Possibly New MSEP FP+ Info

[morethananyonex]

I'm not sure if this has been posted in the past, but if it has I never saw it before our trip.

The MSEP FP+ window opens 20 minutes before the parade starts (6:40 for a 7:00 start time). We were walking by the area at about 6:15, possibly a few minutes earlier, and there was a line up to get into the FP+ area that they were just starting to let in. We found getting there early was important, as the area ended up being pretty full once the parade started. We saw a few upset people walk away from their FP+ because of how full the area was when they arrived about 10-20 minutes before start time. If you want curb side seats you still need to arrive early.

I'm not sure if what we experienced is the norm as we were only in the FP+ area one night, but I wanted to give a heads up to people. Showing up early is still important with FP+, and for our family at least that lessens the value of it significantly.

 

[appleorchard]

We sat in the parade area in October and were surprised at how many people were let in. If you didn't get there early enough you did NOT get a front-row view. You were one or two rows of people behind. Which is fine as long as everybody sits DOWN in the front row--but they don't! I don't always, myself--depending on the angle I'm sitting at, I can't always see what's coming next if I don't stand.

 

[HopperFan]

We did it in September with only a few hotels booking FP+ and the area filled up. Def would not wait until the last minute to arrive. Most in the area stood up.

Note that while the area stayed clear prior to FP+ entering, MANY people filled in behind the area more in the hub, sat down and prepared for what they thought was a great parade view. As soon as the FP+ area filled in - and everyone except front row was standing - the non-FP+ folks sitting behind got very upset. There was lots of screaming and yelling back and forth throughout the parade. Those folks had staked out what they thought were great spots for the parade/wishes at least an hour ahead....Cast Members tried to diffuse but it didn't help so they gave up. Just sharing so someone doesn't sit in that area thinking that the roped off area in front of them stays empty.

 

[scard192]

We sat in the parade area in October and were surprised at how many people were let in. If you didn't get there early enough you did NOT get a front-row view. You were one or two rows of people behind. Which is fine as long as everybody sits DOWN in the front row--but they don't! I don't always, myself--depending on the angle I'm sitting at, I can't always see what's coming next if I don't stand.

we were there in October too. some people when they heard that they could use FP+ used their smartphones to book it and got in. Then there were those that tried to get in and were turned away as they did not have MB and not testing FP+. Also people climbing under the ropes to get in; we ratted them out to the CM so they would get escorted out. What do people think when they see a roped off area, its OK to go under?

We liked using the FP+. arrived at the beginning of the time listed and sat on the ground in the first row. NO way my impatient 2 year old niece would ahve waited an hour for the parade.

 

[staceyeileen]

We did the MSEP FP+ at the end of Jan and got a 2nd row spot by getting there about 15 minutes before parade time. Lucky for us the 1st row people were also sitting down. As with everything at Disney, the crowd level will dictate your experience.

 

[morethananyonex]

We did the MSEP FP+ at the end of Jan and got a 2nd row spot by getting there about 15 minutes before parade time. Lucky for us the 1st row people were also sitting down. As with everything at Disney, the crowd level will dictate your experience.

Not necessarily true. Our experience was in early February, similar crowd levels to late January, perhaps slightly higher. The MK itself was a recommended park and wait times were low. The FP+ area was jam packed and we we're let in about 45 minutes before parade start, or 25 minutes before FP+ start time. The people arriving at the time you did left disappointed.

It has everything to do with when people arrive and are let into the area, which seems to vary. I would caution people booking that early arrival can still be very important even with the FP+.

 

[OBDisney]

How long would you have to show up to see the parade and get a front row seat without a fastpass. Just wondering how much time it will save us to know if it will be worth it. I don't mind showing up 45-an hour early if it will save a lot of time and still get a front row seat.

 

[mesaboy2]

How long would you have to show up to see the parade and get a front row seat without a fastpass. Just wondering how much time it will save us to know if it will be worth it. I don't mind showing up 45-an hour early if it will save a lot of time and still get a front row seat.

Depends not only on crowds, but where on the route you want to be. Front row spots can be had in Frontierland or even certain parts of Town Square only 20 minutes before on many nights.

 

[OBDisney]

Depends not only on crowds, but where on the route you want to be. Front row spots can be had in Frontierland or even certain parts of Town Square only 20 minutes before on many nights.

Thanks for your quick response. I am not sure where we want to be, this is our first visit. We do want to be able to get a good spot for the fireworks after the parade though, is it possible/easy with children to get from frontierland to the front of the castle after?

 

[mesaboy2]

Thanks for your quick response. I am not sure where we want to be, this is our first visit. We do want to be able to get a good spot for the fireworks after the parade though, is it possible/easy with children to get from frontierland to the front of the castle after?

Assuming an hour difference in their scheduled times, I'd say yes.

 

[OBDisney]

Thanks again

 

[Robo]

Assuming an hour difference in their scheduled times, I'd say yes.

You need to be careful about using the start-time differences for the parade vs. the fireworks.

At the Main Street Railroad Station area parade viewing:
The MSEP parade will end (last float goes by) at about 15 minutes after the hour it starts.
That would give you 30 minutes to get to the Castle Hub before
"Celebrate the Magic" (Castle projection show) starts, and 45 minutes before Wishes starts.

HOWEVER-

At, say, Country Bears (in Frontierland) area parade viewing:
The MSEP parade will end (last float goes by) at about 35 minutes after the hour it starts.
That would give you 10 minutes to get to the Castle Hub before
"Celebrate the Magic" (Castle projection show) starts, and 25 minutes before Wishes starts.


So, WHERE you choose to view the parade will greatly affect the time you have to arrive at the Hub.

 

[mesaboy2]

Robo has a great point.