My Favorite Disney's Animal Kingdom Parade Spot

We polled our Facebook Fans to find our where their favorite spot to watch the Parade in Animal Kingdom was, and though there were a few responses there's an overwhelming number of people who just don't make a special stop to watch this parade. With that in mind, I'm going to share with you my favorite spot to watch this parade and why I think it's worthwhile!

It's not all that hard to find my perfect parade spot. It's the place where you can sit down in the shade, refresh with a drink, and have a snack right along the parade route. Tough to find you say? Not at Disney's Animal Kingdom, just head on over to the Dawa Bar.

Covered Seating Great Rain of ShineCovered Seating Great Rain of Shine
With the lush greenery and river flowing through the park the heat and humidity at at Disney's Animal Kingdom can sometimes get tough for us Northerners to take. Stopping for a mid afternoon break in the shade with a cool drink can do a world of good to refresh your for the rest of your park tour. The Dawa Bar offers shade covered tables and a full service bar so that you can refresh with cool water, fizzy soda, or a frozen Dawa Colada.

Hydrate at the Full Service Dawa BarHydrate at the Full Service Dawa Bar
After staking out a table about 20-30 minutes before the parade you can send someone across the walkway to the Tamu Tamu Refreshment Station. Grab a spicy open-faced pulled beef sandwich with a mint yogurt cucumber sauce on a pita, or a Tandori Chicken Salad to share and fill the void in your tummy. Bringing them back to your table in the shade these tasty choices will help you power up and keep on going until you break for dinner.

Sandwich and Chips from Tamu Tamu RefreshmentsSandwich and Chips from Tamu Tamu Refreshments
Once the Parade starts you've got two great angles to view and take pictures from! Right on a turn in the route, the Dawa bar offers several great views, and this parade is all about looking up, so even a few rows back you've got a great view. People in your party who don't care for Parades can continue to relax at the comfort of your table, while parade lovers can move closer to the action and watch the playful, colorful floats go by. Unique designs bring the wildlife up close in the form of bright mechanical puppets along side dancing twirling cast members. This parade is a true celebration of the music that moves the world. Several guest families are selected throughout the day to ride on the floats with classic Disney characters.

Jammin' Jungle Parade PuppetsJammin' Jungle Parade Puppets
One last bonus to my favorite parade spot is that the queue line at Kilimanjaro Safari always diminishes during the Parade, watching from the Tusker House/ Dawa Bar area puts you in the perfect location to hop on the ride for a safari adventure before the lines get long again.

Next time you're at Animal Kingdom and you think you don't want to watch the parade, think about my favorite spot, it may become yours too! Do you have a special place that you like to watch Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade? Leave me a comment and let me know where your favorite spot is!

JoAnn C wrote on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 11:40:

JoAnn C's picture

I haven't seen the parade yet but will keep this spot in mind if I see it this year.

crazycatperson wrote on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 17:55:

crazycatperson's picture

The parade is awesome - hubby says it's his favorite of all the parades - but we'd never tried sitting at Dawa Bar. We will next visit.

salejune wrote on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 19:21:

salejune's picture

We'll have to try this when we go this fall. Thank you!

Gaylin wrote on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 21:20:

Gaylin's picture

Thanks, I will try this next time! With chips and a bottle of water.

keith wrote on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 02:51:

keith 's picture

love this parade...been in it twice:)

Kristen K. wrote on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 12:23:

Kristen K.'s picture

Thanks so much for the comments! I hope you guys enjoy the spot if you try it. Leave back a comment and let me know!

Allison Jones wrote on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 23:51:

Allison Jones's picture

It is a great parade! I always just walk up at the last minute and get a great view, since so many of the parade characters are huge!

Jodi wrote on Thu, 05/10/2012 - 21:16:

Jodi's picture

We'll try this spot for sure on our next Disney Vacation. Thanks!

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