Watching Boat Parade from GF, NOT staying there?

[26555]

I know its a no-no to utilize Poly beach for parade or firework viewing if not staying there but I assume part of that is that there is only so much space available on the beach and you don't want to squeeze out Poly guests. I've only been to 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and have not explored GF area. Where do you watch parade from at GF and is there sufficient room for people not staying at GF? We are staying at AKL and have PS for dinner at GF (Fri in Feb if that matters), and were thinking of viewing boat parade afterwards since think we could do it within 3 hour limit. But if its frowned on like pool hopping .............. guess we should think twice!

 

[Kimberle]

I really don't think it would be a problem. We watched it from our balcony during our CR stay, and there was *no one* on the CR beaches watching it.

It is cute, but I wouldn't go to "out of my way" to see it. It's maybe 5 minutes long.

 

[rkmassa]

We watched from the beach at the GF. There was only one other family there, and a lot of ducks. I would say go and see how crowded it is. My guess is it won't be.

 

[jehma]

I really don't think it would be a problem. We watched it from our balcony during our CR stay, and there was *no one* on the CR beaches watching it.

It is cute, but I wouldn't go to "out of my way" to see it. It's maybe 5 minutes long.

Really? I always thought there was more to it.

We have a 6:20 Ohana PS, and I was going to hang out at the Poly until the parade so we can see it from the beach. We saw it from our CR tower room last time, but waaaayyy in the distance. I can just watch it from out balcony (assuming we're facing the MK!) at 10:15 or so when it comes by the CR.

From your description, I think we'll just go back to the CR when we're ready and watch the fireworks and then maybe the boat parade from there.

 

[26555]

We watched from the beach at the GF. There was only one other family there, and a lot of ducks. I would say go and see how crowded it is. My guess is it won't be.

Thanks for the info! Do you know when it passes by the GF when it has a 9pm start? I didn't realize it was a 5 minute thing so I guess we should be there a bit before 9.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

The EWP starts at the Poly around 9:00, then goes to the GF, then the CR, then the WL. I agree it's cute, but I wouldn't make a special trip over to see it unless I was already there for a dinner PS or something. It's really not a big deal.... just a little bonus.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I'm pretty sure its at 9:15 at GF. We always stay there and the boat dock isn't really crowded. You can see the EWP from there also.

 

[palmtreegirl]

We were at the Poly 1/6-1/8 and the parade came to the Poly at 9pm and then left to go over to the WL and such, it wasn't stopping at the GF at all. You might want to call and check before you make a special trip over there.

 

[SuperDuperBounce]

I agree it's cute, but I wouldn't make a special trip over to see it unless I was already there for a dinner PS or something. It's really not a big deal.... just a little bonus.

We have to agree....a real snoozer. Go see Spectromagic instead.

 

[Sammie]

We were at the Poly 1/6-1/8 and the parade came to the Poly at 9pm and then left to go over to the WL and such, it wasn't stopping at the GF at all. You might want to call and check before you make a special trip over there.

This has happened several times before when we were staying at the Grand Floridian. The only thing I can figure out is they pull the water floats out of the storage area near the Grand, under the monorail. By the time they get them stretched out, they are at the Polynesian. We could sorta see them over at the Polynesian, but we could never really figure out what time it was scheduled to be at the Grand.

I would definitely call. I agree if you are there for dinner or staying there it's worth a walk to the beach, it is not something I would schedule extra time for.

 

[BCV23]

It starts at the Polynesian at 9:00pm....tradition!

Then it circles around to the GF and you can see it from the boat dock at about 9:15. It is probably not seen well if at all from the GF beach but I've never tried from there.

I think the CR is actually the last stop other than when it also makes a stop in front of MK when it is open late. I imagine this is tradition also.

If Wishes is at 9, then it will begin in front of the Polynesian immediately after Wishes ends.

I love the Electrical Water Pageant as the WDW tradition that it is. If you're not staying at a MK resort then it is probably best saved for a night when you are dining at one of those resorts.