Where are the primo parade spots??

[grays-go-disney]

I'm off to Disney early May with a 3 yearold little girl who loves parades. We will need to catch the Share a Dream Come True Parade. Where are the good spots to catch the parade and how early do you have to get there?

I also wanted to ask how Disney-acceptable it is to have 1 or 2 people staking claim to a spot and having children join later. (Grandma & Grandpa are coming along as well and just thought it would be nice if the 3 & 1yr old don't have to sit for an hour!)

thanks in advance!

 

[mcgrawfan]

At MK anywhere along Main Street, sit right on the curb. That is a great spot because no one can sit in front of you. Last time we went gma and gpa would wait with our DD and save a spot (while eating a snack ) and DH and I would walk around by ourselves for a little while. No one seemed to mind because we would have it blocked off with our stroller or sweatshirts.

 

[dcmbshafe]

The crowd size in early May will be such that you shouldn't have to get to parade viewing spots ultra-early. That said, the most popular (and crowded) viewing spots in MK are along Main Street. I don't think saving spots is a problem, but you need to expect that the longer you attempt to save the spot the more encroachment you'll experience (you'll have even better luck if you use jackets or something to "claim" your territory). Again, the time that you're going shouldn't require you to camp out much more than 30 minutes in advance for a really good spot and even less if you try some less popular spots along the parade route.

I wish I could remember where the parades begin and end. It seems to me that the MK afternoon (Share a Dream) parade starts at Main St. and ends in Frontierland while Spectro does the reverse. Either way, you need to keep in mind that the parade route goes through Frontierland and part of Liberty Square - we've had some decent luck with viewing spots in that area away from Main St.

Our family actually likes the Jammin' Jungle parade over in AK best of all the WDW afternoon parades (Spectro is pretty awesome, but can be a little late for the wee ones), so if you get the chance check that one out.

 

[MinnieFan]

We like to stand right in front of the Hall of Presidents. You can get a great view of the parade as it turns the corner. We have some great pictures from this spot.

An added bonus if it is very hot out - they always leave the door open at HOP so you get the air conditioning from behind you!

 

[Joanna71985]

I love to sit in front of the Barber shop on Main Street. Since SADCT starts in Frontierland, it is at the end of the parade route, but I have never had to get there very early. In fact, when I was there in January and went to see Spectro (on 1 Spectro nights) I was able to get there about 30 minutes before parade time, and there was still almost nobody there! So I highly recommend that spot. (For the record, SADCT starts in Frontierland and Spectro starts on Main Street).