Do you use the busses or drive?

[ILoveMickeyandMinnie]

My family is growing and I think our our next trip to WDW we will probably be looking at staying in the cabins. :) My only concern is getting to the parks, I keep hearing that the busses are awful at FW and I don't want to spend forever on the busses. Would it just be easier to drive yourself to the park than wait on the busses? We've always enjoyed the busses during all of our previous trips, I'm just worried about time.

[2goofycampers]

The boat to the Magic Kingdom is convenient. To get to the other parks depends on getting to the bus stop at the right time, if its convenient or not. If going to another resort DEFINITELY DRIVE YOURSELF, if its not on the boat transportation. WE find we save alot of time driving ourselves.

[RvUsa]

I never really had any complaints about the buses, every once in a while we would get to the stop just as the bus we wanted was leaving, and then you would have to wait for a while. But usually, it wasn't bad at all. Bedsides, DS loved the bus. If you are going to other resorts, then drive, they take longer. But park buses weren't bad.

[Gatordad]

never been on a disney bus, thank the lord

[des1954]

I personally don't have any problems with the busses. You just need to factor into your schedule that it can take as long as 45-60 minutes to get where you need to go. That is, if you're going to a park, DTD, or another resort. To get around inside FtW, count on 10-15 minutes.

Speaking of busses, when we were "freeloading" at FtW yesterday, we saw a hybrid bus. It was sponsored by Wachovia, - not a Disney emblem anywhere on it!!! It looked as if it took the same route as the Orange bus. The design was cool, and it was super quiet!!! We didn't take a camera, so I didn't get a picture.

Deb

[4mickey2]

we use the bus and boats quite often.

unless it is late and we want to go to ghiradellis for an ice cream :mickeybar . then we all hop in one vehicle to go. :drive:

[LONE-STAR]

The boat to the Magic Kingdom is convenient. To get to the other parks depends on getting to the bus stop at the right time, if its convenient or not. If going to another resort DEFINITELY DRIVE YOURSELF, if its not on the boat transportation. WE find we save alot of time driving ourselves.

You took the word right out of my mouth.

[drafthorsecrazy]

Always use Disney transportation. I'm easy to entertain. Some of our most memorable moments have been on the bus or boat. I remember one evening coming back from MK. There was a gentleman loading an ECV onto the boat. I'm not sure what the situation was....If he was loading it for someone else in his party or if he was a first time user. He had absolutely no idea how to safely operate it. ( Not that I do either ) But when he went to enter the boat, he went from a complete stop to full throttle and rammed into the pilot house area of the boat. Needless to say at this point he had everyones attention. He then proceeded up the isle way like he was one of those balls in a pinball machine. He hit several seats and ended up against the doorway in the middle of the boat. ( The ones they never open) It was a very dangerous situation for anyone jumping out of his way! But as an observer from the safety of the other side of the boat is was hilarious watching. The entire boat was in tears laughing by the time he shut that thing off. I do believe he pushed it off at the campground.:lmao:

[BigDaddyRog]

Always use Disney transportation. I'm easy to entertain. Some of our most memorable moments have been on the bus or boat. I remember one evening coming back from MK. There was a gentleman loading an ECV onto the boat. I'm not sure what the situation was....If he was loading it for someone else in his party or if he was a first time user. He had absolutely no idea how to safely operate it. ( Not that I do either ) But when he went to enter the boat, he went from a complete stop to full throttle and rammed into the pilot house area of the boat. Needless to say at this point he had everyones attention. He then proceeded up the isle way like he was one of those balls in a pinball machine. He hit several seats and ended up against the doorway in the middle of the boat. ( The ones they never open) It was a very dangerous situation for anyone jumping out of his way! But as an observer from the safety of the other side of the boat is was hilarious watching. The entire boat was in tears laughing by the time he shut that thing off. I do believe he pushed it off at the campground.:lmao:This sounds like a Tom Green skit or something...maybe the crew from PUNK'd was filming him!!

[Sammi2]

Don't drive to MK, whatever you do. At least, that's my advice. And if you do drive to MK, don't use the directions given by the tomtom, as you will end up in the employees only area.

After reading threads on the topic, we decided to take the buses. After taking the busses a couple of times, we decided to drive. One benefit of driving is that our kids fall asleep in the van in the 10 minutes it takes to get back to the campsite. They do not fall asleep in the 35 minutes it takes to wait for the bus, and since they aren't strapped into a 5pt harness on the bus, they don't fall asleep there either.

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

If you want to save time and not sit like sardines. Drive yourself everywhere from the Fort except The Magic Kingdom. The boat brings you to the front gates of the Magic Kingdom. Everywhere else takes way to long for my likeing.

[DVCajun]

never been on a disney bus, thank the lord

Then you have no idea about how good or bad they are, right? :confused3

[Gatordad]

actually, I've observed the people crammed in like sardines, trying to fit strollers and the like. People sweaty, irritated and uncomfortable. You'll never catch me on the bus. We always chuckle at the folks there.

