Any stategies for making you way out of Epcot after Illuminations?

[rngclick]

We usually run to the front and try to get on the bus as quickly as possible but there must be a better way. How long does the bus REALLY run afterwards. (We will not have a car).

Thanks,
Robin

 

[BonnieA]

Don't run... sit. Just relax and listen to the music afterwards. Let the others crowd to the exit. It's so much more peaceful that way. But I can't tell you anything about disney buses since I usually drive.

 

[Eeyore1954]

The buses run for at least an hour after the park closes, so don't run.

My DW and I like to casually walk to somewhere near the fountain, then sit, listen to the music, watch the people leaving. Sometimes we'll stop in Gateway Gifts and do a little shopping.

It's definitely best to wait for the masses to leave, then casually make your way to the bus stop. The bus may still be a little crowded, but it beats getting pushed or shoved around by the crowds with everyone trying to be the 1st one out.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

We stroll the opposite way of the crowds. Say you are at Italy, EVERYONE goes towards the front past America, England, etc.
Go towards Mexico, slowly, enjoy the romance (at least I find it romantic).
It has been so long since I took a bus, I am not sure if it is one or two hours after the park closes that they stop.

 

[Sammy]

I second the above poster about just relaxing after the fireworks. This past September, we watched IllumiNations from the pavillion right in front of Italy (Awesome location, by the way...) When the fireworks ended, everyone bolted for the front of Epcot, but we just sat there. They started playing the music from the Millenium CD (my favorite), so we hung around while the crowds thinnned out. It doesn't take long to clear out, so we just sort of strolled slowly through WS listening to the music. I have the greatest pics of my kids dancing to the music with almost no one around! By the time you make it to the front of the park, most of the hoarde will have departed already!

Where will you be staying?? Because the International Gateway may also be an option for you.

Sammy

 

[rngclick]

We are staying at POR. I don't think the International Gateway serves us, or does it? You're there now? I'm jealous. We go in feb.

Thanks for the tips.

Robin

 

[jdads2]

We always take our time when we leave. I figure we are either going to spend time waiting in line at the bus stop(very un-Disney) or strolling through the parks with just a few people, it's easy to choose.

 

[capnho]

If I'm not in any hurry to get back to my room and I don't have a car, my favorite Illuminations "exit strategy" is to leave via the International Gateway, walk over to Beaches & Cream for an ice cream, then catch a bus to Downtown Disney and then back to my resort.

If I don't want to wait that long, I usually take my time getting back to the busses and maybe do some shopping on the way out. The busses are much less crowded by the time we get there.

 

[OhMickey]

I agree do not run for a bus. You will be stuck waiting in line with a bunch of tired people. Enjoy having the park to yourself. Last year we did what Gail Hayden did. We strolled around the WS. We had a great time meeting people and enjoying the music.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

We also did the leisurely stroll around WS. It was awesome. We asked a CM what time they kicked people out and he said around 10:30. So stay and enjoy the beauty all by yourselves... it's wonderful!

 

[katerkat]

You have to leave the parks? How awful!

I'm in favor of the leisurely way out, after being bashed in the heels with a stroller in the massive crowd. Get a pastry from the French bakery before Illuminations - actually, get two, one for the show and one for the walk. (Who am I kidding - I'd get at least four per person.) Walk slowly, enjoy the scenery and the pastry. Be careful - it's easy to get caught up in the exiting crowd. You actually have to work at walking slowly. It helps to sit for a bit and let the crowd get ahead of you.

 

[Sammy]

Robin:

Unfortunately, we are already home from our trip (September 18-29) but we had an awesome time!

As far as using the International Gateway, this is what we did when we stayed at POR (then called Dixie Landings) back in September 2000: After IllumiNations, we strolled leisurely through WS and exited through the Gateway. We walked to the YC/BC, enjoying all the lights around Crescent Lake. We caught the bus from BC to Downtown Disney, then took the boat back to POR. Granted, this is definately not the most direct or quickest route, but we were in no hurry and I do love that boat ride to POR! It was a nice, relaxing way to end our day and helped the kids decompress before bedtime.

Sammy

 

[KristaTX]

We like to watch Illuminations from around the American Pavilion, stroll back toward Future World behind the rest of the crowd, take a look in MouseGear (big souvenir shop), and then go to the bus stop. We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside in May and did this, and the bus we caught took us and the Old Key West people "home" for the night. And everyone got to sit (not stand) on the bus. I'm not sure how late they really run the buses, but Disney won't leave you stranded at a park. You might have to share a bus with another resort, though.

 

[snyderla]

I agree, don't hurry to the stop. I like to experience WDW at night when the crowds are gone. But, if you really want a quick exit, try an Illuminations Specialty Cruise!! We did that last week and it was wonderful. Very relaxing ride afterward, too.

Lori

 

[disneywith6kids]

I really hate to say this because I don't want to start a war but please understand that Disney will leave you stranded at Epcot. This past Christmas eve our CP dinner at LaCellier was delayed from 9:45 till almost 11:00pm. By the time we left the restaurant at 11:45 we had missed the last boat for the night . In the pouring rain we walked back to the Dolphin. I can't tell you how horrible that experience was. You would think that Disney would have realized that there were still people in the restaurants and the rain caused major delays that night. I'm only telling you this because it could very possibly happen to you. Please don't get on me about this. It hard enough to even relive that horrible evening.

 

[DebbieB]

The boats do stop running at a certain hour (1 hour after closing) but I believe the busses in front run until everyone is out. They dispatch the busses to where ever they are needed.

 

[DisneyDiver]

Try and sneak on the last run of Test track before you leave! It shuts at nine, but the queue runs till everyone is off the ride - It is brilliant in the dark.