Disneyland has been forced to open a backstage bypass whenever big crowds depart the Anaheim theme park to unclog a Downtown Disney human traffic jam caused by construction of the new Porto’s Bakery.
Disneyland has temporarily rerouted foot traffic on select days due to construction associated with the Porto’s project, according to Disneyland officials.
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Signs have been posted and cast members have been assigned to help guests navigate the route, according to Disneyland officials.
The walkway closure and bypass are expected to be necessary for about a month, according to Disneyland officials.
Demolition of the former La Brea Bakery and construction of the new Porto’s Bakery & Cafe in Downtown Disney began in December.
The backstage bypass routes foot traffic heading toward the esplanade through the elephant doors next to the World of Disney, behind the Soarin’ Over California attraction and back out onto the esplanade on the west end of the Disney California Adventure front gate.
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The Porto’s construction walls have compressed the available walkway space near the poppy fountain and created traffic jams when large “rush hour” crowds exit Disneyland or DCA — often after nighttime entertainment.
Tiana Zoey posted a video on Instagram of crowds jamming the Downtown Disney walkway along the Porto’s construction walls before Disneyland decided to open the backstage bypass.
“How did they not see this coming?” Tiana Zoey wrote on Instagram. “Serious public safety issue.”
The new Porto’s in Downtown Disney will feature a bakery, quick service cafe, sit-down table service restaurant and full bar.
Concept art shows a lounge area, outdoor patio and express window for take-out orders on the first floor.
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The demolition of La Brea Bakery forced the closure of the temporary Earl of Sandwich restaurant that had taken over the location during construction of a new permanent Earl of Sandwich location on the west end of Downtown Disney.