Parade at Magic Kingdom
  • On May 28, 2024
    Taneshia from TX Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Where to park to watch the parade and fireworks at magic kingdom

    Hi there, TaNeshia!

    I'm so glad you stopped by planDisney to discuss one of my favorite topics: entertainment in The Most Magical Place on Earth! My days spent in Magic Kingdom Park aren't complete without my favorite snacks and characters, so I love that parades allow me to enjoy both simultaneously before ending my day with happy tears during Happily Ever After. I love that you're planning to do the same (tears optional), so let's talk viewing locations! 

    The most popular viewing locations for Magic Kingdom's Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade are along Main Street, U.S.A. Because they enable Guests to view the colorful floats and cheerful characters with the magical backdrop of Cinderella Castle, people often begin securing these coveted spots over an hour in advance. Personally, I would rather spend that time enjoying other magical aspects of the park (such as a meal at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen or embarking on the 'wildest ride in the wilderness' aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad), so my favorite spots to catch the parade are found in Frontierland (ideally near Westward Ho so that I can grab a candied bacon skewer as I wait for the Festival of Fantasy to begin). In my experience, this particular part of the parade route is often less popular, so I've been able to snag a front-row spot just 10 to 15 minutes before the parade begins. Of course, the ability to do this will depend on your party size and the day's crowd levels, but there is consistently more elbow room here than on Main Street, U.S.A. If the magic of Main Street, U.S.A. during the parade is important to you, I suggest purchasing Disney Genie+ service for the day and utilizing a Lightning Lane entry to secure a spot in the reserved viewing section on The Hub for the parade. If you have further questions about the specifics of using Genie+ to view the parade, you might find this previous answer helpful! 

    Similar to parade viewing, you'll find that Cinderella Castle's projections make Main Street, U.S.A. the most popular place to take in Happily Ever After, Magic Kingdom's incredible nighttime spectacular, and that Guests begin claiming their spots on The Hub hours in advance. As I mentioned before, that's not how I choose to spend my time in The Most Magical Place on Earth, so I regularly enjoy the fireworks display from less popular locations that still allow me to hear the iconic soundtrack. While my husband loves to enjoy the fireworks in what he calls 'surround sound' from the gateway to New Fantasyland behind Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, my personal favorite view is found in Frontierland where I have a view of the Castle, explosions in the sky, and their reflections on the Rivers of America. However, if an incredible view of the projections and a bit of pixie dust from Tinkerbell are your priorities, I suggest booking a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party that will not only ensure you an incredible view but also sweet and savory treats! 

    I hope this information was helpful, TaNeshia, and enables you to enjoy some of Magic Kingdom's highlights as much as I do. If you have any additional questions as you are planning, don't hesitate to reach back out. I'm always happy to help!

    Thinking Happy Thoughts,
    Lizzie
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Meet the Panelist: Lizzie, Georgia

Oh, hi! Lizzie here - a wife, dog mom, and 'Disney adult' perpetually planning my family's next magical vacation. My happy thoughts include Walt Disney World snacks, character hugs, photo ops, and balloons on Main Street, U.S.A. Whether you're planning to visit with friends or with family, for a week or a weekend, to splurge or to save, I'm here to help you embrace your inner hakuna matata as you stroll through The Most Magical Place on Earth with your favorite Mickey-shaped snack in hand!
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