[Question] Main Street USA expansion

[xceemora]

I was reading Al luz Article If DL dose expand MS wat going to happen to disney parade when they end in main street?

[Magic Lamp]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

The expansion(s) would not affect the parades. In fact, after construction it opens up new pathways (given they made one on either side) allowing for more and efficient traffic during parades.

[PrincessLizz]

So they are fersure going to expand Main Street?

[PetiteMortKvsh]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

Do you think it will be similar to Paris' Main St. where you could walk behind the shops?

[ColonelWalrus]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

Do you think it will be similar to Paris' Main St. where you could walk behind the shops?

The article sounded like that would be the idea. A literal back alley with no sidewalks to help compensate and counter act crowding.

[Disneymike]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

As much as I am a member of the Disneyland Preservation Society, I like the idea. It doesn't detract or mess up Main Street, will help alleviate the logjam when the fireworks are in progress, and if Al is correct, will give some interesting theming possibilities with the whole back alley of Main Street thing.

[PetiteMortKvsh]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

I just hope it is done in a nice manor, not just another quick fix solution that I am starting to get used to from Disney.

[xceemora]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

If they do expand main street then the parade will end backstage of the fire house and city hall.

[fifthrider]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

delete

[Disneytwins]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

I cherish the history of Disneyland, but I'm quite in favor of this idea.

[jeannie527]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

Sounds like a great idea. I hate trying to maneuver a stroller thru the crowds after the parade or the fireworks. I would definitely be using the back alley.

[Magic Lamp]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

If they do expand main street then the parade will end backstage of the fire house and city hall.

It's impossible to reroute the parade to the firehouse because of the Jungle Cruise taking up the space behind it, so the ideal place for a back alley would be on the left-hand side to open a new pathway for those trying to avoid the crowds during a parade.

[Steve DeGaetano]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

I don't think being a Disney Preservationist, and this idea, are contradictory at all, especially if the theming is carried out as they seem to be planning. This idea is non-intrusive to the historic fabric of Disneyland, and is both practical and thematically correct. Basically a win-win it seems to me.

[MarenBoBarren]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

If they are able to do a really good theming and make it look like a back alleyway then I don't think there is any interference in preservation. They are not taking away something old and beloved to us and replacing it. They are giving us something new to help with traffic and give a different view of Main Street

[toonaspie]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

Are there any videos of the Main Street backalley available for visual purposes?

[4th Gen Disney Fan]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

Wow! It is so refreshing to see positive feedback on a "threat" of expanding Main Street!

That being said, I agree with everyone that this will be a win-win situation. It won't detract from the main drag, and it will (hopefully) help with crowd control. I really like this idea and I look forward to the change!

[Disneymike]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

Wow! It is so refreshing to see positive feedback on a "threat" of expanding Main Street!

That being said, I agree with everyone that this will be a win-win situation. It won't detract from the main drag, and it will (hopefully) help with crowd control. I really like this idea and I look forward to the change!

Well, they are not really "Expanding" Main Street. Just using some backstage area on the eastern side.
If all goes as rumored, I look forward to it. Maybe they will call it Liberty Street?

[4th Gen Disney Fan]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

Well, they are not really "Expanding" Main Street. Just using some backstage area on the eastern side.
If all goes as rumored, I look forward to it. Maybe they will call it International Street?

Close enough! Usually any kind of change is met with such rancor on this board. I am extremely happy to see that this isn't the case here.

[Bob Weaver]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

In the early 1960s they were considering adding an "Edison Square" and a "Liberty Street" to the east side of Main Street, and around 1959 were toying with the idea of a Chinatown street and/or an International Street. Obviously none of these were built, but the fact that they were under consideration during Walt's era means to me that building something now wouldn't be too far out of line with Walt's vision for the park.

[Steve DeGaetano]

Re: Main Street USA expansion

Close enough! Usually any kind of change is met with such rancor on this board. I am extremely happy to see that this isn't the case here.

It's the kind of change that doesn't destroy theme, and may actually even add to it.

The kind of changes that meet with rancor are usually changes that negatively affect Walt Disney's original intent for the Park. This does not do that; and there is actually precedent that something similar to this was planned at one time.

You need to really look at why people are vocal about certain changes. It's not superficial whining, as many want to simply label it, but the complaints often come with some serious thought and consideration regarding Walt's ideas, Park history, theme and creativity, that goes far deeper than the superficiality many only able to see.