Scrims coming down on Main Street USA

[MerlinTheGoat]

The street could certainly use repaving, and I hope they do eventually re-add the trees. Too little foliage on Main Street nowadays. The sidewalk trees at least don't throw off any sort of perspective (even if an argument could be made for ripping up the ones at the end in front of the castle). If they redo the street, it would be really nice if they took the time to make it brick/cobblestone like DL Paris and Hong Kong. It's a lovely touch that really adds to the atmosphere.

 

[Tom]

The castle is 189 ft. tall. unless you're standing in front of the trunk and not moving your head or body in any direction, I'm pretty sure you'll see it. This picture shows why the trees did not hurt castle sightlines:

I once saw a stroller tip 90 degrees backwards when it was ramed against a sidewalk curb on MS. Does that mean we should get rid of them too? What if I bang my leg against a garbage can?

I wasn't implying that the trees along Main Street block the castle...the ones formerly removed from the hub did. But the trees along Main Street partially obscure the facades. The artistry put into those facades should remain clear and unobstructed, in my opinion.

Regarding the curbs....see below. Regardless, there are a LOT of obstacles on Main Street. If anyone has tried to navigate MSUSA before, during or after a parade....or at park close, you've more than likely encountered a canopy post, hitching post, trash can, street lamp, tree cage, or an unexpected curb in your travels. You can't remove every hazard, but you sure can make it safer by removing unnecessary obstacles.

Did the trees in the hub create sight-line problems?

You be the judge:

When they didn't have stage shows or use the castle as a projection screen, not so much. But again, Cindy's Castle is a word of art. Why half hide it with trees? It wasn't so bad when they were baby trees 30 years ago, but even in this photo they obscure a good third of the castle and its magesty.

Thanks for posting that picture. To me, Main Street looks so much better without the trees on both sides and in the central hub. Don't get me wrong, I do love trees, and am thrilled with them in most places at WDW, including the expanded fantasyland. It's not simply about sight lines to the castle; I just don't think they are pleasing in this view. I much prefer the view in the photos taken since the scrims came down.

I too love trees in the parks. They're absolutely necessary in Adventureland and Frontierland. Now, they're actually necessary in Fantasyland because they've created an environment that promotes nature. But Main Street or in the Hub - they just don't belong, in my personal opinion. I enjoy seeing the buildings in this setting more than trees.

Word on the street (pun intended) is that a complete revamp of the concrete is the next step in the refurb process.

They did it at the hub years ago, and I have been wondering when the day would come that they would even up the sideburns along the entire street. It will require re-paving the entire street, while also sloping the sidewalks down a bit, because the street will need to maintain it's 2-way slope for water drainage reasons. But there's no reason they can't do just what they did at the hub and near the park entrances, and modify the sidewalks and street to slope and meet at a decorative grating.

I can't count the number of times I, someone in my party, or another guest has mis-stepped while trying to herd themselves into or out of the park through a sea of people.

 

[unkadug]

I wasn't implying that the trees along Main Street block the castle...the ones formerly removed from the hub did. But the trees along Main Street partially obscure the facades. The artistry put into those facades should remain clear and unobstructed, in my opinion.

Regarding the curbs....see below. Regardless, there are a LOT of obstacles on Main Street. If anyone has tried to navigate MSUSA before, during or after a parade....or at park close, you've more than likely encountered a canopy post, hitching post, trash can, street lamp, tree cage, or an unexpected curb in your travels. You can't remove every hazard, but you sure can make it safer by removing unnecessary obstacles.



When they didn't have stage shows or use the castle as a projection screen, not so much. But again, Cindy's Castle is a word of art. Why half hide it with trees? It wasn't so bad when they were baby trees 30 years ago, but even in this photo they obscure a good third of the castle and its magesty.



I too love trees in the parks. They're absolutely necessary in Adventureland and Frontierland. Now, they're actually necessary in Fantasyland because they've created an environment that promotes nature. But Main Street or in the Hub - they just don't belong, in my personal opinion. I enjoy seeing the buildings in this setting more than trees.



