We were in the audience in 2008, and it's NOT like a regular parade. Like most TV productions, there are "cut!"s, retakes, resets and all the fun that goes with that. It took about an hour to tape about ten seconds worth.

It was fun, though, and we received free admission to MK. We left our spots mid-morning to eat at CP and enjoy the park. It was NOT a madhouse!! In fact, most people were so interested in the parade (and stayed away assuming it was a madhouse), the rest of the park was really easy to tour.
We were also there during PW, and like others have said, we hardly noticed them. We were at YC and SoG, so we saw the occasional family that decided to upgrade, but nothing like the things I've read from those who've stayed in the values at that time.
We'll be there the same time this year.



We haven't decided on the exact dates, but I can't waaaaait!!