Originally Posted By Moon Waffle New experience for me: last night we were attempting to leave the park right before the firework show, so of course Main Street was an absolute mess with the crowds. We were heading toward the park exit, on the right side of Main Street, coming out of Adventureland. Right as we hit the first shop, a Cast Member was (somewhat quietly) directing people to the "short cut". We asked her where the short cut was, and she motioned for us to walk behind the Main Street shops where we proceeded down the back side of Main Street, all the way to the fire station where we were brought back into the "normal" area of the park again. I was very surprised that they were guiding people down this back side of main street, essentially a backstage area. It was very clean and organized, and there were a lot of cast members about every 50 feet guiding us along the way. Is this a normal occurence? It sure was nice given the fact that we had two strollers and it probably saved us 15 minutes of fighting main street crowds.
Originally Posted By toddnbeth Lucky you. My family and I were standing right next to the firehouse last night when we saw the gate there open and people start coming out. Likely it was your group we saw. We quickly hustled through the shops to get back up to the other end of main street in hopes of getting to exit again that way but no luck. They had already closed it off. I think that this is pretty common actually, but it is usually only for a short time right after Fantasmic, or the fireworks (which were cancelled last night, unfortunately for us, since we waited 1 1/2 hours for a good viewing spot.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros It's not really common, but they do it from time to time, usually waround Christmas time when the crowds are heavy. I've only done it once, but it is not entirely unhead of for them to do. Yah, it's less magical than walking down Main Street, but way more magical than having to deal with the crowds in the street, especially if you're with a larger group and/or kids.
Originally Posted By disneylandfan8 They were doing it last night when we got into the park about 5:45pm. It was only one-way traffic though. Sure wanted to get to Adventureland that way from Main Street! The parade was going on and we had to fight out way down Main Street towards the hub.
Originally Posted By Sparrow That happened to us once only they took us behind the right side of Main Steet (through a door next to the ear hat place) and we ended up over by Space Mountain. We were there on Saturday and left around 7:30. The 2:30 parade was packed, I can't imagine what it was like for the evening one.
Originally Posted By sjdimon We did this over the summer when they were having a parade for the All-Star baseball players - however - we went from the start of Main Street (at the Firehouse) to the end of Main Street (by the Plaza Pavillion). Let's just say that picture taking is discouraged (it's not much to see anyways). And even though it's "the backside of the street" - there are cast members lining it, keeping folks moving, and "discouraging" Picture Taking.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb I've never done this at Disneylandzl but they were lettin people leave the park that way once on one of our visits. I have been back stage of Main Street at WDW's Magic Kingdom. It was the other side of the street and not very Magical at all. Quite a lot of garbage was being held there and it looked like maintenance vehicles are parked there.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Have had it happen every Christmas and several times during the 50th year.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper At WDW they do it on both sides of the street at certain times of the year. I've gone back behind the Emporium once or twice as was nearly diverted behind the ice cream shop but decided I didn't really want to see it.
Originally Posted By csgoofygirl We got to go that way during Spring Break last year during a parade. It was pretty exciting for a Disney Nerd like me!
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer Always a fun thing to do. Been backstage behind MSUSA, Frontierland, and AdvLand. Marched in one of the parades in HS, and it was quite a experience. So odd to see the back of some of those buildings, especially Splash!
Originally Posted By Moon Waffle My wife snapped one pic on her iphone; knowing that camera and the dim lighting, probably not too impressive. I was most amazed to see some "spare" Jungle Cruise boats backed up almost against the main street buildings via a little offshoot of the river. You just don't think of Jungle Cruise being that close to main street, but it is! Another thing I was amazed by was how clean the area was for being "backstage". It might as well have been main street itself as we saw absolutely no signs of garbage or litter. Again, a very cool experience. Sounds like it is a fairly rare occurance, but I'll be watching for the opportunity again in the future!
Originally Posted By FerretAfros "You just don't think of Jungle Cruise being that close to main street, but it is!" If you ride at night, you can see the popcorn lights on City Hall and the Firehouse through the trees just after the hippo pool. And if you hang around Town Square for a few minutes, you can hear the gunshots every time a boat passes. It's surprisingly close!
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle >>Yah, it's less magical than walking down Main Street<< Less magical yes, but more interesting! I had this happen on my trip last January and I thought it was really cool to see a new side of Main St. But yes, the CMs were shepherding us along and saying "forget everything you saw here!"
Originally Posted By DlandDug We have done this several times, as we get to the park during some very crowded times. I am glad the "backside of Main Street" was so neat 'n tidy this time. Sometimes... not so much! And the cold weather helps with another aspect-- the distinctive aroma. During the Summer months you will want to keep moving, no matter how tempting a few photos may be! Next time anyone has the opportunity to take this route, do be sure and take a look up at the green stairs just beyond the gate that opens into Main Street. It looks a bit like an elaborate fire escape on the back of the Firehouse. That's the entrance to Walt's apartment.
Originally Posted By Moon Waffle ^I saw this! I was wondering if that staircase led directly to the apartment. I figured there really any other purpose for it. Very cool.
Originally Posted By GMLSKIS Last Tuesday after the fireworks I had the good fortune of getting this free backstage tour to speak of. I saw where they park the jungle cruise boats at night and an employee breakroom. It was cool and got me quicker out of the park so I could get over to DCA.
Originally Posted By Trent the disney dork in me LOVES this. the disney creative in me LOATHES this because it's bad show. Walt would not be happy with this.
