Tips on how to be picked to participate in a parade?

[cocacolamom]

I would love to be able to get DH in a parade this year. All of his family is coming down to Disney with us this year and I think it would be so special. Any insider tips??? Thanks!

 

[Amyg]

I'd love to know this as well. I thought they were people that paid for some kind of touring plan. Hope someone knows!

 

[mom2cookies]

I am not a Disney CM, but my DH and I both read in Birbaums that if you get to guest services in the park immediately upon opening you can request a spot in the parade. It is first come first serve according to their openings. There might be other ways to get "in line" ahead of time. Guest services at your resort would probably be able to tell you.

 

[olbear]

Actually, it's all about a chance. When we were on our anniversary trip July 30th, we asked about this at Town Hall inMK. We were told a different Manager is chosen each day to pick Grand Marshall's etc. And it is just a "chance" thing. I have been told by some CM friends that they love to see families all dressed in matching shirts with "ears" on, things like that. And it is advised that you get to the gate early.

Well, we did all that on our anniversary, we were early, had our wedding ears on, matching shirts, matching Bride & Groom lanyards. Still went unnoticed, and unpicked. It is simply a chance encounter with a manager.

It's a bummer I know. We'd love to do it sometime. As a matter of fact, we even tried when DH first got home from Dessert Storm. We went and asked, told of how he had just returned the day before from Dessert Storm, they were so sorry, but it was a hit or miss thing. SO special occassions, makes no difference either.

Blessings,
Winnie

PS: DH has been Veteran of the Day twice. Which is totally awesome. You CAN request this when in MK. But I do advise getting to Town Hall early and seeing if they have someone during your stay. If they don't you can tell them you'd like to do it. and Choose a day that is open that you will be there. It is an awesome experience.

 

[Vickie46]

what did he get for veteran of the day..

Just curious... my husband was in dessert storm too.

 

[POB14]

what did he get for veteran of the day..

Just curious... my husband was in dessert storm too.

Meaning no disrespect either to Vickie or to our men and women in uniform --

Dessert storm? Yum! Where do I sign up?

 

[oogie boogie]

Well at Disneyland about an hour before the parade called "the parade of stars" is on, there is a double level bus that comes around and picks people up from the various bus stops along main street. There is a big banner on the side that says parade of the stars. When the bus comes along u can ask to participate in the parade. Minimun age requirement is 6yo. After the parade is done they give u a special parade of the stars pin. My daughter wanted 2 do it, so we did it once. Man I have a new respect for all the cast members that have 2 wear a costume! I was sweating like crazy!! I can only imagine what they must have felt like. But I guess it's different at WDW. Just thought I'd share.

 

[Vickie46]

oops sorry..

 

[olbear]

Meaning no disrespect either to Vickie or to our men and women in uniform --

Dessert storm? Yum! Where do I sign up?

No offence taken that is a funny OOPS!!!

Blessings,
Winnie

 

[olbear]

what did he get for veteran of the day..

Just curious... my husband was in dessert storm too.

My DH was given a nice certificate and a special Disney pin both times. I had them framed and matted. And I displayed them at his Navy Retirement Ceremony this past february.

Blessings,
Winnie

 

[dsneygirl]

DH and I were picked to be in the parade at AK in 2002. We were just walking through Dinoland when a manager came up and asked if we wanted to be in the parade. It was very cool.

 

[fun2bmomof3]

We were just standing on the side walk waiting for the Dream Come True parade in 2002 (our first trip) when all three of my children were picked to dance with Mary Poppins chimney sweeps. It was magical moment.

crissy

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Last fall my grandkids were picked to be in the MNSSHP parade ... we'd come under the train station paused to look at the events pamphlet ... were approached by a man, asked a bunch of questions ... which started to worry me ... then he asked if the kids could participate in the parade ... Will didn't want too, but Cissy did.

So it's pure chance ...

Cissy is wearing the Minnie dress:

 

[cocacolamom]

Thank you everyone for your information. There will be 32 of us with kiwi green matching shirts on that day, maybe this will catch a manager's eye!!!

 

[PaulaSue]

My neighbors got picked to be the Grand Marshalls about 2 trips ago (they go 2 times a year) . They we just outside/finished a Charater meal and someone walked up and started to talk to them. They we not having a good day and the person asked if they wanted to be in the parade. They jumped at the chance, really made the day much better! They were told where and when to come back and when they did they gave them personized Micky Ears for each and the sign on the car said their Last Name and I think our City and State. They do have a few pictures but wish they had more. So take a bunch if you get a chance!