Just not worth it!

[lugnut33]

If you're willing to stand in the back several feet behind he crowd, you can generally get a good look at everything and not wait a minute for the parade.

 

[Bambi5826]

If you're willing to stand in the back several feet behind he crowd, you can generally get a good look at everything and not wait a minute for the parade.

That's what I was thinking I'd do, and we could then throw DD up on our shoulders, and not be in anyone's way.

 

[LekiaHall]

For those who get there early and manage to get right at the curb, do you remain standing? There is only so many "first row" spots for the parade so it stands to reason that you will be standing in front of a child/children. I'm not much of a parade person, but if I were and I landed a front row spot, I'd sit.

Also if I'm watching a parade (or some other type of Disney street show), I will move to the side if I notice a child trying to see past me.

 

[RachaelA]

For those who get there early and manage to get right at the curb, do you remain standing? There is only so many "first row" spots for the parade so it stands to reason that you will be standing in front of a child/children. I'm not much of a parade person, but if I were and I landed a front row spot, I'd sit.

Also if I'm watching a parade (or some other type of Disney street show), I will move to the side if I notice a child trying to see past me.

We sit on the curb. But even before DD was born, we would not give up our curb spot for other people's children just like I don't expect others to give up their spot for my kid. We usually did try to fit some kids in next to us on the curb. The only parades were were actively watching though was MSEP (or Spectromagic). ETA: Oh and party parades like the Christmas and Halloween parades. Or getting a front spot for Illuminations. We would occasionally walk up to the other parades once they started and hang out in the back. ETA: Oh and party parades like the Christmas and Halloween parades.

 

[LekiaHall]

We sit on the curb. But even before DD was born, we would not give up our curb spot for other people's children just like I don't expect others to give up their spot for my kid. We usually did try to fit some kids in next to us on the curb. The only parades were were actively watching though was MSEP (or Spectromagic). ETA: Oh and party parades like the Christmas and Halloween parades. Or getting a front spot for Illuminations. We would occasionally walk up to the other parades once they started and hang out in the back. ETA: Oh and party parades like the Christmas and Halloween parades.

So you sit...great. I didn't mean give up your spot..since you're sitting, I think that would be rude for someone to expect you to let their child in. Since I'm always standing (2nd rower here!), I sometimes notice kids behind me trying to see. In those instances I'll move over (or even let them stand in front of me) since it doesn't block my view at all.

 

[DisneyFan2013]

I had a horrible spot for the Electrical Parade on my most recent trip. I couldn't really see anything and people kept pushing through my area trying to leave the park but it was impossible to do at that time. I was concerned I might get trampled! I assumed it was my fault for waiting too long to pick a viewing spot, but I would've been really upset if I had waited an hour and still had issues.

I had a great viewing spot for Wishes though. Maybe I got lucky!

 

[goofy4tink]

If you're willing to stand in the back several feet behind he crowd, you can generally get a good look at everything and not wait a minute for the parade.

That's what I now do. I seldom sit and wait for a parade. Maybe every 4 or 5 years. Now, I just walk along and stop if I see something I want to watch in the parade.

For those who get there early and manage to get right at the curb, do you remain standing? There is only so many "first row" spots for the parade so it stands to reason that you will be standing in front of a child/children. I'm not much of a parade person, but if I were and I landed a front row spot, I'd sit.

Also if I'm watching a parade (or some other type of Disney street show), I will move to the side if I notice a child trying to see past me.

That's all well and good. But in my case, I asked a CM where the best, unobtrusive spot for me to stand would be. I was told to stand in a particular spot....it was in an area where the rope ended, with a small walkway allowed for access. The CM told me it would be the best place to stand since there wouldn't be anyone next to me or behind me since the rope tended to curve inward. Then, just prior to the parade starting the mother with that stroller came along, stood behind me, pushing the rope over. Then, she started complaining that she couldn't see past me. So, my dd and I squished way over to the side so that she could see past us. Not good enough. Now, her child, sleeping in the stroller still couldn't see. So, she moaned and groaned to a different CM. I was then 'asked' to please sit down. I was having an issue with my knees and hip at that point, which is why I didn't sit down and had looked for a spot that I could stand. So, now? I'm squished into a very small area, practically crippled when I got up, and that child who 'had' to see??? Never woke up.
Yes, I could have chosen a spot behind everyone else, but this was going to be my last party parade with my dd for a very long time...so wanted a good spot, and hence the asking the CM. So, I was told one thing by one CM but another by a different CM. And why? Because someone was really rude and entitled and I chose not to be argumentative.
So...no more parades for me. I'll leave that to the entitled parents. I'll go ride stuff with the shorter lines.

