Hi everyone. I previously posted about this in the thread in news and rumors, but did not get any response. The issue is, the rest of my family and I will be at MK on the 13th, and I am concerned about the effect that the taping of the parade will have on our touring the park. More specifically, how does it impact rope drop? Will we still be walked up main street, or will we be routed backstage to tomorrowland? If we are forced into the bypass, that would mess up our plans a lot. If anyone who has had experience with this can comment, I would be very grateful as I have to know whether or not to change our plans!
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MK Rope Drop during Christmas Parade taping??? Please help!
- Thread starter DisneyFan684
- Start date
During the parade taping the welcome show is not offered. There is no rope drop ceremony. They usually start allowing normal day guests in around 10 till park opening and you'll be able to go all the way in the park until the lands drop their ropes. You will be able to walk up Main Street but it will be very crowded and cast will be stationed to ensure that you continue moving through the walkways. Additionally at any time they could hault foot traffic in order to move equipment or re stage. The bypass if open would be a better option unless your plans require to complete an activity on Main Street.
If they are allowing foot traffic up and down Main Street it could very likely be one way flows with the east side heading north toward the hub only and the west side heading south toward town square only.
Hope this helps.
If they are allowing foot traffic up and down Main Street it could very likely be one way flows with the east side heading north toward the hub only and the west side heading south toward town square only.
Hope this helps.
Ok, well thanks for your help. This is certainly a let down, though. Was planning for a standard MK day with the exception of the chaos on Main Street. I have heard that sometimes they use the fourth day of filming as a rain backup day, but don't know if this is true. Can anyone else confirm this or share their opinions/experience?
MissingDisney
Well-Known Member
We've been in MK for taping days. The park should open as scheduled, 9 am on the 13th. You get in earlier to a point as noted above. We've been split before, some waved down MS and others over to the bypass but there was no loitering, no leisurely stroll down MS. At least not until later in the day.
Can you also confirm that there is no welcome show on taping days, or at least on the days you went? Getting sent through the bypass would be a logistical nightmare, as we are supposed to be starting our day in adventureland!
MissingDisney
Well-Known Member
To add, you're not prohibited from walking on the sidewalks, either side, up and down MS while taping is taking place. If you've watched the commercials, er, parades of past, you'll notice there's a roped off front section for the TV crowd and a pretty wide walking path behind that where CM keep the traffic moving. You can shop, visit the eateries, etc. you just can't cross the street wherever or whenever you want. It's crowded but not horrible.
MissingDisney
Well-Known Member
I don't remember if there was. Sorry. I know others will know for sure. Hoping they chime in. It's really not a nightmare. Hit the bypass, take a hard left at the end, walk across the front of the hub admiring the nice view of the new castle additions, take in the aroma of Crystal Palace breakfast yummies and Pooh's stuffed French toast as you pass by, head for the bridges and HELLO ADVENTURELAND!
Really appreciate all the info! Yes, if anyone else can chime in about the welcome show, that would be great. I was under the impression that crossing the hub was prohibited, and we would need to walk all the way around the back of the park. Never had to deal with this before, so I know very little about these details. So yeah, if anyone else can comment about rope drop or the welcome show, would be great to know. 
MissingDisney
Well-Known Member
No, the hub is not completely shut down. Only during takes and equipment moves, etc. I was so worried the first time/day we were there on a taping day but really, much ado about nothing. Once we were in the park doing our thing, we didn't even notice it. But I totally understand your nerves. 
Ah ok. So then you cannot cross to adventureland if you enter the bypass? Or do you just have to wait until the take is over? Exactly. Just want to be informed before I go.
MissingDisney
Well-Known Member
You can cross as long as an active take isn't in process. They know the park is opening and thousands of guests are trying to get somewhere. I've not seen the hub closed off and/or an active take going on as thousands of people are rushing to enter MK at opening. That wouldn't make for good tv. And remember, the sidewalks on MS are still open and MS may even be. If you're super worried, enter MK on the left, stay to the left, and hug the sidewalk if at all possible. That will veer you over to Adventureland.
Got it. Thanks!