When we were there about 17 days ago, seat-saving had already started around 2:00 pm (Soundsational wasn't going). Seriously? Who'd rather waste six+ hours of park time to see a 20-minute parade than actually, like EXPERIENCE THE PARK?!
I wish they would try harder to enforce this. It's not really that hard. Honestly, they could come by when they set up the rope and tell everyone they have to move until the ropes are set up. Yes, some people will still hang out for hours, get up, and sit back down as soon as possible. But I think it would help.
I also agree that some people may just be sitting there for another reason, but if you see people sitting on blankets etc. they're likely waiting for the parade.
I do too. But I'm so sick of it that if they don't enforce it over time, I might just have to pack a blanket of our own next time.
I couldn't believe it when I saw people sitting and waiting at 5pm for the 8:30 Electrical Light Parade. Just not my way of doing things, but hey---it floats THEIR boat.
I think the CMs are sick of being yelled at by the blanket people. I witnessed a few bad exchanges. You get some very entitled folks determined to mark their spot. For some reason, the CMs are not "empowered" to do their job. Clear message I got: if you refuse to budge you get to stay.
Clear message I got: if you refuse to budge you get to stay.
Just spent the last 2 weeks at Disneyland and there are still seats being saved hours in advance of parades. We tried finding seats at 7pm for the 8:30 MSEP and we found some at the very back row in an area by the Matterhorn. About 10-15 minutes later an announcement was made that all viewing areas were full! We had better luck, on the advice of a CM, to come find seats about 10 minutes after the fireworks are over and walk towards IASW, we found a lot of the crowds gone for parade viewing and easily got front row (once again by the Matterhorn!) but it was noticeably less crowded and chaotic.
I think the CMs are sick of being yelled at by the blanket people. I witnessed a few bad exchanges. You get some very entitled folks determined to mark their spot. For some reason, the CMs are not "empowered" to do their job. Clear message I got: if you refuse to budge you get to stay.
I can't say I blame the CMs. If you get yelled at and not supported, why bother. I think if Disney Security backed up the CMs and enforced the "rules" people would get the message.