As my good friend Bald Vinny once said

"The bus is for people short on money, but long on time"

[2goofycampers]

Amen to that . Bald Vinny must be very smart man .:cool1:

[Winkster]

We tried taking the busses to get to restaurants in the evening so that we could both have a drink.

We lasted 2 nights into our 14 night vacation!

Busses are crowded, noisy and slow. They take forever to get anywhere as they often have to make numerous stops around the larger resorts (we stay at POR) before they reach your stop and if you find a wheelchair user, they take forever to lower the ramp, strap them down etc.

If you have no other option (ie. you don't drive) then the busses are a great bonus but if you can drive, do so!

[surferrat]

If going to the MK we usually ride our bikes to the docks or just ride the bus to the docks.

Any other park we drive.

[Duane]

We always drive whether we are at the Fort, or staying at DVC I like to travel on my time schedule and not someone else's. Also the DW, gets motion sick very easy :eek: , especially if she has to sit sideways on some of the buses.

Now if we are going to MK we will take the boat over.

[PolynesianPixie]

I like the covenience of the busses and use them going to the parks. However, to get to a non-MK resort, I prefer to drive.

[clkelley]

I use the buses pretty much all the time. Yes it may take a little longer, but I'm there to relax!!!! After I'm set up, my truck gets parked out in overflow.

I do use my hubby's ECV to scoot around Ft. Wilderness and just park it in golf cart parking. In October though I'll have a bicycle.

[stacktester]

I use the buses pretty much all the time. Yes it may take a little longer, but I'm there to relax!!!! After I'm set up, my truck gets parked out in overflow.

I do use my hubby's ECV to scoot around Ft. Wilderness and just park it in golf cart parking. In October though I'll have a bicycle.

I agree Carol. It's nice just to sit on the bus and look at the posters for movies and abc stuff. If we're staying at Epcot after closing I do drive though because the bus is packed and sometimes you don't get on.

[BigDaddyRog]

I like the buses because whoever designed the Buena Vista roadways was on crack....man that place is like a maze to me. I always get where Im trying to go, but only by sheer accident!!! But now that I finally have a TOMTOM, I may drive a little more often, but then I'll miss the incredibly friendly and informative Disney bus drivers.

[LONE-STAR]

It was fun when we use to take the buses but they just take forever to me. Plus my DW get motion sickness on them so its the truck for us.

[Duane]

I like the buses because whoever designed the Buena Vista roadways was on crack....man that place is like a maze to me. I always get where Im trying to go, but only by sheer accident!!! But now that I finally have a TOMTOM, I may drive a little more often, but then I'll miss the incredibly friendly and informative Disney bus drivers.

Well Rog, since you now have that GPS you need to take a look at this site. (http://www.mousesavers.com/gps.html)

I posted something about this back a month or so ago, and had a chance to use it with my Garmin a couple of weeks ago. It worked great. It is very specific to WDW and all of the locations have been verified by the guy that wrote the file. Best part of it all.... its free.

Now back to our regularly scheduled forum thread.

Duane

[BigDaddyRog]

LOL....That was the very first thing I did when I got home from buying it. Cant wait to use it. Thanks Duane

[ntsammy5]

actually, I've observed the people crammed in like sardines, trying to fit strollers and the like. People sweaty, irritated and uncomfortable.

Sounds like my last trip to Sams

[chief19spixi]

With a family of 5 I would never dream of even trying to get on any disney bus! :scared1: That right there goes hand in hand with me and tent camping.. I would never survive 1 night let alone 2 weeks at fort wilderness in a tent! I need my own hopper and shower !!! LOL :laughing:

[kimluvswdw]

Sometimes the busses can be slow at the fort. I guess it depends on how much in a hurry you are. Unless you have an AP it will cost you to park at the parks. It is not worth it.

[RvUsa]

I am pretty sure it is free to park if you are a resort guest... not positive but pretty sure.

[lynndiwagon]

Rog, I absolutely agree. The weirdest layout I've ever seen. Don't even think about going from FW to MK parking lot, even though you can see it across the road from that intersection by the MK gates. Without the Garmin I would have been totally lost. Somewhere in the layout of the roads there is a plot to somehow get more money out of you, like "it's just easier eating here than trying to find our way back to our camper." Or "let's put on a half-a**ed fireworks display so they have to stay and eat." It's all planned, as soon as it gets dark out comes the mixed drinks and the glowing toys for the kids, etc., of course the kids have to eat.

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Yes if you are staying onsite you get free parking in all the Disney World parks. We to used GPS last time 2007 . In 2004 we navagated by map. That was interesting but my wife is good with directions so I didn't get lost. lol.

