Spectromagic Parade worth it?

[trish1970]

I have read some not so great reviews about this parade. I thought I would come to the experts and ask.... is this parade worth seeing? We will be with our almost 3yo DS and the thought of scouting out a viewing spot and waiting for the parade worries me. We will be going in September and hopefully the crowds will be low, but on the other hand Spectromagic will only be shown 2x that week and therefore I am expecting lots of people!

Also, does anyone know what route this parade takes? Does it start on Main Street or does it end on Main Street??

THANK YOU!!

 

[Doc and Family]

FANTASTIC PARADE!!

Starts on Main Street, ends in Frontierland.

We alway see it at least once if it is rolling when we are there.

We also love Fantasmic, Wishes, and Illuminations--to give you an idea of what we think is a good show

 

[swilphil]

My kids 2 and 4 got a little antsy at Spectro. It's a little too long for kids that age. I would just go about your business and then stop when it's a good time to watch part of the parade. By the way, during the parade is a great time to do Fantasyland! No waits on the rides, and it's fun to do Dumbo and the Merry-Go-Round at night.

The parade starts by the Entrance, goes down Main Street and turns left into Frontierland.

 

[gilld]

Do NOT miss Spectromagic...it's far and away the best parade.
I would pay park entry for this alone.

:

 

[Princess Michelle]

I love Spectromagic, it is the best parade Disney has right now in my opinion.

 

[HunnyPots]

I agree with swilphil. I would not make an almost three year old sit and wait for an hour or more to hold a good spot for this, or any, parade. He would probably enjoy getting a glimpse of it as it goes through Frontierland just as much, if not more. Take advantage of shorter wait times for rides while everyone else is waiting for the parade.

On the other hand, maybe your son will decide to take a nap in the stroller about that time and you'll have the perfect opportunity to sit and enjoy the parade yourself!

 

[Destination Disney]

My 2 yr. old loves it! Great parade. Yes he does get antsy but my hubby and I planned this out to where he or I will hold a spot with the stroller for the three of us while either he or I takes the little one on a few rides. For example... we waited back by the frontierland and while he waited (trust me you want to rest after going all day!)I took our son on the Magic carpet ride, and if you plan it right, the Tikki Room was letting people in right as we were getting off of the ride! Keep them entertained and the time will fly by as you wait! Also Spectro sometimes has 2 parades a night. The first one starts on Main Street and heads back to frontier land. While the later parade begins at Frontier land and ends on Main street!!!
Enjoy!!

 

[spectromagic]

you cant miss spectromagic!!! its the best. its soo wonderful i cant say enough.

 

[Rhonda922]

What's a good viewing sight for this parade? I've never seen it.

 

[ShuisFan584]

I love Spectromagic!! I'm not really much of a parade person, but I love this one, especially the music. I agree that maybe a 3 year old might not want to sit and wait for a long time for it to start, but it would be a good idea for someone to hold a spot while someone else takes him on some rides!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Usually I sit with the stroller for a hour while my DH takes the girls for a walk. It is definately worth the wait!!!

 

[cooldisneymom]

I grew up watching MSEP every year so it was hard in the beginning for me to accept Spectromagic. Now I LOVE IT!!! and listen to the soundtrack in my car at least once a day and miss the mouse!!!

 

[Mickey76]

If you see only one parade in your lifetime, it should be SpectroMagic. I get goose bumps just thinking about it, especially the beginning with the introduction by Jiminy Cricket.


Mickey76

 

[trish1970]

Okay... it looks like we are going to see Spectromagic. I will definately take your suggestions and have me or DH hold the spot while the other takes DS for a walk or on a ride. Hopefully it won't be as crazy crowded in September.
As always, thanks for all of your expertise! Now.... if only September would get here faster

 

[karemore]

I found that sitting next to the ropes was a great spot to view the parade, or I should say a great spot to wait.

People cram in every inch of space, but they seem to know that the CM's don't mess around with the rope barriers.

It was a little easier to hold a spot with the rope on one side.

It's also important to note, that you don't need to be in the very front for this parade like you do for the day time parade.

There are no characters who interact with the children like they do in the daytime parade.

You can enjoy this parade just as much from a distance.

It's beautiful, I was not impressed with the afternoon parade, but SpectroM was wonderful.

We watched from the hub in front of the castle, and then moved right over to the rose garden area (to the right if you are facing the castle) to watch Tinkerbell fly over our heads and that was a great spot for Wishes.

Karen

 

[Luckymommyx2]

I love Spectromagic, and wishes, and illuminations! I can get all teary-eyed just thinking about it! It is truly magical!!

I want to go home!!! (SSR)

 

[Cobra B.]

I almost fell down when I saw this post. Worth it? It is absolutely on the can't miss list every trip. Yes MSEP is great and probably more "fun". But this is a better visual night parade and I like the music more too. A great viewing area is in Frontier Land. If you're lucky there might even be a rocking chair available for you. It is very dark there so it seems like better viewing of the lights. That might just be my opinion.

DON'T MISS IT!

 

[Del]

I get the goosebumps every time i see this parade. It is, to me, the best parade at WDW. This is when i feel the magic of Disney--the dimming of the lights on Main ST., the hush of the crowd, the music of Spectro and the lights so bright. I can just picture sitting on Main St. now. Have Fun!

Del

 

[chrisp]

We LOVE Spectromagic. Whenever our family looks at our photo albums of past Disney trips we put on the music from Spectromagic. Don't miss it!!

 

[beccasmom]

This parade is wonderful! A do-not-miss on every trip!

Good places to watch in my opinion – the top of the Disney Railroad train station – but you have to get there very early to grab a spot and even earlier to grab one of the benches to sit on. Equally good are the steps leading up to City Hall. There are also benches there which face the parade route. Again, any seating goes fast!!