Question on Parades at MK

[MareSINY]

My niece and I will be at Disney from January 20 - 23rd. This will be our 4th trip in two years, but it's our first solo trip. In the past we never got to watch any of the parades because we were all on the go and nobody seemed interested. I'd like to take her to see Spectro and possibly Share a Dream Come True. What advice would you give us for getting a good spot to see the parade? Keep in mind my niece is only 4, so I'd like to get as close to the front of the crowd as possible (best spot would be at the curb). What time do you suggest we get to Main St. for a spot on the curb? Or do you have any other suggestions for good spots to watch the parades from?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mary Ellen

 

[mmeb144]

Check out Frontierland, by Pecos Bill's. There is a low wall there that you can sit on to watch the parade. It's right in the front. No one can sit in front of you. I would advise getting there at least 1 hour before parade time, if not a little sooner. Bring things to occupy your niece, like bubbles, or light up ice cubes (a favorite at my house!). Or, a small notebook and crayons. We used our autograph books to amuse ourselves last time. Also, the guests around are usually fun to visit with.

Marie

 

[MareSINY]

Thanks for the response. I never even thought about parking ourselves in Frontier Land. 1 hour before show time seems really crazy though, I can't imagine trying to keep her busy that long. Even with coloring books, etc. We may just have to wing it and hope for the best!!

Anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[MainStreetFan]

An hour before is usually a must for front row seats. A CD player with the parade music in it can help prepare the child for the parade and take up some time. We play the "would you rather game": for example, one person says Peter Pan or Small World and the other person says which they like better and asks a question back. It might have to be a one way game with a small child, but it makes them think about their trip and all the great things they have seen. Also the Parade control CM's will play games with the kids in the street about 30 minutes before parade time. Additionally, being in Frontierland, you will be at the start of the parade so you don't have the additional 10-15 minutes of waiting until the parade gets down to Main Street. Good Luck!!

 

[Tigger2252]

We had rope-side seats right by the footbridge that goes between Frontierland and the castle. We were there a good hour before the parade though. Good luck!

 

[MareSINY]

Wow, ok maybe I'll have to plan it where we leave the park for a few hours, hang out at the hotel (we're staying at the Contemporary) and then shoot back over to the park for Spectromagic an hour before the show. I'll have to do some planning on this, but it might work!! When we were there in September on our first day there we hit MK. We were still there that night when Spectro was going on so I grabbed Brianna and we high tailed it through Tomorrowland and over the bridge to where the parade was going by. I had to pick her up and hold her high up so she could see, but she really seemed to enjoy seeing it, so maybe if I remind her about the cool lights (and show her pictures of it online, she loves to look at the videos on Disney's site) I can get her really enthused and excited about seeing it.

Thanks to everyone for the advice, I appreciate it!

 

[GeorgeG]

Yes, front row seats have to be claimed early and you will wait an hour or so for a 15 minute parade. Also, expect to have a few rows of people leaning over or into you. The best seats we ever had for a Magic Kingdom parades was on the upper lever of the train station. You can actually sit on a bench overlooking Town Square, but you must lay claim well ahead of time. One suggestion is to make sure you take your potty break before staking your claim or you'll never get it back.

Although probably not for a small child, I've found the "easiest" place to watch the parade is from beside the Liberty Bell. There is a slight incline from the street that lets you see over most of the crowd without being squooshed.