Question on darkness during MK parade/fireworks

[cheshirecollector]

During my last trip to the Magic Kingdom, I tried to cross the hub between the parade and fireworks, when they have the lights off. It was so dark that I missed seeing the curb, and fell. There went the rest of my trip, as I spent the last day at Florida CentraCare, waiting to get an x-ray of my ankle (I ended up being fine). I have some health problems that make it extra dangerous for me to fall, so I really don't want to do that again.

Here's my dilemma: I want to ride on the Jungle Cruise at night, and then leave Adventureland to go to another part of the park. Sunset will be at about 8 PM when I go next. I'm obviously not going to go through the hub during that time, and Main Street will be crowded (and possibly also dark). My only other choice is through Frontierland, where the parade also passes by.

So my question is: do they turn the lights off in Frontierland when the parade passes through, and if so, do they leave them off until the fireworks are done? I'm basically trying to avoid getting stuck in Adventureland for a couple hours just to avoid tripping in the dark.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[Robo]

During my last trip to the Magic Kingdom, I tried to cross the hub between the parade and fireworks, when they have the lights off. It was so dark that I missed seeing the curb, and fell. There went the rest of my trip, as I spent the last day at Florida CentraCare, waiting to get an x-ray of my ankle (I ended up being fine). I have some health problems that make it extra dangerous for me to fall, so I really don't want to do that again.

Here's my dilemma: I want to ride on the Jungle Cruise at night, and then leave Adventureland to go to another part of the park. Sunset will be at about 8 PM when I go next. I'm obviously not going to go through the hub during that time, and Main Street will be crowded (and possibly also dark). My only other choice is through Frontierland, where the parade also passes by.

So my question is: do they turn the lights off in Frontierland when the parade passes through, and if so, do they leave them off until the fireworks are done? I'm basically trying to avoid getting stuck in Adventureland for a couple hours just to avoid tripping in the dark.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

They turn the lights off in a given area only DURING the time that the parade is passing through that area.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

As I recall, Frontierland is pretty dark all the time when it gets dark out. They don't have enough lighting for me back there. I have gotten way more careful after doing what you did - step off a curb wrong because I couldn't see it was a curb, I only sprained my ankle. I wish they'd paint the edges yellow or with glow in the dark paint or something easily seen.

I'm glad you didn't get hurt badly.

 

[sharona]

We went from Adventureland to Frontierland while the parade was passing through that area last week. There is an alley that leads between the 2 and if you line up they allow crossing at certain points during the parade. They have a section taped off on the ground and essentially, if you're in the taped off area, you're crossing. Must head straight across - no selfies!

I agree too dark in the parks after sunset. I think it needs to be better lit in all areas. My mom fell a few years ago - tripped over a curb and very badly bruised her shoulder and forearm. It was our last night. She was out of work for a week when we got home.

Edit to add it was not that dark in Frontierland once you moved away from the street.

 

[scrapquitler]

During my last trip to the Magic Kingdom, I tried to cross the hub between the parade and fireworks, when they have the lights off. It was so dark that I missed seeing the curb, and fell. There went the rest of my trip, as I spent the last day at Florida CentraCare, waiting to get an x-ray of my ankle (I ended up being fine). I have some health problems that make it extra dangerous for me to fall, so I really don't want to do that again.

Here's my dilemma: I want to ride on the Jungle Cruise at night, and then leave Adventureland to go to another part of the park. Sunset will be at about 8 PM when I go next. I'm obviously not going to go through the hub during that time, and Main Street will be crowded (and possibly also dark). My only other choice is through Frontierland, where the parade also passes by.

So my question is: do they turn the lights off in Frontierland when the parade passes through, and if so, do they leave them off until the fireworks are done? I'm basically trying to avoid getting stuck in Adventureland for a couple hours just to avoid tripping in the dark.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Do you carry a smartphone? I have a flashlight app on mine, and anytime I am walking and it seems dark to me, I utilize my flashlight app so that I can see where I am going. I used it walking around Fantasyland during the fireworks on our last trip, and if it seemed even a little questionable, I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.

 

[cheshirecollector]

They turn the lights off in a given area only DURING the time that the parade is passing through that area.

I crossed the hub after the parade had gone by, and it was so dark that I couldn't see the ground in some places. Is it always that dark there at night, and even darker during the parade? Or did I just cross right before the lights went on again?

 

[cheshirecollector]

Do you carry a smartphone? I have a flashlight app on mine, and anytime I am walking and it seems dark to me, I utilize my flashlight app so that I can see where I am going. I used it walking around Fantasyland during the fireworks on our last trip, and if it seemed even a little questionable, I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.

I was considering carrying a small flashlight with me.

 

[Spunky946]

I crossed the hub after the parade had gone by, and it was so dark that I couldn't see the ground in some places. Is it always that dark there at night, and even darker during the parade? Or did I just cross right before the lights went on again?

It's darker during the parade and then during wishes. You probably just crossed at the wrong time.

 

[minnie mum]

I was considering carrying a small flashlight with me.