[LarryJ]

Way back when TTC was still in play we almost always took buses/watercraft, but now you're fairly limited like bus to EPCOT vice bus to TTC and then monorail. This last time we drove more than we ever did before, but never to MK. However, a lot of our park visits were only for several hours ... don't think we ever stayed more than 4 hours at any park so driving made sense for us since it cut down by at least half the total travel time.

Larry

[clkelley]

I agree Carol. It's nice just to sit on the bus and look at the posters for movies and abc stuff. If we're staying at Epcot after closing I do drive though because the bus is packed and sometimes you don't get on.

I never found that on the Ft. Wilderness busses. When we used to stay at Value resorts, yep just about every ride was standing room only. On my Ft. Wilderness trips, always have a seat on the bus! (When staying to park closing, I rarely get out to the bus stop till at least an hour after park closing, maybe longer, and always wander onto a waiting bus to take the last few guests back).

[FFerret]

When we went OCT 03 we took the bus one time from FW to MGM. Waited for quite some time -- apparently there was a carwreck/fire somewhere at WDW right before. When we got on we were taken a route I've never seen before or since--we drove by the Monorail Barn. I thought it was pretty neat :)

We're never taking the bus again. Of course that wasn't Disney's fault. And if we were in our car then we would have been either in traffic or also re-routed. But, be would have been in our car.

[Take Your Pick]

Like several others have recommended, drive everywhere but MK. We've experimented with both driving and riding the boat. Because driving only takes you as far as the TTS and then you switch to the monorail, the boat is the same time. Best part: the boat is more of a "ride" than the bus.

HINT: Get out your map of the World before you go to your park destination. Disney's signs to parks keep you going the way THEY want you to go--not necessarily the shortest route.

[DisCamper]

We drive everywhere,But take the boat to MK

[JPG]

We love the buses. BUT....We are not in a hurry. We are on vacation and relaxing by not having to drive is a good thing for us.

[Winkster]

We love the buses. BUT....We are not in a hurry. We are on vacation and relaxing by not having to drive is a good thing for us.

I see this differently.

I'm on vacation so I don't want to waste time sat in a bus packed full of people (usually including the odd screaming kid and loud mouthed parent). I want to get to the parks as quickly and as comfortably as possible to start having fun. I didn't come on vacation to be in a bus and I certainly don't see this as being fun or relaxing! For me, the only way to get around is by car.

We also generally rent a convertible car which is great fun in the Florida sunshine - and driving at WDW is so easy and relaxing that the whole thing becomes a pleasure.

For me, buses will never come close to the comfort and speed of a car.

[loveDmouse]

We are in a motorhome and don't have a toad with us so we use Disney transportation. We never have any trouble with it. It is just the two of us and we aren't in some huge hurry but I don't ever feel like we are wasting much time. Even if we had a car with us we would still use Disney transportation. We have not had trouble with crowded busses either. We go early to mid December and are gone before the Christmas crowds start rolling in.
I think it is great not to have to worry about driving once there. :thumbsup2

[TheGreatGonzo]

I travel solo most of the time and just wing-it with the schedule, so I can change parks on a whim. That probably makes the transportation a little easier for me. With my memory I'd probably have trouble remembering which park I left my truck at anyway. With the busses, boats and monorails I don't have to go back to somewhere to find it. At Epcot it would be even more difficult when I may enter at one gate and leave thruogh the other. I also will often take the boat to MK or CR and hop the monorails to Epcot. I guess I look at the transportation as part of the fun while I am there - just park the truck and forget it unless I need to leave the property. After all - I will be driving it for 17 or 18 hours each way just to get there and back so its nice to let someone else drive - remember, I am on vacation.

[clkelley]

I travel solo most of the time and just wing-it with the schedule, so I can change parks on a whim. That probably makes the transportation a little easier for me. With my memory I'd probably have trouble remembering which park I left my truck at anyway. With the busses, boats and monorails I don't have to go back to somewhere to find it. At Epcot it would be even more difficult when I may enter at one gate and leave thruogh the other. I also will often take the boat to MK or CR and hop the monorails to Epcot. I guess I look at the transportation as part of the fun while I am there - just park the truck and forget it unless I need to leave the property. After all - I will be driving it for 17 or 18 hours each way just to get there and back so its nice to let someone else drive - remember, I am on vacation.

That sounds EXACTLY like the way I tour, I may start the morning with breakfast at Boma, then a quick ride on Everest, then over to MK for the mountains and Carousel of Progress, then dinner at Ohana, then go to Epcot for Soarin and Illuminations, then maybe a round of mini golf, or over to Jellyrolls or Adventurers Club to finish off the evening. Repeat for 14 days and that's a couple of tanks of gas, plus I wouldn't be able to drink in the evening :cool1: It's Disney transportation for me!!!

[YellowXterra]

DRIVE ! ! ! !

nuff said

[douglisa]

I am pretty sure it is free to park if you are a resort guest... not positive but pretty sure.

