How to Attend the Taping of the Disney Park's Christmas Day Parade

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References

Not many people know this, but the official Christmas Day Disney Parks Parade isn't shot live. It's actually pre-taped from other earlier times in the year. If you'd like to attend the taping, this article will explain this information to you.

Steps

1
Call the Disney Parks Corporation to find out when the taping of the Christmas Day Parade will be held. Make sure you don't call any sooner (to either park) no sooner than October 1st. For Walt Disney World guests, you can dial (407) 939-5277^{[1]
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- Although the dates vary by calendar year and park location and a load of other factors, plan to visit the Disney Parks (especially the Magic Kingdom) sometime between the very first Friday in November (for Disneyland audiences^{[3]
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- Make sure that Disneyland and Walt Disney World employees don't convince you that this event is the same regular parade as the nighttime and afternoon parades that air daily on the same parade route.
2
Realize that the parade will tend to run down Main Street USA in both parks, so be aware so you don't fight the crowds for a great spot on the benches nearby the parade later.

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3
Be prepared for a long wait as you help create the mood that will reflect the taping. It can take up to 2½ to 3 hours to tape this program, as they will allot for a "dry practice run" followed by a taping of just the audio track followed by the taping of the video track of the activities.^{[4]
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4
Realize that there are two parts to both events. The stage appearance sometimes will be taped before the parade, which will be spread out over several tries and retries and, by itself, can last no shorter than two hours by itself.^{[5]
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5
Dress to act the part as if it was taped live on Christmas. Go with the flow. Wear a red Santa cap (with or without a bell). But make sure you look casual, and the remainder of your clothes won't make you stand out from any of the other guests in the area of the park.
6
Realize that although the taping is free to additional fees, the only other fee is the park fee which you should have thought about before entering the park that day.
7
Position yourself someplace in the crowds to have your voice "heard" as one of the many people that will act and respond to what the on-stage producers or in the parade would like parade viewers to react to.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I book the best hotel?

Community Answer

Try using travel sites that provide ratings and reviews. This will help you make your decision. You could also contact Disney directly if you want to stay at the resort.