Main Street U.S.A. hub redevelopment at the Magic Kingdom

[jlthomas81]

I am so glad that they have these areas done and that others are reporting success with the Fastpass+ viewing areas. We had no desire to use a Fastpass on a show viewing, but now after seeing this and hearing the reviews so far, I just think we might use one on the night we plan to be in MK for EMH. Thanks everyone for the updates and beautiful pictures!!

 

[halltd]

I think it would actually be cool if at least one of the gardens was sitting only. Or, the castle-side of both sides (like the half towards the castle) so people still had an option. This works beautifully in Japan and they have to sit on concrete! All the front sections for the fireworks shows are sitting only and strictly enforced. We got there super early and got a spot by a wall and sat down on it. A CM came over and said we were in the standing section and would need to move if we wanted to sit. We actually wanted to stand during the show, so it worked out great because once everyone sat in front of us, we had front-row standing.

 

[note2001]

Maybe we can get Disney to move one of those poles over to the Jambo lobby. So dark in there I tripped over a child sitting on the stairs

Love how you used Fenway to clarify a point!

Stop picking on Fenway guys. By the way, sitting right next to one of those pillars is arguably equally as bad or worse than sitting behind one. At least with Disney's poles people are not tied into one 2' by 3' spot.

 

[Martiyoman]

Maybe we can get Disney to move one of those poles over to the Jambo lobby. So dark in there I tripped over a child sitting on the stairs

Stop picking on Fenway guys. By the way, sitting right next to one of those pillars is arguably equally as bad or worse than sitting behind one. At least with Disney's poles people are not tied into one 2' by 3' spot.

Yes you are! Haven't you heard? That place is PACKED, you can't move half an inch!

 

[Zweiland]

Love how you used Fenway to clarify a point!

I didn't bring it up; Fenway was the subject of the post I quoted. I know, way off-topic.

 

[Cesar R M]

Yes you are! Haven't you heard? That place is PACKED, you can't move half an inch!

 

[dvitali]

Instead of complaining of light poles let start complaining about the block views on both side of the garden hub when they bring back those popcorn, soda, ice cream carts in front of those fast pass viewing areas. Unless Disney gonna have those ball park venders selling them inside those fast pass area during the firework and parades they losing money during the day until those carts are return.

 

[donsullivan]

Instead of complaining of light poles let start complaining about the block views on both side of the garden hub when they bring back those popcorn, soda, ice cream carts in front of those fast pass viewing areas. Unless Disney gonna have those ball park venders selling them inside those fast pass area during the firework and parades they losing money during the day until those carts are return.

If you look at the plans published by Disney, you can see that those carts are being moved to the segment of path not yet built. They'll be north of the paths to Tomorrowland and Adventureland.

 

[Disney Analyst]

No one has really picked up on what I said earlier... Could all these new lights be in place because they are going to be getting rid of MSEP eventually and will be running the day parade at night? Like Disneyland did for many years. Is this planning ahead?

 

[gmajew]

A noob point of view but when the new trees grow wont this fix the problem of the poles standing out like they do?

 

[Coaster Lover]

Anything happen within the last few days construction wise or has things let up since opening the FastPass+ sections? With no bridges or artificial turf to install, I was hoping to see them finish up work in the center of the hub (around Partners) before Easter then start putting up the construction walls to work on the side sections after the Spring break crowds start to tamper down...

 

[dvitali]

Is Disney not allowing eating or drinking in those fast pass areas? Other wise you gonna need to buy your popcorn and soda before you enter the fast pass area the first time.

 

[halltd]

A noob point of view but when the new trees grow wont this fix the problem of the poles standing out like they do?

Except there are no trees in this area and most likely won't be because they'll block views. I also doubt there's going to be trees of any substantial height in the center of the hub once it is finished...for the same reason.

 

[Fox&Hound]

Any aerial views of what is now open????? Would love to see it from above.

 

[wogwog]

But I wasn't picking on Fenway? I actually live 5 minutes away from there...

Got snow? Sorry, can't resist. Only about 82 here.

 

[hokielutz]

I still don't exactly know why we NEED light poles in those settings, telescoping or not. They seem superfluous.

One observation I have from last year... is the evening parade route was not very well lit going around the hub. The lighting coverage from the buildings only goes so far... so that it would leave the hub circle in the dark in places.
Photos and video I took last year might've been greatly improved with better lighting.

Also, an aside, if you did telescoping masts... this would create a very large footprint to build in the infrastructure, as well as building up the surrounding greenery to hide the door for the light posts. I don't know that the effort to hide these poles would be worth the benefits during the day or for other shows.

If you want a clear view / picture of the castle.... just go to an area in front of the poles or on Main St. There are many spaces with clear views of the castle for the evening shows. Its not the end of the world.

 

[Little Green Men]

Stop picking on Fenway guys. By the way, sitting right next to one of those pillars is arguably equally as bad or worse than sitting behind one. At least with Disney's poles people are not tied into one 2' by 3' spot.

We've had the same seats since the late 80's right next to the pole. I like it, it kind of gives us a more secluded feeling. It's no less roomy than a seat with someone sitting next to you.

 

[betty rose]

Got snow? Sorry, can't resist. Only about 82 here.

Don't mean to interrupt, but we have snow in snowy Co. wish I were there. Crowds and all.

 

[mm52200]

No one has really picked up on what I said earlier... Could all these new lights be in place because they are going to be getting rid of MSEP eventually and will be running the day parade at night? Like Disneyland did for many years. Is this planning ahead?

I really don't think that's happening. These poles have always been there more or less. They are there for heavy crowd times, nighttime Move It Shake It Dance and Play It's and when they have the hard ticketed party parades that run at night but aren't nighttime parades ala MSEP. The infrastructure has always been in place so I don't think it's a sign of new things to come.

 

[wogwog]

Don't mean to interrupt, but we have snow in snowy Co. wish I were there. Crowds and all.

I had relatives down from CO Superbowl week. They were not in a hurry to go back to snow. Keep warm.

Crowds are manageable this week, according to friends working at WDW and Uni, but next week FL starts getting spring break crowds. Extended hours in the parks I know.