Hello, Shannon! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Walt Disney World Marching band trips are experiences that students treasure throughout their lifetime. Our local high school goes every four years, so each band member has a chance to go one time in their high school career. My youngest son, who plays the clarinet in fifth grade, longingly looks at our school's Disney Performing Arts trophy every time he walks by the trophy case. I'm so excited for both of your Mouseketeers!
I'm fortunate to call fellow Panelist,
Kate, one of my friends, and she is one of the best band parents around! In her experience, the marching bands begin their performance down Main Street, U.S.A., about 30 minutes before the afternoon
Festival of Fantasy Parade at
Magic Kingdom Park. However, you will probably be emailed a schedule a couple of weeks beforehand. Typically, parents are not permitted to accompany the performers backstage, and backstage photos are not allowed. She suggests asking your kiddos in advance what side of the street they will be marching on and then staking out a spot on that side of Main Street, U.S.A at least one hour prior.
During her trip, some parents got terrific photos from the flagpole area. If your group is marching up Main Street toward Cinderella Castle, you can also stand at the edge of the hub to catch them coming up, and then follow them around the circle. Make sure to enlist all the parents beforehand, and create a photo share site. Ask fellow chaperones to take pictures of all the kids making their way towards Cinderella Castle (not just their own), and share when they get back. I bet you'll be surprised at all the action shots you get-- even the ones you didn't take!
So Hakuna Fermata, Shannon (it means playing for the rest of your days)! Have a great time!
Eean