Disneyland’s Abandoned Exit: Trapped in Downtown Disney

Did you know there used to be a secret walkway that made entering and exiting Disneyland way easier?

For years, guests could use this quiet, obstacle-free path to bypass the crowds and leave Disneyland smoothly. But today, that shortcut is completely off-limits. So why did Disneyland block it off?

In this video, we’ll explore Disneyland’s abandoned path, why it disappeared, and how it was replaced by a longer, more frustrating route through Downtown Disney. Was it about security? Expansion? Or was it all about keeping guests in the shopping district longer?

Where was this lost path located?
How much shorter was it compared to today’s exit routes?
Did Disney remove it to force more spending in Downtown Disney?

Join me as we uncover the forgotten shortcut that still technically exists—if you know where to look.

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[ThunderMesaStudio]

I'm old enough to remember when you just exited straight into the old parking lot - now DCA. Now that was easy.

[ADouglas-]

That path was THE BEST! I was so disappointed when it was closed. Thank you for highlighting the lost treasures of Disney parks.

[newlexness]

I miss that path. Thank you for sharing.

[JungleShrink]

You bring up an important point about the scarcity of small conveniences. This is a problem writ large, but the reduction of small niceties when interacting with large corporations causes the quiet part to be said out loud, which is we are just cash cows for businesses. Having a small walk way like this was something that felt like it existed purely for the benefit of the consumer and wasn’t a transactional experience. Removing it reduces that feeling and increases the breaking of the fourth wall which is particularly obvious in a place like Disneyland which is literally built to create that fourth wall.

[scruffskunk]

It's not easy to find a quiet space in Disneyland. That's what makes those hidden nooks and walkways special. Thanks for the tour of another hidden area.

[Tattooedrocketscientist]

I miss this path. My son and o would use it exclusively to get in to Disneyland for rope drop. It actual faster to take the path than the tram. We used to time it with the tram at the stop and walk in. We’d beat the tram every time. It was so nice and peaceful.

[AJSXenigma]

Thanks for making me nostalgic for a pathway that closed years before my first visit to Disneyland in 2023. Some historic removals are frustrating (the Peoplemover, the Skyway, Cascade Peak), but it seems like this one at least made sense, sad though it may be.

[CodeytheArtist]

I miss walking alongside the backside of the AMC and looking at all the future upcoming movies coming out. I miss the water show that they had by the back hotel tower where it's now just a giant lawn, and so many other things they had in the 2000s and 2010's that made Downtown Disney more efficient and exciting! Now, it just feels like it's all food and shops. I may just be nostalgia based, but I miss the way it was with the theater, and the actual Earl's Sandwich shop, and the Pearl Diving kiosk, and the Build a Bear and House of Blues. Everything just felt right! Besides the Block, this was THE place to hang out in my high school days. Kinda sad it's over.

[YurTypicalVegasMom]

I loved that pathway and I actually didn’t even know it was gone because I usually stay at the Disneyland hotel when I do get to go. I don’t think they’re capable of fixing a walkway when they haven’t been able to bring back the people mover. Today’s Disney company is all about getting the most money out of people while taking away and limiting the amount of money they have to put out. It’s sad but true.
Love your work!

[JoyleiaJo]

I like to exit the park on the MONORAIL from Tomorrowland.
More magical.
And, all of the reasons in this video!!

[yvonnecake]

I totally remember that path. Very quaint and relaxing.

[Continuingsourceofinspiration]

My husband and I were JUST talking about that path while waiting for the tram last night. It was a really wonderful way to wind down quietly after a stimulating day at the park(s).

[jasoncarbone]

Always teaching Brickey. Today is an economics class your diversity of content and depth of knowledge never cease to amaze. Thank you and keep on making killer videos.

[nancytroast]

I really miss that path! And yes, I mainly walked it with my grandkids when they were in strollers!

[dwayitis]

Thank you so much for bringing this path’s closure to light. I always thought it was a very convenient way to access the parks and my preferred hotels on Ball Road by foot. Ever since they closed it, it’s been a chore to walk from my hotel behind Disneyland park to the park entrance. So since they make us walk twice a long thru Downtown Disney and wait in bad security check points that need upgraded equipment and faster screening, I have made it a point to NOT spend any money at any downtown Disney shop or restaurant, and that’s how I get even for the added aggravation they are causing guests.
They need to reopen this path ASAP. Period.

[edwardavila]

In a nutshell…this is why I love your videos!

A fascinating look at architectural decisions made by the park.

I was able to run into you one night at the haunted mansion, I had my “walt” hoodie and we took a pic…

I went 200 times exactly to Disney last year, and I usually go in the evenings…and am often the last or one of the last guests walking through downtown Disney. Most of the cast members and employees walk through downtown Disney and cut through the through the parking lot to get to the entrance of the bridge to the parking structure.

I stay on the path so I can run into Lucifer (a black Disney cat) and get my extra steps.

Excellent video bruddha!

[FurgottenWolf]

I used to walk out the front gate and walk in a straight line right up to Katella to my hotel. Apparently you can't do that anymore because there's a theme park in the way or something.

[jamespolnick]

Even though you mention that the topic is kinda weird... I personally love exactly this kind of thing. Thank you for appreciating the path.

[niceguycal]

I have always loved going through that path. I have used that path every single time I left that park at night/closing. I wish it was back because I hate walking all the way through downtown Disney.

[CabFamilyAdventures]

I remember always walking on that walkway! It was before the security check was at the structure and so it was "faster" to get to the park that way and it was always a nice walk. Also hi! Haven't ran into at the park lately!