Tips on exiting parks - bus lines?

[lf214]

We are staying at pop and will not have a rental car. The WORST memory of past trips is those HUGE not moving lines for the busses when you exit the parks near closing time (epcot, magic kingdom). Any tips on minimizing the pain?
I thought one place I saw something about taking something (not bus) out of Magic kindom over to the TTC and then getting a bus there to POP?

Anyone have anything to try?

 

[dsnymomof4]

This worked for us last year. After Wishes, everyone headed for the exit. We decided (based on tip I read) to get some ice cream on Main Street and sat at a table and watched everyone head out. We had the most relaxing time enjoying our ice cream, watching the workers get things cleaned up and put away. By the time we were done, we casually walked down an empty Main Street and headed to the short line for the Pop bus! It really was the best evening!

 

[Boncho]

This worked for us last year. After Wishes, everyone headed for the exit. We decided (based on tip I read) to get some ice cream on Main Street and sat at a table and watched everyone head out. We had the most relaxing time enjoying our ice cream, watching the workers get things cleaned up and put away. By the time we were done, we casually walked down an empty Main Street and headed to the short line for the Pop bus! It really was the best evening!

Great idea! We're headed there tomorrow and will be sure to give it a try!
THANKS!!!

 

[Judge Fudge]

This worked for us last year. After Wishes, everyone headed for the exit. We decided (based on tip I read) to get some ice cream on Main Street and sat at a table and watched everyone head out. We had the most relaxing time enjoying our ice cream, watching the workers get things cleaned up and put away. By the time we were done, we casually walked down an empty Main Street and headed to the short line for the Pop bus! It really was the best evening!

Nice idea! I think I might have to try that.

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

I think taking your time, having a sit down ice cream, or just a recap of the days events with everyone in your party would be time well spent plus you'll be out of the crowds. While having the snack, you could also discuss the next days itinerary. By the time your finished, the crowd will be manageable.
Taking the monorail to the TTC or the boat there would only be waiting in more lines just to catch another bus to your resort.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

I think taking your time, having a sit down ice cream, or just a recap of the days events with everyone in your party would be time well spent plus you'll be out of the crowds. While having the snack, you could also discuss the next days itinerary. By the time your finished, the crowd will be manageable.
Taking the monorail to the TTC or the boat there would only be waiting in more lines just to catch another bus to your resort.

I totally agree. Trying to get to the TTC at park closing will not work. You will be competing with all the offsite guests trying to get back to their cars.
Last June after Wishes we just sat on a bench across from the castle for about 15-20 minutes as the throngs poured down Main Street. Then we slowly walked out and when we got to the bus station all was peaceful and quiet. Never try to exit any park at closing. Take your time and you will have a much more enjoyable trip back to your resort.

 

[Cinderella]

We usually hang out at the shops on Main Street, and get a snack from the bakery whilst the crowds leave. If we're leaving Epcot after the fireworks, we walk to the boardwalk, get some icecream, then get a taxi back to the resort.

 

[purpletennismonkey]

This worked for us last year. After Wishes, everyone headed for the exit. We decided (based on tip I read) to get some ice cream on Main Street and sat at a table and watched everyone head out. We had the most relaxing time enjoying our ice cream, watching the workers get things cleaned up and put away. By the time we were done, we casually walked down an empty Main Street and headed to the short line for the Pop bus! It really was the best evening!

wow...a great iadea...will try iT!!!!

 

[sneetch]

I'm not a big fan of trying to fight my way through large crowds of people to get to the exit. So I always skip the shows that they have at the end of the night. Instead, I try to time it just right. I'll go on a ride or two, usually not much of a wait, since everyone is watching the show, then I'll make a mad dash to the exit right before the show ends. This doesn't work so well at MK, since you have to cut through main street to leave the park, but it works great at Epcot.

 

[betterlatethannever]

We are staying at pop and will not have a rental car. The WORST memory of past trips is those HUGE not moving lines for the busses when you exit the parks near closing time (epcot, magic kingdom). Any tips on minimizing the pain?
I thought one place I saw something about taking something (not bus) out of Magic kindom over to the TTC and then getting a bus there to POP?

Anyone have anything to try?

There are no resorts busses at the TTC. What you probably read was going to the TTC and taking the Epcot monorail and then the resort bus from Epcot.

I would not suggest doing that. It is much better just hanging back having a hot dog at Casey's or an ice cream.

Ed

 

[LizinSTL]

We are staying at pop and will not have a rental car. The WORST memory of past trips is those HUGE not moving lines for the busses when you exit the parks near closing time (epcot, magic kingdom). Any tips on minimizing the pain?
I thought one place I saw something about taking something (not bus) out of Magic kindom over to the TTC and then getting a bus there to POP?

Anyone have anything to try?

Last week after Wishes, we rode the Buzz Lightyear ride w/ fast passes. No wait at all for the ride and then we had a leisurely walk out of the park to the bus stop. A bus pulled up within minutes. We didn't have any trouble with busses last week at Pop with the exception of trying to come back to the hotel from Typhoon Lagoon. It shares a route w/ Downtown Disney and if the bus was full there, they just looped back to the hotel w/o stopping at TL. So we waited about 30 minutes and another family at the stop said they had already been their 30 minutes when we arrived. All other resorts had one or two busses arrive during that time.