MGM Parade Question

[Savanah'sMom]

Ok, so I'm looking into doing the Fantasmic dinner package and eating at Hollywood and Vine. I'm really looking forward to watching the cars parade before we eat. How long does the parade usally last and which end does it start at. I still have the park maps from our honeymood in Jan. 06 so I know what route it takes I just don't remember many details about it. Also, do you think we will have time to do the parade at 3:30, had adrs for around 4:30 then watch Fantasmic at 7.

 

[karibritt01]

It starts near the back of the park, passes the hat, and goes towards H&V. It lasts 45 minutes-ish. I would suggest making your reservations closer to 5 as crowds are heavy. H&V is a buffet, so once you are seated, it goes quickly. My travel agent told me last year that they will hold your reservation for up to 10 min before canceling it, but you don't want to cut it too close since you have to pay for it up front. Word of advice... go straight from the restaurant to Fantasmic. Last year we had the dinner package, but when we arrived the reserved seating was full. We had to stand in the back, behind the wheelchairs, and hold the kids on our shoulders. DH and I missed the entire show because of people in front of us.

 

[WDWCPAlumni]

We did that last time we were there.
Our dinner was at H&V for 4:20
We sat on the curb right outside of H&V to watch the parade.......the table will be held for you for 10 minutes only. So we had one person go check in at 4:25, everyone else got to see the whole parade, I think I only missed the tail end of it.
Plenty of time to get to Fantasmic though.

 

[Savanah'sMom]

Thank ya'll so much for the replies. I was really worry about the timing of everything. I'm making notes on my spreadsheet to make sure I don't forget about what you both said. Thanks again!!!!

 

[karibritt01]

I just noticed the age of your DD. My DD was just shy of 4 when we went last summer (1st trip for both kids) and she loved the Cars parade. Make your DD stand out with a cute hat or ears, and sit in the front. We have some really cute pics of the characters waving and blowing kisses to my DD, and one of a Power Ranger hi-5ing my DS. Standing out from the crowd is also good if she wants to talk to Crush! I wanted to suggest a CRT breakfast to you. It was the highlight of my DDs trip! She dressed in her Cinderella dress, and they do a free portrait with Cinderella. It was a wonderful memory for her. She shows everyone her pic of "2 Cinderellas in my castle!"

 

[CleveRocks]

The parade starts right next to Star Tours. Someone mentioned it lasts 45 minutes, and while I didn't time it, I really don't think it lasted even half that long.

 

[karibritt01]

The 45 min is what I had in my notes from last year... info from my travel agent. I didn't time it, but it seemed fairly long. Of course, we were there the last week of June, so maybe it was longer due to the crowds and time of year? I know we loved every minute!

 

[GinaMattsMom]

It was the best time we had at Disney! We got chosen to be in the MGM parade. We got to ride up front as Grand Marshals. We even had our name on the sign. My kids, DS now 7, DD now 10 were loving every minute of it. My DD however was tired of smiling and waving so much
They announced our name about 4 times during the parade and at the end we got to meet a bunch of characters and take pictures of them with the kids. It was an awesome experience!!

Can't wait to go back in 22 days!!!

 

[HopperFan]

Went in September. While the time posted online at WDW was one time, I happened to turn a corner and see it coming, it was starting at a different time....so I would check when entering the park for the exact time that day. Length, I don't think it was more than 20-30 minutes long. The cars are really cute, so much better than the original one with cars. If your times you have are correct, you should be fine, but I would be close to my location and make sure you don't have to cross the parade route during the parade.