Probably a good idea if you don't have a smart phone that can do the same thing. Parts of the park can have very dim lighting at night, and not just when the parades and fireworks are on. It's part of the ambiance. But some people just don't have good night vision. If you think it would help, get a small flashlight. But please be courteous and keep it pointed at the ground directly in front of you to avoid annoying the guests around you.

 

[AngiTN]

Sorry you fell and glad you weren't badly hurt. They do warn folks when they are taking the lights down to not move around until the lights return. Now that there are LED lights it takes a few minutes for them to return to full brightness even after they are back on.
But it's never heavily lit through the parks. The flashlight app is a great idea for those that can't see well in the dark.
I'm odd in that I see better in dim light then I do in very bright light (think headlights/streetlights at night, they bother me). Once I get used to the light level I see very well in dim light

 

[disnut8]

I was considering carrying a small flashlight with me.

That's what I would recommend. Not everyone has the same issue and I don't think Disney is doing anything "wrong" as far as "guidelines" and "rules" are considered.

As far as painting the curbs in yellow or glow in the dark, well, I'm sure there would be someone who complained that the yellow color or the glow in the dark affected them

I don't like walking around Disney World after the sun sets either but if I want to, I do. As I get older (and everyone does each and every minute), I find I need "help". Fortunately, right now, I can help myself with my phone flashlight if needed but since it sucks out the battery, I will probably carry the old fashioned small one with me.

 

[cheshirecollector]

They do warn folks when they are taking the lights down to not move around until the lights return. Now that there are LED lights it takes a few minutes for them to return to full brightness even after they are back on.

The funny thing is, the CMs were waving us to go ahead when it happened. We were being held back from crossing, and I asked for the best place to wait. A CM pointed out the best area, and I waited with others. Then we got the go ahead to cross, with CMs waving us on with flashlights. I followed a group, who made it across, and I tripped right behind them.

I think I'm going to have to stop trusting my eyes to get used to the dark, and just have a flashlight ready when I can't avoid dark areas. Thanks to all for your advice.

 

[goofyernmost]

Sorry you fell and glad you weren't badly hurt. They do warn folks when they are taking the lights down to not move around until the lights return. Now that there are LED lights it takes a few minutes for them to return to full brightness even after they are back on.
But it's never heavily lit through the parks. The flashlight app is a great idea for those that can't see well in the dark.
I'm odd in that I see better in dim light then I do in very bright light (think headlights/streetlights at night, they bother me). Once I get used to the light level I see very well in dim light

This is not related to Disney, but, what you describe is what I had to deal with until I had Cataract surgery. Now my night vision has improved a whole lot and that was just having one eye done at this point. I quickly realized that the original lens in my eyes had yellowed considerably and that was what was causing me to have problems with seeing after dark and Cataracts were responsible for seeing "halo's" around all the bright lights. If you have not been diagnosed with Cataracts, I don't know what to say, but, what you are describing is a couple of the very common affects of Cataracts. The surgery is really painless and the healing time varies from person to person. I do know, however, that as soon as I can, the other eye will be fixed. It makes them young again.

 

[AngiTN]

This is not related to Disney, but, what you describe is what I had to deal with until I had Cataract surgery. Now my night vision has improved a whole lot and that was just having one eye done at this point. I quickly realized that the original lens in my eyes had yellowed considerably and that was what was causing me to have problems with seeing after dark and Cataracts were responsible for seeing "halo's" around all the bright lights. If you have not been diagnosed with Cataracts, I don't know what to say, but, what you are describing is a couple of the very common affects of Cataracts. The surgery is really painless and the healing time varies from person to person. I do know, however, that as soon as I can, the other eye will be fixed. It makes them young again.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. I see the eye doctor yearly so if there are issues he should catch it

 

[goofyernmost]

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. I see the eye doctor yearly so if there are issues he should catch it

Just make sure to tell him your symptoms and that should clue him in to look closely at it. But, your right, he should be catching that on his own. They also can develop very rapidly and might not have been a big problem when they first appeared, but, are now. Good luck!

 

[fbarker]

Probably a good idea if you don't have a smart phone that can do the same thing. Parts of the park can have very dim lighting at night, and not just when the parades and fireworks are on. It's part of the ambiance. But some people just don't have good night vision. If you think it would help, get a small flashlight. But please be courteous and keep it pointed at the ground directly in front of you to avoid annoying the guests around you.

I have to disagree with you. Carrying a flashlight is not a great idea. If everyone was using a flashlight it would detract from the others who are trying to enjoy the parade

 

[siskaren]

I have to disagree with you. Carrying a flashlight is not a great idea. If everyone was using a flashlight it would detract from the others who are trying to enjoy the parade

That's why minniemum said to use a small one and keep it pointed to the ground. And not everyone is going to need a flashlight anyway.

 

[minnie mum]

I have to disagree with you. Carrying a flashlight is not a great idea. If everyone was using a flashlight it would detract from the others who are trying to enjoy the parade

Exactly what Siskaren said. I'm not suggesting a huge maglite, just a small penlight. Not everyone has low night vision, and I've only seen them used a few times. Used properly, they would be considerably less distracting than the hundreds of people with their lit viewfinders on their cameras and phones!