Not to question your knowledge RvUsa, could someone else tell me if resort guests have to pay for parking? Just making sure.

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

If you stay onsite at one of the hotels or campground. You can park for free at all Disney attractions. We drive all the time. We hate the buses.

[clkelley]

All Disney resort guests get free parking, except for Shades of Green.

[dtum]

Disney transport only for us. Once we arrive and unhook our truck it never moves again until we leave. We love riding the buses, etc. Not is a hurry to go any place and have never really waited more than 5-10 min. Having someone else drive us around takes the hassle out of fighting traffic and parking lots to us. :goodvibes

[Tent Camping Mom]

I travel solo most of the time and just wing-it with the schedule, so I can change parks on a whim. That probably makes the transportation a little easier for me. With my memory I'd probably have trouble remembering which park I left my truck at anyway. With the busses, boats and monorails I don't have to go back to somewhere to find it. At Epcot it would be even more difficult when I may enter at one gate and leave thruogh the other. I also will often take the boat to MK or CR and hop the monorails to Epcot. I guess I look at the transportation as part of the fun while I am there - just park the truck and forget it unless I need to leave the property. After all - I will be driving it for 17 or 18 hours each way just to get there and back so its nice to let someone else drive - remember, I am on vacation.

Exactly like us except we're a family of 3. We wing-it too and choose the busses for everywhere except MK and Downtown Disney (only because we do a lot of shopping and need a place for package storage during the day).

We do a lot of park hopping and driving is just too stressful and too much like work...we like the cool busses and relaxing between parks.

[Skyw]

We do both. Usually we just use Disney transportation. This past year we drove. And it was a pretty good experience. My son was 4. It was nice to get into our car quickly and drive right to the cabin. But he also enjoyed riding the bus!!!! So next time, we will do both. When I didn't have my son, we would enjoy a few adult beverages so using the Disney system was a must.

[chief19spixi]

Drive Drive Drive for two weeks we didn't even use a 1/4 tank of fuel! I cannot stand busses.

[Us3]

Drive Drive Drive for two weeks we didn't even use a 1/4 tank of fuel! I cannot stand busses.

How was your trip chief19spixi? Did I miss your TR?

[lklasing]

Like several others have recommended, drive everywhere but MK. We've experimented with both driving and riding the boat. Because driving only takes you as far as the TTS and then you switch to the monorail, the boat is the same time. Best part: the boat is more of a "ride" than the bus.

HINT: Get out your map of the World before you go to your park destination. Disney's signs to parks keep you going the way THEY want you to go--not necessarily the shortest route.

Where do you find driving maps to all of the parks? Are they available online somewhere?

[chief19spixi]

:thumbsup2 How was your trip chief19spixi? Did I miss your TR?

it was great.. im trying to get all my pics gathered up so with the report you all will have the pics to go with it!!

[ammie98]

Since we fly into Sanford,we have to rent a car. We took the boat to the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary to eat. We drove to the rest of the parks. We just like having the freedom to come and go. Our last visit we shopped at Wynn Dixie before checking in then didn't leave the Disney grounds for the whole week! Hope this helps!

[Gatordad]

the bus is for people long on time and short on money.

[ntsammy5]

ammie98 Uk?

[CCIntrigue]

It depends on the time of year you're there! We always take the buses and never have a wait. The buses are faster than trying to find the car in those huge parking lots.

[~Kristina~]

We use the busses.

[TheFlame]

We always use Disney transportation. We use the boat for MK and the busses for the rest. Our last trip (Jan.08) was pretty horrible as they were changing all of the bus routes. The worst wait was for internal busses to get to the settlement or outpost and for a bus to leave AK.:scared1: I don't know what we will do in August, we might try one day of driving just to see how it is. I can't imagine that driving, parking and waiting for a tram at the park(then doing it in reverse at closing) is quicker in general than getting on a bus. I would think that it depends on the crowds and if you are on a bus with a wheelchair or two. Then, it does take all day but that is okay, I am always thankful that I am able-bodied and respect those that are not and their desire to enjoy life. After all, I am on vacation and ready to slow down!:thumbsup2

the bus is for people long on time and short on money.

Didn't you already say that? Doesn't make much sense to me!

[Gatordad]

I have already said that. It makes sense. I hate being on someone elses schedule, so before we lived in FL, I would always rent a car.

[TheFlame]

I too like to drive and be in control of my own destiny, which BTW drives my better half CRAZY! He drives the speed limit but IS the best driver in the world and I am his exact opposite. At Disney, I just want to be chauffeured and I can't afford a limo(so I must be long on time and short on money!:confused3 )so I take the redneck's version of being driven around. I take full advantage of all the perks of staying on property and try to save money as much as possible. We park the truck and try not to move it until it is time to go! I just don't think(not sure though) that driving is really all that faster. At least you get taken to the "door" of the parks. When you drive, you still have to walk to a tram stop, wait on it and do the same again(possibly in bad weather). If I had a little one, I would probably drive, but we don't:banana: and WON'T :scared1: ever have another one of those!

