Evenings in Disney Parks are incredibly magical. There is something extra special about Disney Parks under the stars. What isn’t magic, though, is the crowd at the end of the night trying to exit the Parks.
Once the evening shows are done, Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom, Fantasmic in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and currently EPCOT Forever in EPCOT, thousands of people head to the exit of the Parks. This can be stressful as you try to navigate your way out of the masses.
Although getting wrapped up in the rush to exit the Park for the night can be easy, we have some exit tips to help you end the evening on a more magical note. No one wants to end their evening in a Disney Park frustrated and feeling like they are being herded like cattle. Instead, use these tips for exiting the Parks for a more relaxing time.
Rides
If you aren’t aware, Guests can get in line right up until closing time. Instead of rushing to leave the Park after the nighttime show, consider if there is still time to experience one last attraction.
Although this might only work in some Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom often remains open after Happily Ever After. Don’t rush towards the exit of the Park, but instead, head towards the back of the Park to ride one last ride.
Magic Kingdom will still have 15-30 minutes after Happily Ever After before the official closing time. This gives you a nice chunk of time to experience one if not two, rides before heading out of the Park.
We like to head towards Storybook Circus or Tomorrowland to get a few quick rides in before the Park closes. Riding a few more rides to end the evening is a better way to wrap up than rushing out of the Park.
Snack
Another excellent option for exiting the Park is to find a snack. Even though most quick service locations are closed, you can often find stands or stores with snacks on your way out.
Grab an adorable kids’ cone to wrap up the evening if the Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A., is still open. This is a nice-sized corn with two cute Mickey ear cookies—a perfect way to wrap up the evening.
You can also get some great treats at the Confectionary on your way out in Magic Kingdom. Make your popcorn mix, and grab a cupcake or a caramel apple for the night. There are so many goodies to choose from.
Lounges
If you are in EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, consider heading to one of the fantastic lounges before the Park ends. You can often find a table and enjoy a drink to wrap up the evening.
As everyone else is rushing and fighting to get out of the Park, you can enjoy a friendly, casual drink. Oga’s Cantina at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a perfect option for this. Guests can make a late-night reservation and enjoy a quiet walk out of the Park after enjoying their time in Oga’s Cantina.
Table Service Meal
Like with lounges, you can also book the last reservation of the evening at a table service location within the Park. By doing this, you can enjoy your meal and slowly make your way out of the Park at the end of the evening.
Great options for this trick are Be Our Guests in Magic Kingdom, Sci-Fi Dine-in at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or any table-service restaurants around the World Showcase in EPCOT. These late reservations will allow you to be in the Park after it is closed and avoid the rush to transportation.
Shopping
The biggest tip for exiting Disney Parks at night’s end is to enjoy the shops. Many Guests aren’t aware that the shops remain open after Park closes. This can be a great way to casually make your way out of the Park.
Explore some of the main shops as you head out of the Park. Let those rushing to leave head out while you see what treasures await in the stores.
On Main Street, U.S.A., the Emporium is one of our favorites to walk through. There is so much to see in their shop that Disney fans will love it.
A bonus tip: if you find something you love, make sure you use mobile checkout. This is found via the My Disney Experience app and can save you time in line.
Relax
Finally, instead of rushing out to exit the Park at the end of the evening, take time to relax. Find a spot on the hub grass at Magic Kingdom and take a moment to soak it all in. This is also great or around the World Showcase at EPCOT
So often, during our Disney trips, we rush from place to place. The end of the evening is a great time to take a moment to relax and take in all the magic that Disney Parks have to offer.
It can be hard to convince yourself not to rush out of a Disney Park at the end of the evening, but hanging back will be much less stressful. We hope that by sharing some of these Disney Park exit tips, you will enjoy the end of the night at Disney Parks instead of feeling rushed and stressed.
Enjoy the evening magic that Disney Parks have to offer Guests. You won’t be sorry.
