Animal Kingdom Lodge Transportation

[slyjester]

Hi. I need some help, I'm going to Disney on my own in October and I'm planning to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have heard mixed reviews about the transportation and am wondering if they have a private bus sytem or share it with other resorts. Also, I'm not worried about sitting on the bus and am wondering if the extra time it takes to get around is really worth it. Thanks a bunch!

 

[wdwmagic]

I have found AKL to have the best bus transportation of any of the WDW resorts. The routes arent shared with other resorts, and they are rarely overcrowded.

Have a great trip!! and welcome to WDWMAGIC!

 

[WDWspider]

The AKL buses are the best. Rarely crowded actually. Although a bit far from DTD, they come quite regular.

I don't think any buses are shared with other resorts? (I could be wrong - All-Stars sometimes split into three bus routes because of size)

 

[goofyfan13]

AKL definately does have a great busing system. I found that last time I went I didn't have to wait more than 20 minutes for a bus. No the bus does not share a route with another resort. I hope you have an awesome trip!

 

[all41]

Just returned from a trip and stayed at AKL
Bus system was AWESOME!
Its the number one reason I'd return.
Distance from other resorts is hardly a problem at all. Only had to stand once usually waited no longer than 5 minutes for a bus to pull up. After having to make up to 5 stops before leaving at other resorts (Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs), its great to just get on and go.

 

[ttasuperskyway]

The AKL has the best bus system in WDW. The buses are never crowded but the trip to DTD can be long i fell asleep once.

 

[kbmb]

So I'm curious, for those that have stayed at AKL.....

Is it just one route for the buses? Meaning, do the buses pick you up at AKL and just make a big circle going to every park, or are there different buses to go to different places?

 

[WDWspider]

Originally posted by slyjester
am wondering if the extra time it takes to get around is really worth it. Thanks a bunch!

The use of WDW transportation at a resort is considered a perk for most guests. use it to it's fullest, you don't have to drive through traffic, park, and then remember where your car is in the afternoon. You get let off very close to the park entrances. They are ultra clean, and sometimes you will get added entertainment from the bus drivers giving facts and rumors during your trip. I'm not even sure if you could call it "extra time" but by all means it is worth it.

 

[RickEff]

Originally posted by kbmb
So I'm curious, for those that have stayed at AKL.....

Is it just one route for the buses? Meaning, do the buses pick you up at AKL and just make a big circle going to every park, or are there different buses to go to different places?

AKL is by far my favourite resort for a lot of reasons, one of them being the bus service. There are separate buses for all of the parks - if I remember correctly, the Downtown Disney bus also goes to Typhoon Lagoon - I don't remember which goes to Blizzard Beach.

 

[WDWspider]

Originally posted by RickEff
AKL is by far my favourite resort for a lot of reasons, one of them being the bus service. There are separate buses for all of the parks - if I remember correctly, the Downtown Disney bus also goes to Typhoon Lagoon - I don't remember which goes to Blizzard Beach.

Blizzard Beach being slightly busier and not close to anything else has a bus of it's own. Typhoon Lagoon is so close to DTD that they stop there too when it's open.

 

[Stitch79]

I stayed at AKL recently and didn't have a problem going from the hotel to various places. Things like going from park to park took a lot longer than going from the hotel to any place on the property.

 

[slyjester]

Hey,
Thanks for all the great feedback. I am now looking forward to my stay at AKL even more it sounds wonderful. Also, for all of you who have upcoming trips I hope you have a blast. Thanks again.

 

[DanStat]

AKL has one of the best bus systems...they don't usually share. :lol:

 

[surfsupdon]

AKL better ahve a great bussing system considering it is a Deluxe resort. A perk of the Deluxe Resorts is being as close to the theme parks as possible, whether via monorail, boat, or simply walking. And I found it odd originally that you couldnt even wlak from AKL to AK itself. So paying deluxe pricing for having busses transport you everywhere is not your typcal deluxe resort. So im glad to know that the busses work great!!

 

[Invero]

Originally posted by surfsupdon
AKL better ahve a great bussing system considering it is a Deluxe resort. A perk of the Deluxe Resorts is being as close to the theme parks as possible, whether via monorail, boat, or simply walking. And I found it odd originally that you couldnt even wlak from AKL to AK itself. So paying deluxe pricing for having busses transport you everywhere is not your typcal deluxe resort. So im glad to know that the busses work great!!

When you're paying Deluxe prices, you are paying for just that... a Deluxe resort accomodation. Not transportation. Although it's built into your room rate, its separate from the whole Value/Moderate/Deluxe classification. In AK Lodge's case, you are paying for the Savannah and the animals and such.

Getting back to the original question at hand, these are the following bus routes:

1 - Animal Kingdom
2 - Disney-MGM Studios & Blizzard Beach
3 - Epcot
4 - Magic Kingdom
5 - Downtown Disney & Typhoon Lagoon

Buses are dispatched from the theme parks in 15 minute intervals. Actual arrival times may vary. Typical travel times range from 5-15 minutes. Actual travel times may vary. In the late afternoon, and evening times, the Epcot bus services both the Lodge and the Park. This means the bus travels from Epcot to AKL, then to DAK, then back to Epcot. After Blizzard Beach closes, the Studios bus will do the same thing. Studios, AKL, DAK, Studios. Most guests won't notice, since they're on thier way from the park to the resort.