Parade viewing area

[Angel141925]

What is the best and easiest way to view the parade? We have the plaza inn package but I’m not 100% sold on it. It’s expensive!! We have a very active 2 almost 3 year old so I don’t really want to camp out for hours but want to make sure he can see and get the whole parade experience. I’ll keep the package if I have to but I don’t really want to.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I would just keep it if the parade is very important to you. I've had great luck finding a spot for one or two people 15-30 minutes before start time, but have never seen a spot where a family could squeeze in less than an hour out.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

When my son was that age I used to watch the parade from the train platform on Main Street. We could easily go up there just before the parade started and my son could sort of run around up there without a lot of people around. I don’t know if this is even possible now though. I’m going to try it this weekend.

View from the train platform:

 

[Malcon10t]

Down by the Small World Mall area might be easier.

I *think* they are using the train station as a VIP area again.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Down by the Small World Mall area might be easier.

I *think* they are using the train station as a VIP area again.

So the last time we did this, which was two years ago, they WERE using the train platform as a VIP seating area. However, they were only using the center of the train station platform. The sides were open for people to stand and view from there. I even asked a CM posted near the VIP section if it was OK that we were standing there and she said yes of course. There were very few people up there… just a few who exited the train and realized the parade was happening so they paused to watch.

Of course things could totally be different this year and this location might not be available for viewing.

 

[OlliePop27]

What is the best and easiest way to view the parade? We have the plaza inn package but I’m not 100% sold on it. It’s expensive!! We have a very active 2 almost 3 year old so I don’t really want to camp out for hours but want to make sure he can see and get the whole parade experience. I’ll keep the package if I have to but I don’t really want to.

We're in the same situation with a toddler and not being able to hold a spot for a long time. The parade is a "must do" for us, so we currently have the dining package booked. I'm hoping for reports about the dining package viewing location and separate insight about lower wait options in other areas. We're happy to stand, even a few rows back, but waiting more than 15-20 minutes is not going to be realistic for us.

 

[SFMommy]

Any update on the train area for viewing? We would like to watch the parade when we are there in a few weeks. But it's not a huge priority for us, so we're happy to go anywhere (even with a mediocre view) maybe 15-30 minutes before it starts. Thanks!

 

[gelatoni fan]

If you are willing to do the second show, you can usually get a second row spot on Main Street very easily minutes before the show starts (and sometimes even after it starts). The first show is a bit more challenging but you can probably find something 30 minutes before the show by walking along the parade route. The train station and the area across from Small World are elevated so that could also work well.

 

[DLRExpert]

Small World area 45 minutes before 1st show . 2nd show will be easier to see.