We were in the parade!!!!

[allysmom]

I picked this tip up on these boards and have to share it! My family was at Disneyland for one day (Monday, 5/3). We live in San Diego and decided to take the kids out of school and just go up during the week for a day of fun. I read somewhere on these boards that the cm's come around about an hour before the parade starts and pick people out of the crowd to be in the parade - in our case, The Parade of Stars.

At six p.m. we made sure we were on Main Street. We saw a double decker bus with a big Parade of Stars sign on the side coming down the street. The cm's were in light blue overalls with white clouds on them. Sure enough, they stopped mid way down Main and two cm's got off the bus and started staking out the crowd! We walked right up to them and asked if we could be in the parade! We met all the requirements - no sandals without an ankle strap, adult with children, etc. The cm said yes!!! Took our names - gave us name tags and told us which group we'd be in and put us on the bus!

The bus made 4 or 5 more stops along the parade route picking up other lucky guests along the way. (In front of Tomorrowland and in front of Small World are two I can remember). We then went back stage to get into our "light costumes" (capes and tutus). The cm's taught us a little dance, then gave us the best news: Each person in our group would be partnered with their very own character for the whole parade!!! I danced with Timon and my little girl danced with Pooh the whole length of the parade!!! It was amazing!! At the end, we all got a special pin with the words "guest performer 2004" imprinted on the back. It was an experience we'll remember for the rest of our lives!!!

I wanted to share this so you guys could have as much fun as we did!!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>allysmom,

I'm glad you & your dd had such a magical moment at Disneyland! Days like this are to be treasured

 

[maci]

That is so cool!!!

We will be on the look out!!

So no sandals with out straps, is that everyone or just the kids???
Any other rules that stand out in your mind??

Where you able to take pictures with the characters before the parade??

That is so neat and why there is no place like Disney!!

 

[funnygarcia]

If I remember correctly some of the other rules include..

Leave any bags or other items in a locker- you can't leave them any where/ will need to carry it entire route.

No photos allowed back stage or along parade route- they tell you to have someone else in your party to take pics of you along parade route.

I believe there was a minimum age (over 4 yrs with adult ??, 16 and up without adult?? but need parent signature)

A Person in wheelchair is allowed to participate-however it must be in a wheeled chair (someone in your party must push you ) no scooters/ no electric chairs. Wheelchairs are at the end of the parade route, holding rope.

Sandals need back starps- applies to everyone.

At the end of the parade they give you water to drink and the pins (our was of the blue fairy with guest performer on the back) - They strongly suggest that you hang onto your pin - you earned it and can only get it if you perform in parade.

Does anyone know if there being a performer is a once in a lifetime rule or you can do it again a year later?
We did this two years ago and had a blast- I would love to do it again as we are bringing my nephew with us..his first visit to DL