Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ I gather from these boards that this happens after Thanksgiving, but usually in the early part of December. Is it ever published when it's happening? Or could I find out who will be performing. I was thinking if it wasn't anyone I was interested in that we would just avoid the parks - if there was someone interesting, I'd bring my sleeping bag, lol!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo It's not a case of bringing a sleeping bag, you have to audition to be in the audience, and there are lots of takes, it does not flow as a real parade. My advice, unless there is a must see, avoid the MK like the plague during the couple of days of filming (Epcot or the others are a much nicer alternative). That day we were at the MK during filming and Pop Warner was the worst day I have ever had in a Disney park anywhere. so my learning point would be to prioritise other parks those two days.
Originally Posted By u k fan I agree with Dave. I avoided the MK when I was there while they filmed the parade, but if it's anything like it was when I visited on Xmas day I would avoid it like the plague unless there's a must-see!!!
Originally Posted By danyoung I don't know about that. I found that most of the activity centered around Main Street. Once I got past that, most of the attractions were a walk-on. And I got a glimpse of Kelly Rippa!!! What's not to like?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Our experience in 2006 was quite the contrary (no surprise) - e-tickets had 60 min waits (heck Smallworld was 30min). It was not pleasant. That said, the timing of Pop Warner events could have been different that year compounding it further.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey Last year when we visited the line to participate in the parade filming went all the way down the walkway to the Contemporary and doubled back on itself. I don't remember if we visited the MK that day (we saw it from the monorail on the way to Chef Mickey's for breakfast), so I don't know what the crowds in the park were like. However, the stage for the announcers and the all of the lighting was set up in the hub at the bottom of Main Street - it looked really tacky.
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Thanks for all your answers!! Do they let you know in advance which day that will be? I'm thinking unless Josh Groban is going to be there again, we'll be in another park. And if Josh Groban is there, I'll be alone!
Originally Posted By jkayjs It has been the 1st wkend in Dec for a while now. Not sure if that has changed but we purposely go the 2nd wkend in Dec now. Between the parade and PW groups we just found it getting busier every yr. We loved going later last yr. It's the last wk of value season but are still able to enjoy all the holiday festivities. The only thing that is missing is the parade @ MK. We can see that as well if we want to pony up the extra for MVMCP. We have only braved the MK during parade filming once and that was quite by accident. We had no idea that it was that day. This was many yrs ago and even tho we continued to go the 1st wkend in Dec we always steered clear of MK. I do kinda miss going then because my b-day's the 1st and I always got a kick out of all the b-day wishes I received. But I would rather avoid the increasing crowds that bring with it shorter lines and the bonus of a slower and more relaxed pace. If you want to know who's appearing I'm sure you can contact WDW travel and or check the networks website.
Originally Posted By danyoung >...the stage for the announcers and the all of the lighting was set up in the hub at the bottom of Main Street - it looked really tacky.the stage for the announcers and the all of the lighting was set up in the hub at the bottom of Main Street - it looked really tacky.< Just curious, Nikki - why do you say it looked tacky? Was it the intrusion onto Main Street that you didn't like, or did the sets themselves look tacky to you?
Originally Posted By jkayjs >>But I would rather avoid the increasing crowds that bring with it shorter lines and the bonus of a slower and more relaxed pace.<< OK can you tell I just finished two 12 hr days in a insanely busy ER? I meant that I would rather avoid the increasing crowds and instead have shorter lines and the bonus of a slower and more relaxed pace that the 2nd wk in Dec brings. Oh well maybe I need to go relax right now.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey <<Just curious, Nikki - why do you say it looked tacky? Was it the intrusion onto Main Street that you didn't like, or did the sets themselves look tacky to you?>> Sorry, I should have clarified. The stage, sets and lighting, are stored in the bottom hub and "hidden" with a bunch a bushes and such placed around the hub. I know I can't expect them to move all of this equipment on and off stage every day, but it looks really funky.
Originally Posted By danyoung >BTW Dan when's your next martini @ the R&C?< Saturday, October 18th, at around 7:30pm. Not that I'm counting or anything . . .
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Thanks all, I guess I'll phone WDW in October"ish" to see when the actual taping is, and who will be there. Enjoy your martini danyoung...we'll be there about a month later!
Originally Posted By DOGWITKEYS "Thanks all, I guess I'll phone WDW in October"ish" to see when the actual taping is, and who will be there." The taping should be on December 6th unless they change anything. They will not be announcing the talent line-up until late November, this is because the actual line up could keep changing right up until filming and they don't want to announce talent that won't be on the televised version. 90% of Disney fans still think it is live on Christmas day. Here's to maintaining the magic! Jon
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Thank you so much Jon - we can rest now. We will be leaving on Dec 6... now I don't have to worry about huge line ups!
Originally Posted By DOGWITKEYS Your welcome, and you are visiting at a great time! The parks are extremely slow that week. Except for soarin which seems to have lines even when the park is closed, you will not have to wait in any lines, and you still gotta a chance at dream fastpasses!!! Jon
