Exit strategies for parades/fireworks

[slkant]

We will be going to WDW the first week in Jan 2007 and have plans to do the nighttime parades/fireworks at all parks. However, I'm concerned about the crowd of people all trying to exit that park and get back to the resorts at the same time. How bad should it be that time of year, both in terms of crowds, getting out, getting a bus back to AKL? Any tips that would help us navigate the mess would be greatly appreciated!

On our last day, we are tentatively planning Spectromagic followed by Wishes. I'm particularly concerned about that.

We are doing Illuminations as part of the Grand Gathering dinner. It's on an evening magic hours night. If we leave right after Illuminations, will this help us. In other words, will some choose to stay for the extra hours?

 

[AJKMOM]

If you aren't in a mad rush to get back to your room, just wait a while, shop, grab a snack and people watch.

I'm not sure why this is on the disABILITIES board, you could post under Theme Parks and Attractions board, you might get more answers.

 

[slkant]

I posted this on the disabilities board because I use a wheelchair and also have endurance issues. So waiting around too long to get out of the park or to get on the bus is something that needs to be avoided if possible. Some waiting is acceptible. I'm just trying to figure out a way to participate without stretching the limits of endurance or putting myself in danger from crowds.

 

[ducklite]

Your best bet is to leave before the end.

Actually your very best bet for Illuminations is to book one of the Epcot area resorts and leave at your leisure through the International gateway exit which is seldom if ever jam packed with people.

Anne

 

[Schmeck]

If you leave MK at the end of Wishes, yes it is going to be impossible to get out in any sort of hurry. But once you exit the park, the crowds thin as they go on their way to monorail, boat, and bus stops.

If you are in your own wheelchair you will most likely get on the bus before others, as the accessible area is loaded first on the buses, so your wait would be minimal. Of course, there may be many others waiting to use the lift/ramp at your bus stop. Then it can take a while, as there is usually only room for two wheelchairs/scooters/ECVs on each bus.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Actually your very best bet for Illuminations is to book one of the Epcot area resorts and leave at your leisure through the International gateway exit which is seldom if ever jam packed with people.

Anne

If you do this, be aware that most people will be flooding out towards Future World and the front entrance immediately after Illuminations. Watch from somewhere between Italy and the International Gateway.

If you watch from anywhere else, you will have to wait for the main crowd to exit before heading towards International Gateway, unless you like 'swimming against the tide' which can be a lot of fun in a wheelchair!!!

Andrew

 

[Michigan]

If leaving the MK go into the stores on the right side of the street they are all connected.

 

[SueM in MN]

We wait a few minutes until the crowds clear. We have actually had part of our party (the ones who wanted to get back to the resort really quick) run right away to get on the bus while we waited and then took a leasurely trip out. Even though they left a good 15-20 minutes before us, we got back to the resort within a few minutes of them. And, we got a on a bus that was not totally full, where they got on a bus that was standing room only.

 

[slkant]

Thanks so much for the tips and information. Being able to get tips from others who understand these sorts of issues has been invaluable.

 

[spiceycat]

I would do them on EMH - then I would stay an hour or even two after the fireworks -then leave.

you know I haven't done the fireworks at Epcot Illiuinations in quite a while - time again to try it...

I do love Wishes.....

 

[welovedis]

ITA with Sue, we wait until the crowds thin out and then make our way along. Especially at Fantasmic, the theatre is nearly empty within 5-10 mins and we enjoy just sitting for a few mins until we can just head out and not be crammed into the crowd. At Epcot, sometimes it takes a little longer because the crowd is spread among the entire WS, but you can still get out easily within a short period of time.

HTH!