Driving to DW..should we really drive to all parks except MK?

[Clamman73]

That reminded me of my first time at MK. We got on the tram and the guide repeated over and over what row we were parked in and then made us repeat it over and over. He did it comically and we all had a good time. 30 years ago and I think I still remember what the row we were in. I believe it was Goofy 16. He told everyone to write it down and put it in their pocket because when they get back out to find the car after a long day at the park, you really don't want to have to be walking up and down the isles until you find it. He said that someone would be there to help, but you didn't really want to be doing that at that time.

You could've still taken a picture, but you would have to take a cab to the nearest Fotomat, wait for the pictures to be developed, take the taxi back to MK parking lot, and then find your car the next day.

 

[Goofyernmost]

You could've still taken a picture, but you would have to take a cab to the nearest Fotomat, wait for the pictures to be developed, take the taxi back to MK parking lot, and then find your car the next day.

So true! I keep forgetting that today's guest have virtually no idea how life worked back then. We didn't even have portable phones. We went to a place like Disney and were completely isolated from the outside world for however long we decided to do so. However the flash camera's did exist. They were a problem then like they are a problem now.

 

[wdwstateofmind]

Just drive your car to TTC, and get on the resort monorail (not the park specific one)...it's line will be shorter and it's overall shorter than the bus thing...

 

[Soarin2u]

Personally, I love the busses. We've dealt with them so often now, we know the tips and tricks to almost every situation. The car would just ruin the experience in being in another place, the car is something that we are to familiar with, the buses are magical at Disney and Disney only...( Yes even a crowded one at night)

Here's our hints to deal with the buses.

Daytime bus riding is the simplest and least crowded. If you feel as if you are waiting to long for a DHS bus, go to the nearest park and just wait in line at one of the stations there, yes parks have buses that can take you to other parks. OR you can hop to any random resort and get the bus there.....(that takes much more time though) This process may take the same amount of time while but it's more entertaing and interesting than waiting there.... Usually it is faster though.....

Rarely ever has a bus been crowded (at the Coronado at least) during the daytime, to or from a park.

Always leave a park 30 minutes to and hour before closing, bus stops will be less crowded and you can get to your resort with more ease. Yet, sometimes on nights with Magic hours, it can still be crowded even 30 minutes before closing, so be aware of shifting crowds.

If you do end up staying until closing, stall. Wait for most people to leave, admire the entrance, take a seat, discuss what went well that day or what you want to do tomorrow. Once the line has shortened, you can then begin to wait in line, and the buses are usually consistant at night hours. There is nothing more comforting than sitting down in the bus, gently resting your eyes and g resting it out before you walk to your room and crash.

 

[KappleB2]

I LOVE to drive to Magic Kingdom because the ferry is one of my very favorite things to do!!! Its so exciting seeing the castle get closer and closer!

Drive your car. I have always found that easier to all the parks.

 

[Allygator]

Not us, we always drive. And you won't be able to put me into that slow driver category. I drive it like I stole it. Ain't nobody got time for slow rollin'!

We've only used a bus twice, and neither experience was a joy so we'll stick with with our rental.

I agree! I have been to Disney several times and this past march was our first time on property. We stayed at PORFQ. What a walk just leaving the parks and going to the bus stop. Oh how I wished we had a car when we left the park and that tram was waiting right there at the exit. Nope instead we had to hike what felt like a mile to get to the pick up area for our resort. Nothing more frustrating being exhausted and half way there to see a bus and not having any energy to jog to catch it!

 

[englanddg]

I agree! I have been to Disney several times and this past march was our first time on property. We stayed at PORFQ. What a walk just leaving the parks and going to the bus stop. Oh how I wished we had a car when we left the park and that tram was waiting right there at the exit. Nope instead we had to hike what felt like a mile to get to the pick up area for our resort. Nothing more frustrating being exhausted and half way there to see a bus and not having any energy to jog to catch it!

