The Best Places to Watch a Parade in Magic Kingdom

Updated August 2018

Trying to find a spot to watch one of the parades in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Theme Park can be a stressful experience if you don't know where to go. We have compiled a list for you including some of our places to catch the show, and tossed in a little Disney parade viewing etiquette to boot!

The Best Places to Watch a Parade in Magic Kingdom


Main Street U.S.A. Main Street is by far the most popular place to catch one of the Magic Kingdom's spectacular parades -- and it gets busy! It's not unheard of for people stake their claim on a spot as much as 2 hours before the parade starts.

If you are watching a parade to end your day in Magic Kingdom, as many people do, then try and get a spot close to Town Square. You won't be fighting as many crowds to get out, and you'll be closer to the front of the line for the monorail or ferry!


Rapunzel's Braid Stretches 36 Feet Across The Viking Ship


Tony's Town Square Porch The porch dining at Tony's Town Square is a great place to watch the parades. Not only is it a great view, you will also be seated in a chair instead of standing or sitting on the curb. Festival of Fantasy parade floats are built to be seen above the crowds, so you won't miss much of the action.

These reservations are tough to get, though. We suggest booking a reservation for 1 hour before parade time, then telling the cast member at the podium that you're willing to wait for a seat on the porch.


Spunky Merida Celebrates In Highland Style


Frontierland and Liberty Square Unlike on Main Street, the good parade viewing spots in Frontierland and Liberty Square don't usually fill up until about 20 minutes or so before the parade actually starts.

The corner where the parade turns by the stockade in Liberty Square is a fantastic spot because the curve in the route. In my opinion this allows for much better photo opportunities as previous floats move out of the way.

My favorite spot of all is the wooden platform just in front of the shooting arcade in Frontierland. Here you get a great view of the parade, with built in seating. The roomy size also makes this a fantastic spots for groups to meet up to watch together, and kids can stand on the platform for a better view without being held. Arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.


Characters from Snow White and Alice In Wonderland


The Main Street Train Station The second level of the Main Street Station is a great place to watch a parade. There are even some chairs available if you get there early enough! And we mean early. The entrance is in the tunnel that brings you into and out of the Magic Kingdom, in the center of the tunnel look for the stairs that bring you up to the railway platform. This bird's eye view gives you a straight shot down Main Street U.S.A to take in more than one float at a time.


View of Parade from Train Station Second Floor


Note that Disney does not dim the lights up on the Train Station during evening parades, so this spot is definitely better for daytime events.

Quick Tips for Parade Viewing Etiquette:

• Check the daily Times Guide so that you know when the parade begins. During some times of year the "3 o'clock parade" actually begins at a different time.
• Arrive early, before the parade starts, to stake out your spot for the best viewing.
• Only save spots for those family members that will be joining you for the parade.
• Don't put kids on your shoulders, or hold up an iPad. It blocks the view of those behind you.
• Don't shove in on people who have waited patiently in their parade spot. Be polite and respect the space of people around you.
• Ask before you push your children to the front of people so they can see. If you are worried about your kids having a good view, get a seat early.

So tell me. Where is your favorite parade watching spot?