MGM on July 4th?

[Rock'n Robin]

We will be experiencing our first July 4th in the "world" this year. I know MK is a zoo and that MGM has the "sorcery in the sky" fireworks, so we figured we would go there. When they close a park, do they close it to onsite guests as well? We were thinking of going there at open, but then leaving for a nice dinner and returning--would we be shut out by then? If so, we'll just book somewhere in the park.
Any hints from anyone who has been there on July 4th are appreciated.
Robin M.

 

[patsal]

We did MGM on July 4th 2002. It was a very manageable day. We rec'd a note the night before under our door that stated they would open 1 hour early so we got there when it opened and walked on many rides. We ate there just because we didn't want to deal with leaving and coming back if it got too crowded (we have a dd 7 and ds10). About an hour before fireworks we lined up near teh souvie stand by the entrance and waited to watch the fireworks. They were letting people in right up to closing, but I believe it would have been difficult to manouver the crowds of people lined up on the streets. By staking out our spot so close to the entrance, we were easily able to get out of the park quickly and back to our resort with very little wait. If I could I'd do this again this year, but alas my AP expires on June 30, so I will be leaving WDW on July 1st!