Best Parade Spots to Watch for Families with Small Children at Disney World

Here are some of the best places to watch parades at the Disney World theme parks:

1. Magic Kingdom – Main Street, U.S.A.

The iconic Main Street, U.S.A. is the perfect spot to watch parades at Magic Kingdom. But not every spot along the route is the best. With its classic American architecture, charming shops and restaurants, and prime viewing areas, it’s no wonder that Main Street, U.S.A. is one of the most popular parade viewing locations. To get a good spot, arrive at least 30 minutes before the parade starts. The earlier you arrive, the closer you will be to the action. That said, on a crowded day you could be crowded out even if you arrive early.

For families with small children, consider watching the parade from Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, perhaps with a dining reservation. This is a quieter location and provides easy access to restrooms and snacks. All of that said, if the day is very crowded, and if you can’t get a dining reservation at the right time, consider checking out Frontierland near Splash Mountain instead.

2. Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is the main thoroughfare at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and offers a prime viewing location for parades. The best spot is near the entrance of the park, in front of the Crossroads of the World. This area offers plenty of space and a great view of the parade floats as they make their way down the street.

For families with small children, consider watching the parade near the beginning of the route, near the entrance of the park. This area is less crowded and offers a good view of the floats as they make their way down the street.

3. Epcot – World Showcase

Although Epcot rarely has parades these days, they do happen on occasion. Epcot’s World Showcase offers a unique parade experience with perhaps the longest parade route in the parks when one exists. The parade route has historically run along the promenade, which circles the World Showcase Lagoon. The best spots for viewing the parade are near the far end pavilions of World Showcase. The exception is France where a secondary gate exists and can cause more crowds.

For families with small children, consider watching the parade near the Moroccan pavilion. This area is less crowded and offers a good view of the floats as they pass by. Even better, it’s a short walk thereafter to ride the ferry boat across World Showcase Lagoon.

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Discovery Island

Disney’s Animal Kingdom features some of the best viewing locations for a parade in the parks. When parades are active, the traditional route runs through Discovery Island, the central hub of the park. The best spots for viewing the parade are near the Tree of Life or Flame Tree Barbecue.

For families with small children, consider watching the parade at Flame Tree. Ideally, you can grab food and drink at the quick service restaurant, enjoy a shaded area to sit and then walk to the parade route once it starts to pass by. This area is less crowded and offers a good view of the floats as they make their way down the street.

Although there are less parades than in the past, Disney World offers plenty of great spots to watch parades, no matter which park you are visiting. To get the best view, arrive early and consider staking out a spot at the beginning of the parade route. And for families with small children, consider watching the parade near the beginning of the route or near restrooms and snack locations. With a little planning and patience, you are sure to have a magical parade experience at Disney World!