Where is the best parade viewing spot(s) in DCA?

[quiltymom]

Hi!

We're visiting DCA for the first time this summer, and I was wondering if there was a best place to view the parades that will have the lesser amount of people.

Thanks!

 

[dbanzai]

Which parade are asking about, or both? Personally, I have two places I love to watch the Electical Parade from if you aren't looking to be close but want to take things in from the broad view: Either have dinner at the Vinyard Room, or eat (or just sit by) the tables at the Pacific Wharf.

 

[quiltymom]

It would be for both, and to be close enough to take photos. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Electrical Parade since I haven't seen it since way before it originally left Disneyland.

 

[bumbershoot]

I liked watching DEP from back at the start, near Jumpin' Jellyfish. There were benches for those who got there a little bit earlier than I did, and it was a comfy place to be.

I haven't see PPP yet, and we never watched the BPB on purpose (DS didn't want to stand around to wait for it) just saw parts as it came by, and it's all so bright and colorful and fun, it always seemed pleasant (as I am sure the PPP will be as well) to view from anywhere (though I'm sure having a perfect spot would be better, assuming you don't mind getting sprayed with water!).

 

[tortugaverde]

We watched the pixar parade right at the parade start, which was right by the sun plaza area right when you walk into DCA (not sure of its "official name"). We were there about 40 min early during crazy spring break week and got a seat right in front on the ground. Water was not bad at all, an occasional light mist of water... nothing more. I liked being at the start, because then when the parade was over we walked into the back lot area with no crowds at all.

have fun

 

[Kirabird]

Be warned. . . most floats in the PPP shoot water, and not just a misting. Be careful with your camera equipment.

 

[chickybanky]

We watched the pixar parade right at the parade start, which was right by the sun plaza area right when you walk into DCA (not sure of its "official name").

This is where we watched it too. We were right near the entry to the back lot area, and I got great pictures! We got there about 25 minutes before it started and got a great spot on the ground.

We watched the EP from the same area (but over near the food trains) and got a great spot there too, but the EP doesn't start there, it ends there.

 

[quiltymom]

Thanks, everyone, especially for the water warning! I'm sure that the kids will love that part and I will be sure to protect my camera.

We missed all but the Boo to You parade at MNSSHP while we were at Disney World last Fall, so I want to be sure to see these this summer! And even if the kids don't want to see it, my sister and I will leave them with our DH's and have fun.

 

[tortugaverde]

Be warned. . . most floats in the PPP shoot water, and not just a misting. Be careful with your camera equipment.

Weird. We were there on a really hot day and there was no serious water shooting... just sprinkles and mist . Nothing that would have been a danger to camera equipment.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I liked watching DEP from back at the start, near Jumpin' Jellyfish. There were benches for those who got there a little bit earlier than I did, and it was a comfy place to be.

That is my favorite place to watch as well! LOVE to get the benches!!!!! I've seen both DEP and PPP from there. Anytime I can watch the parade without getting bubblegum on my butt, it's all good!

I'm not a huge parade fan anyway- don't tend to see them over and over (except DEP!!!!). But PPP was really fun. DH and I enjoyed it, as well as our kids. When we went it was the soft opening, and it was a light mist of water. It's possible that since they have had time to "play" with guest reaction, they have turned up the water pressure a little! Or, turned it up a little more since the weather is warmer, perhaps.

 

[spaceace510]

Another spot that allowed me to get some pretty good pictures was across the path from Golden Dreams. That was right in the middle of the route and and wasn't "very" crowed either...