To each there own. To me, I prefer being able to zip through the toll gates in the morning. Also, the walk to the bus stops isn't all that longer, with the exception of Epcot. Think about it...

At MK, you have to walk to the monorail station or the ferry, then walk across the TTC to catch a shuttle. I'm already at the bus stop by then.

At AK / HS, the bus stops aren't much further than the trams at all as close as the parking lot trams. A difference of ~500 feet AT THE MOST.

EP is clearly the worst for busses, as they've shoved them quite a long walk from the tram stop.

At DTD/TL/BB it really doesn't matter. No trams there (that I recall seeing), so in some rights, the busses may actually be closer than the trek back to your car.

Waiting for the busses stinks at times, as do packed busses, but there is something nice about being able to zone out on the ride home, rather than having to drive back.

I totally get those who prefer to drive, but, as I said, to each their own. I'll stick with Disney Transit, at least for the immediate future.

 

[Goofyernmost]

To each there own. To me, I prefer being able to zip through the toll gates in the morning. Also, the walk to the bus stops isn't all that longer, with the exception of Epcot. Think about it...

At MK, you have to walk to the monorail station or the ferry, then walk across the TTC to catch a shuttle. I'm already at the bus stop by then.

At AK / HS, the bus stops aren't much further than the trams at all as close as the parking lot trams. A difference of ~500 feet AT THE MOST.

EP is clearly the worst for busses, as they've shoved them quite a long walk from the tram stop.

At DTD/TL/BB it really doesn't matter. No trams there (that I recall seeing), so in some rights, the busses may actually be closer than the trek back to your car.

Waiting for the busses stinks at times, as do packed busses, but there is something nice about being able to zone out on the ride home, rather than having to drive back.

I totally get those who prefer to drive, but, as I said, to each their own. I'll stick with Disney Transit, at least for the immediate future.

That's one of the reasons that they offer that service. The other, of course, is to make sure that they have a captive audience. No thanks, I will not be a prisoner of the mouse. When I want to see something else it's no further away then the location of my car or rental.

 

[englanddg]

That's one of the reasons that they offer that service. The other, of course, is to make sure that they have a captive audience. No thanks, I will not be a prisoner of the mouse. When I want to see something else it's no further away then the location of my car or rental.

Yep. And I know plenty of people who feel that same way, and I completely get it! I will note that, I don't feel captive to the mouse. I know that at any time I can call the Car Care Center and get a rental, or can hop over to TTC or DTD and snag a cab, or even get on the Lynx...

 

[Goofyernmost]

Yep. And I know plenty of people who feel that same way, and I completely get it! I will note that, I don't feel captive to the mouse. I know that at any time I can call the Car Care Center and get a rental, or can hop over to TTC or DTD and snag a cab, or even get on the Lynx...

Oh, I know that it is available, but the hassle factor has to be figured in there. If I get up and decide that I want to cruise 192 checking out the flea markets, I don't have to plan a day or two ahead. That is what I mean by captive. I know this is pure exaggeration, but, to me it's like saying your not a captive in prison, all you need to do is tunnel out.

 

[TomorrowlandKD]

I plan on renting a car in December...and my question to you for getting to MK is:

Couldn't I go have lunch at Polynesian, even though I'm not staying there...and then after lunch hop on the monorail right there and go to the MK direct on the monorail? Then after the park ride it back to polynesian/car?

 

[radev104]

We drive down to DW and usually take the buses to the parks. Sometimes we would drive to DTD but other than that we took all the transportation. But when I was down there for my College Program I loved driving to the parks even though they offered me transportation. It was much more reliable. Then when my fiance came down for Christmas we drove to the parks. We got there early and left later. We actually closed Animal Kingdom on Christmas Eve didn't have to wait for a bus and went straight to dinner somewhere off property. So much easier than waiting for a bus then driving somewhere to eat once we got back to the resort. But it is all up to your preference. If you do plan to drive around property there are plenty of signs to let you know where everything is but you can also get a transportation map from the front desk when you check in or anytime you need one.

