Parade Etiquette: Was I right or were the masses?

[eblack0409]

I am 6'4'' 255lbs. We always stake out a spot an hour early if we plan to watch a parade or show. I had a shirt printed that says "You can plan better, but I can't get any smaller.

 

[willis37862]

I am 6'4'' 255lbs. We always stake out a spot an hour early if we plan to watch a parade or show. I had a shirt printed that says "You can plan better, but I can't get any smaller.

That's awesome. As a 6'2 person I get sick of remarks about my height like I can change it.

 

[iamallears]

Well, this thread opened up some very interesting comments.
Its getting very serious or very funny not sure which.



Wondering if maybe Disney could start offering tickets for
First come First Parade Positions with stand or sit options/add - ons.

Just kidding and hopefully taken in the best humor.... I honestly think I'd be
upset getting my place in the parade route an hour early and then be heckled by late comers..... on the other hand, I'd sure be upset too if the people in front of me decided to create a mountain in order for me to see past them.

Anyway, everyone's got a good point and betcha everyone's had some parade story to tell too.

So, not sure the answer would / could change any future incidents.

Be kind to each other out there

 

[kimnkel]

Okay, here is my .02.

I HATE picture takers.

There.

I said it.

Feels good.

I was in a very, very nice restaurant the other night with my fiance and some other couple was celebrating their anniversary. They thought nothing of taking flash photos all night long. I was blinded for three hours, but hey--the important thing is they got the shot(s) for the memory book.

I am marrying a man I love with my whole heart--and yes, he is a picture taker. "Stand here, stand there, ooh, let me get a photo of this, and this, and that...." Proof positive love is blind.

Literally, thanks to all the flash action.

Gooooollllllyyyyyy can't we just watch the parade? Enjoy the park? Buy some professional photos at the store on main Street! (I know, I know, it's not the same, blahblahblah.)

But you know what? You photo hounds are disruptive to the flow---and particularly when it is crowded-- your hobby impacts others. I like to scream "FIRE" in crowds--it is what makes me happy. I have worked hard on my technique. I have spent a lot of money on learning to yell "FIRE" in a variety of environments/lighting, etc. Yelling "FIRE" is my hobby, joy, passion, raison d'etre. Please...understand and indulge me, perfect strangers.

Is it okay if I just randomly yell "FIRE" at the parade...just, you know, about five times?

Your right to swing your fist ends at the beginning of my nose.



I am hoping someday to get my fiance to admit his problem and get help. "Hi. See? Just like a real family. Uhm, makes you feel warm all over, doesn't it?

 

[Robo]

Also, if I remember correctly- you aren't allowed to take flash photos during this parade. I have seen people stand near the end of an aisle and use a tri-pod to photo the parade though. this seemed to cause very few problems.

The pre-Spectro announcement specifically says that flash photos and videotaping IS permitted, but to please turn off VIDEO LIGHTS.
This is also true in Festival of the Lion King.

 

[taximomfor4]

Maybe there are only two of us, but somebody upthread pointed out that when he/she watched parades at WDW, the CMs passed through ahead of time and told everybody in the front row to sit down. Same happened to me. I also watched the Halloween parade from a section where nobody was allowed to sit.

That was me, that had the CMs making us sit down in the first row all along that part of the parade route. So ever since then, we have sat along the parade route everywhere. The CMs enforced it all down Main Street. Perhaps it is just the rule on that part of the parade route? Because I was NOT the only person they made to sit down...they went all up and down the street telling others in the front row, as well. They made a point of saying my kids all had to sit as well except my youngest. When she stands, she is the same height as a sitting adult.

They told us they do that so that as many people as possible have an unobstructed view -- 2 rows instead of just one. So we assumed that as the same rule everywhere (it is certainly logical) and sit, even along ropes in Liberty Square area. Right on the flat pavement. But now that I know this is not the rule there, I don't know what I will do. Probably sit, still, because it is true that more people get good views then.

 

[willis37862]

The pre-Spectro announcement specifically says that flash photos and videotaping IS permitted, but to please turn off VIDEO LIGHTS.
This is also true in Festival of the Lion King.

Thanks. I thought that's what they said. I didn't remember them saying No Flash. Not that I used it but I guess you can if you want according to Disney.

 

[disneynewbee]

I agree that if you get there first you have a right to stand but people behind you should be warned in advance which you could do by telling them or standing while waiting. I would be pretty upset if I waited for the parade behind someone and they stood last minute with no warning. If they told me when I walked up I would go find another place to stand no problem. It's not a matter of you standing since that is your right but a matter of not telling the poor folks behind you since by the time they found out it was too late to find another spot.

 

[nyprincess]

I'm afraid I have to agree with you because I've been in a similar situation. My DH had planned for a surprise trip this past Monday just for the day. We decided to stay to watch Wishes. My favorite place to view them is on the bridge from the main walk to Tomorrowland. We were sitting there for 30 minutes and the rest of the bridge was empty. Apparently everybody thought if they stood in front of us, they would get a great view. This really irritates me because the rest of the bridge was empty and the only place the people felt they could stand was right in front of us. Sorry. Just had to vent.

 

[thaggie]

I agree with the majority of the people here, sorry, but if you were sitting for an hour and then stood up for the parade, I would be really annoyed. If you were standing for the whole time, I never would have picked a spot behind you.

I think you should have a good view for the parade, but I think you mislead the masses behind you by sitting for an hour and then standing.