Hi Lil!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I am a band mom myself, as I have two sons in high school marching band. Last Thanksgiving I was able to watch my oldest son march through the Magic Kingdom, and it was a dream come true for me!
Disney’s Performing Arts Program offers multiple options for students. Usually, marching bands head down Main Street, U.S.A. about 30 minutes before the afternoon parade at
Magic Kingdom Park. Schools may also perform on stage or participate in other learning programs. If your grandson is in an orchestra or jazz band for example, he may be performing on stage at Disney Springs. There isn’t a publicly available schedule of these performances, so to be certain, you should confirm with your grandson both the time and location of his performance.
If he will be marching at the Magic Kingdom that day, that would be the park you would want to head to! The afternoon
parade is scheduled twice that day, once at noon and again at 3 pm, so be sure to confirm with him the time of his performance.
Since the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a popular time to visit, I would recommend arriving at the park early in the day, as there is always the possibility the park could close to capacity. Regular park opening is currently scheduled for 8 am that day, though sometimes
park hours change and it could open earlier. If you will be staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, the park opens for Resort Guests at 7 am for
Extra Magic Hours.
I would recommend grabbing a snack and a cool drink, and find a place to view the parade at least one hour before the official parade start time. You may want to ask your grandson which side of the band he marches on so you can choose the best side of the street to get a glimpse of him! Any of the areas along Main Street, U.S.A would be a good option. We sat outside
the Emporium, which is the large shop on the left side of the street as you are looking at the
Cinderella Castle. While the parade also goes through Frontierland and Liberty Square, I think seeing them come down the street with Cinderella Castle behind them is the most iconic view.
I hope this helps, Lil. And I hope your grandson has a truly magical trip with his band to the Walt Disney World Resort!
- Kate