How far in advance for parades?

[BensWife]

We've always skipped the parades, but I think the kids are at an age where they might enjoy them now. How far in advance do we need to get a spot? I really don't want to wait too long. Can we get a pretty good spot 15 min before, or are we talking like 45 min like WOC or F!? We are going in Sept (24-28), so I am hoping the crowds won't be too bad on Wed & Thurs so maybe we won't have to be there as early. Do you have a favorite spot to sit? Thanks!

 

[figment_jii]

We've always skipped the parades, but I think the kids are at an age where they might enjoy them now. How far in advance do we need to get a spot? I really don't want to wait too long. Can we get a pretty good spot 15 min before, or are we talking like 45 min like WOC or F!? We are going in Sept (24-28), so I am hoping the crowds won't be too bad on Wed & Thurs so maybe we won't have to be there as early. Do you have a favorite spot to sit? Thanks!

It depends on whether you want a front row spot or not. If you're okay with standing and being a few rows back, you'll probably be okay getting there about 15 minutes in advance of when the parade arrives. If you want a front row (i.e., seated) spot, I think you're looking at closer to 30-45 minutes (before the parade steps off). By the end of September, the parades only run once per day (on weekdays) so that makes them pretty popular.

 

[GeneralTso]

We are the type that just likes to happen upon them. We're not the sit on the curb for an hour type.

We know when they are, we arrange to be walking through and then grab a spot.

 

[TIME4DIZ]

From what I observed last week, if you are willing to sit/stand in the sun you can be front row if you arrive 15 minutes before the parade. If you want the shaded side of the street be there a earlier, if you want heavy shade on the shaded side of the street you need even more time- more like 60 mins.

 

[YukonMommy]

For us we always staked a spot about 1 hour prior to start time, with small kids we find it easier to have front row viewing instead of trying to see over and around people.
We take this time to give the kids a snack (this is usually when we let our kids pick a treat from the candy store), hubby and I grab a coffee and a treat, take a bathroom break. We have a blanket we put down beside the stroller and switch off.
We actually like sitting on Main street (close to the candy shop).

Have a magical time!

 

[ColdNeverBotheredMe]

We actually found a great spot to view Soundsational that was really easy to get a front row seat without waiting longer than maybe 20 minutes or so. It's right by the restrooms near Alice in Wonderland, between there and the Matterhorn. It's a bit narrower, but it's in the shade, and you don't get many people there because everyone tries to find spots near the castle or on Main Street. Worked great for us!

 

[SMD]

From what I observed last week, if you are willing to sit/stand in the sun you can be front row if you arrive 15 minutes before the parade. If you want the shaded side of the street be there a earlier, if you want heavy shade on the shaded side of the street you need even more time- more like 60 mins.

With the 1 daily parade at 7pm as of this week, standing in the sun hasn't really been an issue.

 

[TIME4DIZ]

With the 1 daily parade at 7pm as of this week, standing in the sun hasn't really been an issue.

That makes sense.