 

[draybook]

Or you can hire me to come along on your trips and I'll do the driving. Not only am I fast, but I know the property pretty darn well. All I charge is the price of my trip + a peanut butter chocolate cupcake from Starring Roles.....pretty fair compensation if you ask me!

 

[ChevisMickey]

I have to drive when I can. Most comments have covered the pros and cons, so just weigh the choices, but do try both. I have had a couple of the long waits, overcrowded buses, and even the wheelchair experiences. I'll ride the bus to ride the bus, but not to get where I'm going. I like taking the boats, the ferry, the monorail, and the trams. Having the extra time to organize yourself on the ride to the park is valuable in itself.

 

[docdebbi]

to be honest, i am amazed at how many folks prefer the busses. i always thought the bus was what you do when you don't have a car. can't imagine preferring it!
i tried busses one trip- never again:
the total travel time is far longer with a bus than a car.
waiting for a bus at the end of a day and having to wait for 5 or 6 to come before you get on, then squished by everyone else while holding babies and strollers is not pleasant.
wasting time driving to several stops at your resort (only some admittedly).
walking back to your room from the bus stop. (we get dropped off at the front door with sleeping babies and the driver goes and parks)
waiting while all the ECV users load- which means lowering the bus, opening the lift, lifting them up, securing them and then raising the bus again (no, im not a hater, i am glad those folks have the assistance they need, it just takes more time), and then their entire family gets on before you (again, they should, not complaining about it, just TIME)
waiting in rain or excessive heat.

still trying to find the up-side. i understand the "i don't have to drive, it's a pain" thing, but my time is my top priority at WDW.

glad folks like the busses, just surprised. i'm clearly a vote for drive everywhere- except MK as you said, busses are often quicker there.

 

[zero creativity]

The only time I drive is when I have a before park opening reservation at someplace like Tusker House. If you are going later than opening I don't think it would be worth it.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

We've always used a car anytime I've gone with my family. We tend to go off site to beaches and make a stop or two at WalMart.

 

[RedDad]

I plan on renting a car in December...and my question to you for getting to MK is:

Couldn't I go have lunch at Polynesian, even though I'm not staying there...and then after lunch hop on the monorail right there and go to the MK direct on the monorail? Then after the park ride it back to polynesian/car?

I wouldn't, though technically you may get away with it. You are only supposed to park at the resorts for up to 3 hours for meal reservations (and depending on time of year, where you're staying ,etc. you may be issued a temporary parking pass). I personally have never seen this enforced at the Poly, but that's the policy.

 

[RedDad]

We always drive to WDW, and typically drive to every park but MK, depending on where we're staying. We avoid buses at all costs when staying at values, but have had decent experiences at deluxe resorts. The only buses we used at BC last week were to MK, and I swear it took twice as long for them to drive to the MK entrance as it would've for me to drive there (though still faster than going thru TTC).

 

[Goofyernmost]

I plan on renting a car in December...and my question to you for getting to MK is:

Couldn't I go have lunch at Polynesian, even though I'm not staying there...and then after lunch hop on the monorail right there and go to the MK direct on the monorail? Then after the park ride it back to polynesian/car?

I guess that as long as you don't get caught you can do it. However, since the parking at the Poly is for the guests of the Poly and short time visitors for restaurants and such, it is not a very thoughtful thing to do, in my opinion. Also, I have found at the Poly that they keep a pretty close watch of people going in and out of the parking lot. It is altogether possible that you might return from MK only to find your vehicle has been towed. Wouldn't that be fun and worth taking the chance? So, by policy the answer is no. Disney doesn't want you to do that. If judging by what's right and wrong, the answer is still no. If you are willing to take the chance of your car not being there when you return, then no one is going to send you to jail for it. Just to the impound yard to pick up your vehicle and pay the towing charges or you get away scott free. Do you feel lucky?