Waiting for parades, parades, paraadeees

[disney09]

I'm going to the World in September with 2 kids, 4 & 7 years. I want them to have a good view of the parades, but I'm not sure how long should we wait in that season? One hour just sitting there seems too much!

1. Stars and Motors at DS
2. Spectromagic
3. Mickey's Jumming.. or something at AK
4. Share a Dream (???) afternoon parade at MK

sorry if I got the names mixed up

 

[disneysnowflake]

Last October we sat on Main Street about an hour before the parade. There were people sitting even 90 minutes before the parade. It was during free dining. By the time the parade started there were people 2 rows deep standing behind us complaining about not being able to sit down on the curb.

Even Spectromagic was pretty busy. About 45 minutes before Spectro Main Street curb sitting was all gone. We had to sit in Liberty Square. Again, by the time Spectromagic started there were tons of people behind us standing.

 

[disney09]

Wow.. so one hour does the trick? for all of them or just Spectromagic?

 

[Illuminations06]

I got back from Disney a few weeks ago and the crowds were very heavy. But, I never waited longer than 20 min for any parade or show and was still able to get a good view.

 

[KingdomHeartsFan]

This is one things that always annoys me! We love the parades very much but feel like we end up wasting a good part of our day just sitting there waiting for the parades. We swore that we would not see every parade this time and use our time more wisely but now we are bringing a Disney newbie with us and I want to make sure he sees all the wonderful parades.

Oh and I would wait any amount of time for Spectromagic! I love that one!

 

[DisneyFan06]

I wouldn't waste my time waiting on the day parade. However, I usually go and get a spot infront of the Castle at 8:30 and watch the night parade, as well as await "Wishes," from the same location - it is the best view, in my opinion.

Also, there are plenty of things for kids to do. The castmembers get very involved in keeping the children entertained - it's one of the things they do best. Furthermore, I dont know about others but I know if there is a child sitting behind me, I would suggest that we switch spots. It is much more important for them to have a better spot than I.

 

[JerseyGirl114]

Last time we caught the afternoon parade at MK there was a woman on the curb with 2 beach towels set up horizontal on both sides of her. We took the spot right behind her and about 10 minutes before the show all the others in her party (all adults) showed up and sat in front of my kids. So much for their first magical parade experience

Is that normal behavior? I would never dream of saving all those seats, unless one of the kids had to go to the bathroom, but even then it would never be that many.

 

[Joanna71985]

I'm going to the World in September with 2 kids, 4 & 7 years. I want them to have a good view of the parades, but I'm not sure how long should we wait in that season? One hour just sitting there seems too much!

1. Stars and Motors at DS
2. Spectromagic
3. Mickey's Jumming.. or something at AK
4. Share a Dream (???) afternoon parade at MK

sorry if I got the names mixed up

1. Stars and Motor Cars- I only waited about 30 minutes tops- and this was during SW Weekends. I sat at the beginning in front of the resturant (across from Star Tours).

2. Spectromagic- MUST SEE. Depending on where you sit, people start waiting up to an hour before. I find that I can find a spot about 30 minutes before. I like to sit right by the Barber Shop on Main Street. Also (this goes for anyone) if there is ever 2 parades go to the 2nd one- much less crowded.

3. Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade- A good one. I find that the beginning (right by the Safari ride) is never really crowded. I never have to set up more then 30 minutes prior to. Also, the parade loops and ends right where it started. You can come back here and it won't be crowded at all.

4. Share a Dream Come True- Unfortunately you won't be able to see this parade, seeing how it is ending in a week. The new parade should be really good though.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

I'm going to the World in September with 2 kids, 4 & 7 years. I want them to have a good view of the parades, but I'm not sure how long should we wait in that season? One hour just sitting there seems too much!

1. Stars and Motors at MGM

we sat on a bench by the radio disney studio. across from indiania jones show. bathrooms very close and lots of charactor interaction at the start of the parade. this spot was perfect for all the pictures and video taping we did.

 

[marconat]

I would feel too guilty to keep the places of more than 2 people... but I've seen others do anything to keep a place... some places strolers all in a row and when the kids come back, they don't even use them, just push them backwards, unto the people in the back and they stand up in front... I saw one woman sitting down and when the time came, she cramed about 4 or 5 other people with her in the front... saying... they are with me!!! and pushing others away... That flames me...

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

any of the MK ones are really hard to get good seats for unless you're there way ahead of time. we usually are there about an hour and a half ahead of time. in the winter time we usually only have to be about 45 minutes early.

i think an hour would be good enough.

 

[disney09]

Thanks everybody for your input!!
It's great to have so many people knowing this stuff!!

You guys make my day.