Fastpasses for Parades or Fireworks Can Be Worth It...But Not Always

I have seen lots of questions and comments posted in Facebook groups, and on my page concerning the value of using a Fastpass for a parade. A Fastpass for a parade or fireworks show, allows you to arrive about 15 to 30 minutes ahead of time to a designated roped off area, in order to take up a spot along the parade route or facing the show. There is no definitive answer to this, but my own family’s experiences may shed some light on when it might be useful, and when it could be unnecessary.  We have seen the Festival of Fantasy parade a few time without Fastpasses, the Main Street Electrical Parade with them, and Wishes Fireworks without them.

On our most recent trip, in March of this year, my wife really wanted to have our almost eight year old kids see the MSEP, because both of us had enjoyed it as children ourselves.  I noticed on The My Disney Experience website, the opportunity to select the parade as a Fastpass, and I discussed this possibility with my wife.  We would have to give up one of our three Fastpasses for one of the days, and would it be worth it? The issue for Fastpass selection is that you have to have used up all your three Fastpasses, before you can select new ones at a park kiosk.  That means you can’t select any more until after a parade, which some people don’t want to do.  And there is almost no chance you will get a parade or fireworks Fastpass at the kiosks. We decided that it would be worth it, especially considering the location was near the Main Street loop by the Magic Kingdom entrance.  Our thinking was that we would cut that day short, go back to our resort where we would swim, take a nap, and eat dinner and then come back for the parade.  That way, only two Fastpasses would be fine for that day at the park, and we would go to an area of the park that we didn’t have as many “can’t miss” Fastpass choices.

So that day in the Magic Kingdom, we left early afternoon, and decided to return after our swim and nap, to eat in the parks, just over 90 minutes prior to the MSEP.  At that time, all of Main Street was lined by people sitting at the curb holding their spots.  We had our dinner at Cosmic Ray’s and then walked back to the Main Street loop to get our spot in the roped off area.  To be honest, most of the best spots were already taken, but there was space for our two kids almost directly facing the railway station. The people next to us claimed to be saving places for family members, but in the end my wife and I were able to stand with our kids and see the parade unobstructed.  It was during the wait for the parade that I suggested to my wife that if the kids were handling it fine, then we should stay for Wishes Fireworks as well.

I was, however, concerned about finding a good spot for Wishes.  There really wasn’t much to worry about in the end.  We let the parade pass us fully and we followed behind it down Main Street and weaved our way through to people who were seated on the pavement in front of Cinderella’s castle.  I was concerned that we wouldn’t be able to see once everyone stood up, but that wasn’t the case.  Everyone was very good about making sure that they weren’t completely blocking anyone.  And if you have young children, you could always lift them up on to your shoulders to see better if need be.  We saw the roped off area for Wishes, and it wasn’t very far from where we were.  For Wishes and Epcot’s Illuminations there are lots of other interesting viewing options, but I will save those for other blog posts.

For the Festival of Fantasy parade, we have not used a Fastpass, and I don’t think we ever would.  Here is why.  The first time we went to Disney World as a family we wanted to see the parade, and at that time there were no Fastpasses for designated viewing areas.  One guidebook recommended viewing the parade from the Main Street railway station.  So that is where our family went to.  However, just moments before the parade would begin, I happen to notice a small opening on the curb of the Main Street loop.  I signaled to my wife and we rushed the kids downstairs to take up our spots.  Then the Disney magic hit us, as during the parade at least five characters high fived my kids at the curb.  On the other hand, I think Jafar gave me the evil eye! 

On our most recent trip, we walked out from Tomorrowland and found a spot on the curb to that side of the castle.  We got there about five minutes prior to the parade and again had an excellent view.  On some other posts, regarding this subject I have seen people suggest that the best place to view the parade is further down the parade route in Frontierland or in front of Splash Mountain, because it is far less crowded.  Also, with regards to an evening parade such as MSEP, if it is showing twice, the later parade is always less crowded.  We don’t regret getting the Fastpasses for the Main Street Electrical Parade, as they saved us a lot of waiting time, but good planning, timing, and a little luck helped us see the other parades and fireworks without needing them.  

Photo by Lisa Jeffries 

For more blog posts with Disney World planning tips click here.

Please Like my blog's Facebook page, Top 10 Planning Questions for Walt Disney World for updates and more planning information.