[des1954]

Whenever we go to P.I. or DTD, we take the bus. Parking is too crazy there, or DH & I have had too many kungalooshes to drive back to FtW! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_7_6.gif (*******************************************ZSzeb0 01_ZSYYYYYYOCUS)

When we go to the parks, we ususally drive so we can park hop with ease.





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[tinah159]

We always use the buses. It allows us to have a drink or two.

[TheFlame]

We always use the buses. It allows us to have a drink or two.

WOW! Good reason!:crazy:

[BigDaddyRog]

At the end of a long day in the park...the last thing I wanna do is get lost trying to drive myself back to the fort. I hate driving...at home, I let the wife drive everywhere....I hate driving even more than I hate the way my wife drives...and thats pretty bad. The busses are dark and cool and my kids stay quiet because their shy and tend not to talk around strangers (for the first 30 minutes, anyway)but in our vehicle they would be screaming at each other and loud and obnoxious and I would end up wrecking and we would all die a horrible burning death...so, with that in mind...the buses are a life saver!!!

[FairWeather]

My only concern is getting to the parks, I keep hearing that the busses are awful at FW and I don't want to spend forever on the busses. Would it just be easier to drive yourself to the park than wait on the busses? We've always enjoyed the busses during all of our previous trips, I'm just worried about time.

I'm new here, but have been to WDW many times. In fact, we just returned home from a week there last night. We decided to stay on property this time and forgo the car rental. Here are some reflections of our experience:

For us, relying totally on the bus service to get around was a terrible decision. Long lines and long waits in the hot sun only to have near-full busses arrive because they were shared with other resorts. I'm also unimpressed with the insufficient amount of available seating on these busses. We spent most of our trips standing with our young children as the bus blazed down the road at full speed. The constant accelerating/braking was aggravating ...and dangerous too, IMO. And at the end of a long day at the parks, I don't want to take the scenic tour back to my hotel -- standing, no less!

We're big Disney fans and love the parks, but we'll never be without our own set of wheels again!

[Born 2 Fish]

We're big Disney fans and love the parks, but we'll never be without our own set of wheels again!

:thumbsup2 Agreed.

[Junebugwv]

We are on day 8 of our 11 days at the Cabins right now. We have a rental car and would not want to rely on the buses. The weather has been hot most of this trip (really? in August?) and the rain hits without warning. I try to notice the buses and they look full most of the time...with a lot of people waiting to get on at the next stop.

If you are comfortable driving around the World, it sure is convenient to have your own transportation.

[Brer Bear]

We drive to everything except the boat to MK. Way faster and more flexible when my DW decides we need to go somewhere other than our original destination halfway there!

[jimlin]

In my only visit to the fort we parked our van the day we arrived and didn't use it all week. This time I want to drive to DTD and most of the parks with the exception of MK. Of course this will depend on how busy the parks on in january.

Jim

[Momof626x3]

We just returned from 12 days at the Fort. We did use the buses many times...I found that we should allow about 1 hour to reach the parks from our campsite. We were in loop 200 and had to catch a bus from the Settlement to the Outpost and then wait for the park bus (and our luck was always bad it seemed....they sent two of every OTHER park other than the one we were going to). Also to consider...Ft. W. shares a bus with the WL to Epcot and DHS, and Ft. W. is picked up second. We never had a problem finding a seat on the way to the park. BUT on the way home after a busy day at Epcot seating was at a minimum and WL is the first stop...we had to go all the way back around to get back to Ft. W. because the buses don't take the short cut through the woods. Sometimes it was easier to take a bus to WL and then catch the Ft. W. shuttle from there because it DOES go directly through the woods to the Settlement (near our site).

On several occaissions we chose to drive to the parks (in the morning so we parked relatively close) and I would say that is the way to go if you aren't planning on having a few drinks. It is a long hot wait in the sun for the buses, but it is also a long hot walk across the parking lot to your car (in August).

[chipscamping buddy]

We have been at the park for a week now (very sad - going home today), and have split between buses and bikes. I can say that until this trip we have pretty much always done the buses, and they have never been that bad. Will they take a little longer to get somewhere? Sure, but I am on vacation, the last thing I want is to be worried about following a schedule and meeting deadlines. If a bus in the park is ridicolously overfilled, then I will wait, because odds are the first bus was way off on the timing and the second bus will be along within 10 minutes. The travel to the parks is usually a bigger problem, but again, VACATION.

I have seen a lot of people who complain the buses take half an hour to get them to a park, get excited about ONLY waiting 30 minutes for a ride, and then leave 4 hours before the park closes.

[HeatherPage]

the bus is for people long on time and short on money.

