Best way to leave parks after Illuminations, Fantasmic & SpectroMagic

[imgoingtodisney]

HELP
We'll be at the MK for the 10pm SpectroMagic parade on Sat night of Columbus Day weekend. There is also a 8pm parade that night. What's the best way to get back to the Wilderness Lodge?
How about after Fantasmic on Columbus Day?
Or Illuminations from Rose & Crown? Should we exit by Intl Gateway and somehow get back to WL from there?

 

[dvc_john]

Assuming you are using Disney transportation, the usual modes are:
MK to WL via boat
MGM to WL via bus
EPCOT to WL via bus
If you leave EPCOT via the Intl gateway, you would have to catch a bus at one of the hotels to Downtown Disney and transfer there to WL. This would NOT be advisable. An alternative would be a taxi. The regular buses to WL will leave from the front of the park.

When leaving at the same time as a very large crowd, we usually take our time and let the crowd go first. Actually, this is one of our favorite times to stroll around the park, especially EPCOT after Illuminations.

 

[caverill]

I couldn't agree more!

Take your time and walk around a little bit prior to heading to the bus after the show. You will end up spending the same amount of time getting back to hotel, since you will just have to wait in line for the bus. We usually go find a place to get a cup of coffee or pop and sit down and people watch.

Another option, of course, is to drive. We rarely rent a car, but you can drive yourself which could be faster then waiting for a bus. Disney transportation has been great for us, but huge crowds at the end of the fireworks just overwhelms the system.

You should have the least problem with getting back from the MK, since only WL guests will be using the boat.

Have fun,

 

[nhrenee]

What about taking a taxi? I haven't done it but others say it's much quicker than taking the buses. Someone suggested walking over to the boardwalk hotel to catch one if you're at Epcot.

 

[ducklite]

Staying at the Y/BC, S/D or BW takes care of the Illuminations and Fantasmic issues, you simply leave the park and walk back to your resort

One time we were able to get a dinner reservation at SciFi for AFTER Fantasmic...we cut out a couple minutes before the very end. We got over there and ate, and when we left the park was empty!!

Anne

 

[clkelley]

My favorite way to leave the parks after a big fireworks or parade is to simply stay put.....

At Magic Kingdom I find a bench near the hub, get an ice cream or soda and watch the castle practically until Security kicks us out.

At Epcot, I go to Fountainview Cafe and get a snack and watch the wonderful Fountain dance until security kicks us out

At the Studios..... well Fantasmic usually ends AFTER closing so the majority of the rest of the masses have left. I have never had much of a problem leaving after Fantasmic, but if there is a crowd, I would find a good resting spot and wait till they're gone.

AK is never a problem, we usually go there mornings anyway. The one time we were there till closing we ate dinner at Rainforest Cafe and getting a bus out was easy.

I really despise waiting in the bus lines, so to me sitting in the park is a much nicer alternative