Last week, hundreds of guests at Disneyland Resort found themselves in an unexpected situation when exiting the park after the A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular fireworks show. Instead of using the traditional paths, a large crowd rushed into a backstage area, inadvertently stampeding Disney cast members along the way.
Backstage areas in Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are usually off-limits to guests, with the exception of certain VIP tours or during major evacuations when regular pathways become overcrowded. This alternate route isn’t completely unheard of; similar situations occur at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort where guests are often directed through backstage areas after the nightly Fantasmic! performances to ease the flow of traffic.
In Disneyland Park, a backstage exit behind Main Street, U.S.A., is also utilized frequently during peak times. A Reddit user, u/vanzilla24, recently shared their experience in a now-viral post. They described how, in an effort to avoid Main Street’s post-fireworks congestion, they took a backstage path, exiting between the Firehouse and the Emporium. This detour revealed a seldom-seen side of Disneyland, complete with old posters and a unique Disney ambiance.
Interestingly, longtime Disneyland visitors were quick to comment that such backstage pathways have been used for years, particularly during busy events like the 60th-anniversary celebration fireworks. They appreciated the efficiency and adventure of these hidden routes, which offer a unique peek behind the magic.
Have you ever been escorted through a backstage area in Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, or the Downtown Disney District? Share your stories and thoughts with us in the comments below. Your experiences bring the Disney parks’ wonder to life even more!
Source: Inside the Magic