Is it better to do the 12:00 or 3:00 parade when both times are offered?

[kymom79]

Which time is better to attend for minimizing ride lines and maximizing park efficiency? I will be at MK on a busy day with a preschooler and toddler, so touring as smart as possible is my goal.

 

[DavidNYC]

Don't think it makes much of a difference in general as far as lines or touring. I'd base it by what works best for your schedule. (Are you taking breaks - meal times etc.).

 

[jimmymc]

Later is usually less crowded, but not by a lot. Either one works.

 

[DavidNYC]

Later is usually less crowded, but not by a lot. Either one works.

And should also mention as far as crowds at the parade (as opposed to crowds in MK generally) they offer a Lightning Lane for the Parade so may be a good use if you'd like a little less crowded area. Normally I wouldn't say a LL is needed for the parade but with a pre-schooler and toddler - might be less stressful and a bit easier to get space for the kids to get a good view. And looking at the data, looks like you can get the LL up until about 30-45 minutes prior to a parade so you can save it to get later in the day when you can ideally get it - go to the parade shortly thereafter - and then get your next one (all assuming you're getting Genie+).

 

[JodyK]

Idk about park time or efficiency but I will say from a sun standpoint the 3PM parade is not in the direct noon Florida sun which can make a big difference depending on the time of year / general weather.

 

[Her Dotness]

You know you've been to Disney way too many times when what popped into my mind upon reading your thread title was that old guest-to-CM question, "What time is the 3 o'clock parade?"

 

[MamaMermaid]

Pretty much the same; maybe a little less crowded at 3pm. Is one parade during nap time for your toddler?

 

[lovethattink]

The big difference is temperature. 3pm is nearing the hottest part of the day. So if it’s cold outside 3pm would be pleasant. If it’s a hot day, Noon would be more tolerable.

 

[yorkieteacher]

We were there for both and found crowds relatively the same. However, Main Street seemed more crowded at noon, and Frontierland at 3.

 

[flyingenie]

When there are 2 parade times, do the parades start and end at opposite ends of the route? I remember at disneyland it was that way - we sat at the 2nd parade where the start of the 1st parade was, hoping that it'd pass us by soon and we could go do other things, and then we got caught til the very end...