October trip planning help

[Austin1]

Hi all,
My family and friends are planning a trip to WDW for october 14-18 and I just have a couple questions for all you here on the boards.
First off were taking a total of 11 people and we are only gonna have transportation for 7 on the account that 4 of us are flying in , so my first question is does disney mind if you pack the minivan with everybody or do we need to take the bus? Second Iv'e been reading some trip updates that are talking about alot of rehabs, and since some of these visitors my never get a chance to go again I would like to keep them at a min. So if somone could please give me an in detail list of rehabs during this time and not just rides im also talking about facades and anything that will have a construction wall around it especally in epcot im a little worried about the land's appearance and the window cleaner thing at imagination. Honestily I know most of this sounds crazy and too picky and I know it is i just want these peope to have this best trip ever so please don't be upset. Thanks in advance for ANY help

 

[imamouse]

First of all, welcome to WDWMagic. :wave: You've come to the right place for advice and ideas about WDW, as so many knowledgeable people post here.

As for refurbishments during Oct, check out this link:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...ng/index?id=CalendarRefurbishmentsListingPage

I'll also be there in Oct (the 9th-16th) and can say that it's a great time of the year to visit WDW. Crowds are down, and the weather is great, so I hope you have an excellent experience.

As for minivan or bus transportation, I recommend the bus. The WDW bus system is efficient, clean, and reliable. You are dropped off near the front gate and don't have to flag down a tram in the huge parking lots. We always drive to WDW, but have never driven our car to the parks as the bus is so convenient.

 

[Austin1]

Thanks

I think your probabily about the minivan situation
does anyone else have any imput??? we would like to take the monorail to magic kingdom and epcot is there any way we can do this riding a bus?
I was also wondering what everyone thought about stitch being open at this time what are my chances and does any one know if they have put the globe back on teh tommorrowland entrance?

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Options

While there is a solid contingent here that preferrs self driving between parks, I much prefer Disney transportation, especially for a large group. Unless you are intimate with the roadways like MKT, then you will most likely get lost and spend a lot of time where you don't want to be.

You didn't say where you were staying, and that has a real impact on coordinating transportation. If you get to the monorail for MK, you have easy access from TTA to the Epcot monorail. Other parks would use busses.

Use the site reference provided for rehab information, but don't obsess over it, enjoy what is open, I doubt if you will have a time when everything is "done" and open, so enjoy what you have, there is more than enough.

My personal guess is that Stitch will be open at your visit, probably as a soft opening, so you have a good chance. Keep checking in here as to progress.

You should also look into the Food and Wine festival during your stay and the MNSSHP in the MK for special events.

Do plan ahead, but don't sweat every detail (as we do).

 

[Austin1]

Great thoughts!!!!

were staying at downtown disney and we have been 3 times in the past couple years so we know the roads pretty much but, the busssing system my not be all that bad as for the refurbs your right we just need to enjoy our trip. we are power travelers so we do everything once and our favorite stuff over and over again. anyway thanks for the info if you have anymore about the downtown disney bussing system I would love it :slurp:
PS. there is a slight chance we might stay at all stars so we might have to consider their bussing system also

 

[imamouse]

we would like to take the monorail to magic kingdom and epcot is there any way we can do this riding a bus?

I have done this two ways:
1) Start your day at Epcot (take the bus) then park hop to MK on the monorail.
2) Take the bus to MK, then park hop, using the monorail to Epcot.
Note: The only way to travel on the loop thru Future World is to be arriving at Epcot. Departing monorails do not travel on the Future World loop.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

we are power travelers so we do everything once and our favorite stuff over and over again. anyway thanks for the info if you have anymore about the downtown disney bussing system Austin1

OK, from the Downtown Disney Hotels, they have a direct bus system, leaving early on early entrance days (they are able to participate as well) so for your "Power or Gorilla approach" the early admittance schedule will pay off for hitting those E ticket rides without lines and getting the first Fastpasses (early and often). I found it easier to use the Disney bus drop off at the end of Downtown Disney (opposite all the restaurants).

I haven't done All Star but many on these boards are regulars and can give updates. Generally, it sounds like those busses are the most crowded during peak times and are not always "enjoyed" by guests.

 

[got2lovedisney]

Besides the fact that it's uncomfortable, am I the only one that thinks that packing 11 people into a 7 passenger minivan is not only illegal but unsafe?? There are seat belt laws in the State of Florida. Take the bus.

 

[Austin1]

thanks

Great imput from everyone!!!
We will most likely take the bus thanks for all the info
also one last question, and I it's crazy but does anyone any idea when all the exterior work willl be done at epcot? for example the window cleaner thing at imagination and and work over between MS and TT? Thank-you ALL :wave: :sohappy: