How do people get to ride in a parade?

[mecllap]

Last time we were at WDW, we saw guests riding in a couple of the parades. They pretty much appeared to be military families. Does anyone know how that works? How can people get chosen to ride in a parade?
Are they all active military? Would a Vietnam era veteran family be selected? Does the servicemember have to be there? Can nonmilitary families be part of a parade? Thanks for any tips!

 

[huskies90]

Last time we were at WDW, we saw guests riding in a couple of the parades. They pretty much appeared to be military families. Does anyone know how that works? How can people get chosen to ride in a parade?
Are they all active military? Would a Vietnam era veteran family be selected? Does the servicemember have to be there? Can nonmilitary families be part of a parade? Thanks for any tips!

We were in the parade at Animal Kingdom back in November. We were just sorta picked randomly by a CM/Character handler who was at the Tusker house with Louie and Baloo. While my daughters were getting autographs, pictures and playing around with the characters, the CM just asked us if we wanted to be in the parade. It was an amazing experience and obviously one of if not THE highlight from our trip. Here was my post from when we returned home in case you want the details:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=973967

Oh, and we are not a military family and non of the other families were either.

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

My husband and I were standing with my mum near the start of the AK parade waiting for my dad. It was our first wedding anniversary (no one would know that though) and we all four were wearing custom disney tour matching tees. A CM came up and asked how many in our party - we said 4 and he looked disappointed, he said he needed 2 (at which my mum volunteered myself and DH) he sadi to give him a moment, came back and took the four of us away. We rode a seperate flaot to our parents - in fact we were first out with RAfiki!!!! My dream came true, that's all I wanted to do before we went, ride the fist flaot in the Jammin' Jungle with Rafiki.

 

[Robo]

We were just sorta picked randomly by a CM/Character handler who was at the Tusker house with Louie and Baloo.

So running around waving my arms and yelling, "OOhhh-OOhhh, Pick ME , Pick ME" is not the proper technique?

Aw shucks.

I guess that's why I'm never in a parade
(and didn't get that ASTRONAUT job either.)

 

[Vickie46]

I know.. that has to be such a dream come true... that and being picked to open the park as family of the day! I can only wish this would happen one day on our trip!

 

[jswalker1981]

You have to be the MVP of the Super Bowl. I am still trying myself, but since I'm not in the NFL, and I'm only 5'5", I am starting to believe that I am faced with a huge disadvantage.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I was waiting for DH & DS to come out of the restroom at AK and a CM walked up to a family nearby and asked them to be in the parade. I think it is pretty random at that park. Not sure about the others.

 

[Stitchfans]

Sure would be neat to be asked. From what I read on other posts it seems like it is usually either couples or a family of 4. Since DDs bf will be coming on our next trip my guess is our chances will be much smaller. Shame sounds like so much fun.

 

[Mulan'sMom]

We were all in costume - my daughter likes to say it was because of her Kim Possible outfit - but I like to think it was my flamingo hat that closed the deal. A CM came up to us as we were in line for face painting and asked if we wanted to ride in the parade. He had picked about a six other families as well - all in costume. I must say, it really was great. The CM who chose us was wearing a suit and had a clipboard with him - more of a back-office type than a ride attendant, maintenance or security type. Good luck!

 

[donnajon]

You may be interested in having the service member in your family be the Veteran of the Day at MK. Just go to City Hall and the first person to ask gets to be the Veteran of the day. They help with the flag lowering ceremony at 5:00pm. They get a picture, a pin and a certificate. That was one of DH's best memories.

 

[scrapbookingpro]

I know a CM at AK and they definately pick people at random for that parade. But I believe you can ask to be in it- just ask one of the CMs with the characters, in the yellow shirts. They should be able to tell you yes or no. The rafiki float holds two adults, or two adults and a small child. The rickshaws in the middle hold two to four people each (there are three rickshaws total) and the Mickey float at the end can hold up to seven.

Good luck!!