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On resort: car vs WDW transportation
- Thread starter Goofy6294
- Start date
KanineKrunchies
Member
It can take longer on the bus and we usually always take our vehicle to AK and the water parks. Other than that we take Disney transport.
It would also depend on where you stay and your other transportation options.
It would also depend on where you stay and your other transportation options.
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Magical Dreamer
Well-Known Member
I prefer not using a car.....removal from the transportation responsibilty makes it a little more relaxing for me.
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ob1thx1138
Member
We stayed at Port Orleans and what we found was that the buses were fine at getting you to the parks and back, but traveling between the resorts was a real pain. On days that we had Breakfast or dinner reservations at another resort we would drive our own vehicle to the resort. The only other way to get to another resort was to ride a bus to a park or DTD and then get on another bus to the other resort. So you can imagine how much time that would add having to wait on buses. The one exception was our dinners at Hoop Dee Doo and Spirit of Aloha. We just scheduled those on days we planned on being at the MK so we just rode the bus to MK that morning then used the boat to get to the Hoop Dee Doo and the Monorail to get to the poly and then headed back to the parks after dinner for some late night fun and rode the bus back to the resort.
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Since we routinely drive to WDW we've obviously always had a vehicle at our disposal. The only time we've actually used it was when we stayed at the FW Cabins, and then we used it on the days we didn't visit MK (or if we wanted to visit DtD). But every other resort we've stayed at, Disney transportation has been more than adequate, even to DtD.....
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slappy magoo
Well-Known Member
As far as I'm concerned there is no one hard and fast rule, because so much of it is based on factors you can not control. One exception would be if, as one poster above noted, you were thinking about visiting a lot of other Disney resorts during your stay, whether it's to eat at one of their restaurants or partake in some other event or just to stroll or shop. In those instances, it might not be a big deal to use Disney transportation if you're staying at:
A monorail resort, as you're close to the MK bis stops to get to other resorts.
An Epcot resort, as you can boat or walk to the Studios and use their resort buses.
Saratoga Springs, most notably in the Congress Park section, as you're a brief walk to the bus stops at the DTD Marketplace.
Pretty much anywhere else will necessitate a longer trip, as you'll need to bus to a park (or at OKW or Port Orleans, bus to DTD) to get other buses to the resort of choice, and you'll need to factor time accordingly.
After that, it's a combination of timing and personal preferences. On any given day, you could just miss the bus you wanted to take to the park du jour, and wonder how long it would take to wait for another bus versus getting your car, driving over, perhaps braving a wait there for a tram or whether it's early enough that you'll be able to walk to the front gate, etc. And on any given day, you could just go straight to your car, notice the people waiting for a bus, get to the park and see the same people from before ahead of you at the front gate.
Our general rule of thumb seems to be that we prefer taking Disney transportation to MK and driving most other places, especially now that we have one kid and another on the way. We never have to worry about overcrowding, or having to wait for 1 or 2 buses before we can find one with space for us. We don't have to worry about passengers we may find unpleasant. We can listen to the music we want, talk about whatever we want without worrying about being overheard. In the event of a sudden stop and standing room only, a bus can be a little dicey with kids, versus them safely buckled in their car seats (though a bus is probably more likely to sustain less damage in an accident with a car than vice versa). No strollers rolling over our toes, no complaints that the AC is too strong or not strong enough. Far fewer ads for Disney shows and movies above our heads
And when it comes to the ride home, the feeling that we have a LITTLE more control. For example, we can tell when our daughter is about to hit a wall and become too tired to move. If we figure we've got about a half hour, we can anticipate leaving, getting to our car and getting back to our resort without worrying about bus delays or overcrowding taking a cranky tired child and pushing her into a tantrum. And if she does wind up having a tantrum, at least we're not bothering anyone else with it when we're in our own car.
A monorail resort, as you're close to the MK bis stops to get to other resorts.
An Epcot resort, as you can boat or walk to the Studios and use their resort buses.
Saratoga Springs, most notably in the Congress Park section, as you're a brief walk to the bus stops at the DTD Marketplace.
Pretty much anywhere else will necessitate a longer trip, as you'll need to bus to a park (or at OKW or Port Orleans, bus to DTD) to get other buses to the resort of choice, and you'll need to factor time accordingly.
After that, it's a combination of timing and personal preferences. On any given day, you could just miss the bus you wanted to take to the park du jour, and wonder how long it would take to wait for another bus versus getting your car, driving over, perhaps braving a wait there for a tram or whether it's early enough that you'll be able to walk to the front gate, etc. And on any given day, you could just go straight to your car, notice the people waiting for a bus, get to the park and see the same people from before ahead of you at the front gate.