They did it at the hub years ago, and I have been wondering when the day would come that they would even up the sideburns along the entire street. It will require re-paving the entire street, while also sloping the sidewalks down a bit, because the street will need to maintain it's 2-way slope for water drainage reasons. But there's no reason they can't do just what they did at the hub and near the park entrances, and modify the sidewalks and street to slope and meet at a decorative grating.

I can't count the number of times I, someone in my party, or another guest has mis-stepped while trying to herd themselves into or out of the park through a sea of people.

Truly a good point, but why not have the trees but keep them pruned back just enough not to obscure the new effects....it just adds so much (especially with the twinkle lights)...I'm sure it all comes down to the almighty dollar, but isn't atmosphere what we are paying for; otherwise we are just at a glorified amusement park

 

[jt04]

Lately, I figured Main Street would be like the Golden Gate in San Francisco -- as soon as they finish painting, they go back to the other end and start painting all over again.

Pretty much what they need to do. Either do the work at night or have painters in period costume during the day. And train them how to change a light bulb while they are up there.

 

[MissMorrow]

Did the trees in the hub create sight-line problems?

You be the judge:

To me, this is the way it should look. There's depth and charm.

 

[Jim Handy]

These redone facades look nice. Nothing we shouldn't expect them to do-but they look nice.

As for the trees...they are necessary. The ones along the street work toward the theme of early 20th century street. Keep in mind the people who designed these buildings in the 60s also decided to plant the trees. It's how their design was meant to be presented. As for the hub trees, I didn't mind them and they didn't block much of the castle. I don't think the old stage/fireworks excuse is viable. However, if the trees were to block the projections, I would say no trees because I think that show is worth working around. The trees both in the hub and along the street serve to make the place cooler with shade and make Main Street look not so huge and more quaint. For some reason MK has a tree vendetta and I have no idea why.

Repaving is on the way. Essentially anything that is cracked or damaged, I don't believe it's the whole street. If they did do the whole street is love grey stone streets and red brick sidewalks, WITH a curb. It just requires an ounce of awareness to not trip over the curb, people do it in cities and towns all over the world.

As for a TL facade refurb someone mentioned....Tomorrowland is pretty rusty. At this point it would take replacement for every rusty (custom) piece. I'd rather see them wait for a new TL. Whenever that comes.

 

[Tom]

These redone facades look nice. Nothing we shouldn't expect them to do-but they look nice.

As for the trees...they are necessary. The ones along the street work toward the theme of early 20th century street. Keep in mind the people who designed these buildings in the 60s also decided to plant the trees. It's how their design was meant to be presented. As for the hub trees, I didn't mind them and they didn't block much of the castle. I don't think the old stage/fireworks excuse is viable. However, if the trees were to block the projections, I would say no trees because I think that show is worth working around. The trees both in the hub and along the street serve to make the place cooler with shade and make Main Street look not so huge and more quaint. For some reason MK has a tree vendetta and I have no idea why.

Repaving is on the way. Essentially anything that is cracked or damaged, I don't believe it's the whole street. If they did do the whole street is love grey stone streets and red brick sidewalks, WITH a curb. It just requires an ounce of awareness to not trip over the curb, people do it in cities and towns all over the world.

As for a TL facade refurb someone mentioned....Tomorrowland is pretty rusty. At this point it would take replacement for every rusty (custom) piece. I'd rather see them wait for a new TL. Whenever that comes.

When the original designers put the trees along Main Street, they probably expected them to be maintained too. They need to be constantly trimmed to maintain a small shape and height. If they get overgrown, which Disney let's them do, they skew the forced perspective of the buildings beside them. Also, people were more careful and less apt to sue back in the good 'ol days. Now, if I run into a tree while walking in a crowd, I just sue Disney.

The vendetta is only in key areas, and it sadly probably comes down to them not wanting to maintain prim and proper trees along Main Street. Anywhere else in the park, an annual or semi-annual trimming would work. But on main street, they need to be maintained constantly. They also have to be direct-watered since they're surrounded by pavement.

Nobody has an ounce of awareness when being herded out of the mark in a sea of people. I know EXACTLY where the curbs are, but hordes of people can shift you around and before you know it, you're tripping up or falling off a curb - twisting an ankle in the process.

