How early do you wait for the 3 p.m. parade?

[KatieCharlotte]

We really want to see the new parade during spring break, predicted crowd level 7. But we don't want to waste an hour or more waiting in a spot. We'd like to watch from Liberty Square or possibly Frontierland. We don't need to be in the front row, but I'm only willing to hold the 35-pound child, so we need a spot where the medium-size kids can see the floats. We're not used to crowds this big.

What time to stop riding and wait? Any opinions where we should stand?

 

[mesaboy2]

Thirty to forty-five minutes tops in LS or ALand.

 

[married2mm]

We have left mk at 12.30-ish previously,and there were ladies sat with their sneakers tied together-keeping spots for others.
It was rather bizarre-in August heat/humidity too

 

[wiigirl]

Thirty to forty-five minutes tops in LS or ALand.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Thirty to forty-five minutes tops in LS or ALand.

Thanks. That's what I was thinking, but I wanted to hear from the experts.

 

[sharadoc]

There's a nice little deck in front of the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade that is a perfect spot to sit and eat a late lunch while waiting for the parade. It is not shady, however, so plan to have a hat and sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. The rope goes up about 1-2 people deep right there and you can always sit on the deck and watch. It's really a good spot unless you want to get some unobstructed photos or video of the parade as it comes down the street. You may still be able to do that if you stand on the deck, as long as you don't cause problems for other folks around you.

 

[Golf4283]

haha this is off topic but this thread gave me a chuckle because my first thought about this post was "what time is the 3:00 parade at?".

I personally would never wait early for a parade but that's just me. If I were you I would try to be around haunted mansion/riverboat area on the wooden bridges. That's always a good place to stop and take it in without having to actually stake out a spot. Maybe ride haunted mansion near the parade time and when you come out just head down towards frontierland.

 

[rockiesfan]

How early do you need to grab spots on Main Street? I know MS is the most crowded place to watch the parade from, but on our last day we need to see it right at 3:00 and then make a quick exit to head to the airport. I was thinking near City Hall or the Emporium (isn't that the shady side?).

 

[KatieCharlotte]

haha this is off topic but this thread gave me a chuckle because my first thought about this post was "what time is the 3:00 parade at?".

I personally would never wait early for a parade but that's just me. If I were you I would try to be around haunted mansion/riverboat area on the wooden bridges. That's always a good place to stop and take it in without having to actually stake out a spot. Maybe ride haunted mansion near the parade time and when you come out just head down towards frontierland.

I think that would work well for us. DH has a FP+ for Splash at 1:45-2:45, and the kids and I have FP+ for HM at the same time. The kids think Splash is terrifying, while DH thinks HM is terrifying, so it works out. I plan to drop off DH at Splash, collect a child swap pass for me (but that's another topic), and then ride HM around 2 p.m. Even if we're running a little behind that, we should be okay, right?

 

[Golf4283]

I think that would work well for us. DH has a FP+ for Splash at 1:45-2:45, and the kids and I have FP+ for HM at the same time. The kids think Splash is terrifying, while DH thinks HM is terrifying, so it works out. I plan to drop off DH at Splash, collect a child swap pass for me (but that's another topic), and then ride HM around 2 p.m. Even if we're running a little behind that, we should be okay, right?

No doubt. That sounds like a good plan. I honestly think too you aren't gaining much by waiting around for 20-30 minutes but that's just my opinion. You might have a super clear view but is it worth the time? That's for you to decide.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I don't stake an early spot. When I used to someone would come and shove their children in front or crowd us. It was just too frustrating to deal with. Now if the parade is going by I watch from as close as I can get at that moment and it is usually fine.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

I don't stake an early spot. When I used to someone would come and shove their children in front or crowd us. It was just too frustrating to deal with. Now if the parade is going by I watch from as close as I can get at that moment and it is usually fine.

That's true. We once staked out great front row spots in Liberty Square for the electrical parade, only to have a large group push all their kids into our small space with us at the last minute with dripping ice cream cones.

I just know the new parade is a must-do for my kids, so I don't want to mess this up. And DH and I don't want to end up lifting the bigger kids.

 

[FirstTimeDisneyVisit]

we wait 30-45 minutes to hold our spot in the front .. Like others have said as well it is frustrating having people at the last second try to to stand in front of you ..

 

[Dawgdad]

BTW, anyone know what time the 3 o'clock parade starts?

 

[DisneyAllyC]

One time I walked into MK as the parade was coming down Main Street and then we stayed and watched and our spot was perfect

 

[sharadoc]

I don't stake an early spot. When I used to someone would come and shove their children in front or crowd us. It was just too frustrating to deal with. Now if the parade is going by I watch from as close as I can get at that moment and it is usually fine.

Which is why all of the floats are above your head, so you can watch from anywhere. All you'll miss are the walking "humans" and whatever characters walk on the ground, which I suspect will be minimal with this new parade. I think Disney is aware of the parade waiting frustration, and the impact it has on the park. Nothing worse to me than the 3 deep people lined up on Main Street waiting for the parade when I would like to shop, or even just walk up the street.

Folks hate waiting in a standby line for an attraction, but have no problem waiting 2 hours sitting on a curb for a parade.

 

[rockiesfan]

Which is why all of the floats are above your head, so you can watch from anywhere. All you'll miss are the walking "humans" and whatever characters walk on the ground, which I suspect will be minimal with this new parade. I think Disney is aware of the parade waiting frustration, and the impact it has on the park.

Good point! We haven't watched a parade in years, but want to see the new floats. I don't mind missing the random walking CMs.