Should we use a fastpass for parade viewing?

[shopnfun2me2]

I need some advice please! We haven't been to Disney since 2009 so the magic bands are all new for us. Our daughters high school band is performing in a parade (we have not received finalized plans yet about which one.). Hubby and I have purchased a package and I noticed where you can use a fast pass for parade viewing. Is it worth it? Where is it? Do you think I could get better pictures if I do that? We can't reserve our fast pass selections yet but we can in February so any advice is appreciated. TIA

 

[dpswift]

I think it would depend on how much the parade meant to you. I do not think I would. If you check the attractions board there are several threads about it.

 

[dzneelvr]

We did this in December with a FP and were very happy with the choice. The area is directly in front of the Castle, so you get to see the parade coming around the corner and then going past quite a distance--all with a front row unobstructed view. The rest of my party thought this was a dorky choice for a FP, but quickly changed their minds

 

[kesha]

We have used the FP+ for the parade twice. If you don't want to spend your time holding a spot then I think it is a good choice. I would do it again but I really like standing on Main Street better. The reason is because I can see more of the parade when it is coming towards us. When we used FP+ they have us in front of the castle on the curve. We could see the parade but mostly it was right in front of us when we did. Hope this makes sense.

 

[SplashMo]

Since you are there to see the parade with your daughter in it then burning the FP+ is likely not a problem at all. However as mentioned above you might better ask where is the best place to sit to take pictures and how early would we need to arrive?

With regards to a situation where you do not have someone in the parade a FP+ parade selection is a poor choice as you can not get a 4th FP+ until after the parade and MK is the best park to use 4th, 5th and 6th, etc.. FP+ reservation...

Be sure to bring a real camera (DSLR and/or Point and shoot) and not a cell phone. You will likely need a zoom to get a decent picture where you can see your daughter...

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Since you are there to see the parade with your daughter in it then burning the FP+ is likely not a problem at all. However as mentioned above you might better ask where is the best place to sit to take pictures and how early would we need to arrive?

With regards to a situation where you do not have someone in the parade a FP+ parade selection is a poor choice as you can not get a 4th FP+ until after the parade and MK is the best park to use 4th, 5th and 6th, etc.. FP+ reservation...

Be sure to bring a real camera (DSLR and/or Point and shoot) and not a cell phone. You will likely need a zoom to get a decent picture where you can see your daughter...

I agree. When I first read the OP, I thought "No way, unless someone is really into parades." Well, if it were my child in the parade, then yes!!!
Having a close, unobstructed view would mean more to me than any other ride on the park.

 

[PrincessMom98]

My daughter's band marched in a Disney parade last spring. It was hard to find much info before we got there. The high school bands didn't march in the main parades. Her parade was at 10am on a Sunday and included 2 other bands. The crowd was mostly other parents so finding a spot was not hard. Disney had several PhotoPass photographers assigned to take pictures of the bands. I purchased a PhotoPass and I was able to go to the photo desk at the Town Square Theater and have all of the pictures added to my account. They got much better pictures than I did! My favorite pictures were taken near the bridge to Liberty Square because they had the Castle in the background. I'll post one when I figure out how. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

[disney1990]

I wouldn't. I would rather use our FPs for rides. We can always find a place to watch the parade. Plus, you can't pull a 4th FP until you have used your existing FPs so you can't get more than 3 in a day. Not worth it in my opinion.