Disney parades are a terrific way to create lasting memories, if you’re willing to do more than just watch.
I was a Disney guy before we ever took our kids – or in the case of this story – kid into the park. Disney had me at hiya pal, if you’ll forgive the adjusting of a phrase.
But on my first trip as a father, we took our oldest – who was five at the time – into the Magic Kingdom for a princess dinner at the castle. Dressed in her finest Princess Tiana gown, she was ready to dine with royalty.
As we made our way to our evening reservations, we stumbled into a Main Street Parade – it would have been the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade. My daughter watched transfixed as the characters worked their way down Main Street USA.
Then, there was a point when she caught Goofy’s attention. She nearly levitated.
“Daddy, Goofy waved at me,” she said twirling.
She turned back to the parade seeking the next dopamine rush of attention from her favorite characters.
In the ensuing years, I’ve lost count of the number of waves, smiles, high fives, and other acknowledgments my kids have gotten from princesses, princes, scoundrels and more in Disney parades, cavalcades, and the like.
But I can tell you that a Disney parade isn’t a passive activity.
You get – to a certain extent – what you give. If you want to maximize your parade watching experience, there are some things you have to know.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Our best Disney Parade tips for getting the most out of your experience
1. Be Enthusiastic
You have to understand a bit of psychology that goes into a Disney parade. Cast members, by and large, love Disney as much as – often more – than we do.
The reason they do what they do – in addition to the perks like free park entry – is they want to give others that dopamine rush like my daughter got when she was little.
They live to create Disney magic and that little extra energy from you – the cast member and guest interaction – can carry them through a long, grueling, and hot shift. It’s not exclusive to Disney, of course, a great audience will elevate almost any performer.
But for a cast member – especially one in an elaborate costume – that walk from the edge of Frontierland through Liberty Square, in front of the castle and down Main Street USA can be a long one. They will feed off your energy and you’ll be more likely to get a memory that will last.
2. Use Merch
I assume that Disney tells its performers to be on the lookout for merchandise related to their character. However, it may also be that Disney doesn’t have to tell them, and it just happens naturally.
But, over the years, many of our favorite parade interactions have come due to a piece of merch spotted from a passing marcher or float.
My youngest has been on a Stitch kick lately and was wearing one of her many Stitch shirts when he came into view. A double point and a little extra attention made her day.
My favorite of these, however, happened completely by accident.
We’d just gotten off Pirates of the Caribbean and our middle child, the boy, had bought a plastic sword and a Jolly Roger pirate flag which he was holding when Wendy, Peter Pan and the Lost Boys rounded the corner. The Lost Boys made a big production of giving him the stink eye while Wendy fretted about his chosen path.
But while fretting, she managed to signal Captain Hook on the approaching float about the presence of a fellow pirate. The captain gave him a massive and elaborate bow with a sweeping gesture as he passed.
He was thrilled.
It was great.
3. Location, Location, Location
One of our most important Disney parade tips!
I don’t have any science to back this up, but it feels true. Frontierland and Liberty Square – while less crowded options – can be significantly hotter in the Florida midday sun than other places around the route.
On a recent trip it was exceptionally sunny and exceptionally hot.
We came from Fantasyland into Liberty Square just in time for the Festival of Fantasy parade. We snatched a great – and wide-open spot – just past the pillory in Liberty Square.
It was perfect for parade viewing but less than ideal for not dying of a heat stroke.
I don’t know if it’s the nature of the road in that part of the park, the way the sun hits it or what, but it nearly took me out. I wasn’t the only one.
My iPhone shut down in self-preservation.
Obviously, a lot of people prefer the front of the castle for picture purposes, but I don’t mind further down Main Street where – if you’re quick enough – you can get a coveted spot next to a trash can which serves as an effective people buffer.
4. Be willing to get loud
The squeaky wheel gets grease. Sometimes, dignity be danged, you’ve got to be like the littlest Who and unleash your mighty “Yop” to get the cast members attention. Be a little judicious in the application of this method as it’s easy to go from enthusiastic attention seeking to annoying fast.
5. Dance
Last but not least: our final Disney parade tip.
Let’s be clear here. Don’t overdo it. We’re talking Pulp Fiction John Travolta and not Saturday Night Fever John Travolta.
A little twist, maybe a little juke and jive goes a long way.
Remember the show isn’t about you.
However, if you’re tastefully in the groove, it’s possible – even likely – that a cast member will appreciate your vibe.
In fact, for awhile Disney experimented with street dance parties where the parade would stop on Main Street USA so guest could – if you’ll forgive an old Gen Xer the phrase – bust a move.
During the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party the boy – who would have been about four at the time – impressed Genie with moves that combined all the frenetic activity of Flashdance with the technical ability of one of those inflatable things they use to get attention at used car lots.
It was … something.
