Best way to get back to WL after illuminations

[dpic]

Hi:

This trip we've promised ourselves we would stay for Illuminations. What is the best way to get back to WL after the show? I've read where people "hang out" for a while to let the crowds thin. How long does that take? We have younger children, so staying too late is not a great idea.

Are busses the best? Would you take the monorail to TTC then bus from there? Or, Monorail to TTC, monorail to CR, then boat back (if it's running that late)?

Thanks for any help.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

You can get a WL bus right at Epcot back to your resort. Buses will run at least an hour past the end of Illuminations.

 

[Shannon G]

Just take your time strolling toward the exit - hang back a bit and let the crowds rush out. The crowds will thin pretty quickly. Then just catch a bus from Epcot back to WL. There's no point in rushing out, because those first few buses are going to be very full with everyone leaving. Even with young kids, I think hanging back a bit and leaving in a more relaxed fashion after the crowds have let up a bit is the better option.

 

[John Dobbertin]

Do stay for Illuminations. Great fireworks. We've experienced this many-many times and are usually at WLV. We like to watch from the Canadian area -- bridge by Mexico also excellent viewing spot. This puts you in a good position to exit. Key on exiting is to keep moving to your left as you exit -- all exits will be open. If you have a stroller to return this strategy doesn't work as stroller return is to the right. If you are able to board one of the earlier buses, you will be on your way to WL in a hurry.

 

[hobogary]

We exit thru the International Gateway and walk to Boardwalk. You can "hang" there for a long time if you want. The only problem is you have to then take a bus to DD and transfer to WL.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by dpic
Hi:

This trip we've promised ourselves we would stay for Illuminations. What is the best way to get back to WL after the show? I've read where people "hang out" for a while to let the crowds thin. How long does that take? We have younger children, so staying too late is not a great idea.

Are busses the best? Would you take the monorail to TTC then bus from there? Or, Monorail to TTC, monorail to CR, then boat back (if it's running that late)?

Thanks for any help.

Crowds typically thin out by 10:00 or so... just take the bus directly back to WL. An alternative is to take the Monorail to the TTC, and catch the WL bus there... however, that will take more time.

 

[CarolMN]

Another avantage to hanging back and taking your time to get to the bus stop is that you will almost surely get a seat on the bus.

If you leave right away (in the midst of the crowd), you are sure to be on a crowded bus and maybe have to stand. You might have to stand in a crowded line waiting for the next bus. I've always been a little surprised at how quickly the buses come to take away the crowds.

I'd suggest letting the kids watch the fountain show (in Future World near Mouse Gears) and the twinkling lights in the walkway until the crowd thins.

Even though the monorail route takes longer, maybe the kids would enjoy the ride - guess it depends on how old they are and how tired you all are.

I agree that IllumiNations is worth it! So stay if you possibly can.

Best wishes -