Late parade on a Saturday or Sunday vs. single parade during the week?

[sharona]

Which will be less crowded? Does the late parade (1045) start at the back of the park? We have 5 days Sat - Wed and trying to plan which park which day and when to plan on seeing the parade...

Similar question for WOC - what night would be the least crowded or does it not matter?

 

[calilou]

It depends on when you're going really. Generally the late parade is much less crowded than the earlier and would be so compared to a single night parade in my opinion.

 

[sharona]

It depends on when you're going really. Generally the late parade is much less crowded than the earlier and would be so compared to a single night parade in my opinion.

4/16-4/21

 

[calilou]

I think the late parade will be least crowded at that time if you want to watch it that late. Otherwise you'll be okay finding a spot to watch mid-week when there is just one. Generally when there are two parades the late one starts from Main Street. However if there are two on the weekend and just one during the week that may result in some changes. I have found that most CMs know which direction it will start for that particular day.

 

[tlovesdis]

There is so much more seating availability for the late parade. We found a great spot on a busy Saturday night at about 10pm right near the matterhorn/pixie hollow. The benches were practically empty! Of course they filled up as it got closer, but it was nothing compared to when we saw the parade in September at the early time!

The second parade will start at Main Street and end at Small World.

 

[ktlm]

We went last summer in July when the parade was twice every night, and at least back then we found it very easy to find a spot for the late parade just before it started. We went over after WOC our first night just to see if we could catch it (had plans for it a later night) and found a great spot 2nd row on Main Street 15 minutes before it started. I don't know how they are doing things now, but during that time period they came by and told the front row to all stay seated on the curb and the 2nd row to stand up, so we had a terrific view. I would think that any night, even a weekend, the late parade would be much less crowded. If you are the type that can stay up late enough to catch the late one, that would be my choice. Since you are starting on the weekend, I would give the late parade a try, and then if it doesn't work out you can always plan it out to catch it later in your trip on a different night. It is a terrific parade!!!

 

[sherilaine]

We watched the parade on a Tuesday evening when the park closed at 9PM - we were able to find a spot along main street standing behind people who were seated on the curb (we were right across from Carnation Cafe where the BB PTN reserved seated is located). We snagged our spot about 45 minutes prior to the parade and by the time the parade began the viewing area was jam packed with people - if you wanted to get a spot seated on the curb I'd say you would have had to be there at least 90 minutes prior from what we saw as we keep an eye on the situation. That might not be the case along the entire parade route but it seems that with 1 parade in the evening and with the parade and fireworks right before close, it was very popular. On the Friday night, when the park closed at midnight though, we noticed the 1st parade was not as crowded as we were walking by and doing some shopping waiting for it to end, in fact about half way through the parade we found a spot where we could stand and watch the rest of it. Then we got a good spot to see the fireworks again. I'd say the 2nd show on a weekend would be better than mid week - if you want a minimal wait and if you are not prepared to stand the entire time.

 

[sharona]

Thanks All! We'll play it by ear the first 2 nights and see if we can hang in there for the later one. We're traveling from the East Coast so it will really depend on how much rest we get on the flight since 10:45 will feel like 1am the first few days! It's just DD13 and I so the excitement may keep us going and we can opt to sleep in the following day if we want to. I'm not as concerned about being at rope drop every day with 5 park days.

 

[sherilaine]

If you are coming from the east coast then from my experience you might be up early the first day whether you intend to be or not! We found taking a break mid day - when the park begins to get busiest can help provide that needed energy to keep going later into the night.

Have fun!

 

[sharona]

If you are coming from the east coast then from my experience you might be up early the first day whether you intend to be or not! We found taking a break mid day - when the park begins to get busiest can help provide that needed energy to keep going later into the night.

Have fun!

Thanks! Yes - I think we have the best chance of successfully staying in the park for the late parade on day 2 after a nice mid day nap a refreshing shower and a good dinner. Arrival day we'll be leaving home at 5am East Coast time for the airport so we'll be pretty beat up by 10:45 Pacific. I'm sure you're right about us being up early the first few days although at 13, DD has suddenly become quite the champion sleeper!

 

[sherilaine]

Thanks! Yes - I think we have the best chance of successfully staying in the park for the late parade on day 2 after a nice mid day nap a refreshing shower and a good dinner. Arrival day we'll be leaving home at 5am East Coast time for the airport so we'll be pretty beat up by 10:45 Pacific. I'm sure you're right about us being up early the first few days although at 13, DD has suddenly become quite the champion sleeper!

I have a 13 year old DD and she can sleep in like crazy but somehow at DLR she was up and raring to go, she was first st the gate 4 of our 5 days. Somewhat rediculois really!!