They did the others for accessibility reasons. I really don't care if they keep the main street curbs or not - I don't have a grudge against them. But if they were to re-pave, I don't think it would look bad if they lined them up and made a smooth transition.

 

[maryszhi]

yay i saw pix it looks so lovely they do deserve the recognition of a job well done

 

[Flip83]

Looks outstanding as expected. It was worth the Scrims being up so long. Amazing color and attention to detail. Just Disney being Disney. Well Done!

 

[jasonfresta]

the work they did looks great...i can't help but wish they got rid of that damn flagpole too! LOL

in all seriousness.. anyone have any advice on getting a good pic from the far end of main street of the castle? if you're up on the train platform.. the flagpole cuts through every shot.

what is everyone's favorite spot for getting a good shot?

 

[WDWBryan]

the work they did looks great...i can't help but wish they got rid of that damn flagpole too! LOL

So true. There is no pole or tree during the christmas parade taping so it obviously ruins the shot of main street. There's already over a dozen flags on the top of every building along main street so clearly they have enough

 

[koryadams]

Finally! Now I can enjoy main street completely again for the first time since 2009 lol! I can't wait till December! New main street, fantasyland, christmas! AHHHH!

 

[COProgressFan]

Word on the street (pun intended) is that a complete revamp of the concrete is the next step in the refurb process.

This could explain why no trees. The trees on the sidewalks are small and have no impacts on sightlines at all. Plants, tree, flowers, etc. always make things look better, IMO. They add some realism and make the place look more authentic, and less like a fake-Disney street. And they are pleasing to the eye, provide shade, etc. Park-like settings (ahhh, Disneyland) are always more enjoyable than vast spans of concrete in the Florida summer heat, no?

My thoughts are that they were removed during the refurbs, and I hope they will come back now. However, if the concrete is getting worked on that could explain why they are not back yet.

 

[Jim Handy]

When the original designers put the trees along Main Street, they probably expected them to be maintained too. They need to be constantly trimmed to maintain a small shape and height. If they get overgrown, which Disney let's them do, they skew the forced perspective of the buildings beside them. Also, people were more careful and less apt to sue back in the good 'ol days. Now, if I run into a tree while walking in a crowd, I just sue Disney.

The vendetta is only in key areas, and it sadly probably comes down to them not wanting to maintain prim and proper trees along Main Street. Anywhere else in the park, an annual or semi-annual trimming would work. But on main street, they need to be maintained constantly. They also have to be direct-watered since they're surrounded by pavement.

Nobody has an ounce of awareness when being herded out of the mark in a sea of people. I know EXACTLY where the curbs are, but hordes of people can shift you around and before you know it, you're tripping up or falling off a curb - twisting an ankle in the process.

They did the others for accessibility reasons. I really don't care if they keep the main street curbs or not - I don't have a grudge against them. But if they were to re-pave, I don't think it would look bad if they lined them up and made a smooth transition.

I don't think the trees ever got to the poor where they hurt the design of the area in any way.

A thought I had was maybe some trees are missing due to the scaffolding that was assembled.

Oh, and if you guys are suggesting they remove the flag pole that holds the Anerican flag, I suggest you take a break from your computers and come back with a clear mind.

 

[BrightImagine]

They did the others for accessibility reasons. I really don't care if they keep the main street curbs or not - I don't have a grudge against them. But if they were to re-pave, I don't think it would look bad if they lined them up and made a smooth transition.

The sidewalks and street are color-coded... but you are right that the visual cue doesn't help at all if you're in a throng of people. I don't think it would detract from the realism if they were evened out.

 

[Bolna]

One thing I am wondering about in this discussion of trees: Whether not the multitude of cameras and pictures taken by those cameras in our lives has changed the way we view things.

Of course the trees block the view in pictures. But if you are there and can move around the trees your perspective changes. The absence of trees makes everything flat, takes away a little bit of that sense of discovery that you have when you walk to the other side of the tree and see more. Of course, as well with the trees on Main Street as with the trees on the hub, once you are on that other side of the tree you are so close to the facades or the castle that taking a picture is difficult as you are too close. But if you are there in person you are still able to take it all in as you are not restricted by the lens.

