Here you will find some suggestions when it comes to watching Disneyland's parades, fireworks and shows. Let me start by listing a few events I recently watched and are happening right now. At California Adventure there is the Pixar Play Parade at 5:15 and The World of Color at 9:45. Disneyland currently has Mickey's Soundsational Parade at 4:30, Paint the Night Parade at 8:30 and 10:30 and Disneyland Forever fireworks at 9:10. These are the show times for the 3 days I was there make sure you check the times on your specific day just to be 100% sure. This also isn't every event going on these are just the ones I can speak about from my own experience. My trip was during spring break which is a very busy time so take that into account when considering your own wait times.
Pixar Play Parade-This parade features characters from the movies Cars, Toy Story, Incredibles, Monsters Inc., Nemo and other Pixar movies. It was a fun and energetic parade that I think people of all ages would like. There is no need to go hours early to get a seat. I suggest going maybe 30 minutes to an hour early and sitting along the street in Hollywood Land. I went only about 5 minutes before it started and got a spot right on the curb. It seems most people sit closer to Pacific Wharf and in front of Ariels Undersea Adventure. Hollywood Land was fairly empty and very easy to get a good spot.
World of Color- This is my favorite thing to watch at CAA. This show uses water, lights, fire, projections and music to walk us through some classic Disney films and even gives us some Disney history. The show had recently been done and now includes Neil Patrick Harris as a host. The rides along the pier are involved in the show which makes it even better but that means you need to hit these rides during the day since they don't open again. This magical show is one of those things that just makes your heart happy! You are able to get Fast Passes for this show but you may want to consider other options. On my last visit I thought I was being smart by getting a fast pass so I didn't have to go so early and wait for hours to see the show however I wasn't impressed with my choice. A fast pass will put you down in the front and center which at first seems too good to be true. Here's why it is too good to be true,first of all it's a wet zone. I don't mind a little water but it being almost 10:00 at night along with a cool breeze made me very cold. Problem two was that they give so many fast passes and the section isn't that big. People push up and get in front of you whether or not you were standing there for 30 minutes prior. Since there are so many people it makes it hard to move and if you're not right in front you can't see good. I have some better suggestions if that doesn't sound ideal to you. My first thought is to instead watch the show from the bridge. Those people didn't even have to wait long, they had a good view and they looked a lot more spaced out and comfortable than I felt. Another option especially if you have already seen the show is to sit on the opposite side over on the pier and watch the show from the back. Sure some things won't look the same but it's still an ok view and you get the same magical feeling. I found this out a few years ago and it's a nice way to beat the crowd and still enjoy a great show.
Mickey's Soundsational Parade- Because this parade is at 4:30 at Disneyland you can expect it to be crowded. This is the time of day people need a rest and most people would agree watching a Disney parade can give you quite the pick me up. For this one you need to get there at least 30 minutes early for a curb spot but I would suggest going even earlier. Because I went during spring break my wait times might differ from yours. Trust me when I say this, if you are going during a peak park time you will need to go early to things to find a good spot. Its just the reality of Disneyland. I personally don't mind going early to things. I don't even mind going an hour or more early to find a spot. I find it is the perfect time to grab a quick snack, rest your feet and reorganize for the rest of your day. The parade itself is your basic Disney parade. It has all the main Disney characters and some upbeat music. Not really much more I can say about this specific parade. If you have little ones it is a great way for them to see several characters at once. So I say if you have nothing else on your agenda this could be something to check out.
Paint the Night Parade-I absolutely love this parade!!! It's a light parade at Disneyland. Do I really need to say more!? It has catchy upbeat music that is sure to make anyone feel carefree and happy. They go all out with the floats and the costumes to make it even more magical. When I was there they offered this parade at 8:30 and at 10:30. I have experienced both times and let me tell you this, go at 10:30. At 8:30 it is jam packed crowded. People started sitting really early for this one and that is valuable ride time they wasted. And hey hey think about this, if all those people are watching the parade at 8:30 you can be riding the bigger rides with little to no wait. How about them apples!? Now let me tell you about 10:30. Picture this-nice empty curbs, not nearly as many strollers blocking everything because a lot of people with kids have left, you go maybe 15 minutes early and get a perfect spot! That's what happened for me anyways. I had no intention of even watching this parade on our first night. We had done World of Color at CAA and had just hopped back over to Disneyland and I noticed the ropes which means a parade was starting soon. Instead of trying to navigate through the blocks they put up we decided to just stay. I was over towards the entrance of the park and the very start of Main Street USA and literally just walked into the perfect spot where there was maybe a few other people sitting down. What made it even better was for the 10:30 showtime the parade starts right there so after we watched it we were able to get a jump start on getting back in line for the rides. BONUS! Really try and plan for this parade though guys it is definitely worth it!!!
Disneyland Forever Fireworks Show- Oh my heart! Guys really you NEED to see this show and not only see it but get a good spot front and center so you can get the best view of everything. This isn't just a fireworks show. They put so much into this show and I actually felt sad for the people who haven't ever seen it. It's that good! During the show I looked around me and saw adults and kids mesmerized by this awesome piece of magic which was just so cool to see. I can't speak for the other viewing spots people recommend but in my opinion you must get right in front of the castle to experience this show to the max. They put projections up on the castle, use music and narration and even make it snow during the Frozen section. You will want to cry because it just makes you that happy. Here is a plan of attack to make sure you get a good spot. So Paint the Night starts at 8:30 and as soon as it is over the fireworks show begins. Go to the circle where there is the statue of Walt and Mickey and stand to the left of the circle (if you are looking towards the castle). The parade route goes to the right of the circle so it is super crowded over there but since you can't see the parade from the left side it doesn't get as crowded. Just to clarify you won't be able to use this spot for fireworks and parade but like I said you should try to watch the 10:30 parade anyways. You will need to go pretty early though I suggest maybe an hour at the least to get up front. If you are sitting down until showtime try and take up more space than you actually need because when you stand up to watch people WILL try and shove you. It's an annoying fact of Disneyland and yet there is not avoiding it. So many rude people who think they can show up last minute and push you out of your hard earned spot and it sucks. Be prepared and if they push don't be afraid to push back! Use those strollers and don't let anyone move your things out of their way. I don't want to talk anymore about this actual show because you have to go and experience it for yourself. I will say this, for me it beat World of Color. And I LOVE World of Color! Basically I am saying, if you do anything your entire trip to Disneyland make it this Fireworks show.
And that is what I can offer up about Parades and shows at Disneyland. If you have any questions or anything you think I should add that would be useful to others, please don't hesitate to tell me!!!
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