Question on best time to catch a show or parade??

[JAA'smom]

Ok here is my question. We are going to Disney from Dec. 26 - Jan 1. I know this is the busiest time to go. We are planning on going to the parks right as they open and trying to do as much as possible in the morning and then leave and come back in the evening. My first question is will it be just as bad in the evening as it will be in the afternoon? Also like for the parade in the Magic Kingdom they have it scheduled for 12:30 and 3:30 which time frame would be better? Also for Spectro and Fantasmic both of these have an early time and a late time. Would the later times be better?
I have my ADR already made for everynight (early evening actually around 5pm) and on New Years Eve we have the Polynesian Luau planned. For New Years Eve day we are going to go to AK and hang out and then that night we will watch the fireworks from the CR (we are staying there).
We have become pretty good at navigating the parks, but we have never been at this time of year before. It will be Me DH, DD10, DD8, and DD2. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again and have a magical day.

Kim

 

[Robo]

...Also like for the parade in the Magic Kingdom they have it scheduled for 12:30 and 3:30 which time frame would be better? Also for Spectro and Fantasmic both of these have an early time and a late time. Would the later times be better?

Afternoon parade... anybody's guess.

Second shows for both Spectro and Fantasmic! will be less crowded, for sure.

 

[JAA'smom]

Thank's for your help. We are really excited about this trip. Do you know anything about the night time crowds for this time of year?

 

[Robo]

Thank's for your help. We are really excited about this trip. Do you know anything about the night time crowds for this time of year?

I have to say that you will be in the midst of what has traditionally been some of the largest crowds of the year.

Large crowds mean that folks tend to stay longer (longer waiting in lines) and many make plans to exit during the busy day and return later, in hopes of finding fewer people.

 

[katytrott]

I have had no experience myself, but everything I have read over the years in regards to this always say the second showing of anything is quieter. Hope that helps. I think if I was in your situation, that is what I would go by.