Hmmm...it's been a few months, isn't it time for Gatordad to come back and mention this. :rolleyes:

[Gatordad]

we had to use the bus on Monday, and yes, I'll re-iterate.

THE BUS IS FOR PEOPLE LONG ON TIME AND SHORT ON MONEY...... and for folks with a truck with a dead battery in a hurry to meet for lunch at wilderness lodge.

[clkelley]

Or folks that are long on time and who hate to drive!!!!!!

[saw1810]

ya, we were in no hurry while there, and only a couple of times did we have to wait long or get on a hot crowded bus. most of the time the bus we needed was right there!:thumbsup2

[disney4dan]

We used to use the buses all the time when staying in the resorts, but used our rental car all the time when Nancy and I went by ourselves for a long weekend. Saved a lot of time and was entertaining to try and figure out where in the heck we were going! I remember the days when the bus drivers were also comedians and would get the guests going with songs or jokes.

However, I like the convenience of using our own car and it did save us time this last trip. Hard to say which is worse, waiting in a hot line for the bus or waiting in a hot car for the AC to get cranked up.

On another note, for all you folks who drive a truck, have you noticed that people who design parking lots lately have graduated from inner city schools where people drive nothing but Smart Cars or VW's? I don't drive a big truck by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm getting sick of having to let the family out of the truck before parking, then squeezing into some miniscule parking spot with half the truck hanging out one end or the other. Usually go to the far end of the lot.

[Born 2 Fish]

I totally agree with disney4dan.
And that big truck / parking spot thing,,we do have a big truck and you nailed that "park'n/gett'n in an out" thing right on the head !
Gett'n harder all the time.

[debraW76]

Hi All! We are staying at Ft Wilderness for the first time this fall! I have a question about transportation from the campground. You all mentioned the pros/cons of driving vs. taking the bus to the DHS, AK, and EPCOT parks (I think there is a general consensus that taking the boat to MK is better). But what about the monorail to EPCOT? Couldn't you just take the boat to the contemporary or MK, then take the monorail to TTC, then monorail to EPCOT?

I've never done this as we always drive and have never use disney transportaition - but then again we have always stayed offsite. The Unofficial guide lists driving time from Ft Wilderness to EPCOT at around 25 minutes (I think, going from memory here) but using disney transport to nearly an hour. I was just wondering if he was referring to bus or monorail or if one is quicker than the other? For those who have stayed at FTW and have taken the monorail, how long did it take? THanks!
:confused3

[Rhonda]

Hi All! We are staying at Ft Wilderness for the first time this fall! I have a question about transportation from the campground. You all mentioned the pros/cons of driving vs. taking the bus to the DHS, AK, and EPCOT parks (I think there is a general consensus that taking the boat to MK is better). But what about the monorail to EPCOT? Couldn't you just take the boat to the contemporary or MK, then take the monorail to TTC, then monorail to EPCOT?

I've never done this as we always drive and have never use disney transportaition - but then again we have always stayed offsite. The Unofficial guide lists driving time from Ft Wilderness to EPCOT at around 25 minutes (I think, going from memory here) but using disney transport to nearly an hour. I was just wondering if he was referring to bus or monorail or if one is quicker than the other? For those who have stayed at FTW and have taken the monorail, how long did it take? THanks!
:confused3

That's the way we usually do it. Not so much to save time, as we just like to ride the monorail!! :)

The Disney transportation system is great -- it may be slow at times, but we figure we're on vacation, and it's one time we don't have to RUSH to get anyplace! The buses, boats, and monorails are part of the fun for us!

[debraW76]

thanks Rhonda. Do you remember if you went to Cont or MK first? And do you remmeber about how much time it took?

Also, do the boats go anywhere else (DTD, beach resorts, etc) ?

[TheGreatGonzo]

I'd see which boat arrives first and is least crowded. Either will probably take about the same amount of time since you may need to stop at WL before CR - depends on the time of day weather they go CW or CCW. You'll do less walking using the MK boat since you don't have to walk down the long CR dock and go up several floors to the platform.

[clkelley]

We found out Sunday night that if there is a VERY long line for the boat to MK, just get on the Contemporary/WL boat. We got on the first boat, whereas we would have been on boat #2 for the MK. We went to Contemporary first, then walked to MK.

Much easier.

This is in the evenings. In the morning, the launch may go to WL first.

[Rhonda]

I agree, the boat to the Contemporary is much faster than the MK boat. :)

No, DD is on a different lake, so there are no boats that go from FW to DD.

And the "Beach" resorts (Beach Club/Yacht Club, Boardwalk) are all on another lake!! So, their boats do not go to FW or DD either!

There are 3 lakes. Each lake has it's own resorts, with it's own boat system.

