Disney World is FULL of experiences — each one more exciting than the last. And, while we love all the rides and all the food (we are the Disney FOOD Blog, after all), we can’t get enough of the world-class entertainment at Disney World, either.
Chip ‘n’ Dale at Magic Kingdom
From character meet-and-greets to incredible theatrical shows and more, Disney World entertainment is top-notch. But, we know we can’t be the only ones who have had some seriously frustrating experiences when it comes to the Magic Kingdom parade!
Don’t get us wrong — the Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom is seriously incredible. We love watching all the characters on the floats as they dance and sing iconic Disney tunes along with the incredible dancers and other performers. But, we’ve had more than one frustrating parade experience in Disney World and we know we’re not the only ones!
Festival of Fantasy Parade
How many times have you staked out your spot for the parade and found the PERFECT place…only to have someone stand directly in front of you and ruin your view?! We know, we know, there’s only so much room for everyone to stand and view the parade, but if it’s at all avoidable — try NOT to stand directly in front of people. This is especially true for kiddos and those with lower vantage points who might not be able to peer over someone’s head and shoulders. Not only that, but please BE KIND to others around you who are there to enjoy the same experiences as you!
Festival of Fantasy
Along the same lines, kiddos on shoulders are pretty much GUARANTEED to block someone else’s view, unless you’re absolutely certain no one is standing behind you. This is why we recommend scoping out a spot for the parade early — so little ones have a front-row seat and are able to see things without needing an extra boost. Luckily, most of the action in the Festival of Fantasy Parade takes place high up on those big floats, so even the tiniest of toddlers will be able to view most of the good stuff.
Festival of Fantasy Parade
And DON’T even get us started on how many times we’ve lost track of the time, only to realize we can’t get from Point A to Point B because the parade is happening and blocking our path! The Festival of Fantasy Parade starts back in Frontierland, travels through Liberty Square, and then makes its way around the castle hub and down Main Street, U.S.A. During this time, much of the park is blocked off for parade traffic — meaning you might get stuck on one side, unable to get to the other.
Festival of Fantasy Parade float!
While this can be particularly frustrating — especially if you’ve got a dining or Lightning Lane reservation to get to — the parade typically only lasts around 12 minutes, so you won’t be waiting for long. And, if you do end up being late to a reservation, explain your situation to a Cast Member. Most of the time they’ll understand!
Festival of Fantasy
Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE the Festival of Fantasy Parade, just keep these frustrating problems in mind so you know what to expect on your next trip!
In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest updates from Disney World. Don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more news!
I Had a Frustrating Skyliner Experience at Disney World and I Know I’m Not the Only One
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you ever had a frustrating experience at Disney World? Tell us in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I always choose my spot about 30 minutes before the parade since I cannot stand and use an ECV. All the time I get my view blocked thanks to people who come last minute and stand in front on my ECV. They just stand there, look at me and stay blocking my view, even when I say out loud they are blocking my view.
FYI: I choose not to use the space reserved for handicap so kids in wheelchairs can take advantage of those limited spaces.
Hi we were just there last month and scoped out a spot on Main Street and had a family of 4 next to me sitting on the curb. This was their first visit to Disney. There was a woman a little up from us who was standing and kept walking out into the street blocking others views as the parade was coming towards us. Before the parade even started cast members came over to her several times and told her she needed to stay behind the line. I feel for those cast members when people just think of themselves and don’t respect the other people trying to see the same thing. Otherwise we all enjoyed the parade.
I was in WDW last week and ALSO had a frustrating parade experience, but it is quite opposite of yours. My husband and I were looking for a spot in Frontierland to watch the soon-to-start Festival of Fantasy Parade, saw a wide spot on the sidewalk and decided it was just as good of a spot as any to stop and stand while waiting amongst the throngs of other guests doing the exact same thing. We did not feel the need to ask permission from anyone around us to do so. This is when we encountered 3 younger (late 20-something?) people who assumed that because they were SITTING on the edge of some sort of low wall-ish structure thing, that NOONE should be allowed to stand in the 5 feet of open space in front of them. It was not like we pushed past anyone to stand in that spot. We were not blocking a walkway. We literally walked up, saw a big open spot, and just….stood still. Keep in mind, we were still standing BEHIND a handful of children, strollers and parents plopped on the ground as close as possible to the roped off promenade, taking up another 3 feet in front of us. So, for 10 minutes while we waited for the parade to start and drown out the edge-sitters directly behind us, we overheard them discussing (loudly) how rude we were to stand in front of them. Amateurs. First of all, if you leave a significant amount of space in front of you that is open for viewing, whether it be for a parade or fireworks, someone is going to stand in front of you. Period. Second of all, even if you get there early and scope out a spot, the MINUTE you SIT DOWN, unless you are in a wheelchair-access viewing area, or up against the rope like the little kids, you forfeit being able to see past the person in front of you. Period. Stand up like the rest of the grown-ups. And to quote you “…if it’s at all avoidable — try NOT to stand directly in front of people.” Really? Please show me where in the park, amongst the 100,000 other people who are also there at the exact same time, where that is even remotely possible.