Routing Guests Backstage

[Disney Dawg88]

The backstage route behind the buildings on Main Street on extremely busy periods is not even close to a new thing. I first used the exit route from the area adjacent to the Plaza Restaurant down to Tony's in the late 80's during an extremely busy July 4th in the Magic Kingdom and many times over the years since.

This has nothing to do with 'current management' not caring about 'show' as some with an agenda will try to profess. It has everything to do with guest safety (and to some extent comfort) which will and should always come above show when extreme conditions warrant. When the parks get that crowded and it becomes impossible to move, the incidence of injuries plus complaints to Disney increases dramatically as folks are pushed off of curbs, run over by ECV's etc.. Nobody should have to endure that sort of unsafe condition just so you can maintain 'show'.

It happens a few days a year during extremely busy conditions and I personally would much rather see them take steps to keep the guests safe than just ignore it in the interest of not disturbing the 'show'.

Great points Don. Was I a little disappointed to see that side of Disney . . . well yeah sort of, but what I can tell you is that I was more excited that CM's gave me a way to 1. avoid a complete mess by not having to weave in and out of bodies - sitting, standing, and trying to move in numerous directions all over main street, PLUS strollers - which actually probably saved me at least 20-30 minutes which I used to make it to other parts of the park I wanted to go to. Not to mention what my frustration level would have been by the time I even got to the end of Main Street by Mighty Casey's.

But for people worried about the 'show', take the monorail from TTC to Epcot and you'll see more of the behind the 'show' then you will on the one to two minute walk on the exit route parallel to Main Street.

 

[Lisalyn]

Based on the fact that 2 years ago after the fireworks at MK it took me and my 10 year old daughter 1 1/2 hours to try and exit the park....I'll gladly smile and take any exit awarded me (dumpsters, parking lot or whatever....I don't care - Just get me OUT OF THERE!:ROFLOL

 

[kbmum]

I was in MK last July 4 and took one of those exits out of the park near the Buzz ride. I thought it was pretty interesting to be backstage. It was set up for guests, too. There were CMs selling popcorn, balloons and more, in addidtion to the CMs who were routing people out of the park. I even managed to snap some pictures.

 

[JML42691]

I was in MK last July 4 and took one of those exits out of the park near the Buzz ride. I thought it was pretty interesting to be backstage. It was set up for guests, too. There were CMs selling popcorn, balloons and more, in addidtion to the CMs who were routing people out of the park. I even managed to snap some pictures.

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p392/CindysDisneyPics/2010ForumPhotos/backstage01.jpg

Hey, a parking lot with colorful lights and benches, kind of reminds me of some area in Animal Kingdom, coughcough...

In all honesty safety and comfort clearly take priority here, even on some regular typical nights the crowds leaving post fireworks are unbearable and dangerous. Between people plowing through with scooters and strollers someone is bound to finish one of their nights in the emergency room sometime soon, I've seen a person on a scooter literally push a man out of the way, like c'mon! Ideally what I'd like to see them do is find a way to orchestrate the backstage exit without having to neglect show.

 

[flavious27]

I think they should expand Main St. to be more like DLP with extra shops/walkways.

I know what's backstage behind the Tomorrowland side as I was back there quite often for contract work. There's kitchens for the bakery, Security upstairs, the balloon setup area, the old outdoor foods freezers (still used for some things) and back entrances to several shops, oh and dumpsters, a bus stop and a small cafe for CM's

IMO all of these things could be moved if TDO would want to spend the money to make a DLP style area...and just imagine they could also bring back some things like the penny arcade and magic shop.

agreed, they could put a walkway and an attraction to bridge the gap from expo hall to where the theater area is now.

 

[loveofamouse]

I was in MK last July 4 and took one of those exits out of the park near the Buzz ride. I thought it was pretty interesting to be backstage. It was set up for guests, too. There were CMs selling popcorn, balloons and more, in addidtion to the CMs who were routing people out of the park. I even managed to snap some pictures.