[mom2girls]

I have stayed at Fort Wilderness in the past. Never thought I would stay anywhere else again. But I am far away in Canada and travelling alone with my daughter. Therefore I have chosen to fly and stay at POR. Now here is my question... How can I get to my favorite campground on earth from POR quickest? I am thinking bus to MK, boat to Fort. Does anyone have a better suggestion? Hoping to use Disney transport exclusively. I cannot leave without at least a quick visit!!! I have no idea how I am going to stand being in a hotel room after always travelling in my pop up.:confused:

TIA

[clkelley]

I have stayed at Fort Wilderness in the past. Never thought I would stay anywhere else again. But I am far away in Canada and travelling alone with my daughter. Therefore I have chosen to fly and stay at POR. Now here is my question... How can I get to my favorite campground on earth from POR quickest? I am thinking bus to MK, boat to Fort. Does anyone have a better suggestion? Hoping to use Disney transport exclusively. I cannot leave without at least a quick visit!!! I have no idea how I am going to stand being in a hotel room after always travelling in my pop up.:confused:

TIA

You got it right!! Plan an afternoon break from the MK at the Fort!! Just take the boat over from the MK, have lunch or an early dinner at Trails End, go to the movie/singalong, and if MK is still open reverse the process!!

[mom2girls]

Thanks for the reply, Carol. I have to tell you I love your trailer! Perhaps when the kids are gone. Looks like it is perfect tor 2.

12 days:cheer2:

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

If you drive your own vehicle while staying at FW----

1) where is your vehicle parked while you're staying at FW and how do you get to it? Doesn't that in itself take awhile?

2) how much does it cost to park at the parks and the resorts if you drive yourself?

[2goofycampers]

If you drive your own vehicle while staying at FW----

1) where is your vehicle parked while you're staying at FW and how do you get to it? Doesn't that in itself take awhile?

2) how much does it cost to park at the parks and the resorts if you drive yourself?

You can park 1 vehicle on your site, resort guests park free.

[BradyBz12]

You'll get a parking pass at check in. Keep it in your car and show this at the entrance booths to the parks and you don't have to pay.

You're allowed to park one car on your site or at your cabin. You'll need your KTTW card to open the gate and drive back into FW when you return, so keep it handy. :)

[TOGA]

We had no complaints about any of the transportation methods found at WDW which included buses, monorails, boats and our own two feet.

The buses were not crowded at all and very often we were the only ones on it {end of January camping might have had something to do with it}. We threw caution to the wind and our car keys in the pop-up and didn't start the car until it was time to go home.

[dtum]

That's what we do every trip. It's just more relaxing to not have to worry about driving to the parks. Just plan for the extra time needed and go for it. Even when they are crowded, it's never been that awful.

[TOGA]

I will amend this to say that the only time we drove ourselves was to MK 1 time and that was because we had very-early Cinderella Breakfast reservations and even the CM that checked us in suggested we should drive since the Disney transportation likely wouldn't start up or get us there in time.

Other than that, we let Disney do the driving. Once we got the hang of it, we even turned it into a 'ride'. From EPCOT we took the monorail to the TTC, then the ferry to MK and a boat back to FW. Had a great time and good conversations with lots of people.

[2goofycampers]

The boat starts running to the Contemporary at 6:45 AM then you can walk to the MK from there if you have early b/fast ADR's.

[Shan-man]

Just be aware that the walk from the dock at the Contemporary to the turnstiles at the MK is a 3,600 foot walk (that's twice as far as from the turnstiles to Space Mountain!). Add 1,200 feet to walk from the Settlement Depot to the FW Dock, and 1,300 feet from the turnstiles to CRT and you are talking some serious walking to start your day! Just allow time and energy for it.

[ntsammy5]

Don't foget the 20 feet or so if you have to make a side trip to stall #2

[tnhewitt]

Ok, it has been many years since I have been to the Contemporary ( we stayed there when it first opened in 1971 (or was it 1972?) anyway - can't you take the boat from FW to Contemporary and then hop the monorail to MK or Epcot? Or am I totally out of the loop now?
21 days and counting to first FW stay - can't wait!!!!!

[marble96]

Yes you can take the boat from FW to the Contemporary then take the Monorail to the Epcot or MK but if you are are going to the MK from FW take the boat it is much faster. We always take Disney transportation because I am on holiday let someone else drive.

[auntie]

Don't foget the 20 feet or so if you have to make a side trip to stall #2


:rotfl2:

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Just be aware that the walk from the dock at the Contemporary to the turnstiles at the MK is a 3,600 foot walk (that's twice as far as from the turnstiles to Space Mountain!). Add 1,200 feet to walk from the Settlement Depot to the FW Dock, and 1,300 feet from the turnstiles to CRT and you are talking some serious walking to start your day! Just allow time and energy for it.
My gosh how do you know that? LOL

Don't foget the 20 feet or so if you have to make a side trip to stall #2
:rotfl:

At first we thought we'd take Disney transportation BUT we also thought we couldn't have our tow vehicle at our site! Such noobs we are. LOL
now I think we've decided that with previous experience at how LONG it takes using internal buses, then the buses to the parks just VISITING FW that except for MK we're gonna drive and get there faster.

