2008 Christmas Parade taping open to all guests

go2WDW · #1 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 10:25 AM

For those of you who are local or who will be travelling to WDW on Dec. 5 and 6, 2008--you will have the opportunity to be in the audience for the taping of the WDW Christmas parade. This year, no tickets are being issued to passholders or to the lucky few who were able to get tickets from Lightship, the production firm that films the parade. Anyone who is in the Magic Kingdom on Dec. 5 and 6 will be able to watch the taping (as space allows, of course).

We were at MK on the Saturday of the parade taping last year and it was an interesting thing to see...from a distance. We didn't stand around and watch the parade; we rode rides while the crowds were busy elsewhere. During breaks and at mealtime the park seemed to get very busy, but for most of the morning it was very peaceful. The screaming pre-teen girls who couldn't stay quiet long enough for the Jonas Brothers to finish singing made the taping stretch out a little longer, I'm sure.

Has anyone attended the taping in the past? If so, share your stories!

DisneyNutMary · #2 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 11:05 AM

Two years ago, my sister and I were going to go, DVC was offering tickets to members, and the taping coincided with our trip. After seeing how many people on DISBoards were planning to go, we backed out. It worked out better that we did, we had tickets for MVMCP the night before, and parade ticket holders had to arrive at a very early hour. We went to Epcot that day instead, and had the park practically to ourselves

Loopy747 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 03:17 PM

Dec 6th is my birthday and we were planning on going over to DW. I think I might skip it if they are fliming that day. I rather go on a nice quiet day than try to get on tv lol

BellTinkR · #4 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 04:33 PM

Not a Christmas parade, but in the spring of some year in the mid 80s (how's that for a senior moment?

) I saw a parade taping on Main Street USA in Orlando, and the featured performer was Ben Vereen. What an awesome dancer! They had him do his thing down the length of Main Street maybe 3-4 times. He was so cool too, waving to everyone and stopping to sign autographs between takes. We had no idea there would be a taping that day, so it was a nice surprise.

PixieDust · #5 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by DisneyNutMary

. We went to Epcot that day instead, and had the park practically to ourselves

That sounds like a good plan. I'd definitely use that day to go to another park free of screaming teeny boppers. My teeny bopper days were over when NSYNC broke up

.

Daisy615 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2008, 09:05 PM

My friend and I happened to go to the MK on the day they were doing the Christmas Parade taping last year. BIG MISTAKE!! It was really hard to get around since some of the streets in the park were blocked off due to the taping. And it's not like the parade is constantly moving. It stops and starts and looks like there's a lot of waiting around. Also, throughout the rest of the park there are other tapings and you are instructed to walk past, not stop and look at the camera, etc.

So, we left and headed over to Epcot. And had a great time as usual.

go2WDW · #7 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 08:06 PM

OK...this is a little bit irritating/disappointing. Despite all the information to the contrary, it seems that Disney and/or Lightship Entertainment made passes available for the Christmas parade taping. Here's the story from the Orlando Sentinel blog:

Earlier this week, reserved tickets apparently were made available on Disney.com to the general public for the Walt Disney World Christmas Day parade taping today and tomorrow in the Magic Kingdom. I had been told previously that any guests in the park each day could be chosen to be up close to the filming.

So, if you're planning to go tomorrow without a ticket, know that you're not likely to be in the front row. Still, you may be able to view the action from other spots near Main Street USA. Also, as the day goes on, some people get tired of standing around for hours and give up their spots, which could open up places for others. Of course, it's up to the production company, Lightship Entertainment, to decide how they will film the crowd shots. Remember, this is for the television show that airs Dec. 25.

This morning's 8 a.m. taping was cancelled, but the noon filming went on as scheduled with David Cook and Sarah Brightman, park guests say. Taping begins tomorrow at 7 a.m. for those with the special tickets. Everyone else must pay admission or have passes to enter at 9 a.m.

hms1016 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 08:15 PM

It seems like this is becoming an issue with Disney saying one thing and then doing something different at the last minute. There are several AP events planned during MF. The one was supposed to become available at 10:00 one day. I was online and it didn't seem to be working. After several minuted I called Disney and they said there was a problem and it should be up soon. Then after awhile they changed it to 4:00. I was on at 4:00 and nothing. I called again after just a few moments. They said it just showed up. I literally hit the button and it was full. I was so irriated because it changed so many times. I also know some people have gotten emails about upcoming AP events. I emailed them and asked if there is a problem and if the have my correct email and they haven't responded. I just think everyone should get a fair shot at these things since they are always so limited and since from what I understand the AP perks keep dwindling away.

mickeypal · #9 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 10:02 PM

That's too bad if they did change the way you could see the parade taping. I'm sure many people didn't hear of the change and just showed up. How disappointing! I hope this is not a pattern.

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