Exiting after wishes. Yikes!

[Spoiledraf]

first time we ever drove to MK for close. 9 pm close right after the fireworks. WOW. We were one of the last riders off Space Mtn and that got us out of the park late. So many people for so little transportation. They need a fast pass for that line!!!
Any suggestions for the next trip???

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hang around for 30-45 minutes or so. Much more relaxing. Stroll a bit, shop a bit, people watch a bit. Get an ice cream cone. Enjoy the day's end in the park, not in a mob of exiting people.

 

[mesaboy2]

Hang around for 30-45 minutes or so. Much more relaxing. Stroll a bit, shop a bit, people watch a bit. Get an ice cream cone. Enjoy the day's end in the park, not in a mob of exiting people.

Exactly that.

 

[mzsarah10]

Last time we grabbed a dole whip and then wondered the shops.

 

[leebee]

We also like to wander about on our way out of MK. In fact, sometimes it's our goal to be the LAST people out of the park!

If you think MK is bad, wait until you see what it's like after Fantasmic! I think that's worse.

 

[rainboots]

If you think MK is bad, wait until you see what it's like after Fantasmic! I think that's worse.

This scares me a lot! We are planning on F! on arrival night after a long day of travel.

 

[LLM]

I was there in July and it was like a stampede after Wishes! I could picture in my head someone falling and getting trampled by the crowd!

Lisa

 

[4EverFigment]

If you are trying to leave from the Hub immediately after Wishes, yes the crowd is scary. When we leave we always walk through the Casey's side shops as they all connect inside. However the better plan is to wait it out. Fortune favors the prepared.

 

[cjparker0110]

When I was a kid and the parks were less crowded, I can remember leaving after the fireworks (I don't think they were called "wishes" at that time in the 80s and 90s) and heading to the line for the monorail to go back to the CR. I remember always being frustrated because it would take at least 30 minutes if not 45. I can't imagine that line today.

As for Fantasmic: the last time I saw it was in 2007 I believe. It is a nightmare getting from there to the front of the park to leave. The "roads" aren't wide enough for all those people. Take your time and lag behind a bit or you will be frustrated beyond belief. I'm not sure I'd want to do it after a long day of travel. But at least you are aware now and can make the best choice with the information you have.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Agree, it's insane. We haven't done any night time "shows" in many years after getting stuck at MK one year and again at fantasmic. The entire crowd was pushing to exit MK after wishes, and someone collapsed. They stopped the crowd to get emergency workers to her and the crowd kept pushing from behind and we were packed like sardines for about a half hour. We were freaking out, and said never again.

 

[kwdw]

It's amazing what a few minutes of waiting after Wishes and F! does for the crowd level. At F! - we just stay seated until the masses are gone - that's only a few minutes - they have this mass exodus really well managed. At Wishes - we watch a little off angle all the time - and escape to the side and chill out. Wishes does take more time to clear - and even once the park is no longer crazy - waiting for transportation still is. We plan Wishes for only ONCE each trip.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Hang around for 30-45 minutes or so. Much more relaxing. Stroll a bit, shop a bit, people watch a bit. Get an ice cream cone. Enjoy the day's end in the park, not in a mob of exiting people.

Exactly.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

We also like to wander about on our way out of MK. In fact, sometimes it's our goal to be the LAST people out of the park!

If you think MK is bad, wait until you see what it's like after Fantasmic! I think that's worse.

I agree - we left after the Frozen Fireworks and I estimate the line for our bus was 200 people deep or more. Also the buses have to merge with the cars leaving the parking lot rather than having a dedicated lane so even after we got on a bus it took probably 20 minutes just to get out of the parking lot. That's my last time staying for a DHS event unless I can walk to my hotel (Epcot resorts).

 

[eliza61]

I actually saw a fight break out a few years ago. We call it the "running of the strollers" aka running of the bulls.

 

[Disney Dynamite]

Hang around for 30-45 minutes or so. Much more relaxing. Stroll a bit, shop a bit, people watch a bit. Get an ice cream cone. Enjoy the day's end in the park, not in a mob of exiting people.

Exactly this. We like to hang around Tomorrowland until the hub clears. Then, we head to the front of the castle to people watch and to try to catch the Kiss Goodnight.

 

[dixiegirl]

Hang around for 30-45 minutes or so. Much more relaxing. Stroll a bit, shop a bit, people watch a bit. Get an ice cream cone. Enjoy the day's end in the park, not in a mob of exiting people.

Exactly! DH and I do this for any of the nighttime shows - by the time we finally stroll out to the bus stops, we walk right on.

 

[jacksgirl]

Hang around for 30-45 minutes or so. Much more relaxing. Stroll a bit, shop a bit, people watch a bit. Get an ice cream cone. Enjoy the day's end in the park, not in a mob of exiting people.

This is what we do as well. It's really cool to stroll leisurely toward the exit in an almost empty MK after the throngs of guests have gone.

 

[bibba410]

I'm in league with what other's have posted. We generally find a spot to sit and relax for a few minutes. We then wander around the park for a while. It's especially nice to chill out like this if you've had a more hectic day. The longest we've waited was about 45 minutes after the park closed. This allowed the bus line to be drastically shorter. Good luck on your next trip!

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

Agreed. I like to find a nice place to hang out, do some last-minute shopping, and watch the kiss goodnight. By the time that's happened, there's a significantly smaller crowd and trying to leave the park is no longer hell.

 

[Asc341]

My husband and I position ourselves near the exit while watching Wishes, so we're always at the front of the hoard. With that strategy, we usually catch the first bus that arrives after we reach the stop. We are fast walkers!