I am taking my kids in May to see the Electric Light Parade at DCA. This is a big deal for me - I saw this parade every single summer of my life until they retired it. The summer they retired it, my mother and I drove down special just to see it one last time and say goodbye. It's a powerful memory evoking event for me! This will be my kids' first time ever viewing the parade and I want it to be special (and I know I am gonna cry when I hear those first strains of music...).

Where's the best place to sit/stand to see the parade? Do people line up early for it like they used to in the "good ole days"? Or is it not such a big deal anymore? What's the best plan of attack for us to make sure we get good seats? And will it be as exciting as it was when I was a kid - or is having it in DCA a let-down?

Any advice/experience welcome and needed!!

Thanks!

People line up a lot - BUT they tend to line up in certain areas and leave others alone. We just saw the parade and had front row seats after waiting about 20 minutes (if that). We sat near the Stinger, on the ground. You could get bench seats if you're willing to wait a bit. Just be sure to sit somewhere along the pier. The crowds elsewhere are ridiculous. Enjoy the parade. I don't think you'll find it a let down. At least I don't.


Where's the best place to sit/stand to see the parade? Do people line up early for it like they used to in the "good ole days"? Or is it not such a big deal anymore? What's the best plan of attack for us to make sure we get good seats? And will it be as exciting as it was when I was a kid - or is having it in DCA a let-down?

Any advice/experience welcome and needed!!

Thanks!

We used to sit at the main entrance by the fountain and then leave as soon as it passed, but since it now comes from the Pier area we grab a spot by bugs land and then follow it out.

Any truth to the rumors it is headed back to DL soon?

If you follow it out, you're the last person out of the park. You can shortcut. Follow it until the Pavillion, then go left down the street and left again past Grizzley River Rapids. You'll end up at Soarin, which you can then ride (no lines) or you can pass between the crowds lined up to see the Electric Parade and the silver train to exit the park. You'll find very few people lined up to get into Disneyland and you can watch the fireworks (not from the hub, but hey... why be greedy) or go to a New Orleans Square to wait for a spot for Fantasmic ( a lot of people wait after the show to see the fireworks, then leave). Or you can ride all kinds of rides that will be empty because of the fire works and Fantasmic. Have fun.

We used to sit at the main entrance by the fountain and then leave as soon as it passed, but since it now comes from the Pier area we grab a spot by bugs land and then follow it out.

Any truth to the rumors it is headed back to DL soon?