How to avoid after-fireworks rush to the monorail...

[scrapquitler]

We get ice cream or another snack and hang around on Main Street until the park is pretty much empty. Its part of the magic for us to be among the last ones leaving.

 

[Fartknocker]

Why not just hang out at MK for awhile?? Take pics in front of the castle, head to the bridge to Tomorrowland to see if they're "painting" water pictures, browse through the shops on Main St, wait for the "Kiss Goodnight." They'll let you know when you need to head to the exit.

This. Avoid the mob and then take the boat once you do leave.

 

[Planogirl]

After several visits, we consider riding the ferry easier and more pleasant than the monorail. However hanging out for a while to have something to drink or shop in the Emporium or just plain relax is the best!

If you take the launch to the Polynesian Resort, the walk to the TTC is really nice but only do it if you're not completely exhausted.

 

[Carol97]

Why not just hang out at MK for awhile?? Take pics in front of the castle, head to the bridge to Tomorrowland to see if they're "painting" water pictures, browse through the shops on Main St, wait for the "Kiss Goodnight." They'll let you know when you need to head to the exit.

What is The Kiss Goodnight?

 

[NicPie]

Still getting used to all the abbreviations... what is TTC?

*Makes a mental note to take the ferry.*

 

[Kitkat6595]

I realize every family is different, but I'm asking anyway. For those of you with little ones, how do you handle the fireworks? They start so late, and I'm a little worried about my kiddos. We're planning a mid-day break that day, so hopefully they will be rested. After reading this thread, I'm thinking it may make more sense to hang out with tired kids rather than wait in line with tired kids?

Who knows. What works for you?

 

[parkhopping]

I hate being in the mad crush of sweaty people and things with wheels exiting MK. So I have a few strategies to avoid it...some of which have already been mentioned, but I'll list them anyway. First, though - PPs suggested watching from the Poly beach. I would only recommend this if you have already seen Celebrate the Magic...well, really only if you've seen Wishes before. While you do get a great view of the fireworks from the Poly beach, the castle is tiny and you can't see Tink fly at all. It's just a different experience being inside the park and I think everyone should see it at least once. And, you can't see Celebrate the Magic much at all from the Poly. So, if you're planning another MK night or have seen these shows from inside the park before, viewing outside the park is a great option. Otherwise...

1) Walk through Casey's and the Emporium to exit rather than on Main St., and then...
2) Take the resort monorail instead of the express, or...
3) Walk to the Contemporary and get on the monorail there.
4) On nights that MK closes an hour or two after Wishes, stay and hit up some rides! Fantasyland is at its lowest crowd levels during this time of night.
5) On nights that MK closes with Wishes, as PPs mentioned - find a bench, grab a Mickey bar or some popcorn, and chill for 30-45 minutes. And while you're at it, you can get some great, nearly-people-free shots of the castle

While the ferry does have a large capacity and usually a shorter wait than the monorail, it's still a large crowd to be in the midst of, so I'd rather choose one or more of the above options.

 

[Radiorox]

I'm with the 'Sit and relax' group. Main Street is gorgeously lit at night. I find that just finding a place to chill and take it all in is very needed when you've wrapped up MK.

 

[BobbyBudnick]

I walk over to the contemporary to get on the monorail. 10 minute walk usually no line.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Why not just hang out at MK for awhile?? Take pics in front of the castle, head to the bridge to Tomorrowland to see if they're "painting" water pictures, browse through the shops on Main St, wait for the "Kiss Goodnight." They'll let you know when you need to head to the exit.

This is exactly what we do! We find a spot to sit, look through photos from the day, we often buy a snack just before Wishes and eat that afterwards while we wait. We absolutely hate being in the middle of those crowds so we just sit and wait

 

[Disney_Princess83]

What is The Kiss Goodnight?

At park’s closing, the Kiss Goodnight is performed with the castle changing colors. There is a small speech by Roy Disney and a "So Long" from Mickey Mouse. It's worth checking out at least once It's usually done 30 minutes after the park has closed and they do it 2-3 times.

 

[Kitkat6595]

We have dinner reservations at the contemporary that I was trying to decide if we would keep. We will be driving there for dinner. Can we leave our car at the resort and walk back after fireworks? Or is that frowned upon?

 

[geenerbell]

Why not just hang out at MK for awhile?? Take pics in front of the castle, head to the bridge to Tomorrowland to see if they're "painting" water pictures, browse through the shops on Main St, wait for the "Kiss Goodnight." They'll let you know when you need to head to the exit.

This is our plan. We buy and ice cream cone and find a table. It's so relaxing the sit and watch the park empty out. We always watch the fireworks from our "special spot" in the hub. Then sneak over, grab a cone and a seat and chill. One tip: have a wipe on hand if you plan to sit at any tables. The tables are usually pretty messy by that time in the evening.

 

[geenerbell]

We have dinner reservations at the contemporary that I was trying to decide if we would keep. We will be driving there for dinner. Can we leave our car at the resort and walk back after fireworks? Or is that frowned upon?

Many have reported that upon asking the parking attendants they reply that it's fine. However, there are many differing opinions on here about this practice. IMHO, if the attendant gives you the go ahead, DO IT!

 

[MichelleVW]

I realize every family is different, but I'm asking anyway. For those of you with little ones, how do you handle the fireworks? They start so late, and I'm a little worried about my kiddos. We're planning a mid-day break that day, so hopefully they will be rested. After reading this thread, I'm thinking it may make more sense to hang out with tired kids rather than wait in line with tired kids?

Who knows. What works for you?

Depends on the time of the year. We were there last week and the fireworks were at 8 Pm.

To the OP, I would give it an hour or so and then head to the ferry boats. It's so much easier to wait that deal with that mad rush.

 

[Polydweller]

Is it possible to ferry to the Poly and walk to TTC?

As others have said, yes it is possible. However, the line for that boat gets long quickly as well, it can only hold about 60 people and stops at GF first. There is no real way to beat the rush other than being right near the exit or watching from outside the park.

 

[bdklein]

Still getting used to all the abbreviations... what is TTC?

*Makes a mental note to take the ferry.*

Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). It is where the Epcot monorail can be found and is the parking lot for the Magic Kingdom (MK). You can take a ferry from there to the MK, the resort monorail stops there, and the MK Express monorail stops there. You can also walk to the Polynesian resort from there. Hope that helps.

 

[Kitkat6595]

We are going the first week of June and I think the fireworks start at 10!!!! My poor kids. They've seen the videos of the fireworks and the castle and REALLY want to see them. I guess we will see.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you would rather have a meal, walk to the Contemporary for it. Then you would not be required to take a boat or monorail. Watch for when the monorail shuts down, though, so you can get it back to TTC. They'll probably have a bus if it's closed.

Or walk to the Contemporary and take a bus from there to DTD for a meal.

 

[Trek Girl]

The last time we were there, DH and I took the resort monorail back to the TTC. There was barely a line for it, and we were able to get on the first train that arrived. And there was plenty of room to spare on our train. Meanwhile, the line for the express monorail was HUGE.