Mickey's Soundsational Parade or Pixar Play Parade?

[Koreyleigh]

We will be going to DL on Feb 5th and 6th! The last time we went to DL was the fall of 2013. During that trip we saw the parades in both parks. Have Mickey's and the Pixar parade changed at all since then? Since we are making a quick trip, I don't know if we'll have time for both. If you had to choose one parade to go to, which one would you prefer?

Also, I have been to DL multiple times and have never been there when Fantasmic was playing. I was plesantly surprised when I checked the entertainment schedule today and saw that Fantasmic would be playing both days were are there. Eek! Any tips on where to sit? Do I need to get fastpasses early in the morning for the show?

 

[figment_jii]

I haven't memorized either parade, but nothing jumps out as me as having been recently added. Depending on when you went in 2013, they have a Monsters University segment in the Pixar Parade (I don't know when it debuted). They did add Anna & Elsa as a pre-parade element, but I haven't actually heard if this element returned after the holidays. I like both parade, so it mostly depends whether you like Pixar or Disney characters better.

In terms of F!, it's currently being presented nightly because WoC is undergoing refurbishment. If you want to be guaranteed a spot to sit (ground seating only - no chairs), you need to splurge and get the Blue Bayou dining package. I think guests in the other dining package areas also can sit, but it's not guaranteed like it is for Blue Bayou. The majority of the FP viewing area is standing room only (again, there might be a small area close to the RoA that are ground seated). They hand out FPs for the first show first, then the second show, so when you get a FP depends on which show you want. If you want to see the first show in the best possible FP location, go at opening. Otherwise, it sounds like FPs last well into the day at this point.

 

[Geemo]

We will be going to DL on Feb 5th and 6th! The last time we went to DL was the fall of 2013. During that trip we saw the parades in both parks. Have Mickey's and the Pixar parade changed at all since then? Since we are making a quick trip, I don't know if we'll have time for both. If you had to choose one parade to go to, which one would you prefer?

Also, I have been to DL multiple times and have never been there when Fantasmic was playing. I was plesantly surprised when I checked the entertainment schedule today and saw that Fantasmic would be playing both days were are there. Eek! Any tips on where to sit? Do I need to get fastpasses early in the morning for the show?

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/ca/calendar/#/default/2015/02/05-
This link will get you to a schedule for those two days.
The Pixar Parade is daily at 5:15pm
Mickey's Soundsational parade is 4pm on Thursday 2-5 and Friday 2-6 at 4pm & 6:30pm.

You might be able to see both.

With DGD's, Mickey's is the one we would pick, because of the princess' float.

Have a fun trip.

Geemo

 

[Koreyleigh]

Thanks so much @figment_jii and @Geemo! That was so helpful!

 

[superlarz]

Even with the Monsters U, the Pixar Play Parade is still pretty simliar just with the added float. Personally, I like Soundsational more, but it depends on the people you are with and what they like. I think the Play Parade might be better for young children and it is definitely easier to get a good seat in the shade for.

 

[ImDMous]

We definitely prefer Pixar, so sick of Soundsational. Neither of them has changed significantly.

 

[KOUKLI]

Not much difference if any from 2013 parades. Pixar Parade I find is the best pick!

 

[PinkBudgie]

Personal preference, really. I like the Pixar parade best because I love all those characters and I love the song. It's so catchy and happy and upbeat!

 

[ludari]

We will be going to DL on Feb 5th and 6th! The last time we went to DL was the fall of 2013. During that trip we saw the parades in both parks. Have Mickey's and the Pixar parade changed at all since then? Since we are making a quick trip, I don't know if we'll have time for both. If you had to choose one parade to go to, which one would you prefer?

Also, I have been to DL multiple times and have never been there when Fantasmic was playing. I was plesantly surprised when I checked the entertainment schedule today and saw that Fantasmic would be playing both days were are there. Eek! Any tips on where to sit? Do I need to get fastpasses early in the morning for the show?

As an AP holder and living local I visit DL all the time. I definitely prefer Soundsational parade over the Pixar parade if I had to choose one. Since neither of them have changed over the last few years I typically skip the parades and either jump to the opposite park or get on rides while people are watching the parade. I can't wait until the new parades start in celebration of the 60th anniversary.

I do enjoy watching Fantasmic if I happen to be in the area. A lot of people claim their spots early for the Fantasmic shows by laying out blankets but I like to stand back near the bride by Pirates to watch the show. No fastpasses are needed.

 

[jsebsirois]

I think it depends which characters you wanna see... Both are so fun, but I would for Mickey's Soundsational Parade, especially if you can catch a later performance, when it's already dark outside.