Strategy for getting down Main Street SUPER fast

[jellydisney]

Here's a strategy I thought I'd share:

During my trip in March, my friends and I arrived at the MK at about 7pm.... exactly as the parade was starting! Main Street was all closed off (and swarming with people), and we'd just missed the last train leaving Main Street Station. We wanted to get to Adventureland, so here's what we did: All 8 of us got into a straight line and we powerwalked through the stores on the left side of Main Street!! All of the stores are connected inside, and they line the entire street. We got to Adventureland in RECORD time.

This probably also works after the parade, after fireworks, etc--whenever there is a mass exodus or for some reason Main Street is practically inaccessible. Has anyone else ever tried this?

 

[vmkids]

You cna do the same thing after fantamic in the stores on the street. Made it way before the masses did to the trams. Sure beats trying to jump those strollers!

 

[Schmeck]

But how do you get by all that Disney stuff without at least stopping to browse, LOL? If my DD10 and I were in this situation, it would take us twice as long to get through as opposed to "swimming upstream" through the crowd on the streets. We're such shopaholics!

 

[LIFERBABE]

In all my infinite wisdom, I did the same thing. Went in the shops by the Crystal Palace and came out the other end by Town Hall with 2 T-shirts and a Hat! LOL It's quicker, but it's like taking a toll road! LOL

 

[Shelle&Dave]

It's quicker, but it's like taking a toll road!

 

[~Czarina~]

LOL My family generally does this. It does get you there faster and we have worked very hard to condition ourselfs NOT to shop until a certain point in the trip so we have money for the thing we find that we can't live without. Well, this year my aunt and grandmother were with us. (Both mandatory ECV users) We attempted to do that and ended up getting lost. My aunt stopped and spent almost an hour looking for a shirt she thought was cool but couldn't find the size and then they were looking in back and calling around, etc. My grandmother ended up circling around and going right back where we came from!!! lol Oh well, it works for some and it is really faster if you can keep from paying on the toll road!

 

[westjones]

Does this work for the stores on both sides of the street at MGM?

We are thinking of making a 'dash' to MK after Fantasmic for E Ticket night. Fantasmic is at 9:00, and E Ticket Night starts at 10:00. I realize we won't make the start, but would like to get there as soon as possible, so we need the quickest way out of MGM.

Also, would it be quicker to drive ourselves than to take the trams from MGM to MK at 9:30/10:00 at night?

DJ

 

[B'rer Karen]

I love to do this. One time I was watching the 3pm parade in Fronteirland. As soon as the last float passed by me, I cut through to Adventureland (I was sitting right near that cut through). I power walked up passed the Crystal Palace and entered the stores behind Casey's. By the time I got down to the other end, the beginning of the parade hadn't even made it down Main Street yet and I easily made my way out of the park (I was headed back to the resort for a swim).

 

[CamColt]

What a great idea! I never would have thought of that. We may have to try this after Wishes.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[jellydisney]

Originally posted by westjones
Does this work for the stores on both sides of the street at MGM?

We are thinking of making a 'dash' to MK after Fantasmic for E Ticket night. Fantasmic is at 9:00, and E Ticket Night starts at 10:00. I realize we won't make the start, but would like to get there as soon as possible, so we need the quickest way out of MGM.

Also, would it be quicker to drive ourselves than to take the trams from MGM to MK at 9:30/10:00 at night?

DJ

Good Question. I'm not as familiar with the shops in MGM. However, after Fantasmic the CM's let all the people out down this long corridor path thing in the back. It's kind of weird. I'm not sure it even takes you back to the Hollywood Blvd. Anyone know?

Also, as for taking the bus vs driving your car to MK, I suggest taking the bus--we did this on our last trip. The great majority of people leaving MGM are either taking the bus back to their hotels or taking the tram to the parking lots where their cars are. Very few people take the Epcot and MK buses. I think you would encounter more traffic if you took the tram to the parking lot, walked to your car, and waiting to drive out of the parking lot. Then you'd have to drive to MK, repark your car, take the monorail.... many more steps and probably more lines to wait in.

 

[westjones]

Thanks for the suggestions! We do like taking the buses when we are tired and DH doesn't feel like fighting the traffic.

I love Disney, but I hate waiting. I am SO glad they came up with this Fast Pass idea for some of the rides.

Well, we will see how this all works. Maybe the path you saw the CM directing people out of was the entrance used for people with the Fantasmic Dinner package. We are trying this for the first time next week, so I am not exactly sure where this entrance is located. I am hoping someone at dinner can explain to us where to go when it is time.

DJ

 

[ErikdaRed]

The fastamic exit/dinner package entrance is right by the "gas" station at the front gate.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

My family and I used to do that on the way out of the park at night. It usually works, but we would occasionally get stuck behind shoppers.

 

[westjones]

Thanks, ErikdaRed, I will look for it as we come in the park. We are excited about FINALLY seeing Fantasmic. It has just never worked out for us to go see it on any of the 5 trips we have taken in the past 3 years!

DJ