Parade route at Disneyland?

[twinspluscade]

I've checked all over the internet, but can't seem to find what the parade route is at Disneyland. . Does it just go down Main Street, or does it go to other "lands" as well? Where's a good spot to watch it from, and how far in advance should we stake out a spot (we'll be going during the week in September).

TIA!

Kelly

 

[stopher1]

The parade route runs from IASW up in Fantasyland, down through FL, enters the hub and stays to the East side (it doesn't circle around in front of the castle like WDW's does), and then goes down MS, and exits out of Town Square (on days when there are 2 parades, it can return back up MS and do the opposite - at least it used to do that in days gone by).

TS is a great place to view the parade - especially if you can get the benches up on the train station platform, or curbside seating. All along MS there you'll have great viewing, and then there is a section in the FL esplanade approaching IASW that has some slightly elevated platforms for parade viewing (originally added for that mess they tried to force on DL years ago...Light Tragic -er Magic. Sorry - I hated that thing).

I'm sure locals will chime in with when to stake out a spot...it really depends on crowd levels and when in Sep. you'll be there. DW and I are native CA'ians, and I am a former CM, and have years of experience with DL as an AP holder, but I simply don't get there as often anymore (3-5x/yr vs. multiple x's/month like many of the locals do). The visitor dynamic seemed to have changed with the 50th, and has remained stronger since then, even through traditionally less crowded or off-peak times).

Good luck in your planning.

 

[DLR29]

The parade route runs from IASW up in Fantasyland, down through FL, enters the hub and stays to the East side (it doesn't circle around in front of the castle like WDW's does), and then goes down MS, and exits out of Town Square (on days when there are 2 parades, it can return back up MS and do the opposite - at least it used to do that in days gone by).

Here's a visual. The parade route is the dotted line.

 

[pixiewings71]

At night it runs opposite, so at night it starts in the hub and ends by SW

 

[gentah]

A highlight for us on our last trip to Disneyland was performing in the parade. The day before, we happened upon a cast member telling another guest how to be chosen (or in this case volunteer) to participate, so we came back the next day prepared. Basically, find out which direction the parade is going, then go to the other end of the route and look around for the double decker bus and CMs wearing "cloud" overalls and ask them if your family could participate. They require you to be wearing sturdy shoes (no flip flops or sandals) and regular clothes, no characters or logos, and a parent must participate with kids. I can't remember the timing, but it seems about 1-2 hours before the parade started. They work from the end of the parade route to the beginning gathering people. When you get on the bus you fill out the legal paperwork. When you arrive at the beginning of the parade route, they divide you into groups and teach you a little dance and you practice--then the show begins. We got to be with the Penguins at the end. It was such a great time, and at the end, they gave each person an exclusive blue fairy trading pin.