Our general rule of thumb seems to be that we prefer taking Disney transportation to MK and driving most other places, especially now that we have one kid and another on the way. We never have to worry about overcrowding, or having to wait for 1 or 2 buses before we can find one with space for us. We don't have to worry about passengers we may find unpleasant. We can listen to the music we want, talk about whatever we want without worrying about being overheard. In the event of a sudden stop and standing room only, a bus can be a little dicey with kids, versus them safely buckled in their car seats (though a bus is probably more likely to sustain less damage in an accident with a car than vice versa). No strollers rolling over our toes, no complaints that the AC is too strong or not strong enough. Far fewer ads for Disney shows and movies above our heads
And when it comes to the ride home, the feeling that we have a LITTLE more control. For example, we can tell when our daughter is about to hit a wall and become too tired to move. If we figure we've got about a half hour, we can anticipate leaving, getting to our car and getting back to our resort without worrying about bus delays or overcrowding taking a cranky tired child and pushing her into a tantrum. And if she does wind up having a tantrum, at least we're not bothering anyone else with it when we're in our own car.
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ShookieJones
We need time for things to happen.
To me there is really no comparison. Car wins every Time. Especially when park hopping. The only possible exception is mk. But i almost always plan a monorail resort dinner or breakfast and take the resort monorail to mk after the meal.
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coltow
Well-Known Member
Until Magical Express came along we always had a car. We took it everywhere. Since Magial Express we only had a car one time. We used it when going resort to resort. When it came to parks, we took WDW transportation to MK. Whether bus, monorail or boat, they get you closer and usually in less time. We took the car to all the other parks.
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mickeysshoes
Well-Known Member
When we used to drive we never used our car...we are in the group that while on vacation we would rather not drive...let Disney take care of it for you. We have over the years gotten very used to Dinsey transportion and have learned the best ways to get around and also we have learned to increase our spending cash budget to cover cabs for the evening. Going to at a differnet resort we dont mind taking the hour trip to get where wer are going but getting home when its late and tired we just take a cab.
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Spike-in-Berlin
Well-Known Member
We decided after our last trip that the next time we will only rent a car to get to Universal on two days. Otherwise we were perfectly satisfied about Disney Transportation inside the World and as we are only staying on property as resort guests we will save the cash for the car on the remaining 10-12 days.
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Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
WDW transport might take a few minutes longer, but I usually prefer it. It's nice not having to worry about driving and parking and letting someone else take care of it for me. I like a car just to get to the resorts.
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SAV
Well-Known Member
Its all personal preference.
Even when we could take Disney Transportation, we drove. I like being in control of my travels and not relying on anyone else to get me where I'm going. It's not like driving around WDW is difficult.
The time difference is negligible. The time someone may wait in line, is the time difference it takes me to get parked and walk in.
Even when we could take Disney Transportation, we drove. I like being in control of my travels and not relying on anyone else to get me where I'm going. It's not like driving around WDW is difficult.
The time difference is negligible. The time someone may wait in line, is the time difference it takes me to get parked and walk in.
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StingraySam
Active Member
Upon arrival to the hotel resort a parking space is located, a shadey spot is always appreciated if available, I make sure my car is locked and secure, I take a look at it as I walk away and I prefer that it be the last time I see it until we leave to go home.
That being said I agree with most everyone else. It is a matter of choice. And the more of you who choose to drive yourself I thank you because that means a better chance of me not having to stand on the bus ride to or from the parks.
That being said I agree with most everyone else. It is a matter of choice. And the more of you who choose to drive yourself I thank you because that means a better chance of me not having to stand on the bus ride to or from the parks.
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stratman50th
Well-Known Member
We always drive to WDW, but once there, almost always use their transportation. The two exceptions are going to Fort Wilderness to eat at trails end or Mickey's BBQ, or occasionally to DTD.
I like leaving the driving to them and don't really mind using the buses or the monorail depending on where we're staying.
I like leaving the driving to them and don't really mind using the buses or the monorail depending on where we're staying.
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moonchild925
New Member
I've always rented a car and end up using it about half the time and using disney transport the other. As others have noted if you have ADR's at another resort a car is usually your quickest route to them. Also it comes in handy if you want to grab anything off property or are visiting another park in orlando. Mainly, I use disney transport in the mornings for days at the park but don't like to depend on it to get to scheduled adrs bc it can take up to an hour. Not a good use of my time in my opinion. That said I usually have the best luck bidding on a car thru priceline.
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mommyrosa2
New Member
I agree... we have always been lucky to get a cheap enough car rental and prefer to drive our own vehicle rather than taking the buses. We also always plan a monorail resort dinner or breakfast on the days we want to visit the MK and therefore take the monorail...with tired kids, the last thing we want to do is fight crowds on a bus - did it once a very long time ago and swore never again!
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Poofiesdream
Well-Known Member
I live in Florida, so I always drive. Once I get to the resort I do not want to see that car again till I check out. Its my vacation so I sit back and relax and let WDW do the driving. So it may take a few minutes more, no getting lost, missing a turn, finding a parking place, finding the car when leaving, and getting into a hot car. I'm on vacation, don't hurry any place, just allow plenty of time to get there. I enjoy meeting people on the bus and riding the monorail and boats.:sohappy:
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Bri1121
New Member
We usually fly so disney transportation was it! But we love it! Once we drove but we also stayed off site.
We are driving this time but dont plan to use the car! Only for a trip to the grocery store!!
I think its easy and yea sometimes you have to wait but thats part of the experience!!
We are driving this time but dont plan to use the car! Only for a trip to the grocery store!!
I think its easy and yea sometimes you have to wait but thats part of the experience!!
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