Watching parades on New Year's Eve

[94bruin]

I have a few questions about NYE and the parades. We'll be there Dec 31-Jan 3. For the record, I don't plan on staying up to watch the fireworks. I'd like to leave soon after PTN.

Does Santa still appear in the parade past Dec 25?​

I'm considering watching the parades (Christmas, PTN) on New Year's Eve.

Do I have to stake out a spot really early?​

Will people stay in place from the end of the Christmas parade at 3:45 until PTN at 6:15?

Am I better off waiting til our 2nd day to watch the parades?​

Is there somewhere we can view the parades without waiting the entire day? I'm assuming we'd have to stand. Not sure I'd be able to convince my family to sit half the day away on our first day at Disney.​

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!

 

[Malcon10t]

On NYE - People will start staking out spots by 11am for fireworks. You will need to stake out a spot early. Yes, people will remain from 345 to 615. Will you be able to find a spot within the last half hour, probably, but you will need to look for a spot, probably near Small World, and it won't be up close. You don't say how large your party, but larger than 3-4, you will need to find spots even earlier so you can be together.

 

[94bruin]

I'm going to re-think my strategy and see the parades on a different night.

But does anyone know if Santa appears in the parade past Christmas?

 

[Malcon10t]

This was from New Years Day last year.

 

[ArchOwl]

NYE is a tough day for watching parades since people start taking Hub spots for the midnight fireworks in the morning. As the Hub spots get filled, people start saving spots further away. Is it imperative to watch the parade on NYE? If not, I would pick another day.