How early should we be there? shows, parades, etc.

[siennacrew]

Help! It is getting down to the wire for our vacation & I am feeling very clueless! I have read a lot of books, read this website & others and still feel overwhelmed! I need to know how long should I plan to be there before a show or fireworks etc starts. I would like to be in the front row for my kids to see the parade. I would be fine w/ being part way back for a show. I guess what I have heard lately is it has been pretty crowded there right now.


Cinderella Celebration
Wishes
Parades

Lion King
Little Mermaid (fast pass get it an hour ahead?)
Fantasmic
Playhouse Disney
Parade

Lion King
Pocahantas
Tarzan
Illuminations

Thanks for any help...as I am really getting nervous and excited!

 

[kilee]

When you said your trip was almost here--you weren't joking!!!! First have a wonderful trip!!!

As for parades-- to actually be sitting front row-- you may need to scope out a spot ahead of time by almost an hour. Possibly 75 minutes for Spectro if there aren't many showing that week.

Wishes-- there are so many spots w/ a great view that only about 15 minutes should be needed.

Illuminations-- really depends on the crowds could be 15 minutes for a great spot could be longer. If you want a sitting spot then about 45-60 minutes at least.

The shows like Tarzan, FOTLK, and Little Mermaid all the seats are really good, so no real worries there. Just be sure to gain entry. That you'll have to way against the actual crowd levels. May need to line up 20-25 minutes early may be able to give it only 5-10 depending.

Fantasmic-- same thing. Really depends on the crowd levels and all the seats are really good. I've been front row center and everywhere else in that theater. Unless the crowds are really, really heavy you may be able to get away w/ arriving about 30 minutes to show time. Just be sure to evaluate the crowds. If you are alittle worried then go 45-60 minutes early.