, and are hoping to focus our afternoons on the holiday/Christmas-y stuff for the most part. Mannheim Steamroller dates have been announced, so I know that 7pm showtime is fairly set (our dates are Dec 11-13). But when do you need to arrive for that? When is the parade? How long and how early to arrive for that? If the parade starts at "dusk", what does that really mean? Is it possible to do both the parade and the concert in one night? Or do they overlap?

And what about the smaller shows? Is there a set schedule for the Grinch activities? Any of the other "holiday" overlay shows at US?

I have read enough threads to know that since we are staying onsite and have 2.75 days, it isn't quite as critical to do a commando style plan ahead of time. But since we are hoping to do all of the shows and special events (as opposed to the more typical "rides" where you seem to benefit quite a bit more from the Express pass), if only one or two shows of a particular event happen each day, timing does matter. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[xApril]

I don't have the times for last year's shows unfortunately.

I believe the parade begins at around 6pm or so? I'm pretty sure it'll be done or close to done before the concert begins.

There's a set schedule for Grinchmas as it's a show. There's definitely quite a few showtimes each day. I also know Blues Brothers get a holiday overlay and they sing Christmas versions of some of their songs like I'm a Snowman instead of a Soulman.

 

[Tiresius]

I don't have the times for last year's shows unfortunately.

I believe the parade begins at around 6pm or so? I'm pretty sure it'll be done or close to done before the concert begins.

There's a set schedule for Grinchmas as it's a show. There's definitely quite a few showtimes each day. I also know Blues Brothers get a holiday overlay and they sing Christmas versions of some of their songs like I'm a Snowman instead of a Soulman.

Thanks!!

Does anyone else know? Is it possible to do Mannheim Steamroller and the parade on the same night? Does the parade finish with enough time to get to the concert? Or do I need to plan two nights to do both things?

 

[Metro West]

The concerts usually start around 8pm or later so you will definitely be able to do both. If you want a good spot for the concert, you will need to arrive pretty early and stake out a spot near the stage. The concerts at the Universal Music Plaza are standing room only so there is no seating available. You could stand by Monsters Cafe and see both the parade and concert w/o moving but you won't see the stage very well. It just depends on what's important to you.

 

[Bluer101]

Thanks!!

Does anyone else know? Is it possible to do Mannheim Steamroller and the parade on the same night? Does the parade finish with enough time to get to the concert? Or do I need to plan two nights to do both things?

We do the parade then walk over to the concert. You might not be up front, but we stay back by Monster's Cafe and listen and watch from there. They also have 2 big screens on each side of the stage.

 

[Tiresius]

The concerts usually start around 8pm or later so you will definitely be able to do both. If you want a good spot for the concert, you will need to arrive pretty early and stake out a spot near the stage. The concerts at the Universal Music Plaza are standing room only so there is no seating available. You could stand by Monsters Cafe and see both the parade and concert w/o moving but you won't see the stage very well. It just depends on what's important to you.

The concert on the night we will be there is at 7pm, so not quite as late as you are predicting. Hmm. It sounds as if it might not be possible to do both and really appreciate both in the same night. Not saying its not physically possible, but perhaps less than enjoyable to rush and not "see" as well.

Thanks!

 

[Tiresius]

We do the parade then walk over to the concert. You might not be up front, but we stay back by Monster's Cafe and listen and watch from there. They also have 2 big screens on each side of the stage.

Now that sounds doable. If the screens allow you to see pretty well, that may be good enough. Will have to check with the family.

What about the "Tree Lighting"? Would that fit in that timeline, or is that not worth trying to squeeze in?

 

[Metro West]

To give you some perspective....this picture is of the Universal Music Plaza where the concerts are held. I took this shot near the entrance of Monsters Cafe...they are right across from each other. You can do both that night but if you want to get close to the stage, you won't be able to see much of the parade. As I posted earlier...it depends on what's important to you.

 

[Tiresius]

To give you some perspective....this picture is of the Universal Music Plaza where the concerts are held. I took this shot near the entrance of Monsters Cafe...they are right across from each other. You can do both that night but if you want to get close to the stage, you won't be able to see much of the parade. As I posted earlier...it depends on what's important to you.

That's actually quite helpful! Do people stay sitting like that (I am guessing not) once things start? I am not the decider in this case, so I will pass this info along to my traveling companion, who has asked specifically to see "Mannheim Steamroller and the holiday stuff." So I will see which she prefers. Thank you!

 

[Metro West]

That's actually quite helpful! Do people stay sitting like that (I am guessing not) once things start? I am not the decider in this case, so I will pass this info along to my traveling companion, who has asked specifically to see "Mannheim Steamroller and the holiday stuff." So I will see which she prefers. Thank you!

No...people will stand and the entire area will be filled. This picture was taken about 2 1/2 hours before the Pat Benatar concert about two years ago.

The parade runs right in front of Monsters Cafe so it's a good spot to see both the parade and concert.

 

[Bluer101]

The tree lighting takes place in front of the Mummy right at the end of the parade with Santa.