Pixar play parade

[WardFam]

I haven't seen the parade at dca for probably 7 years so I have no idea where the best place to watch the parade and how early I should be there to stake out my spot. We will probably watch the parade on Tuesday November 4.

 

[roflclaw]

I've only seen it once and we just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I found a spot to sit on the curb right next to the Monster's University set up & across from the Theater where the street turns. The parade comes from the Tower of Terror direction so we were able to see it head on and then right when they turned the corner as well.

I'd say we were ~20 minutes or so before the parade began.

 

[ImDMous]

We walked into it and sat on the curb right as it was coming towards us. We were right around where the RSR fastpass line is, at the entrance to Bug's Land. We tried to walk past it, got to Carthay Circle and the street was closed so figured we might as well watch and walked back to find space on the curb.

 

[figment_jii]

I think pretty much anywhere along the parade route is fine. Early November, pre-Holiday/Christmas time and post Halloween probably won't mean huge park crowds, so I don't think you have to get there super early to get a curb spot. I'd aim for 15-20 minutes and you'll probably be okay.

Just one note, I learned something new on my last trip...this parade shoots a lot of water at the guests along the parade route! I never knew that and was glad that I was watching from a distance because some folks looked pretty wet by the end (think water gun fire, not misting or droplets, but streams of water). I asked if the water was "new" and the CM said that they don't always shoot water, especially when it's cold out (which explains why I never noticed...I last watched it in December!).

 

[ImDMous]

I think pretty much anywhere along the parade route is fine. Early November, pre-Holiday/Christmas time and post Halloween probably won't mean huge park crowds, so I don't think you have to get there super early to get a curb spot. I'd aim for 15-20 minutes and you'll probably be okay.

Just one note, I learned something new on my last trip...this parade shoots a lot of water at the guests along the parade route! I never knew that and was glad that I was watching from a distance because some folks looked pretty wet by the end (think water gun fire, not misting or droplets, but streams of water). I asked if the water was "new" and the CM said that they don't always shoot water, especially when it's cold out (which explains why I never noticed...I last watched it in December!).

It's funny you mentioned that. A few weeks ago when we saw it, we got soaked sitting on the curb. I loved it, but it was unexpected. I knew about all the bubbles but I didn't remember that every float can shoot water. Cover you camera!

 

[Aladora]

If you are considering eating at Carthay Circle and get an early reservation, ask if you can take your drink out to the balcony and watch the parade from there! We have done this now twice and it is such a fun place to watch from. The performers know that people stand out there so most of them look up and wave.

 

[Rubygoose]

If you walk by Wine Country Tratoria about 20-30 minutes before the parade starts, you may be able to find a bench to sit on. We've watched from a bench a couple times and it's great! The performers even come right up a high 5 the kids. We've only seen the parade in September, July and August, and they squirted water every time. I think they try to get adults when they're not looking! And you have to be careful with your phones and cameras, as they'll squirt those too.

 

[WardFam]

Thanks everyone! It sounds like finding a place shouldn't be too difficult! I like the idea of the bench so I will check that out - thanks!

 

[Diszona]

Just one note, I learned something new on my last trip...this parade shoots a lot of water at the guests along the parade route! I never knew that and was glad that I was watching from a distance because some folks looked pretty wet by the end (think water gun fire, not misting or droplets, but streams of water). I asked if the water was "new" and the CM said that they don't always shoot water, especially when it's cold out (which explains why I never noticed...I last watched it in December!).

We watched it a couple of weeks ago when the temperatures were in the high 90's, the water spray was much appreciated then.

One place we found was right next to the ramp leading to the Wine Country Trattoria outside dining, on the side across form the Pacific Wharf area. You can see it from the dining area, but the roped off area right next to that entrance has been empty every time we have gone there, all you have do is just walk down the ramp and there you are. The parade comes right by you.

 

[VicMom]

I also like watching it from the beginning. First DS didn't feel like he was waiting as long for the parade to work it's way further down the parade route. Plus, as soon as it was over, we were able to scoot right into Bugsland and then into Cars Land with minimal streams of people also leaving the parade area.

 

[disneydadazut2]

We had a great spot - and by complete accident. I was waiting for my kids and wife using the bathrooms next to Disney Jr. Stage. They have elevated benches, so you can see over those sitting on the curb. It seemed that very few even knew about this place.

 

[corinne76]

I agree that anywhere along the parade route is fine. WE found a spot against the wall right across Cars Land entrance.
It was last June, and yes, they are spraying water. Surprised the heck out of me the first time cause I wasn;t expecting it but the kids loved it though.