How early to claim a spot for Spectro next week?

[labdogs42]

We're headed to Disney on Saturday for a week and I'm wondering what the crowds are like in September and what time I need to stake out a spot for Spectro so I can be right in front. Anyone have any idea? I'd like to be at the end of Main Street, probably near Tony's or the train station. I haven't seen a Disney nighttime parade since I was a kid and I'm really looking forward to it! We'll be staying for Wishes, toom if that factors in at all. And we'll have a toddler in a stroller in case that matters! Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Any thought about watching it from the area around Libert Square and on into Frontierland? I always enjoy it from that area, like in front of the LTT area. A lot less crowded.

 

[GinaGrumpyDwarf]

we watched the Halloween parade from there last year...it was good. My fav. place to watch spectro is right on Main Street...<sigh> Cant WAIT!

 

[Msslaydbug]

We have never sat down and seen Spectro. I would like to try this year but I am so scared from all the horror stories I have heard on here. So this information could be useful to us as well. Would love a great place front row for Spectro and viewing for Wishes. With a stroller !!

 

[maxiesmom]

I love to watch Spectromagic! My favorite spot is on main street, in front of Casey's. I usually look about an hour and a half before parade time to see if the curb is filling up. If it is, I grab my spot then. I don't mind sitting, the people watching is great. Usually some carmel corn is in order too.

 

[outlander]

we've watched spectro from several different 'spots'. last time it was on the curb in front of main street station.
as far as looking for a spot at a certain time, i would just go with the flow of the crowd. once you see people starting to line up, you will know it is time to find a spot! i would start paying attention about an hour before.

have fun and enjoy your time there!

 

[luvchip]

We were at MK two weeks ago and decided to stay for Spectro. We went in front of Tony's Town Square and got there between 50-60 minutes before it started. We sat right on the curb. I would say that on that evening the curb didn't fill up until about 30-40 minutes before the parade started. We had two strollers and parked them right behind the white ropes they put up and the kids had a wonderful spot. We kinda sat on the curve in the street and the characters walking came very close for the kids to see. It was also great getting out. Didn't have to fight with any crowds!! Good luck, wish I was going back!!

 

[labdogs42]

We were at MK two weeks ago and decided to stay for Spectro. We went in front of Tony's Town Square and got there between 50-60 minutes before it started. We sat right on the curb. I would say that on that evening the curb didn't fill up until about 30-40 minutes before the parade started. We had two strollers and parked them right behind the white ropes they put up and the kids had a wonderful spot. We kinda sat on the curve in the street and the characters walking came very close for the kids to see. It was also great getting out. Didn't have to fight with any crowds!! Good luck, wish I was going back!!

Great info! That's what I needed to hear! I want to be in that area in case we need to make a speedy exit if DS is afraid of the music or fireworks (fingers crossed -- he isn't usually scared of stuff, bu I like to prepare for the worst case scenario!). Thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

If you don't have the means to defend your spot (such as having extended family with you) then it is not worth it to arrive more than 15 minutes in advance.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[blondeheroine]

We have never sat down and seen Spectro. I would like to try this year but I am so scared from all the horror stories I have heard on here. So this information could be useful to us as well. Would love a great place front row for Spectro and viewing for Wishes. With a stroller !!

Trust me. It's nowhere near as bad as people make it out to be. You sometimes run into a jerk, but many times, I wind up making friends and chatting with those sitting beside me.

As to the OPs question, take a look around Main Street about an hour and a half before start time and see what's going on. September is fairly slow, so you probably won't have to wait for long. In my experience, however, parade time is a good time for everyone to wind down and take a seat and rest the feet.

Last time around, we got in between "cue points" and sometimes the sound of the other cue point would start before or after ours and it could be disorienting. We were on Main Street, closer to the castle - I'd say half way between the Walt statue and Casey's. I'd try to get near the shops.

Let me know if the Chernabog float is back! We missed him this time.

 

[labdogs42]

If you don't have the means to defend your spot (such as having extended family with you) then it is not worth it to arrive more than 15 minutes in advance.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

There will be four adults and 1 child in a stroller, so we would probably all be there to defend our spot, or three of us at least if one is off entertaining DS while we wait. I think we'll be able to hold our own!