question--Leaving after the fireworks

[sticker231]

We usually don't stay for any of the fireworks because we can see they from our timeshare. This time we are hoping to stay for at least one full day of magic. What are the crowds like to leave after the fireworks? We have three young kids, 5,4 &3, the crowds will probably be our deciding factor. Can anyone share their experience?

 

[Robo]

We usually don't stay for any of the fireworks because we can see they from our timeshare. This time we are hoping to stay for at least one full day of magic. What are the crowds like to leave after the fireworks? We have three young kids, 5,4 &3, the crowds will probably be our deciding factor. Can anyone share their experience?

We "wait-out" the crowds after Wishes, IllumiNaions, and Fantasmic!

We know there will always be a MAJOR CRUSH of guests leaving, so we find a comfy spot, with comfy chairs or benches and a good view (there are LOTS of good views) and just SIT for at least 30 minutes.

There are "clean-up CM's" and every one of them smiles or asks us if we've had a good day... nobody tries to "rush us out" (we're never the last ones out anyway).

Then we may move on towards the gates, and if its still busy, we find a new relaxing spot to wait some more.

If this does not appeal to you, and you don't like big crowds, I'd say avoid the fireworks (like you have been).

But I wouldn't want to miss these spectacular shows just because there were others there with me...
I say let 'em rush out first. I can wait.

Disney parks are MAGICAL at night.

 

[lisajl]

ITA, Robo. We always stay for the fireworks and take our time leaving.
The shops are open for, I think, an hour after the fireworks. I could be wrong, someone correct me, if I am.
At any rate, we take our time, talk to people and enjoy the end of a wonderful day.

 

[mickyzzzzz05]

We stay for fireworks and also let the crowd clear out quite a bit before we head out. Right afterwards it is a body to body mass of people. I would not try to head out with that crowd with three little ones. It was hard enough for me and my 22 yr daughter to stick together getting out. We ended up doing as the previous poster said. Found a spot to sit and let the majority of the crowd clear. We used WDW bus transportation and got on the first bus after we got in line. We would rather wait out the extra 45 min or hour sitting on a nice bench than standing in the huge bus line!

Have fun!

 

[Robo]

The shops are open for, I think, an hour after the fireworks.

And that's even a "conservative" estimate.

In fact, the only time I've ever seen (for instance) The Emporium on Main Street closed at night while I was still in the MK, was this May at the conclusion of an evening EMH that ended at 1:00am.

They were closing the store down at 1:20am.

 

[sticker231]

Thanks for the quick replies, this is a great place for info. We figured it would be a mass exodus. If we do stay, we will probably wait as everyone has suggested. We will have to see how the kids hold to make our decision, hopefully we can do it a least one day, maybe leave a litle earlier and come back later after they have wound down a litlte. Thanks again for the info.

 

[lyzziesmom]

I can't stand the huge shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, so I too use that time to do my shopping! Yes the shops are open long after 'official' park closing time and I look at it this way... I'm going to be there for that amount of time anyway, why not spend the time doing something other than waiting in yet another line? The kids are less cranky, the time seems to go faster, and you just might find a cute souvenir you didn't know you needed! This is also a great time for people-watching.

 

[ciera321]

We, too have stayed and browsed there the shops, but sometimes when we want to see Wishes and then get right out, we watch from the upper level of the railroad station at the top of Main Street. When Wishes is over, we head down and out with little wait for a bus or boat. It works nicely for us...

 

[Robo]

We, too have stayed and browsed there the shops, but sometimes when we want to see Wishes and then get right out, we watch from the upper level of the railroad station at the top of Main Street. When Wishes is over, we head down and out with little wait for a bus or boat. It works nicely for us...

I see from your sig that the last time you were at WDW was June of last year.
More recently they have decided not to turn off the lights on ceiling of the train station deck OR turn off the lights on Main Street, up past the Cinema (Pal Mickey store) during Wishes.

So now the station deck, while a GREAT place to view the Spectromagic parade (and all the lights are OFF during that parade), is not a very good veiwing spot for Wishes (lights in your eyes)... and that doesn't even address how hard it is to actually find a SPOT up there for Wishes, even though its not a particularly good one anymore.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

One of these days we are going to try just piddling after Wishes -not hurry at all getting out of the park. As it is now the kids (9 and 6) do great all day long, but are ready to crash by Spectro/Wishes time. This means we usually find ourselves hustling to get out with the masses.

