Parade advice, please

[KCMiller]

I usually don't worry about watching parades, since I'm fairly tall (and an adult ), but during my December trip, and really the whole REASON for the trip, is to see my DD and DS march in the afternoon parade at MK. It being Christmas week, I know it'll be crowded, and I'm OK with staking out a seat well in advance and hanging out. But I'm worried that I won't really be able to see them, if someone gets in front of me or something. That happened the last time I stood on Main Street - I was next to a garbage can and everything, and the people to my left kept edging out into the street. My pictures and video of my oldest DS's march down Main Street are mostly of this other persons back, and her turning around to glare at me because I asked her to move back .

If you REALLY REALLY had to have great sightlines, with no chance of anyone stepping in front of you, where exactly would you sit? I would love to get a picture of them marching with the castle in the background - is it possible to sit on the edge of the 'hub', where they make the turn to go backstage? So essentially they would be marching directly towards me?

I'm so excited, and I'll be all by my lonesome (my DH and older DS won't be making the trip), so I only need a little space for me and my camcorder! All suggestions are very very welcome!


KC

 

[hockey mom]

We sat on the curb by the "Tomorrow Land" entrance. It was a great view of every float coming down main street(depends which way the parade runs).

You can sit on the hub if you want.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have always found the route through Frontierland to be excellent. One spot is up the steps of the pillory, right in front of the entrance to the Liberty Belle. Another is on the walkway, the 'river side', across from LTT. There is a short brick wall running parallel to the walkway/parade route. When the CM's string the rope, there is little chance for people getting in front of you.

God luck.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I heard someone say that a really good place is near the fire station. But you won't get the castle in the background.

Before the parade begins, explain to everyone in your immediate area that your children are in the parade and it is really important to you that you get a picture of them.

When your children are comming up let everyone know so they can move out of your way. Most people will be more than accomodating.

I don't think people will accomodate you if you are trying to get an unobtructed view of the entire parade, but most will be happy to back up so you can snap some pics and take some video.

Good Luck!

 

[Karnak]

If you can get a reservation at Tony's for about 45 minutes before the parade you wish to see is scheduled to begin, and request an outside table when you first enter the building, you stand a great chance to not only get to sit down and eat during the parade, but also to have a great view of the parade.

I did that by accident once during an evening SpectroMagic Parade, and just loved the experience.

Enjoy.

 

[KCMiller]

Thanks, everyone! I did nicely ask that one lady to shift a little because my children were marching, but that's when she glared .

I wish I could watch from Frontierland, I've heard it's really good viewing spots, but there's something about your child marching down Main Street . . . it's such a special thing, I can't explain how proud and misty eyed you get. Dinner at Tony's is actually in the plans for later that night, with my DS and DD who marched, as a super surprise, and I hope to get seats on the porch for Spectro!

I think I'm going to try to sit right at the head of Main Street, at the hub, facing the castle. I can take pictures of them heading towards me, then as they turn to pass me, I can take individuals of my children. When you sit right on the hub, are you sitting on the curb, or does the landscaping go all the way to the edge? I totally forget - does anyone have a picture of it looks like right there?

If I get good pictures of my children, I'll try to post them here.

KC

 

[Dan Murphy]

....it's such a special thing, I can't explain how proud and misty eyed you get...

I think most, if not all, here understand, KC.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Rent 2 double strollers and place them on either side of you. If anyone gives you grief about it explain your situation and allow some well behaved children to sit in the strollers. That leaves you plenty of elbow room.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) The only totally unobstructed view is from the rail on the Train Platform.
2) But, you need to save your bench about 2-hrs ahead of time.
3) It is nice, since the castle is squarely in the background.

 

[KCMiller]

Well, the really swell thing is that my DS's and my parents and I will be at WDW in November for SSW, and so my plan is to scope out some spots, and see what the sightlines and such are - the rest of my family is there for the soap stars, I'm going for the company, the restaurants, EE and recon !

KC