Spectromagic Crowds?

[punkin]

We (DH, DD age 4, and I) are planning to go to MK and see spectromagic on Friday 8/1 (before the enight, to which we are also planning to go). They are showing Spectro every day that week (including 2X on the previous Monday). How crowded do you think it will be? I have never seen it because when we go in the off season, it's really too crowded for us. I refuse to stake out a spot more than an hour before the parade. The most I want to wait is 30 minutes (and that's on the outside, I'd rather wait about 15). I do not have to be in the very front, I just want to see it. Is this doable, or am I going to have to miss it again? Any recomendations on whre to watch will also be greatly appreciated.

 

[Madangel32]

Hi punkin!

I just returned from WDW. We were there from 6/30 - 7/5. We saw Spectromagic on one of the evenings that we went to MK.

Yes, the crowding was bad for the parade. To make the evening a bit more interesting, it was raining. But that didn't stop us.

We arrived at the park about 7:45p.m. With intentions of heading to "It's a small world". My DD5 favorite ride. Well as we walked down Main Street, we noticed that people were already sitting on the curb. We didn't want to miss Spectromagic, so we decided to find a spot and sit. Before we decided this we walked all the way up Main Street till we got to the front of Cinderella's Castle. The grassy circle right in front of the Castle was already filled with people. We asked DD what she wanted to do and she wanted to wait for the parade. So we did.

It was actually a funny experience. We walked back to Casey's Hot Dog, bought some dogs, fries, and soda and sat down right in front of Casey's. Yes, it was still raining. But the food was still good.

Spectromagic began at 9:00 and it was the most beautiful parade I had ever seen! We loved it!

If you need any other info just let me know. Although, I am sure that I have already spoken too much.

 

[sncbird]

We saw the SpectroMagic Parade on June 26th. There was only one showing that night. I have to say it was the most crowded single attraction we have ever seen. We got there 1 hour and 15 minutes to find a spot. People were everywhere. Main street and around the castle were already packed. We sat in a closed- off section off to the left of the castle. I was shocked on how crowded it was. We left before the fireworks because I was afraid of the wall of people getting out of the park going back down mainstreet to get to the monorail. I would say your odds would be alot better if you went on a night there was 2 showings and go to the 2nd parade time.

With all that being said, the parade was beautiful

 

[Daxx]

We did Spectromagic ... haphazardly. We were planning on leaving the park right as the last parade was starting. DS6 saw the lights and asked to watch (I was surprised b/c he isn't much for parades). We found a spot to stand, right near the entrance to Tomorrowland. The people in front of us didn't have kids and let DS sit in front w/ them, which blew my mind as so incredibly kind as they must have been sitting there for awhile before the parade started. DS loved the parade. Matter of fact, as the last float comes down Main Street USA, many people will begin to get into the street and disperse as it heads up towards Cindy's Castle. Well, DS wanted to follow the end of the parade, so he got up and started walking behind the CM's who carry the lit batons that prevent people from going up close to the "floats". He just decided he couldn't get enough of Minnie and Mickey and had to trail behind the CM's. It was so cute and I followed right w/him. Minnie kept blowing him kisses -- it was so sweet! Nobody kicked us off the street nor asked us not to follow along. Some other kids saw DS and joined in w/us.

Crowds def. formed very early. We were walking down MS USA at 7pm before the first parade (which, I think started at 9pm) and people were already staking out their sites. However, it is possible to get a good view of the parade w/o having to get there early ... as long as you're willing to stand. Some kids were standing in their strollers to get a better view. If you go along the ropes near Tomorrowland, you can stand towards the back and lean out a bit and get a good view of the floats.

Have fun ... it is truly a beautiful parade!!!

 

[DebbieB]

The last 2 times we saw it, we found a standing spot about 30 minutes before right where the parade comes out near City Hall.

 

[punkin]

Thank you for your responses. I guess we will have to wing it. If we find a place 30 min before the parade (I don't mind standing as long as I can see) we will do it, if it looks too crowded, we will have to pass on it. I guess I won't tell my daughter so she does not get her hopes up.

 

[SueSue]

Would you consider viewing the parade someplace other than on Main Street? We have found that it does not seem quite as crowded near Frontierland, and people don't line up quite as early the closer to the end of the parade route. We usually try to get a spot around Pecos Bill's or Country Bear Jamboree. However, if you want a spot in front, you should still get there about 45 - 60 min. before the parade gets to that point.

I know you don't want to spend much time waiting, but I'd recommend that just once, while your child is still young enough, you wait the extra time in order to be in the front. Why? Because the character interaction is wonderful, especially for the younger kids. When my kids were a bit younger, they would wave at everyone (any everyTHING) in the parade. Sometimes one of the little fish would come over and blink at them, the characters on the floats always wave to them, and many of the characters walking would come over and high-five them. They all make a special effort to acknowledge the little ones, especially the kids who are waving or swaying to the music and look like they would enjoy the attention. I have overheard from people standing near us on numerous occasions, "why do they all keep coming over to those kids?" Of course, I'd like to say it's just because my kids are so cute(LOL), but I think it's because they always loved waving at everyone and danced around to the music. Needless to say, my kids have many fond memories of Spectromagic because of the interaction.

If you're not into that kind of stuff, I wouldn't worry about getting to the parade so early. I just think it's one of the things that makes magical memories. It's really not that bad - just grab a spot and send hubby to get some ice cream. Have a treat and enjoy not being on your feet for a bit!

 

[Ratpack]

Punkin,
We will also be there 8/1 for Spectro (and 7/29 for DIS meet). We were there this same week last year and Spectro does get crowded. I would say if you want to see it from Main Street, then you need to be there at least and hour to two hours prior to start. The alternative is to go into FrontierLand and usually you can get a front row seat 15 - 30 minutes before the start. I will have my lime green Mickey head on, maybe we will see you there.

 

[buzzlady]

We were there on 7/5 to see Spectromagic. We entered MK about 8:30 and never thought we would get a spot. We entered to the left and found a spot right on the hub. The street was still open when we sat on the curb. Then I saw a CM roping off the street and we got up and sat right at the rope. The Engine Co. was directly across from where we sat.

 

[EEyorelover22]

This was one of our favorite things we did on this trip. My DS11 really liked it and he's at the "almost too old for Magic Kingdom" age. He really enjoyed. We watched it two nights in a row. It's on our must see list now.

 

[punkin]

Fronteirland sounds like a plan. My older daughter really hates parades (and DH isn't much of a fan either) so we almost never do them, but she's at camp and the little one just LOVED the MGM parade we saw on our last trip, so I'm really going to make an effort. See you there Ratpack. I can't wait.