One tip I learned last time... if you are parked in the TTC lot, take the resort monorail. A CM directed us that way when we were there last January. It turned out to be our fastest way back to TTC lot (as opposed to ferry or express monorail -both had ginormous lines)

 

[KayakDaddy]

Pay attention to the parks actual closing time, they do not always end with the fireworks. If you stay after Wishes or Fantasmic we've found that to be a great time to squeeze in a few last attractions with very little wait. Most people leave after the night time spectaculars so can pack a lot into your last little bit of time, especially if you stay away from the headliners.

Last week, we were at a 9 PM Fantasmic on a day that MGM ended at 10 PM. We squeezed in ToT, Star Tours, and ended the day at the Muppet 3D movie that started at about 9:55. Then we peacefully strolled out of a mostly deserted park and did a little shopping along the way.

Oh yeah, as we leisurely strolled towards the resort Friendship dock at almost 11 PM, the captain called out that it was the last boat of the night and was leaving in one minute. We broke into a not so leisurely full sprint

 

[Minky]

One of the funniest things I've ever heard was on the Jungle Cruise our captain told us the evenings entertainment would be Wishes @ 9:00 and the Mad Stroller Dash @ 9:15

 

[djbleach]

I have not personally done this, only because my dd is 2 1/2, and 10pm was past her bed time.
I asked a CM one time where was the best place to watch the fireworks?
She told me across the "river" where the ferry boats take off from.
To me, this is a perfect spot because you get to see the reflection of the fireworks off the water! You are already on the "other side" to catch the trams to the parking lot.
I guess this only works for people not staying at the resorts?

 

[Loves Disney]

Tie up your sneakers, push back your sleaves...assume the "mad dash" position and at the bang of the final firework, get your power walk on as if there is no tomorrow!!! (you are not allowed to run...lol)

If your kids can't keep up with you, leave them...leave them!! lol. At 9:15 it is everybody for themselves!!

Remember, the park doesn't close at 9:15 so don't think you are safe by racing into another land of the kingdom. It does no good!!

In this race, you don't only have to be the fastest of bunch, you could also be the slowest!

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

If you can handle the crowds just for a short while to find a spot to wait it out, the shows are very much worth the trouble, the reason for them being so crowded. We normally will sit, wait for the immediate rush is over, then find a spot outside the theater until we can make our way to the exit of the park without bumping into other guest. Only take another 20 - 30 minutes, and really will give you time to disucss the show, and to watch the crowds around you. Take the time to enjoy the show, its much better than watching from the resort.

 

[akalittleeva]

Can you linger at Epcot and MGM as well? Are the MGM stores open a bit after park closing? Are any of the WS CS open to get a snack while waiting?

 

[vellamint]

On our first family trip back in 2000 we left right after the fireworks.....I have never, ever felt so completely trapped in my life. You could not move...literally. Shuffle a foot and stop, shuffle again, stop. It was absolutely HORRIBLE and my poor kids were at waist level and could barely get air. It was HOT, HOT and I remember thinking how terrible to leave with this last impression. I remember thinking of how dangerous it seem. What if someone were injured or, heaven forbid, had a heart attack. There was no way of getting help in to them quickly.

Fast forward to our last trip, standing at the castle....we had come from Fantasyland and were trying to decide if we would stay for the fireworks. Had a GREAT view of Main Street. We took one look at the MASSES of people waiting for the show and each of us just grabbed two kids by the hand and walked as fast as we possibly could to the exit.....and even before the fireworks started that was NOT easy.

Stay and relax...you should see the parade and Wishes....but DO NOT try to leave until the crowds thin out.

 

[Robo]

Can you linger at Epcot and MGM as well? Are the MGM stores open a bit after park closing? Are any of the WS CS open to get a snack while waiting?

Yes to all of the above, except...

most "consession" stands (other than a coffee stand or two) close during IllumiNaions.

If you want something to snack on, be sure to send someone to buy what you want while you're all waiting BEFORE the show, just to make sure.

 

[sticker231]

thanks for the info

 

[JustKaren]

In a few weeks I am staying in the park for the first time at the Pop Century (I've always stayed off-site). Would it be best if we did the fireworks/illuminations on a day they have the extended hours for the resort guests, then we wouldn't have to do the "mad dash" afterwards? Would that work out? Has anyone done that before?
Thanks!
Karen