While I was in middle school, we performed on the TL(tomorrowland) stage. We waited in this area for quite some time.

While I was in high school, we performed in the midday parade. We were backstage behind guest services(I believe). We saw the parade set ups, floats getting prepped and Mickey smoking without his head (we pretended to be traumatized lol). I love being behind the scenes. I still want to work at Disney

 

[RICKY MOUSE]

Been back stage at MK several times I think it was a good experience not many people get to experience it

 

[TP2000]

For the record, Walt was cremated. There's no grave for him to roll over in.

 

[Timon]

A Disneyland Paris Arcade could be added behind Main St's East side. Despite certain changes there could be rear connections to selected stores and Center St. Over the years Disney has gutted some stores to the concrete, so extensive remodeling isn't unprecedented. This could address safety issues and while enhancing the guest experience.

One of two Disneyland Paris Arcades (Liberty)

 

[GymLeaderPhil]

Adding an arcade type walkway would actually only ideally be possible on the west side of Main Street behind the Emporium. This would most likely require some changes of location for City Hall, Main Street Chamber of Commerce (Package Pickup), First Aid/Baby Care, and some other alterations back stage. If placed on the west side the arcade would require the kitchens for The Plaza, Bakery, and Confectionery to be placed underground. That is if you want the walkway to have two open accessible sides to it for additional stores/restaurants.

Personally I would love for the powers that be to utilize all of the area known as Park 1 between Main Street and Tomorrowland for either additional expansion for either land or a new land all together.

 

[flavious27]

Adding an arcade type walkway would actually only ideally be possible on the west side of Main Street behind the Emporium. This would most likely require some changes of location for City Hall, Main Street Chamber of Commerce (Package Pickup), First Aid/Baby Care, and some other alterations back stage. If placed on the west side the arcade would require the kitchens for The Plaza, Bakery, and Confectionery to be placed underground. That is if you want the walkway to have two open accessible sides to it for additional stores/restaurants.

Personally I would love for the powers that be to utilize all of the area known as Park 1 between Main Street and Tomorrowland for either additional expansion for either land or a new land all together.

Well are there utilidors in that area? If not, the parking lot can be moved underground.

 

[flavious27]

Adding an arcade type walkway would actually only ideally be possible on the west side of Main Street behind the Emporium. This would most likely require some changes of location for City Hall, Main Street Chamber of Commerce (Package Pickup), First Aid/Baby Care, and some other alterations back stage. If placed on the west side the arcade would require the kitchens for The Plaza, Bakery, and Confectionery to be placed underground. That is if you want the walkway to have two open accessible sides to it for additional stores/restaurants.

Personally I would love for the powers that be to utilize all of the area known as Park 1 between Main Street and Tomorrowland for either additional expansion for either land or a new land all together.

Just a quick mockup. This would require the least amount of impact to buildings and other backstage areas. Open areas on both sides would be where CMs can enter the backstage areas.

 

[WDW 3]

But the point is to get people out not give them more shops to window shop and block exiting.

 

[loveofamouse]

But the point is to get people out not give them more shops to window shop and block exiting.

Exactly what I was thinking. They don't want all of those exits open at all times.

 

[marni1971]

Well are there utilidors in that area? If not, the parking lot can be moved underground.

Yes. There are also long term plans for the space.

The utilidors:

 

[parkgoer]

guests were being routed backstage last night

 

[flavious27]

But the point is to get people out not give them more shops to window shop and block exiting.

just a mock, but disney needs a way to capitalize on that much work. Another retail or restaurant space will do that.

 

[flavious27]

Yes. There are also long term plans for the space.

The utilidors:

oh? do tell.

 

[sublimesting]

The part of me that cares about show really hates this.

The part of me that hates dealing with crowds exiting the Magic Kingdom really REALLY loves this.

Yes, exactly.

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

I finally experienced it. While I enjoyed it, I'd say Walt was having fits. There are lots of things that make him do that, though. Attention to detail gets pushed aside for bigger picture things more often than not. :shrug: