Getting around DL during Fireworks and Parades - It is possible

[lk2500]

I see this discussed a lot and wanted to share our experience from 6/29 - 7/2 with ya'll.

Keep in mind that my "kids" are 19 and 22 so your experience with stroller/ECV's and younger children will be different.

In a nutshell, we had no issues traversing the park during these events. There are built in gaps during the parade when you are allowed to cross.

We were always able to cross from Frontierland/Adventureland to Tomorrowland across the center of the rotunda in front of the castle (by the Walt and Mickey statue) during the parades and Friday night during the light show (that was shown in lieu of fireworks). The CM's form a barrier with flashlights to separate the east-west traffic and do a great job of keeping people moving.

During the early parade Saturday evening we entered Main Street headed to Hyperspace Mountain. We stuck to the right on Main Street and they waved us into a kinda cool overflow tunnel like corridor that runs behind the shops and lets you out right next to the Little Red Wagon corn dog cart. Then you squeeze through that always fun traffic corridor from the Plaza Inn to Star Tours.

During the later parade Saturday night (peak crowds and traffic) we were able to cross from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland across a roped off corridor just between Mad Tea Party/Canal Boats over to just behind Matterhorn in one of the gaps in the parade. Once again, the CMs instruct you when to cross and do a great job of keeping traffic moving.

Hope this helps you all out!

 

[DisneylandDarling]

Those bypasses are pretty awesome! It's a nice little way to move quickly down Main Street. It was exciting when they put those in.

When we're watching the parade, it's always fun to watch the CMs move out into the center and wave people through, then put two fists up to signal the other CMs that no more people can come through before the next float in the parade. It's interesting learning their different signals!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I'm hoping this means the overflow bypasses are actually being utilized effectively now. I haven't been late at night since October, but back then, they weren't consistently using the walkways and it was a huge mess. I was alone for one evening and stood in a massive crowd for 30 minutes before getting through the area. It was worse when I had my stroller.

 

[danceanddisney2010]

Good to know! Last trip back in July was INSANE ... it was literally like whatever side you were on you were basically stuck on because it would take at least 30 min to get out of the crowd and to your destination. My mom and I missed one of our Fast Pass return times the first day because we were not prepared for the madness! As the days went on we figured out how to work it, but so glad to hear that it has gotten a lot better! Hope it will be that way for our upcoming trip

 

[lk2500]

Good to know! Last trip back in July was INSANE ... it was literally like whatever side you were on you were basically stuck on because it would take at least 30 min to get out of the crowd and to your destination. My mom and I missed one of our Fast Pass return times the first day because we were not prepared for the madness! As the days went on we figured out how to work it, but so glad to hear that it has gotten a lot better! Hope it will be that way for our upcoming trip

Well, if you consider being herded like cattle through chutes better - then yes - it is better . It was chaotic but I thought the CMs did a good job considering the crowd size. I think you could still consider it mildly insane.