Mother, Son, Giraffe, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom, Savannah
  • On Apr 23, 2012
    Lora from PA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    How long before a parade do you recommend getting a spot? How long before a show like Lion King or Beauty & the Beast do you recommend getting in line? Thank You! I love this panel!

    Hi there, Lora!

    Thanks so much for the kind words! We are glad to help you plan the perfect trip :)

    I'm a bit of a "nervous Nellie" when it comes to getting just the right spot for a parade. You won't find, particularly at peak times of the year, that an hour in advance, is a foolish idea. And if you want a highly-coveted spots (like in front of the Emporium on Main Street, USA - almost adjacent to the Park exit), plan on at least that long,.

    My general plan: 90 minutes before the parade is due to step off, I wander over to the "chunk" of the parade route that's closest to where I am at the moment. If people are already seated, I'll know to grab my own spots, or to send a designated "spot saver" to the area. That. mind you, can be challenging; it's tough to save a stretch of sidewalk. You'll likely want to have your entire party seated to ensure that no one gets stuck behind a wall of parade watchers at go-time.

    For shows, I tend to operate in the same way. An hour before the performance I want to see, I'll head over to the queuing area to see how long the line is. And yes, more often than not, just so I am assured of a seat, I'll hop in line. Some shows, like Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios, are so wildly popular that people line up well in advance of the theater opening - and THAT is 90 minutes prior to showtime!

    Lots of your wait time will depend upon the number of people visiting the Parks that day. You'll get a good sense of the crowd level, and you'll be able to assess the line lengths in advance of showtimes.

    And don't worry. You can never be too early. Your patience will be well-rewarded!

    See you later, celebrator,
    -Deborah B.
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Meet the Panelist: Deborah, Florida

As a Florida native, my life has always included Walt Disney World. Now I share that magic with my husband and my sons, ages seven and eight. In between trips to the World, I teach for the Department of English at the University of South Florida. Learn More About Deborah

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