Staking out a spot for MK parade

[whogirl'smom]

So, the UG suggests claiming a spot for the afternoon parade at MK 30-45min. ahead of time. But from what I read on the boards in other threads, some people are there 2 hours ahead of time! I am trying to overplan probably, but what are others' experiences in Oct? We're most likely going to hit the parade on Sun. 10/8 . Also, what are your favorite vantage points? I just want DD5 to be able to see since it's her first time at WDW Thanks!

 

[seashoreCM]

If you don't have the means (uncles, brothers in law, etc.) to hold places, it is not worth spending the time staking out places for parades long in advance.

There is a general consensus that it is less crowded over by Frontierland compared with Main St.

Parades have always been a problem for young children because grownups continue to stand up in the front rows and come to think of it, not too many people get a good view.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Corryn]

 

[kj2mom]

No great advice except wanted to say me and my almost 5 year olds (they will turn 5 on the the 10th) will be staking out spots for the same parade! See you there

 

[rstamm]

My DW is a parade person so we get a spot about a hour before parade starts and get some popcorn and snacks and just wait. We usually take a blanket with so we can get comfortable sitting that long. It is a good break from the commando way we do the park. It also depends how full the park is, if you are going off season or peak time.

 

[Fantasmic303]

If you don't want to wait for a very long time but still would like to see the parade from Main Street, I'd like to suggest the part of the sidewalk near the fire house. We watched it from there as part of the Backstage Magic tour and never would've considered standing there, but it was a great spot! It wasn't crowded (even at the last second!) and you can see the parade wind around Town Square, past the train station, and then right in front of you. It's a great spot, and we actually ended up watching it from there later in our trip, when we just wanted an excuse to sit and and be entertained cause it was so hot.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I too recommend Frontierland area, less crowded, nice viewing areas.

 

[blondeheroine]

There is a general consensus that it is less crowded over by Frontierland compared with Main St.

We saw the YOMD parade in Frontierland, arrived about twenty minutes before it started and saw it perfectly. The line to see the parade was spotty, so we sat on the benches behind and took it easy while the parade filed by.

You're going during a time that won't be so busy, so you don't have to worry about a 2 hour wait, IMO. That would be more so for times during peak attendance, IMO.

 

[Oh_the_anticipation!]

Hi whogirl'smom!
I may be at the same parade as we're going to MK 10/7 and 10/8. (I'll have my lime green Baggellini backpack) I'm going with my friend from Brazil and her 2 kids. I've told them about the parade and they're pretty excited to see it.

MY favorite spot in on the corner of Main St. Either The Plaza Pavillion or Casey's. We'll grab a snack to go at either place, then just plop right down on the sidewalk curb. Sit there and don't get up, otherwise someone may very well shove their kid(s) right in front of you! It will be my first time going in Oct. I've been there in Jan., Feb, spring breaks, June and August and this spot has always worked for me. I also like the frontier spot. When the kids got to be teenagers we liked those rocking chairs over in FrontierLand. The view was a little obstructed, but it felt good to sit and be in the shade.

Enjoy your vacation and let's hope we have great weather!

Tracy

 

[whogirl'smom]

Thanks everyone for your great advice! At least I know now I won't have to worry about 2 hour waits. We'll look for the Dis'ers there! ( I still have to get LGMHs...time's a wastin'! )