Paint the night Parade

[mickey+minnie91]

Were going to park July 24-28 so It will be in the busy summer When do people start waiting and getting spots for the parade? Any tips on good location to watch from? Long ago I would see people bring something to lay on the ground to sit on, is that still allowed? The ground is hot and dirty

Thanks!

 

[Butterfly123]

I haven't been since last summer, so I don't know the current wait times, but we brought a twin size sheet with us to sit on. The sheet wasn't as bulky as towels or a blanket, but it covered a large enough area for us. I agree, who wants to sit on the filthy ground!

 

[figment_jii]

When I was there over the Memorial Day weekend, most of the curb spots on Main Street were already taken by about 6:30 pm (weekdays before the weekend and on the weekend). There were still some spots, but not large areas. Some guests watch the afternoon Soundsational Parade and remain in their spots for PtN, so you'll see guests along the parade route from mid-to-late afternoon. I did still see people put down blankets/towels to sit on, but do expect people to crowd into unoccupied areas, so I wouldn't rely on a blanket/towel to hold any space as the crowds start to fill in.

 

[tlovesdis]

You can usually find a great spot for the second parade right after the fireworks crowd thins out. We usually wait a few minutes after the fireworks end, and then head towards the end of Main Street near the exit so we can get out of dodge right after the parade ends!

 

[figment_jii]

I agree with tlovesdis that if you can wait for the second parade, that's usually a much better option from a crowd stand point. Also, if you watch from Main Street, you'll be near the start of the parade route (the first parade goes from IaSW to Main Street and the second goes from Main Street to IaSW).

 

[ktlm]

If you can wait for the 2nd parade, it is much easier. We were there anniversary week last July and we actually hopped over after WOC our first night and decided to see if we could catch the late parade. We planned on a probably couple of hour stake out of a spot the next day. We found a great spot on Main Street in the 2nd row of people about 15 or 20 minutes before the parade started. At least last summer, they made the front row stay seated on the curb and the 2nd row stand up behind them about 5 minutes before the parade started, so we had a clear unobstructed view. It was great and we saved all that time the next day we would have been waiting. We loved PTN so much, we actually caught the late parade again the next night- again just grabbing a spot about 15 minutes before it started. Now-- if you have only one night to see it I certainly would not recommend waiting until 15 or 20 minutes before it starts to grab a spot for the late parade- I would stake it out earlier than that....but if you can stay there for the late parade it doesn't have to be a couple of hours ahead of time.

 

[Kirbie]

I have a question about this as well. I am going in late August, and I definitely want to see PtN and the fireworks. I'm 100% ok with seeing the second parade, but how could I plan to see the fireworks on main street, then the second parade, without having to be there super early? Could I be in DCA and pop over to DL before the fireworks to join the crowds in the street for the fireworks? Thanks!

 

[GatorGirl]

If you can wait for the 2nd parade, it is much easier. We were there anniversary week last July and we actually hopped over after WOC our first night and decided to see if we could catch the late parade. We planned on a probably couple of hour stake out of a spot the next day. We found a great spot on Main Street in the 2nd row of people about 15 or 20 minutes before the parade started. At least last summer, they made the front row stay seated on the curb and the 2nd row stand up behind them about 5 minutes before the parade started, so we had a clear unobstructed view. It was great and we saved all that time the next day we would have been waiting. We loved PTN so much, we actually caught the late parade again the next night- again just grabbing a spot about 15 minutes before it started. Now-- if you have only one night to see it I certainly would not recommend waiting until 15 or 20 minutes before it starts to grab a spot for the late parade- I would stake it out earlier than that....but if you can stay there for the late parade it doesn't have to be a couple of hours ahead of time.

Thank you ^ we are coming in on a Thursday and were debating whether to go into the park or not that day and I think we will just to see the late parade. We aren't really parade people but everybody is raving about PTN so we have to see it!

 

[ktlm]

Thank you ^ we are coming in on a Thursday and were debating whether to go into the park or not that day and I think we will just to see the late parade. We aren't really parade people but everybody is raving about PTN so we have to see it!

I think that would be a great way to start the trip. My DH doesn't care about the parades and only tolerates them because I like them (and it usually involves him complaining while we are waiting for the parade to start). He loved PTN!