You can’t do PTN and fireworks...

[theluckyrabbit]

But you recommend across the street? Like in front of Mermaid?

One advantage to being on the same side of the street as LM is that the restrooms are on that same side so you don't have to cross the parade route when the need arises! The restrooms are back, sort of behind LM, going back toward GRR.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I haven't watched a parade at DCA since MSEP, but wouldn't it make more sense to be closer to the exit while watching if you want to hop over? I think Little Mermaid is a little far from where you'd want to be, right?

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I haven't watched a parade at DCA since MSEP, but wouldn't it make more sense to be closer to the exit while watching if you want to hop over? I think Little Mermaid is a little far from where you'd want to be, right?

Just past the Little Mermaid is the first point of egress along the parade route - past Grizzly, Soarin’, etc. The parade itself continues its slow march along the parade route, so if you’re closer to the exit, you’re trapped there longer.

Both myself and the other poster who reported on timing hit the Carthay/fountain area at the princess segment of the parade (two segments left), meaning we hit that point much faster than the end of the parade.

You could stand by the fountain and just bail on the parade early if the fireworks were more important to you, I suppose.

 

[Malcon10t]

I haven't watched a parade at DCA since MSEP, but wouldn't it make more sense to be closer to the exit while watching if you want to hop over? I think Little Mermaid is a little far from where you'd want to be, right?

The parade starts by Paradise Pier, and ends by Guardians. So, if you get a spot in front of Little Mermaid or the Golden Zepher, you can exit quickly down the trail by Grizzly and out the front gate. You will be leaving while the parade is still passing Carthay.

 

[BlueFairy]

Going to try this tonight. Solo traveler, night 1 of 4 in the parks, so it's a no brainer. I grabbed Soarin FP for 8:25 and I'm not sure if I'll use it. No need for front row, so I'm hoping to squeeze in somewhere and be happy with being a few feet back. If I miss it, I have at least 2, maybe 3 other opportunities.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Going to try this tonight. Solo traveler, night 1 of 4 in the parks, so it's a no brainer. I grabbed Soarin FP for 8:25 and I'm not sure if I'll use it. No need for front row, so I'm hoping to squeeze in somewhere and be happy with being a few feet back. If I miss it, I have at least 2, maybe 3 other opportunities.

I hope the parade is on time for you! I think that’s the key!

 

[BlueFairy]

Going to try this tonight. Solo traveler, night 1 of 4 in the parks, so it's a no brainer. I grabbed Soarin FP for 8:25 and I'm not sure if I'll use it. No need for front row, so I'm hoping to squeeze in somewhere and be happy with being a few feet back. If I miss it, I have at least 2, maybe 3 other opportunities.

I hope the parade is on time for you! I think that’s the key!

I was parked at Mermaid on the Grizzly side by 8:45. First lights I saw we’re at 8:56, but I couldn’t see much past the Jellyfish. By 9:17 Mickey was past me. I beat the princesses to Cathay Circle by about 1 min. By 9:25 I was in Town Square. I messed up from there because I didnt understand how they manage the traffic. But I easily could have squeezed in on Main St.

Had to really hustle and my legs aren’t thrilled. Would’ve been impossible with a stroller or anyone besides maybe 1 other adult in tow. But I did have time to spare!