After the fireworks we grab some ice cream and have a seat. I'm in no hurry to leave with the masses.
This has become our tradition as well. I should have mentioned that. We let the crowds disperse while we grab ice cream and find a table in front of the Plaza. It’s a super way to end the night. We typically visit in the summertime now and the temperatures and feeling that time of night are just beautiful.After fireworks, we hang back in the Hub, find a bench to sit on, wait until the bulk of the crowd has made its way down Main St. We’ve never been pushed out by the CMs.
Exiting MK after fireworks is one of the only two things I hate about WDW (the other is exiting the Fantasmic theatre at HS). Next spring year will be our DS first trip and ours with a child and a stroller, I'm very anxious thinking about the walk up Main Street.
It's important to make sure our choice of words are correct. A Stampede (a sudden panicked rush of a group, herd pack). Leaving WDW is not a stampede!! Is it fun? Can it be scary? Yes and Yes but as others have suggested here the best coarse of action is to find a place to sit and watch the masses leave and then after it clears out get up and take your time in a peaceful manner leaving the park.Wow! With Disney trying to push as many days into party days days as possible, I bet this stampede is amplified even more then. Not every family can afford a party ticket and they want to see the fireworks.
I think you’re right.I think it's one reason that FW and Park Closing don't generally line up at MK anymore.
Given your extensive list of stays in your signature line - you never experienced this time-honored tradition?Watching Adam the Woo Vlog from last night at MK. It really shows the madness of leaving the MK after the fireworks on a non-party night.