Subsonic Radio

We saw the SpectroMagic Parade last week for the first time. It wasn't what I thought it would be.

Don't get me wrong, we're happy that we finally got to see this parade. The technology was amazing.

But, we probably won't make it a point to go again. The reason why is that the parade was WAY TOO SLOW. We were in Liberty Square and could see the floats on Mainstreet. It was more than 30 minutes before they got to where we were (in front of Hall of Presidents). It took another 30 minutes for it to finish-up over by Splash Mountain. It ended, and within 5 minutes Wishes started. We were stuck in the crowd, and really couldn't do anything other than to walk down on the docks.

Also, the parade was a little bizarre. I don't know what the "Spectro" characters were at the beginning of the parade. My wife thought they were creepy. They reminded me of the "Tele-Tubbies" with the odd giggling and such.

The lights were amazing, and the princesses were beautiful. But there really wasn't a theme. There was an odd mix of characters interacting together (we saw Giopetto and Stitch walking together behind a float). We really didn't "get" the idea of what we were supposed to be seeing.

What do the rest of you think of SpectroMagic? Did I just not get it since we were so tired from standing for 90 minutes?

That may be.

We saw it for the first time last year. I held my daughter who was not quite 2 the entire time. My arms, back and feet were killing me! She wouldn't ride in a stroller, so I'd been carrying all 25 pounds of her all day.

But when she saw the first float, her eyes lit up. She smiled from first float to last. Her enthusiasm and amazement were contagious. Suddenly, I didn't feel my aches and pains at all. I was completely energized and smiling myself.

I'll never forget her blowing kisses to the wicked queen (and everyone else for that matter).

For us, it was a truly magical experience. But I can definitely see your points about the randomness and the creepiness of those trumpet-players!

I absolutely love SpectroMagic! Out of all the nighttime displays at WDW, this is my favorite of all of them. The music just screams Disney to me and it always manages to bring a tear to my eye(sappy, I know, but I just love it :p )

Although, I do agree with you that it does take forever to get from Main Street to Frontierland. When the parade starts on Main Street, we usually do some last minute things(shopping, grab something to eat) and then return to our favorite spot near Pacos Bills. By that time, the parade would just be entering that area, so it works out. You may not have a front row spot, but you can still see things pretty well.

I have to say I complete love and am awestruck by Spectromagic everytime I see it. Has to be one of my fav things at the Magic Kingdom.

I would suggest a different approach if you want to see it again. It's worth the time to snag a spot on Main Street for viewing the parade. I would suggest the bridge that spans from Main Street to the Hub, right past Casey's. If you want to be on the curb plan to be there at least an hour before the parade starts. If you snag a spot there you don't have to move for Wishes, and you have access to the shops and snacks before the parade begins.

The floats are populated with Disney characters and represent scenes from Disney's movies and short films.

I would suggest you try it again, at a prime location. Nothing cooler then watching all the lights go out on Main Street.. then watching the floats roll past.


Rich

rdeacon wrote: I would suggest you try it again, at a prime location. Nothing cooler then watching all the lights go out on Main Street.. then watching the floats roll past.

Thanks for the advice! I hadn't thought about seeing the lights go out on Main Street.

I'm sure we'll give it another try. The first time we saw Illuminations, we did not like it. It rained, was crowded, and just didn't work out for us. However, the second we saw it was a beautiful evening, and we had great seats that were front row. Needless to say, we now "get" Illuminations and love the show.

I get the same impressions as you do. I think the music is absolutely beautiful, but the parade is pretty bizzare and unorganized as far as the mvie choices. It's basically the opening floats with the spectro-creatures, Fantasia, the Little Mermaid, the Sleeping Beauty fairies and then a huge mish-mash finale of every other Disney movie. (Forgive me if I left soemthing out, I haven't been to see it in a while)

I much prefer the Main Street Electrical Parade. It has numerous sections, but each is based on a single disney movie. It's not as advanced as far as all the different lighting effects, but to me it has a better structure to it which makes it easier and more enjoyable to watch. Of course, this may be my OCPD talking .

Cheshire Cat wrote:I much prefer the Main Street Electrical Parade. It has numerous sections, but each is based on a single disney movie. It's not as advanced as far as all the different lighting effects, but to me it has a better structure to it which makes it easier and more enjoyable to watch. Of course, this may be my OCPD talking .

I am usually 100% in favor of change, and yet I agree completely with Cheshire Cat on this one. My kids really enjoyed Spectromagic, and the lighting technology was definitely improved over the MSEP.

What about keeping both - alternate nights or something?

Spectromagic has been my favorite Disney parade to see. I find that all my pains at the end of the day just disappear. Also, the music is extremely catchy that I still sing it in my head nearly two years later. Can't wait to see it again this summer!!!

Spectromagic is one of the best parades that Disney offers in my opinion. I love watching it on main street but I hear what you're saying...next time try to get some popcorn or mini corn dogs and while you wait ask everyone how they liked MK

My husband and I saw Spectro Magic for the first time on our honeymoon in '06 and we caught it by mistake. I was in awe of all the lights! We absolutely LOVED it! Cinderella noticed our "Just Married" pins and told us congratulations! We got a kick out of that! I did find the characters in the beginning a little creepy, but the rest of the parade is amazing. We would definitely see that one again!

This is the only parade that I have to see and really the only parade that I want to see. Seeing it come down Main Street and having the castle in the background is great. This is a must see each time we go.

I love spectro magic - but you do need to be in the right place at the right time (WDW version). We found that the best place is just as you enter mainstreet - facing the castle. The technology is amazing - the lights and the way in which they sync the different loops

Glad you got to experience it. I really enjoy it, but it is not the best parades in Disneyworld.

luv2cthemouse wrote:Glad you got to experience it. I really enjoy it, but it is not the best parades in Disneyworld.

Just out of curiosity, which is your favorite.

I haven't seen them all, but Spectromagic is easily my favorite of the ones I've seen.

We liked it, but it didn't hold a candle to MSEP.