 

[Tom]

I don't think the trees ever got to the poor where they hurt the design of the area in any way.

A thought I had was maybe some trees are missing due to the scaffolding that was assembled.

Oh, and if you guys are suggesting they remove the flag pole that holds the Anerican flag, I suggest you take a break from your computers and come back with a clear mind.

You could very well be right about the scaffolding being the reason for the tree removal. I have no idea if that's even remotely true, but it makes sense.

And I'm pretty sure jasonfresta and WDWBryan - who said they should take down the flag pole - were being sarcastic. At least I hope so.

 

[Ex-Floridian]

Finally! Now I can enjoy main street completely again for the first time since 2009 lol! I can't wait till December! New main street, fantasyland, christmas! AHHHH!

Don't forget the crowds!

 

[WDW1974]

To me, this is the way it should look. There's depth and charm.

Yes. And the MK of the 21st century is about Walmart and ECVs and triple-wide parents pushing double wide strollers instead of making their brats walk (it didn't kill me, my siblings or friends ... oh, and none of us are morbidly obese either today).

But folks who have issues with trees at the MK really are confused as to what the word PARK means and what old man Disney wanted (yes, since Disney has prominently used a quote from him on DL's trees growing anf becoming more beautiful in the 50th Anniversary film, I DO think playing the Walt card is fair).

The MK feels so plastic and fake today compared with 1992. It also feels hotter, more barren and less ... MAGICal. People who think you should be able to get an amazing picture of a fiberglass castle from any angle are also confused about the design and perspective. The castle wasn't meant to overpower MSUSA and cause people to rush down it. It was supposed to beckon them. This isn't even akin to a Brazilian ... this is nothing left at all. A few strip center saplings here and there.

It looks -- and FEELS -- wrong.

 

[WDW1974]

These redone facades look nice. Nothing we shouldn't expect them to do-but they look nice.

Yes. There was a time when fans didn't give Disney kudos for doing basic maintaining of infrastructure ... yet alone after years of neglect.

As for the trees...they are necessary. The ones along the street work toward the theme of early 20th century street. Keep in mind the people who designed these buildings in the 60s also decided to plant the trees. It's how their design was meant to be presented. As for the hub trees, I didn't mind them and they didn't block much of the castle. I don't think the old stage/fireworks excuse is viable. However, if the trees were to block the projections, I would say no trees because I think that show is worth working around. The trees both in the hub and along the street serve to make the place cooler with shade and make Main Street look not so huge and more quaint. For some reason MK has a tree vendetta and I have no idea why.

I would argue that the Hub tree removal (as well as trees over the waterways there) are particularly heinous because it makes the whole area so open and hot and empty. Whether they partially blocked the castle isn't (or shouldn't have been) of any moment. You create shows that can exist with the park's landscaping. You don't fundamentally alter and destroy it for a few projections that are pretty crappy in Wishes ... the lousy projection show they do now came years after the park was denuded.

MSUSA feels like an outlet mall with meaningless facades that no one wants to spend any time in/around if there isn't a parade or fireworks going on. It is VERY different from the entrance lands in the other MKs around the globe.

And I agree about the ''tree vendetta'' ... it is sickening to me how much has been removed since Y2K.

Repaving is on the way. Essentially anything that is cracked or damaged, I don't believe it's the whole street. If they did do the whole street is love grey stone streets and red brick sidewalks, WITH a curb. It just requires an ounce of awareness to not trip over the curb, people do it in cities and towns all over the world.

Yes, but this is Disney where Legal demands that every possible stupid person is factored in ... you can't have curbs, you can't expect people to actually be responsible for watching where they step. Personally, I think people oughta be allowed to sue people who ram you with a stroller or ECV for $10,000,000 ... that might help the stupid quotient get smarter.

As for a TL facade refurb someone mentioned....Tomorrowland is pretty rusty. At this point it would take replacement for every rusty (custom) piece. I'd rather see them wait for a new TL. Whenever that comes.

I'd say about 2024 ... maybe.