I am going to say it plain and simple, I don’t like watching parades! It is true…it has nothing to do with the parades, or the lights, or the sounds or the fact that I can’t sit still.( I actually love the parades and shows) It has to do with the people all around me. Why would I go to an event where I leave and feel like I am fired up for a debate? Yep…that is exactly how I feel every single time I watch, fireworks and parades.
Before I begin, I would like to point out that I am a very calm person….there is not too much that can make me mad especially at Disney but seeing parades puts things into a new perspective..one might think I am an animal! As you probably know, we are big-time Disney planners. We hit the parks and know what we are doing…not in order but we are old pros. We know that when we want to see a parade/fireworks we need to arrive early to get the type of seat that we want….another words the best seat in the house.
So, we typically grab our favorite snack and secure our spot on the curb and all is good….well for about 30 minutes. That is when the parade pirates arrive. We all know who they are. People that arrive at the last minute, and expect you to move for them so that their “kids” can see. Now let’s stop for a minute: I love children, I used to be a teacher and I have 3 children myself. However, I too am a Disney fan, paid just as much to get in and I too love to see the parades. I just don’t feel like I should have to give up my spot with my family because people decided to show up late! I know that this may make me look harsh and unreasonable but I just feel like if you are going to need a good spot, you should get there early too. Why should anyone have to move or adjust for late arrivers? Also keep in mind we sit so that everyone can see behind us.
This brings me to what happened this year at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. We gave up 45 minutes of precious party time to secure our spot for the 10:30 Boo To You parade. When we first arrived it was us and another family and by golly would you know it…they arrived…the pirates. I was sitting on the ground with my family enjoying popcorn and we had the front row…right at the ropes. This woman came up and stood right on top of me, talked very nasty about me and then lifted up my leg to fit in her child. She proceeded to say how dorky I was for needing to see the parade to every single person that arrived to watch. I was mortified…but I did not move. Of course her poor little girl was crammed on my knee so I stood up and hovered over my daughter’s head and did not enjoy the parade at all. I was just so sad.
My family holding down the fort...lol.
I have to be honest…this is not my first time feeling horrible upon leaving a parade so I think for a while it will be the last time we spend the time watching. I would love to know if anyone else out there has the same trouble?
See ya real soon!!
Kelly
Kelly is the Founder/Blogger for Disney Guru as well as a contributing writer for The Affordable Mouse and WDW Fan Zone. She has been visiting Walt Disney World consistently since the age of 2. When she not planning a trip or writing about Walt Disney World, she is dreaming about being there. Kelly, her husband, three children live right outside of Chicago.
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YES! Preach! This is what I hate about the parades. You were nicer than I would have been. If I didn’t have kids I would never go to one of those things. It isn’t worth the agravation, which is a shame when you want to see the parade.
Last year multiple people just tried to plop their entire family down in front of us minutes before the parade started. “Get up, you can’t sit here” seemed to work that time, even if it did get me some dirty looks.
I agree completely! What amazes me every time is the look of shock and surprise on their faces, followed sometimes by a few very un-Disney-like words, when you object to their piracy! I don’t enjoy confrontation, but I believe you should (politely) stand up for yourself when the situation calls for it.
Kathy and Mark you are making me feel so much better. I felt so terrible for always getting so “fired up” during these events. It really takes the Disney magic out of everything. What is wring with people???
YES!! this happened to me twice on my last trip and was very annoyed. It only happened in Magic Kingdom tho. I sat down in the afternoon and enjoyed an Ice cream from the Plaza on the curb and right before the parade started a South American lady shoved her child practically on me and was constantly leaning on me during the parade. And it happened again at MNSSHP! again i waited on a curb on Main Street and a lady got in a huff that there was no space at the front for her and her children as the adults were taking up the space. I’m sorry, I would always let kids have a view of the parade but if I’ve been waiting 30-45 minutes for the parade and you turn up just before it starts and get in a mood with us, thats your fault for not being organised/on time. It states on the map to get there early! Rant over.lol
Great post Kelly!!
Callum I totally agree! I want to help the kids out but I also feel like when I spend a ton of time waiting and saving my spot I should be able to sit and enjoy. I do sit so anyone behind me can see. I love you rant…lol.
I have a plan that has worked well got my family. Get to know the Cast Member setting up the ropes in the area you are in. Tell them how excited you are to watch this parade. Maybe even share your concerns with them. Then when those pirates weasel their way in, you have an ally in that CM. But definitely stand your ground!
Shawn that is a wonderful idea!! Thank you so much for sharing. :0)
[...] pm. Watch parade and take amazing pictures on our now lost camera! Unsuccessfuly tried to avoid the parade pirates. 8:45-9:15 pm. Trick-or-treat at two more locations, try to keep son awake, and slowly walk to park [...]