Driving to the parks instead of using the Disney Bus?

fam

fam

Member
We've always waited for the busses on the resorts and never had too big of a problem (pop century was a piece of cake last year)...but...this year we are in Art of Animation with a std room...and since that wing is so out of the way of the bus pickup (with such close parking to that wing) I was wondering if it would save a significant amount of time to just hop in the van and drive to the parks? I've never driven to any of the parks so honestly I dont know how far away the lots are and how long it takes to get to the front door etc. Any advice would be appreciated...i'm not against walking, but if it saves me 40 minutes a day in waiting thats pretty awesome.
 
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Allygator

Allygator

Well-Known Member
Last year was or first time on property and I actually preferred driving. We stayed at a moderate and at night leaving the parks and walking to the bus stop was a killer! We would walk out of the park and I would see the tram for the parking lot right in front us and look to where we had to walk to catch a bus! Made me wish we drove to Florida instead of flying. Lol. Doesn't really make a difference where you park. The tram picks you up (and you are guaranteed a seat) an drops you off at the end of your row. Loved it!
 
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bethymouse

bethymouse

Well-Known Member
Well, we're bus people, but really enjoy monorail resorts or boat launch resorts best!:D The bus does get crowded, but it's not too bad. The wait can be anywhere between 10-20 minutes w/ a 10-15 minute ride. We drive down ( 14 hour trip) so we like to just park our car and relax.:)
 
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S

Sandurz

Well-Known Member
Look into acquiring a AAA Diamond pass either with your ticket purchase or elsewhere like eBay. I found one for $4 online as I had booked my package before finding out about the AAA situation. Very useful at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Epcot you're right at the front and HS you can cross the tram lane and use the side security checkpoint with no hassle. Definitely worth it even if someone charged me $20.
 
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hiptwinmama

hiptwinmama

Well-Known Member
my hubby is anti social and hates crowds, so we often drive. When it is MK we will either bus it or pull our clever valet trick.

It's approx $15 to valet at the contemporary. We valet, then take the monorail to MK. At the end of the night when there is a line for the buses or a line for the monorail to ticket and transportation... we just hop on the monorail to resorts (no wait). Then go down and jump in the car. If you want to be really cool, you can call valet and tell them you are on the way.
 
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luv

luv

Well-Known Member
With the exception of the MK, driving is faster and easier. It will also give you the option of changing your route, drinking whatever you want in the car, listening to your own music, having the temperature you like and fresh air, if you prefer that. And you don't have to share with annoying and stinky other bus people.

If you are going to leave the MK at closing, drive.
 
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chrisd68

chrisd68

Well-Known Member
sheila2012 said:
Last year was or first time on property and I actually preferred driving. We stayed at a moderate and at night leaving the parks and walking to the bus stop was a killer! We would walk out of the park and I would see the tram for the parking lot right in front us and look to where we had to walk to catch a bus! Made me wish we drove to Florida instead of flying. Lol. Doesn't really make a difference where you park. The tram picks you up (and you are guaranteed a seat) an drops you off at the end of your row. Loved it!
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I have to agree with all of the above. Although it's nice to use the Buses because you feel you are really participating in the full Disney experience it can be soul destroying when the you leave the parks at night suffering from tiredness and exhaustion only to be greetd by massive bus queue.

We prefer driving because if offers us flexibility and we pretty much know how long it will take to get back to our room from when we leave the parks - with a bus it could be anywhere from 20 mins to 1 hour (depending on where you're staying)
 
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Mikester71

Mikester71

Well-Known Member
We love taking advantage of the Disney buses while staying at Pop Century during our vacations. We drive down from Canada (18+ hour drive) so really look forward to letting somebody else do the driving for us while we are at WDW for those 10 days. We venture off-property a few times each trip to do some shopping and visit some of Florida's other tourist spots, so do end up having to drive the van a bit while down there.

Like others have already stated, it does actually help immerse you in the whole Disney atmosphere. Personally, I kinda get excited hearing the voice come over the speaker as you approach each park. :)

And this is coming from a guy who rarely got to actually sit down in a seat on the buses due to our trips being during Canadian Spring Break and the buses being completely crammed like sardines!
 
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popcenturylover

popcenturylover

Well-Known Member
fam said:
We've always waited for the busses on the resorts and never had too big of a problem (pop century was a piece of cake last year)...but...this year we are in Art of Animation with a std room...and since that wing is so out of the way of the bus pickup (with such close parking to that wing) I was wondering if it would save a significant amount of time to just hop in the van and drive to the parks? I've never driven to any of the parks so honestly I dont know how far away the lots are and how long it takes to get to the front door etc. Any advice would be appreciated...i'm not against walking, but if it saves me 40 minutes a day in waiting thats pretty awesome.
Click to expand...
We like taking the bus but, on our last visit we had a split stay AOA/POP & the busing isn't as efficient at AOA as it is at POP.
 
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Skibum1970

Skibum1970

Well-Known Member
My wife and I are bus people, or boat, or monorail. Part of the fun is not having to worry about traffic or parking. I get off the plane and the Magical Express picks me up. Yeah, sometimes the waits are a little long but generally not too bad. It also cuts down on the cost of the trip and that is a plus as well.
 
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ratherbeinwdw

ratherbeinwdw

Well-Known Member
hiptwinmama said:
my hubby is anti social and hates crowds, so we often drive. When it is MK we will either bus it or pull our clever valet trick.

It's approx $15 to valet at the contemporary. We valet, then take the monorail to MK. At the end of the night when there is a line for the buses or a line for the monorail to ticket and transportation... we just hop on the monorail to resorts (no wait). Then go down and jump in the car. If you want to be really cool, you can call valet and tell them you are on the way.
Click to expand...
It's only a 5 minute walk to MK from the Contemporary. You don't really need to go in and take the monorail.
 
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JillC LI

JillC LI

Well-Known Member
olinecoach61 said:
We are bus people. Mostly for the convenience, I don't want to worry about driving after trekking through the parks all day.
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I guess everyone has their own concept of what is "convenient," and that's fine. For us, after a long day in the parks, it is far more convenient to jump in our own car and be back at our resort 5 minutes later rather than wait on line for up to a half hour and possibly stand on a crowded bus sometimes making multiple stops.
 
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steviej

steviej

Well-Known Member
my fiancee's parents never rent a car. And it's very aggravating. Get the car, it's a huge time saver and you'll be glad you did. It's worth the extra money.
 
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MaxsDad

MaxsDad

Well-Known Member
Wife and I agree that bus to MK is best by far. She prefers to take the car everywhere else. I prefer the bus, though, as I am the one that actually does the driving.

:)
 
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Stu bailey

Stu bailey

Well-Known Member
Having used the busses at one time, we will never use them again. They chew up a good amount of time and energy. They waste a decent portion of your day. Your own car and the monorail is the way to go for us.
 
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ThankstoMOM

ThankstoMOM

Active Member
We use to take the buses when when we were youngier, but now we always drive to the parks and use the monorail! The time saved is priceless, we always arrive real early so we are always parked up front. I would have a real hard time only using the buses too much waiting and time between destinations.
 
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