Mass exodus from the parks at closing... WHY?

[seashoreCM]

I haven't suggested it yet but it seems to me that if the fireworks were an hour before park closing then there would not be such a big rush to the exit.

Disney hints:
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When using voice mail, are you often guilty of sending an empty envelope?

 

[Baloo]

SHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! This has been one of my secrets since I've been going to WDW,a least twice a year,for the past 13 years! Now it's out!!! LOL!!!


The shops at the exits of the parks...Epcot's Mouse Gear,the Main Street shops in MK and the Hollywood Blvd shops in MGM stay open at LEAST 1 hour after the official closing time.


In May while at Epcot we thought for sure we would be the last guests out.After looking around Mouse Gear for a longtime we decided to see if we could find our friend who works in that area . Well we did and he showed us a few things and we talked a bit then finally headed for the gates where there was a security guard and a couple CMs...DH Joe asks "Are we the last ones out?" No.. the security guard says...the send the last one out carrying a flag so we know....RATS! Another few people came strolling up behind us and they didn't have the flag either...I wonder what the heck those"last guests " were up to because by then it was almost 11:30pm...Epcot closed at 9pm and Mouse Gears was locked! Hmmmmmmm?!?!?!

Now let's keep this our little secret, okay?!?!?!?!?

 

[laurabelle]

We have great memories of staying late in the parks. Just a couple of weeks ago, MK had a 2nd Spectro at closing time (11:00). At midnight we were candy shopping on Main street. What kid (or adult) couldn't stay up late for that?!?
By the time we left, there was only one other van in our entire section of the parking lot. And it was lovely sleeping in the next day too.

 

[StaceyA]

Originally posted by Baloo
SHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! This has been one of my secrets since I've been going to WDW,a least twice a year,for the past 13 years! Now it's out!!! LOL!!!


The shops at the exits of the parks...Epcot's Mouse Gear,the Main Street shops in MK and the Hollywood Blvd shops in MGM stay open at LEAST 1 hour after the official closing time.


In May while at Epcot we thought for sure we would be the last guests out.After looking around Mouse Gear for a longtime we decided to see if we could find our friend who works in that area . Well we did and he showed us a few things and we talked a bit then finally headed for the gates where there was a security guard and a couple CMs...DH Joe asks "Are we the last ones out?" No.. the security guard says...the send the last one out carrying a flag so we know....RATS! Another few people came strolling up behind us and they didn't have the flag either...I wonder what the heck those"last guests " were up to because by then it was almost 11:30pm...Epcot closed at 9pm and Mouse Gears was locked! Hmmmmmmm?!?!?!

Now let's keep this our little secret, okay?!?!?!?!?

LOL
If you mean the secret of the stores closing later then the park...it is in the Birnbaum book, that is how I learned of it....LOL

Now if you mean the secret flag family....that one is new to me....I had never heard about them doing that, how do they know that family will be the last ones out??

 

[Mamu]

We never mass exit, always find this to be one of our favorite times. Nothing like catching the last boat on Pirates of the Caribbean and being the only ones on the boat.

 

[cvemom]

Simba's Mom...Tony's rocking chairs were ther when we were there in July. They better not take them out.

Yes it took me several years to realize Don't get caught in the mass exits at night.

 

[Leota]

I'm pretty sure we were the last ones out of MK one night & no one gave us a flag..... Hmmmmm, maybe there was someone hiding behind a trash can or something......

I never rush to leave - rush to get in, maybe, but you have to drag me out....... I did the rush one time & that was more than enough - it was the Post-Fantasmic Run for the Buses. Not one of my favorite Disney memories, lol.

 

[sunking]

I'm another one that will always just sort of hang back with the family while we watch the other "nuts" rush to the buses. While at Magic Kingdom, we like to grab a hot dog a Caseys and sit and watch the castle change colors.
But a word or warning. If you wait too long, you may end up on a "catch all" bus that is going to several different resorts to take care of the handful of people that stayed behind to avoid the crowds. We once were on a bus that made a stop at 3 resorts prior to going to the Beach Club.
Have fun!!!!
Sunking

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Being the last out and getting a free driving tour of the resorts? Sounds like a winner to me. Once I have a seat on the bus I do not care how long it takes me to get there. You meet so many great people while riding on the bus. LOL BTW, am I the only one who hates the new buses with fewer seats?

In November 3003 there were no rocking chairs on the veranda, in May 2004 I think I saw three. Since that is where we love to watch the parade it is something I really notice. Maybe it is all according to what day you are there?

May 2004 there were noticeably fewer benches along Main Street. Maybe someone else can verify this or maybe it has changed back. The benches are so important for some who have trouble walking out of the parks and I cannot understand why they would do away with any of them. Maybe fixing them up or something?

SG/Linda

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by SlightlyGoofy
Being the last out and getting a free driving tour of the resorts? Sounds like a winner to me.
SG/Linda

Wow-that's what I was thinking too! DH is always afraid we're going to get in trouble or something, so I've never stayed longer than 1 hour when I'm with him. Next solo trip, in May, this bus tour is my goal! How long do you have to stay in the MK to get this bus? Anyone know?

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Simba's Mom, there are always great people on the bus but if you are on the last one you would be assured of spending time with the very die hard Disney lovers. Have fun!!

SG/Linda

 

[scotthart]

I love to sit on Hollywood Blvd at MGM after Fantasmic and listen to the big band music and watch everyone as they rush to leave.

I also like to grab a cocktail from the R & C after ROE and sit by the water at the UK pavilion and look at the WS all lit up.

Aahh, so relaxing.

 

[erikthewise]

I'm sure the majority of WDW visitors think they turn the fire hoses on anyone still in the park 15 min after closing time. As long as it stays that way, they don't mind some people lingering. But if it gets to the point where nobody leaves at closing time, they may change procedures...

Actually I think wielding a fire hose would be a very popular position among CMs.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Erik, I truly believe that many guests would stay late just for the privilige and thrill of having hoses turned on them. Of course, that should only be for resort guests who also have premium annual passes as it is far too special for the occasional visitor.

Should have no trouble getting CM's to volunteer to do the duty either. I often wonder that the poor dears do not resort to drinking their way around WS after hours in an effort to get rid of the stress of being nice to some awfully obnoxious people, not us of course. LOL

SG/Linda

 

[seashoreCM]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
Next solo trip, in May, this bus tour is my goal! How long do you have to stay in the MK to get this bus? Anyone know?

If you want a driving tour of WDW and are arriving by plane at Orlando Int'l, take the Mears shuttle. Most likely it will be in the daytime for a better view.

It's hard to predict when this "catch all" bus runs. If you are too late, there won't be any more buses at all to resorts and you would have to go to Downtown Disney and transfer. If you think you are the last person out it is a good idea to keep up so as to keep the second to last person in sight.

 

[ladydancer]

Sounds like fun. I've always left a little early to beat the crowds. We will be staying @ Pop in Oct. How late do the buses run from the parks to the resorts?