Paint the Night: What direction on 1 parade night?

[Comicbookmommy]

Hi! My family and I are going for 1 day on Sept. 1st to see PTN one more time.

I know that on a 2 parade night, it goes from Small World for the first parade, then back to Small World for the first parade. But what direction on the 1 parade night?

I ask because I purchased the Blue Bayou package, but only will keep it if we can also get a good spot for the Fireworks too. If PTN goes FROM Small World for the one parade, I know there's no chance of getting up Main Street after the parade. But if it goes TO Small World, can I follow the parade to a better spot up Main Street? Does that made sense, haha.

Also, I'd love any general advice outside the BB package on how to get a good spot for both parade and fireworks. We've never seen the fireworks, so really want a good spot for both. What is the best strategy?

Thanks in advance! Much appreciated!

 

[Darkbeer1]

A one parade night is almost always from "small world" to Main Street, due to the storage issues and using the Main Street Backstage area for other things.

 

[Comicbookmommy]

A one parade night is almost always from "small world" to Main Street, due to the storage issues and using the Main Street Backstage area for other things.

Thank you for letting me know!!

Well...dagnabbit I guess I should cancel the BB package then. I really would like a good spot for both on this trip.

So what is the best strategy to get both? I've tried looking it up, but am pretty confused by all the information. Unsure of what the best spot it, and how early to nab it.

 

[Elima2015]

We saw it on a 1-parade night and it was from Small World to Main St. We got a curb spot on main street, pretty much right in the middle of it, but had to get there 3 hours early (this was a Thursday evening). I stayed with the baby and DH and the older kids went off to find food. We had a picnic. I then took the kids on a few rides in FL. We played a card game. We had a good time and it was well worth it. After the parade, we just stepped into Main St for the fireworks. It was awesome. Great view.

 

[Comicbookmommy]

Really you are way overthinking this its a parade? Lol

Nope. It's important to us. And the last time to see it.

 

[Comicbookmommy]

We saw it on a 1-parade night and it was from Small World to Main St. We got a curb spot on main street, pretty much right in the middle of it, but had to get there 3 hours early (this was a Thursday evening). I stayed with the baby and DH and the older kids went off to find food. We had a picnic. I then took the kids on a few rides in FL. We played a card game. We had a good time and it was well worth it. After the parade, we just stepped into Main St for the fireworks. It was awesome. Great view.

Cool! Thank you! Sounds like that technique is best. So you think 3 hours? I have a baby too and was worried about his waiting for so long, so I think we'll do what you did. Thank you!

 

[mom2rtk]

Really you are way overthinking this its a parade? Lol

OP said they are going for the express purpose of seeing the parade one last time. Given that she will be there just prior to its closing, it's smart to have a plan. I imagine the crowds will be big.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Personally, we did the BB package and we had a terrible view of PTN. We were told to get there half an hour before parade start time. We arrived about 45 minutes to the parade only to find that the area had already been open and we were wedged in at the back and didn't even have enough room between the people in front of us and the rope behind us. When the parade started, with people standing, we could barely see. We had much better viewing spots other nights when we just walked up.

If it's really important to you to be on Main Street, then I would arrive 2 - 2 1/2 hours before the fireworks. If it's a Friday or Saturday, then I would say 3 hours. After the parade, you will be directed to stand in the "street" as you can no longer stand on the side walks. Keep in mind that the fireworks get cancelled often at Disneyland.

 

[Comicbookmommy]

Personally, we did the BB package and we had a terrible view of PTN. We were told to get there half an hour before parade start time. We arrived about 45 minutes to the parade only to find that the area had already been open and we were wedged in at the back and didn't even have enough room between the people in front of us and the rope behind us. When the parade started, with people standing, we could barely see. We had much better viewing spots other nights when we just walked up.

If it's really important to you to be on Main Street, then I would arrive 2 - 2 1/2 hours before the fireworks. If it's a Friday or Saturday, then I would say 3 hours. After the parade, you will be directed to stand in the "street" as you can no longer stand on the side walks. Keep in mind that the fireworks get cancelled often at Disneyland.

Thank you! I will definitely cancel then. That sounds horrible. Why didn't they get a better spot for people who are paying for it? I will do as you say, and arrive a couple hours early and nab a Main Street spot. This is the first time we've planned something like this so it's all new. It's on a Thursday with low attendance, but the only wild card is how many people will show up to see the parade one more time like me. We'll find out, I guess!

Thank you very much for your help!

 

[The Lucky Bug]

If the parade is the priority over the fireworks I would suggest viewing it from It's A Small World. There is a spot directly across from the ride next to the reserved seating area (for Aladdin's Oasis) that has a perfect view of the parade coming right at you. We usually claim our spot there around 7pm for the first parade. After the parade is over you have about 20mins until the fireworks. They project everything on It's A Small World and it still snows there, but you do miss Tink and Nemo flying.

For me personally waiting on Main Street with everyone walking past makes me anxious. I like how you can camp out by It's A Small World with plenty of space and hardly anyone walking around.

 

[Winnowill]

We're doing the same thing, only we're going 9/2 with the sole purpose of seeing the fireworks (weather willing). We can't get there before 6:30, so hoping for a bit of pixie dust to get us a good spot.