Avoiding the crowds after Fantasmic

[pigby]

I wondered if a way to avoid the crowds after Fantasmic at MGM might be to walk over to the Swan - is this an easy walk and how long does it take? Just wanted a drink in Kimonos really plus a stroll over to the Boardwalk might be nice afterwards.

 

[Dislifer]

Sounds like a great idea. I'm anxious to see some responses on this!

 

[jennymouse]

It's a quick walk to Swan from MGM!

 

[mcreamer9]

Fantasmic is usually the night that we splurge on a taxi and avoid the crowds.

 

[reddfrogg]

The path is lit and it's a nice walk!!

 

[pigby]

Thanks for the swift responses - we are going to try it - I'll let you know how it goes - less than 2 weeks now before we go. Just a final question - when exiting MGM, where exactly is the path - I'm kinda thinking it's on your left near the boat dock (to Epcot and resorts)?

 

[welovewdw]

It is to the left - it runs along the waterway. It's a great walk! btw - we've found it's usually quicker to walk - we can beat the boat back to the Boardwalk easily after Fantasmic -

 

[disney102105]

We are staying at BWI this month and we will plan on walking to Epcot and MGM for all of those trips!! After Fantasmic we will also stroll home on the path. We have 2 DD's ages 4 and 2 so we will have the stroller,seems much easier to walk!! Good luck!!

 

[FayeW]

Does MGM close as soon as Fantasmic finishes, or can you poke around in gift shops, etc, like on Main St. at MK? This is our first time going, so I'd like an "exit strategy" as well!

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

pigby,
When you leave MGM, stay to the right as if you were going to the bus stops. When you get to the parking lot, stay to the left (near where the charter buses park) and you will see the walkway along the river.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

pigby, have you thought about how you'll get back to ASMo from the Swan? I think the only way would be a cab unless you go back to MGM and take a bus from there? Experts?

 

[pigby]

We were going to get a cab back to Movies - we have been to the Swan before (but not from MGM) and the cost of a cab was about $10 2 years ago, so this wouldn't be an issue - sure beats changing at DTD (which we have also attempted before - takes way too long)

 

[QuickGold]

I'm not sure what this accomplishes? You'll still have to fight the huge crowd exiting Fantasmic! and that is the real problem. If you're concerned about waiting for a bus, it's not that bad and I suspect you'd be waiting 10 minutes or so before a bus arrives. If you're allready going to fight with everyone to get out of Fantasmic!, I'm not sure you're saving much by then walking to the Swan

 

[WDWguru]

I disagree, there isn't much "fight" unless you're trying to get on a boat or a bus with everyone else. You just follow the flow of people out of the park (or even hang back and stroll out once most of the crowd has cleared), then hit the path and walk. Most people don't even know the path exists, so even after Fantasmic it's usually pretty deserted. Just go straight out of the MGM exit toward the water, but instead of turning left for the boat dock, follow the path around to the right and you'll see a sidewalk split off toward the water near the charter bus parking. I believe there's a sign that says "Boardwalk" there, too. It's a great walk, especially during the cooler evening, and should only take you 10-15 minutes or so to get to the Swan.