I've taken spots in the rear, standing up (uncomfortably I might add) holding onto a column or such, in order to get some decent photos. Only to have some jerk come along, taller than me, who then leans way out with his camera....thereby making it impossible for me to get the shots I wanted without his camera in my photo.

 

[~Tinkerella]

Earlier this month a man just totally stepped right over my head ~ couldn't believe it!!!!!

 

[2012bella13]

To the Ones that said it is not always like this, Thanks, I was really getting bummed!
As much as she loves parades, there is no way she would wait in one spot for over an hr to see anything, even a parade.

 

[Dano1182]

I have seen grown adults stand in front row and completly and in some cases intentionaly block the views of children.
Grown men and women who feel the need intentionaly prevent a young child view a parade need to wake up.

 

[LucyBC80]

I have seen grown adults stand in front row and completly and in some cases intentionaly block the views of children.
Grown men and women who feel the need intentionaly prevent a young child view a parade need to wake up.

So if I arrive 1hour before, sit to wait then get up to watch the parade when the time was right I have the obligation of giving up my spot?

Yeah, not happening.

Posted from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[DisneyMim]

Yeah I am with you OP. We learned many years ago it's just not worth it. We've been there, done that, thankfully when our kids were young and it wasn't as bad and now we just don't care. I guess when the grandbabies come I'll have a different tune, but for now, I'd rather spend my time enjoying other things.

Enjoy The Magic!!

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Sorry but having a hard time with so many posters saying they give up watching because they are being bullied by other adults and baby strollers. Why are you just taking it ?
This reminds me of the sitting down in the middle of the row thread

 

[SanFranciscan]

Earlier this month a man just totally stepped right over my head ~ couldn't believe it!!!!!

Oh, that is terrible! Was he leaving the park or just that determined to get in front of you for the parade? That is really terrible.

 

[RachaelA]

I have seen grown adults stand in front row and completly and in some cases intentionaly block the views of children.
Grown men and women who feel the need intentionaly prevent a young child view a parade need to wake up.

A statement like this always causes a huge argument every time its mentioned on here.

My take always stays the same. As long as the adults were there first, they have every right to sit or stand where they want to. They do not have to move just because a child chooses to stand behind them.

 

[mortimeriwerks]

People, people, aren't we here for the kids?

If the sad eyes of an 8 year old, blocked behind a redneck, Teletubbie or yuppie doesn't motivate them to step aside a little, then, what have we become?

Is it really this bad, even in a Magic Kingdom?

Say it isn't so...

 

[lugnut33]

That's what I was thinking I'd do, and we could then throw DD up on our shoulders, and not be in anyone's way.

Yes, it works. Actually a nice easy spot to be is right where the parade exits the park in Frontierland (or if it's running the other way it's where the parade begins). If you are on the Adventureland side the parade floats are above you and there's usually very few people there. All the floats are easy to see.

 

[pawprints1116]

I can't do the parades because I get panic attacks.. for the reasons stated. I've been the same height since I was 10 years old (I'm 27). And every parade I've gotten trampled on or pushed. And as I got older, it became a "you don't need to see" _shove_ situation. Last time I went, I was trying to escape the encompassing crowd and some guy yelled at me to "get out of the way! we're trying to see" (I was trying to walk against the shops on main street as we headed to fantasyland). I just can't be bothered with them. Why stress out and get huffy with the uppity people?

Alas, one day.. I will have to fight the good fight for my future children!

 

[*Fantasia*]

We've seen it once, twice, three times... That's enough. While the parade or fireworks are going, we ride our favorite rides. It works perfect for us. Short lines, less wait and we can enjoy the rides back to back if we want.

 

[katt789]

I've definitely noticed in the more crowded seasons that this is a problem, it's super annoying. I have even noticed it a bit in the slower seasons, and seriously people, you can't push your way to the front if you weren't there the entire time!

I have no problem letting kids in front of me though haha