AK parade route closures

[cujobugs]

I've read that AK parade starts at 4 p.m. I noticed the parade route will restrict me from traveling from Africa to Asia during the parade. I won't be watching the parade so I'm trying to plan around it. So my question is...how far in advance do they close off the parade route? Do they wait until the parade has actually started? Or is it a bit before? I don't want to get stuck in Africa when I need to be in Asia by 4:30.

 

[Robo]

I've read that AK parade starts at 4 p.m. I noticed the parade route will restrict me from traveling from Africa to Asia during the parade. I won't be watching the parade so I'm trying to plan around it. So my question is...how far in advance do they close off the parade route? Do they wait until the parade has actually started? Or is it a bit before? I don't want to get stuck in Africa when I need to be in Asia by 4:30.

There is a nice "hidden" path (its marked with a sign... ask a CM) that will remain open during the time the parade is running between Asia and Africa.
It meets up with the exit area from Its Tough to Be a Bug and will allow you to enter Asia either thru Asia's entrance or the "back way" via Dinorama/EE area.

The parade will NOT close ALL walkways during its journey.
Since it travels in a large circle around the park, it only causes the area of the pathway that it is CURRENTLY IN to be closed.

For instance, at 4pm the parade will be starting "in" Africa and heading towards the area in front of the Camp Minnie Mickey entrance (Pizzafari).

The only area that will be blocked to foot-traffic at that point will be where the parade IS (or will be soon).
The REST of the parade route (such as between Africa and Asia, or Oasis to Dinorama) will be fully open to guests walking.

When the parade PASSES an area (let's say in front of Pizzafari) that area is open immediately for foot traffic again.

 

[disnut8]

From experience, don't be in Africa right before 4:00. You can't even cross over to Tusker House from the bathrooms across the street. So, make sure you are across the street from the Dawa Bar and you'll be OK.

I'd suggest that if you need to be in Asia at 4:30, you're in Dinoland before that. Then take the walkway past Expedition Everest and you'll be golden. No parade route to even think about.