Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade

[Pixiedusttravel]

I was just curious if anyone knows how they pick the families that get to participate in this parade. It would be a lot of fun to be able to ride in the parade like that! Has anyone from here ever been picked?

 

[chevitz5]

We were picked for the parade in September 2003. My DH and I were sitting on the curb - right around the area where the parade begins - and our 3 kids were "cooling" off in front of us with those gel neck wrap things. My youngest DD started dancing with her neck wrap and so the other DD started too. We were laughing, smiling, enjoying a simple family moment waiting for the parade. Then all of a sudden a CM came up and started talking to us and offered us a chance to be in the parade. She asked how many of us there were and I said 5. At that time, she noticed my youngest DD had a birthday pin on (it was her 4th birthday that day) and commented about her birthday. She then went on to explain that a family selected for the parade earlier in the day didn't show up to line up and they needed to fill their spot - but the float available could only hold 4 of us -not five. She recommended one of us and my DD (the birthday girl) ride the float. But then my DH spoke up and asked if all the four of us could be in it and he would wait off to get video and photos. She was fine with that and I was so thrilled my DH was that selfless as I was hoping so bad to get a chance!!

Anyhoo, after we agreed she took us back stage to an area that had lockers. We were each asked to wear a vest and hat and then taken over to our float. Once we were seated, we were given earplugs and then the real fun began. Characters were coming up left and right. My kids had so much fun those 15 minutes or so before the parade began! Every character that was in the parade came by the float and hugged, kissed, teased, etc the kids. Then once the parade started a CM at the gate took our photo with a disposable camera and then threw it up to us to use for the rest of the parade. It was so much fun! It was such a wonderful thing to happen on my DD's brithday.

But to get back to your original question - sorry it took this long! - I don't know how or why we were picked. We weren't doing anything out of the ordinary except relaxing on the side of the street, being entertained by our kids. I guess we were in the right place at the right time. Sometimes you just have to enjoy life and your day at Disney and the magical stuff just all falls into place.

 

[kilee]

That is a wonderful story- gotta give DH props for letting you all go!!

As for being picked- it is truly a random, magical act. There is really no specific reason certain families are picked.

 

[Pixiedusttravel]

chevitz5 ~ What a wonderful experience! I'm sure that's something the kids will never forget. I also have to agree with Kilee - it was really sweet of your hubby to let you all go with out him!!