I need some strategy advice please

[NannyBeBe]

We will be at DLR soon. We are not interested in Fantasmic, WOC, or the parades, but we would like to see the fireworks. Our favorite place to watch them is at the exit end of Main Street.
What is the best way for us to avoid the parade crush but be at our watching spot in time for the fireworks? I read here that the CMs do not allow people to hang out in the stores during the parade. Would it work to go to DCA prior to the parade and then re-enter after the parade?
Thank you so much for your help.

 

[figment_jii]

I think it really depends on where specifically you want to be to watch the fireworks. I would probably (if you're trying to avoid the parade crowds) try to time it so that you're in the general area just before the last float of the parade passes by. I would not wait until after the parade ends to go back to DL because there isn't enough time to get into the park and to a view location because the parade exits MS (the first parade goes from IaSW to Main Street, exiting near the Mad Hatter shop) around 9:25 pm and the fireworks are at 9:30 pm.

They may not let you hang out in the store entrances, but my guess is that you can be in the area in front of the floral Mickey or even (perhaps) under the train tracks just before the parade passes. That might help you be in the right area for fireworks viewing, but do note that Main Street fills up pretty much as soon as the parade passes by. So you have to move quickly and be decisive about where you want to view the fireworks.

 

[NannyBeBe]

Thank you so much, figment. Sounds perfect.

 

[SMD]

Does the Main St train station close during PTN? I'd try to be in Tomorrowland, hop on the train and try to time it so you arrive at the end of the parade. No way would I try to park hop before or during a parade or before fireworks. It's too unpredictable.

 

[tarheelalum]

About an hour an a half before the fireworks, go to Jolly holiday or the Plaza Inn and get yourself some food and have a seat with a great view of the castle. Then just sit there the entire time and watch the show. By that time of the day your feet will be tired and it is a nice break from the crushing crowds that come together for the fireworks and parade.

 

[figment_jii]

I don't know when the trains resume running, but they do have to stop for the parade because the route crosses the tracks near IaSW. I don't know how soon after the parade clears IaSW does it resume running, but I also think that would be tough to time because realistically, you need to get to Main Street just as the parade is passing by whatever location they want to view the fireworks from.