Getting Decent View Of Parades at MK

[Jasper Dale]

how early do you need to find a spot for the evening parades? we are going to be in MK December 13 and 16.

we are going to be dining at the Liberty Tree Tavern on the 13th at 6:30 and i was wondering where would be the best spot to go from there to see the parade.

thanks for any help!

 

[kstella]

Since you are eating at the LTT a really nice spot to watch it is from it's porch or there are lots of nice viewing spots right around there. It's also a good spot to watch wishes if you want to avoid the crowd on Main Street or by the castle.

 

[marni1971]

Anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour - the best thing is to keep an eye on crowd levels and grab a spot when it is getting busy.

You won`t see much of Wishes from Lib Sq - the roof launched pyro is mostly hidden, as are the castle effects. Why not make an evening of it and grab a spot near the back of the hub after your meal and hold onto it for both Spectro and Wishes? The parade will clear the hub about 20 minutes before the fireworks unless it`s a MVMCP night.

 

[Mori Anne]

I love watching the parade from the trainstation, but since the decorations are going to be up there will be decorations that will block your view. Wishes (IMO) is only worth watching if you can see the castle as well. I like the hub idea.

 

[heliumalias]

I like sitting on the wall at Pecos Bill's (not on the bridge)

 

[Jasper Dale]

so is the Wishes display that much different during the Christmas Party? we are planning on being in MK for two nights, one being the Christmas Party.

 

[Captain Hank]

Yes, Wishes and Holiday Wishes are two completely different shows--both very good. Since it's staged during a special event, Holiday Wishes features extra effects, such as 180 degree perimeter fireworks around the border of the Magic Kingdom during the finale. While somewhat lower-key (though not by a lot), Wishes is also a great show, celebrating some of the best moments of Disney films. A front view of the castle is a must for both shows.

 

[kennygman]

so is the Wishes display that much different during the Christmas Party? we are planning on being in MK for two nights, one being the Christmas Party.

Holiday Wishes for the party is different than Wishes. However, after Dec. 20th they begin doing Holiday Wishes everynight instead of Wishes.

 

[Jasper Dale]

so if we want to get a good view in front of the castle, generally how soon should we arrive before the show is scheduled to start?

we don't want to spend too much unnecessary time waiting. (we got to Fantasmic waaaaay too early our last trip and i think we spend 30 minutes just to be two rows ahead of where we would be if we showed up a half hour later.)

 

[Captain Hank]

Depends. If you're planning on seeing the first Very Merry Christmas Parade, stake out a spot that affords you good viewing of both the parade and fireworks at least 45 minutes to an hour before the start of the parade. A good idea would be to find a spot and, if possible, have one adult temporarily "hold" the spot while another takes any kids off to the nearest cocoa/cookie spot to get some snacks for while you're waiting (there's usually one in the lobby of the Crystal Palace).

If you're planning on seeing the second parade, then put yourself in a position to move into the Main Street/Hub area as the parade is exiting--roughly half an hour/45 minutes before the fireworks.

The same sort of strategy works for Spectromagic/Wishes...except for no cookies. Unless, of course, you take a field trip to the Main Street Bakery.

 

[TakeMeThere81]

I have never been there for Holiday Wishes, but we were there during the summer when it was super busy(much like Christmastime can be). My husband and I staked out a spot at the train station and took turns holding our table and chairs. It was the best!! We got there an hour before the parade/fireworks(I can't remember which one came first). We had a great vantage point for both and also a quick getaway and beat the crowds to the monorail. I will warn that having such a good spot, you have to stand your ground, as soon as all this stuff starts, people tend to stand VERY CLOSE to you and behind you...etc. You have to be able to say, "UM...we've been waiting here for an hour, can you please step back a bit? These are OUR seats."

 

[WDWFigment]

Depends. If you're planning on seeing the first Very Merry Christmas Parade, stake out a spot that affords you good viewing of both the parade and fireworks at least 45 minutes to an hour before the start of the parade. A good idea would be to find a spot and, if possible, have one adult temporarily "hold" the spot while another takes any kids off to the nearest cocoa/cookie spot to get some snacks for while you're waiting (there's usually one in the lobby of the Crystal Palace).

If you're planning on seeing the second parade, then put yourself in a position to move into the Main Street/Hub area as the parade is exiting--roughly half an hour/45 minutes before the fireworks.

The same sort of strategy works for Spectromagic/Wishes...except for no cookies. Unless, of course, you take a field trip to the Main Street Bakery.

Maybe we went on one of the slower MVMCP nights last year, but for the first parade, we got pretty good spots about 15 minutes before the parade. Tickets to MVMCP are limited, so there aren't as many people watching the parade. We're going to the MVMCP on November 30th, which we expect to be busier. Will we really need to get there 45 minutes to an hour early for good spots around the hub?

 

[TTFN-Tiggger]

I enjoy watching the parade on Main Street sitting either by Casey's or the Ice Cream shoppe. I am then in a good spot for Wishes as well - sometimes I will move closer to the Castle after the parade. Have a great trip!

 

[Captain Hank]

Maybe we went on one of the slower MVMCP nights last year, but for the first parade, we got pretty good spots about 15 minutes before the parade. Tickets to MVMCP are limited, so there aren't as many people watching the parade. We're going to the MVMCP on November 30th, which we expect to be busier. Will we really need to get there 45 minutes to an hour early for good spots around the hub?

I suppose my times might be a little on the conservative side. It does depend on nightly attendance and numerous other factors. I'd still check out how the crowds are building in the MS/Hub area about 45 mins ahead of time. If there aren't too many people around, then feel free to go about your business for a little while.

 

[kcw]

I like sitting on the wall at Pecos Bill's (not on the bridge)

shhhhh.... we can't share our secret! :lol: that little retaining wall outside PBs is my favorite place to watch parades! Get there early, grab some food, and eat while you're waiting- and the best part is that the wall goes right up to the edge of the parade route, so nobody can squeeze in front of you last minute!