Getting back into MK around evening parade time

[puppytrainer]

On one of our MK days we are going to the 6:15p Hoop-Dee-Do for dinner. We plan on taking the boat from MK to FW and back again, then go back inside the park after dinner. The MSEP that night is at 9. We’re going to get caught up in that aren’t we?? We didn’t plan on watching the parade that night, rather ride rides during it. Do we have any chance with the dinner show at 6:15 getting back to the park before the parade begins? I’m thinking not. And even if we did, probably won’t be that easy maneuvering past Main Street to get to any rides? Thought of taking the train from Main Street to Frontierland to bypass those waiting for the parade, but when do they stop running the train in regards to the parade? Or is it likely we’ll be arriving back at the park later, as the parade is ending? Just trying to get my head wrapped around what we might be walking into. TIA!

 

[Robo]

On one of our MK days we are going to the 6:15p Hoop-Dee-Do for dinner. We plan on taking the boat from MK to FW and back again, then go back inside the park after dinner.

The MSEP that night is at 9.

1- We’re going to get caught up in that aren’t we??

We didn’t plan on watching the parade that night, rather ride rides during it.

2- Do we have any chance with the dinner show at 6:15 getting back to the park before the parade begins?

I’m thinking not. And even if we did,

3- probably won’t be that easy maneuvering past Main Street to get to any rides?

4- Thought of taking the train from Main Street to Frontierland to bypass those waiting for the parade, but

5- when do they stop running the train in regards to the parade?

6- Or is it likely we’ll be arriving back at the park later, as the parade is ending?

7- Just trying to get my head wrapped around what we might be walking into. TIA!

1- Yes.
2- Yes.
3- Correct.
4- Yup.
5- About 20-25 minutes after the parade starts.
6- 6:30 Hoop will let out around 7:45-8:00pm.
You should make it back to MK by 8:30-8:45-ish.
7- Run up to the station and ask the train conductor as soon as you arrive
if the train will stop once it leaves MK, or will it make it to Frontierland.

Then you'll know if you should take the train or walk through the
stores on the right (East) side of Main Street to avoid some of the parade crowd.

 

[Shannon G]

Try cutting through the shops along Main Street. You'll still run into more crowds, but not like you would if you tried to make it down the sidewalk.

We're going to face the same issue next month - we have a 5:55 ADR at 1900 Park Fare, and plan to head back to MK afterwards, since it's open until midnight, plus EMH until 2 am.

 

[DestyTiger]

We have entered MK several times during the evening parade. While it is crowded, we have never had a problem working down the sidewalks to get to the rides. We are usually down Main St in a matter of a minute or 2 and headed to Tomorrow Land to hit the rides shortly thereafter. You won't be able to walk down the middle of the street, but walking by the store fronts is possible without a huge delay.

 

[preemiemama]

Try cutting through the shops along Main Street. You'll still run into more crowds, but not like you would if you tried to make it down the sidewalk.

We have done this too. We usually go through the Emporium and follow the stores through to Casey's. At that point we go around CP and head through Adventureland past POC to end up in Frontierland. I like the thought of taking the train as well, though!

 

[Robo]

We have done this too. We usually go through the Emporium and follow the stores through to Casey's. At that point we go around CP and head through Adventureland past POC to end up in Frontierland. I like the thought of taking the train as well, though!

If the parade has started or nearly started, you can't easily (if at all) cross from the train station on the left (West) side of Main Street to the Emporium.
That's where the parade enters MK.

That's why I suggested going through the shops on the RIGHT side of Main Street.

 

[preemiemama]

If the parade has started or nearly started, you can't easily (if at all) cross from the train station on the left (West) side of Main Street to the Emporium. That's where the parade enters MK. That's why I suggested going through the shops on the RIGHT side of Main Street.

True, Robo! Last year we were able to get through at a couple points in the parade- they held you at a rope and had designated "breaks" when they let some people through near the fire station I believe? But it is a hassle. I suggested it only because OP mentioned Frontierland. I figured it was a much longer walk from the other shops since you would get let out by the Plaza.

 

[puppytrainer]

Thanks! I appreciate the help!