I got to be part of the taping a few years ago...maybe '05 if I remember correctly. Anyway, I heard about it on either the AP or DVC official site. You then had to submit a request for a particular time, they then got back to as to whether or not you were 'in'. Then, when I got to WDW, I had to print out my confirmation letter to show at the turnstyles at MK so I could get in at 7:00 am. Then, we were herded to our particular spots for the morning. I got in front of the Castle. It was fun for the first hour, after that it was grueling. My old knees/back can't take that much standing in one place for so long anymore. They repeated the same act over and over, with the audience cheering off and on as the camera flew overhead. I had to leave at the 3 hr. mark...just couldn't take it any longer. Would I do it again? I doubt it. And for the parade, I can imagine that it's even worse. But, I think everyone wants to try it just once....I just don't recommend it.