Need help with show/parade times (how long they are)

[ryan840]

Hi. I'm down to my final stages of planning and I really need to know how long some of the shows/parades are so I can plan around it, and if I have to, decide what to leave out before we get there, so we won't be disappointed. I've tried looking at different places and can't seem to find anything, so here is a list: Share a Dream Come True Parade, Wishes, Philharmagic, Fantasmic, Playhouse Disney, Illuminations, Stars and Motor Cars Parade, and The Great Movie Ride. We are planning to do some park hopping, and leaving for lunch, etc... and these are the things I would like to see/do that I know take more time that most rides/ attractions, or they only happen once a day. Thanks in advance!

 

[drusba]

Parades are generally about 25 minutes, Illuminations is about 17, Philarmagic about 18, Great Movie Ride 17, Fantasmic 40, Wishes 17, Playhouse Disney 20.

Biggest problem is those times mean nothing if you are scheduling because you need to get a seat or a decent place to watch any of those and that means deciding how early you have to show up to do that, and that can vary enormously depending on when you go. Take for example this week (Easter; busiest of the year): you want to get into Fantasmic? you'd better show up at least 75 minutes early. You want a good spot for the daily parade at MK? Well, people start grabbing those two hours before the parade begins. Great Movie Ride? It is probably averaging about a 70 minute line right now.

Now consider the middle of September (lightest of the year): Fantasmic? Get there about 20 minutes beforehand and you are fine. Daily parade? Great spots are still avaialble 15 minutes beforehand. Great Movie Ride? Walk on with no line after 2.

So your main issue is not the length of the event but the time of year you are going because of the needed time to assure a decent seat or view.

 

[ryan840]

Thanks for the help. I know there will be "staking out times" that I'll have to figure in, I've been asking around and from what I hear, it shouldn't be too crowded when we go (Park days are May 2nd and 4th). What are your thoughts on it?