Exiting CRT before fireworks

[LongLiveRafiki]

I have tried searching for this info, but all I seem to come across is people talking about the fireworks view within the restaurant. I have a 7:15 ADR on a night where the fireworks are currently scheduled for 9pm. I am NOT interested in seeing the fireworks from within CRT. Since it will be our first time seeing HEA, my husband's and kid's first WDW trip, and our first park day, I would rather be outside to see them. I know that there will not be much time after eating (if any) to find a place to view the fireworks, but haven't been able to get an earlier ADR.

My questions are:
1) At what point to do they stop allowing people to leave CRT? Is it just once the fireworks have begun or x number of minutes prior?
2) Where are you able to leave CRT from (front/back) and what is blocked off?
3) Anyone have personal experience leaving CRT right before the fireworks? Where did you go to view them?

Thanks!

 

[OasterP]

My experience was several years ago, so it easily could have changed. Plus we didn't plan it this way and it just worked out, so I have no idea if it was "normal" or not. I honestly don't remember what time we left CRT, but I do know it was right when they were getting ready to set up the fireworks. We were briefly held in the lower part of the restaurant and then were walked out in that tunnel area. They walked us towards the front of the castle and we walked onto the walkway going down towards the crowd. I have no idea if it's just b/c the crowds were already in place or not, but those of us who left at that time (maybe 15) were able to watch the fireworks from the walkway - it was pretty amazing. Again - we never even thought about it and had no plans for it, so I really don't know times or anything else. It was neat though!

 

[lovemy2girls4eva]

I am curious on the responses too because I have CRT dinner ADR at 7:25pm and hoping to view the fireworks from outside!

 

[Tahoegal]

I would love to know the answer to this as well! We have a 6:55 at CRT. I googled how long a dinner at CRT usually lasts and people seemed to say between 45-60 minutes. I would think you would be there longer but maybe I'm wrong!

 

[alliecat523]

My experience was several years ago, so it easily could have changed. Plus we didn't plan it this way and it just worked out, so I have no idea if it was "normal" or not. I honestly don't remember what time we left CRT, but I do know it was right when they were getting ready to set up the fireworks. We were briefly held in the lower part of the restaurant and then were walked out in that tunnel area. They walked us towards the front of the castle and we walked onto the walkway going down towards the crowd. I have no idea if it's just b/c the crowds were already in place or not, but those of us who left at that time (maybe 15) were able to watch the fireworks from the walkway - it was pretty amazing. Again - we never even thought about it and had no plans for it, so I really don't know times or anything else. It was neat though!

Very similar experience. It was a few years ago and we had a late ADR (I believe it was 7pm). Ate and were escorted out towards the front of the castle. We tried to wait on the ramp but we're told we were not allowed. The CM put us right in front of the crowd so we had a great view.

Not idea if this isn't normal.

 

[Nikki K]

We had a reservation for 7:10pm just last week. I suppose it depends on your server etc how long dinner lasts but we were there for about an hour and a half and got stuck inside the castle while the fireworks were going on. That said, it's the longest we've ever spent in there for dinner.