MK Hub Expansion

[Dano13]

I know that this may sound like a ridiculous question but what is the hub expansion and what will it do help with the crowds? Will it ease some congestion on Main Street during Wishes and parades? Thanks in advance.

 

[rteetz]

I know that this may sound like a ridiculous question but what is the hub expansion and what will it do help with the crowds? Will it ease some congestion on Main Street during Wishes and parades? Thanks in advance.

The Hub is the central area in front of the castle. They are expanding that area to accommodate crowds during parades and wishes. It's underway right now and will be completed sometime in 2015.

 

[Dano13]

Thanks I thought that was the intent. I am curious if it will help with people leaving as the firework crowd starts to build. I would also love to see a rendering of what it is expected to look like when completed.

 

[DisneyRobin]

Thanks I thought that was the intent. I am curious if it will help with people leaving as the firework crowd starts to build. I would also love to see a rendering of what it is expected to look like when completed.

Here's an animated rendering released by Disney giving a detailed look at the changes coming to the hub area at the Magic Kingdom:

http://www.cafemom.com/group/188/fo...s_coming_to_the_hub_area_at_the_Magic_Kingdom

 

[lavatea]

Does anyone have anything side by side of how it is now vs what it will be? I'm useless at telling what has changed just based off of the animated rendering.

 

[ssphillips]

Does anyone have anything side by side of how it is now vs what it will be? I'm useless at telling what has changed just based off of the animated rendering.[/

Before...

After...

Think this is right.

 

[Dano13]

Thanks everyone! I am hoping that there is some removal of congestion on Main Street when this happens.

 

[jliehr]

Does anyone have anything side by side of how it is now vs what it will be? I'm useless at telling what has changed just based off of the animated rendering.[/

Before...

After...

Think this is right.

Your second picture is also current, there will be a second ring

Here's an render of the proposed setup

 

[HarvardAce]

Thanks everyone! I am hoping that there is some removal of congestion on Main Street when this happens.

Really, this is to spread out the bottleneck that is everyone trying to get onto Main Street from the hub. It will allow for more viewing locations, and there will be more entrances into the bottleneck that is Main Street. This should spread out the crowd a little so it doesn't seem as crowded, but in the end you still have everyone walking down Main Street (or through the shops) and under the railroad to exit.

I believe they are also working on an additional walkway behind the stores on the "right" side of Main Street (facing the castle from the entrance). My understanding is that right now they sometimes open it up to foot traffic during very busy days (e.g. 4th of July) but that it is literally the back of the buildings and more a CM area, so it has no theming. The construction would make it a more permanent and somewhat themed walkway that would allow for additional foot traffic to exit the park after fireworks or parades.

 

[Reddog1134]

Does anyone have anything side by side of how it is now vs what it will be? I'm useless at telling what has changed just based off of the animated rendering.

Here's a really good Photoshopped comparison.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/main-street-usa/news/25feb2014-photos---magic-kingdom%27s-hub-set-for-big-changes-to-help-traffic-flow-and-provide-more-fireworks-viewing-locations.htm

 

[GrumpyBa*D]

We have been ushered out behind Main Street at least twice non holiday times. Yes it was busy but not holiday. It was such a pleasure!

 

[DisMama5]

Is there any date or speculation of time/date when this is due to be completed?

 

[rteetz]

Is there any date or speculation of time/date when this is due to be completed?

Mid to late 2015

 

[DisMama5]

Mid to late 2015

Thanks!

 

[briand1023]

Interesting.