Disneyland Resort is cracking down on a common practice that many guests have relied on during their visits: sitting on the sidewalks to secure a spot for parades and shows. The new rules restrict Southern California Disney Park guests from sitting on Main Street, U.S.A.’s curbs until two hours before parades like Paint the Night begin. This change has stirred up mixed reactions, as Disney aims to alleviate overcrowding and create a fairer experience for all park-goers.
Last month, Paint the Night returned as part of Disneyland70 celebrations, after being absent for nearly a decade. As the parade draws larger and larger crowds, guests have begun to claim their spots hours in advance, causing frustration for those who want to experience other attractions. For many locals and Magic Key holders, waiting for hours isn’t a problem, but for out-of-town visitors with limited time, it can mean sacrificing other experiences to secure a prime viewing spot.
To address this issue, Disneyland Resort has implemented a rule that prevents guests from sitting down more than two hours before the parade. Disney cast members are now patrolling the area and ensuring that guests follow this guideline, asking those who arrive too early to stand up until it is time to take a seat.
TikTok user @magicallymckenna shared a video of her experience with the new rule. She explained that she was asked to stand after sitting down at 6:40 p.m. for the 8:50 p.m. parade, just 10 minutes before the two-hour window.
“So it appears Disney is actually cracking down on the two-hour camp-out time for the parade,” she said. “I had just sat down on the curb at 6:40, and the parade starts at 8:50, so it’s ten minutes early, and they asked me to stand.”
@magicallymckenna Don’t worry, you can just stand 😅 #disney #disneyfyp #fyp #disneyland #disneylandcalifornia #distok #distokfam #disneyadult #disneytiktok #disneyparks #disneytrip #disneyland70thanniversary
The Disney Park guest pointed out that the rules led to a crowd of people standing together, only to sit down once the time hit 6:50. Still, the TikToker followed the cast member’s instructions. “Whatever works,” she said.
The policy sparked debate among Disney Parks fans. Many commenters supported the rule, arguing that it would make the parade experience fairer for everyone.
“This is why visiting Disneyland from out of town sucks,” @heyitsthatguyjosh argued. “Locals will camp hours and hours for parades/fireworks meaning you have to give up half your day or not see them at all.”
However, not all guests are happy with the policy. Some visitors believe that, as paying customers, they should have the right to sit on the curb whenever they choose.
“I paid my ticket,” @aubreezuniga commented. “If I want to sit on the [Main Street, U.S.A.] curb ALL DAY that should be my own prerogative.”
Should the Disney parks enforce any other rules about guest behavior? Disney Dining would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
I agree. I come a long distance to visit Disneyland. I don’t want to give up half the day standing in one area to save a spot for my family. We don’t watch parades but paint the night is one we would because it’s limited time experience. Fireworks are always something we watch
We would definitely appreciate crowd control for these two experiences
Also people sitting on curbs when no experience is happening gets in the way strollers and wheelchairs and sometimes ecv’s. Depending how close they sit to the flat area