Magic Kingdom Electrical Light Parade viewing

[Laura Elizabeth]

Does anyone know how early you need to arrive to reserve a seat at the Main street train station for the Electrical light parade? I'm going to Magic Kingdom in August and the crowd level is predicted to be moderate. Thank you in advance for any help

 

[Aeweddle]

Are they doing the 11:00 parade in August? I didn't even realize they did the parade again in the summer. My daughter and I were leaving the park when I heard the announcement. We were able to get an awesome spot right in front of the castle about 15 minutes before it started. I don't know if that fits your plans, but I thought I would mention it. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

 

[mom2rtk]

Last I heard the upper level of the train station was blocked off for VIP guests. Not sure if that was temporary and it's back available to regular guests, but be aware you might not have access to that area.

 

[Klayfish]

Depends where you want to see it. If you want to be near the castle, you'd need to be there an hour ahead. If you go near the Hall of Presidents and down Frontierland, you can get there 20 minutes ahead and get a spot. Our favorite place is near Hall of Presidents, where the shackle replica is. Wide open space for viewing, so no being packed in like sardines and still a great view as the parade approaches then turns the corner right in front of you.

 

[Laura Elizabeth]

Thanks everyone. The electrical light parade will be at 9 pm only. I didn't realize that the train station area could be blocked. Now, I'm torn because I like the idea of Liberty Square with less crowds. But, my kids have never seen the electrical light parade, celebrate the magic or wishes. I guess I should plan on looking for a spot 1 hour before to be on the safe side and find a spot for all three. Does anyone know what the rose garden area is like know that it's not a fast pass option?

 

[disny_luvr]

There still could be an 11:00 parade. When we were there last week, only the 9:00 parade was listed but there was still an 11:00 one. We didn't watch it that night but did a few nights later and only got to Main Street a few minutes before it started (the 11:00 parade) and there were plenty of excellent spots along the street still available.

 

[Klayfish]

I believe they use some of the rose garden area for a dessert reservation, though I'm not 100% sure. If you really want to be in front of the castle, then yeah...I'd just plop down before 8pm and find something to pass the time. Here's what we did a few nights ago...watched the parade from Hall of Presidents area. The parade even started a bit late so it was 8:45pm easily by time it passed. We walked quickly toward the front of the park, as we were actually intending to leave. We happened to be right in front of the Crystal Palace when Celebrate started. We easily found chairs to sit in where the outside tables with umbrellas were. While we had to duck our heads a little to see the entire castle (otherwise the umbrella would have blocked the top of the castle), it was still a great view of Celebrate. We watched the entire thing, it was great. The kids were tired and had already seen Wishes, so we "watched" it as we walked down the Main Street sidewalk towards the exit.

 

[Laura Elizabeth]

There still could be an 11:00 parade. When we were there last week, only the 9:00 parade was listed but there was still an 11:00 one. We didn't watch it that night but did a few nights later and only got to Main Street a few minutes before it started (the 11:00 parade) and there were plenty of excellent spots along the street still available.

The park closes at 10pm the day I'm going. I guess I see what the crowds are like on the day and go from there. Thanks

 

[disny_luvr]

The park closes at 10pm the day I'm going. I guess I see what the crowds are like on the day and go from there. Thanks

Oh boo! Well, never mind then. I'm sure it will all work out. Have a great time!

 

[Candycane83]

I believe they use some of the rose garden area for a dessert reservation, though I'm not 100% sure. If you really want to be in front of the castle, then yeah...I'd just plop down before 8pm and find something to pass the time. Here's what we did a few nights ago...watched the parade from Hall of Presidents area. The parade even started a bit late so it was 8:45pm easily by time it passed. We walked quickly toward the front of the park, as we were actually intending to leave. We happened to be right in front of the Crystal Palace when Celebrate started. We easily found chairs to sit in where the outside tables with umbrellas were. While we had to duck our heads a little to see the entire castle (otherwise the umbrella would have blocked the top of the castle), it was still a great view of Celebrate. We watched the entire thing, it was great. The kids were tired and had already seen Wishes, so we "watched" it as we walked down the Main Street sidewalk towards the exit.

How long did u have to wait for a spot in front of the hall of presidents? Just wondering if I could make it with a 7:30 reservation at BOG... Thanks

 

[Rivergirl2005]

We waited right in front of the Christmas Store for the first parade. We got there 15 minutes before and was right in front of the rope. Definitely worth it. We were able to finish some rides and not waste and hour sitting. There was still a lot of room over by us until 5 mins before the parade arrived. Just a thought if you don't want to wait....

From there we walked to in front of the Mickey Statue with plenty of time and room to watch celebrate the magic and wishes...

 

[Alesia]

We can always manage to find a spot in front of the Christmas Shop just a few minutes before the parade starts

 

[Accident]

Does anyone know how early you need to arrive to reserve a seat at the Main street train station for the Electrical light parade? I'm going to Magic Kingdom in August and the crowd level is predicted to be moderate. Thank you in advance for any help

Anytime I have sat at the train station I just walk up about the time they start to announce "10 minutes". while there are people up there, it's not a common spot to watch the parades from anymore. crowds are always different but I wouldn't waste more than 30 minutes getting there. that's about when people start to claim their seats on the curb so everyone is pre-occupied with those spots.

 

[Klayfish]

How long did u have to wait for a spot in front of the hall of presidents? Just wondering if I could make it with a 7:30 reservation at BOG... Thanks

About 20 minutes, but we could have been later and still made it.

 

[RachaelA]

If you want a front row spot on Main Street/around the hub, I think you need more then an hour. If you are ok with second or third row then you'll be fine