Watching parades from the train station

[Pamnkevin]

Has anyone done this? I'm thinking mainly for the FOF parade. Is the view really worth it? How soon should I get there? Thanks!

 

[Alesia]

Lots of people have the same idea, so you'll need to get there about an hour before the parade starts.

 

[mrp4352]

I've been able to get there 10 minutes or so before the parade started and grab a spot off to one side on the end by the Cinema. That said - it was still a fantastic spot for the parade!! I just didn't get the "money" shot of the parade down Main Street with the castle in the background.

 

[marielynn724]

I did this by accident once - I wanted to catch the train and didn't realize it didn't run during parades, so we ended up watching the parade from up there (the station on Main Street). It was a nice surprise! It's fun to see it from a different view - try it, why not!

 

[Robo]

Lots of people have the same idea, so you'll need to get there about an hour before the parade starts.

Agreed.
But, if it's a busy day at MK, I'll raise the time needed to grab a good spot (there are chairs up there)
by at least another 30-60 minutes.

Like most everything else at WDW, you just don't know who ELSE has the same idea.

 

[DrivenByDisney]

We use to watch the parade from the train station all the time and it is a great location (to me). Like others have already said, we arrived around an hour prior to the parade began and got great spots. Enjoy!

 

[rlthomas7]

Our first attempt at Wishes was from the Tomorrowland bridge. A downpour began as soon as it started and everyone flooded (no pun intended) toward the exit, leaving us in a crush of people and an hour wait for our resort bus. So the second time, we tried the top of the train station because we thought it would allow for an easy exit. Loved the view of the electrical parade and fireworks from up there! Although I did go stake out our spot about 30 minutes before the electrical parade. It was a long wait, but we were among the first to leave the park!

 

[Princess Mulan]

Agreed.
But, if it's a busy day at MK, I'll raise the time needed to grab a good spot (there are chairs up there)
by at least another 30-60 minutes.

Like most everything else at WDW, you just don't know who ELSE has the same idea.

As Robo says, it depends upon how many others have the same idea. I've had pleasant experiences of viewing the parades and fireworks from the train platform, and I've also had absolutely, flat-out, the most miserable experience of my Disney life at the platform. On a crowded day, if you want to grab a seat at the railing, be prepared to arrive no later than two hours before the parade or fireworks. Then be prepared for latecomers who try to push their way in front of you or who even try to shame you into giving up your seat. Based upon my experiences, I would recommend the train platform if it's a relatively light crowd at MK. If it's a crowded day at the park, I would find another, less congested spot. But, as with all things Disney, your mileage may vary.