Hollywood Studios Parking Lot Question

[Daniel2112]

Hello everyone. Me and my family will be visiting Disneyworld for the first time very soon. I'm claustrophobic so I won't be using the monorails or any public transportation to get around. We're staying at the contemporary so we can walk to the Magic Kingdom. Otherwise we'll be driving. My question is how difficult is it to get out of the parking lot of Hollywood studios after the fireworks/park closing? I imagine a bottleneck that could take hours to relieve. That could be difficult for me to handle. Would hate to miss the Star Wars fireworks though.

 

[WeLuvTink!]

Hello Daniel2112 and to the DIS!

It's actually not very bad getting out of any of the parking lots after park close - even when a big fireworks show ends the night and sends tens of thousands of people streaming out the gates at the same time. Seriously, local college football games could learn a LOT from the way Disney handles traffic. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Itinkso]

After the SWW fireworks, you may want to watch the 2nd Fantasmic and then leave the park following the show. Most of the guests will be gone by then and it will only be Fantasmic guests leaving at that time.

 

[minnie mum]

I agree with Itinkso. Do NOT attempt to leave the park with the huge crowd that will stampede for the exits as soon as the fireworks end. Linger in the park. Grab a last snack. Take some photos. Grab a bench and watch the crowds. After half an hour or so, THEN make your way in a leisurely fashion to your car. By then the first rush will be over. You may find it a little slow going until you are out of the parking lot, but there should be no bottleneck.

 

[Daniel2112]

Thank you all for the advice. Feeling a little more confident.

 

[disnut8]

Hello everyone. Me and my family will be visiting Disneyworld for the first time very soon. I'm claustrophobic so I won't be using the monorails or any public transportation to get around. We're staying at the contemporary so we can walk to the Magic Kingdom. Otherwise we'll be driving. My question is how difficult is it to get out of the parking lot of Hollywood studios after the fireworks/park closing? I imagine a bottleneck that could take hours to relieve. That could be difficult for me to handle. Would hate to miss the Star Wars fireworks though.

You can take that thought right out of your mind.

Disney World has one of the most efficient parking systems I've ever seen. Heck, even getting into the lots in the morning is a lot easier than any other place when it first opens. All of the parking spaces are set up for fast and easy access and exit.

When you arrive, just get into the line of cars. There will be attendants motioning for where you need to go. Just follow their directions. Basically, you will be parking right next to the car in front of you. However, the spaces are angled so that that car to the right of you and the car that just pulled in to the left of you and all the people in your car can easily open up the car doors and safely exit. Once you have everything in place, walk to the front of your car and then to the start of your row and then either take a open sided tram or walk to the front of the park.

BIG HINT - note the aisle number at the end of the row so you can find your car at the end of the day.

Once you are leaving, just go to your car and following the signs for the exit. Again, everything is very organized and you should be out of that parking lot in well less than a half hour.

 

[Missyrose]

I agree with PP, stick around for some time after the fireworks, either for Fantasmic or enjoying the sights. It took us 45 minutes to get out of the parking lot after the May the Fourth Be With You party last year. Super crowded, just like SWW will be.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I too welcome you to the Dis First time trip have a wonderful time Everyone here is correct I would suggest when you get out of the car, no matter which park you go to go to the end of your parking aisle and take a quick picture of the floor marking ( ie Pluto 22 ) Even us old timers going for decades can easily get so excited on a WDW day that we forget where we park

 

[PanamaMike]

Disney World has one of the most efficient parking systems I've ever seen.

While this is true, of the four theme park parking lots, I've always thought the DHS was the most poorly designed.

It is the only lot where the exit road intersects another road (in this case, Buena Vista Dr) requiring a four way traffic light which means every cycle of the lights results in rows of cars and buses waiting to get out of the parking lot while the light is red.

 

[disnut8]

While this is true, of the four theme park parking lots, I've always thought the DHS was the most poorly designed.

It is the only lot where the exit road intersects another road (in this case, Buena Vista Dr) requiring a four way traffic light which means every cycle of the lights results in rows of cars and buses waiting to get out of the parking lot while the light is red.

I agree with the Studios being the worst lot but even still it's not going to take hours to get out of the lot.