[Shan-man]

Haven't you heard, I'm the numbers guy! I measured all these distances in Google Earth.

[BradyBz12]

can't you take the boat from FW to Contemporary and then hop the monorail to MK or Epcot?

You can, and we've done it lots, but it's not the quickest way to MK. Just the walk from the Contemporary boat dock to the monorail is a hike in itself (which I always forget until the first time we do it each trip)!

[MadFF]

This is sort of like the "thread that never ends", lol! I may have posted in this thread already, I am not sure. Anyways...

When we were at Fort Wildernes in October 2008 (already a long time ago...:sad1: ), we used all the transportation options. Taking the boat from Fort Wilderness to Magic Kingdom is a requirement - just too cool not to do it.

During our stay, crowds were not bad. Buses within Fort Wilderness were rarely if ever "crowded". Related to this... we didn't rush to get going in the mornings, I think on numerous days we showed up after the crowd had already rushed out of FW to the various parks. We ended up having some neat conversations with other people on the buses. A couple times when waiting for a awhile at the Settlement for the correct color bus, I asked the driver of a different bus about where "our" bus was, and Voila! He just reached over and changed his bus to the color we needed!

Buses to other parks and to Downtown Disney did take a little while, but maybe because this was all new to us we really didn't notice. Also, as someone else posted, the drivers were all great. One driver in particular insisted that we see the Stunt Show at Disney Studios, and I am thankful for that as it was a great show.

It took my wife a couple times to realize what was happening, but she finally asked why it seemed we were going the "long way" a couple times... I was intentionally "making" us have to take the Monorail! A note about that... when you take the boat from Fort Wilderness to the Contemporary in order to take the monrail, it is a longer walk than I thought from the dock to the monorail station.

We also drove to and from Pop Century, where we hung out with relatives a few times watching TV, and to Typhoon Lagoon. Really no problems driving around, once we figured out our routes... as previously mentioned, the layout of the roads is sometimes rather odd. As to parking anywhere in Disney World, no problems -- just keep your Fort Wilderness vehicle pass on your dashboard and keep your park pass / ID card thingys with you.

So, after writing all that... the transportation system is very, very good. Disney WILL get you to where you want to go. You may have to wait a few minutes -- but if the wait seems too long, ASK!! You may be in the wrong spot to wait, and/or a Disney person will see that you are helped out.

I think after we (hopefully) go a few more times, the "newness" of the transportation system will wear out, and we will drive more. But for now, it is all part of the experience.

[DisneyBishops]

When at the fort i am not doing any driving. Except for the golf cart. I only bring my golf cart and no car. If i wanna go anywhere I let Disney do the driving. People you are on vacation, if you are in that big of a hurry, then stay home. It will leave more availability for the rest of us that just want to relax and enjoy the fort.

[dtum]

We consider the transportation to be part of the nightly rate...get the most out of your $$...why use your gas?

[Shan-man]

If this thread really is going to be around forever, could the OP please fix the title... the plural of bus is buses, not busses (which is a real word, ala fuse busses). Ugh, this has been driving me nuts for months! I know, I'm sad. Oddly, I feel better having vented.

[2goofycampers]

Actually now both are correct.


bus1   /bʌs/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [buhs] Show IPA noun, plural bus⋅es, bus⋅ses, verb, bused or bussed, bus⋅ing or bus⋅sing.

[ntsammy5]

plural is Bussi

[2goofycampers]

plural is Bussi

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Bussi

[TOGA]

The Disney Bus in question?

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss154/TOGA66/DisneyBus2.jpg

[mdoc]

We always have a car at the Fort, and we usually drive to the parks. Occasionally we'll take the buses, and they're usually great. Sometimes it's standing room only, and sometimes you might have to wait awhile, but if the timing gods are smiling on you, the bus is sometimes faster than driving, parking and getting to the entrance. All of that said, we like to get to the parks for rope drop and I prefer to drive - more certainty that we'll be there when we want to be.

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Actually now both are correct.


bus1   /bʌs/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [buhs] Show IPA noun, plural bus⋅es, bus⋅ses, verb, bused or bussed, bus⋅ing or bus⋅sing.
And THIS is why little kids are more confused in school these days.
(and Judge Judy was right the other day when she mentioned how they keep updating and changing the dictionary)
:lmao:

I think I asked somewhere- maybe this thread? In any case I can't find it... so I'll ask again.

Is it HARD to find your way from FW to all the parks and BB (excuding MK which we'll use the boat)? We'd rather drive- and it's not about being in a hurry.. it's about we'd rather use that bus time sleeping in, having a nice breakfast in our TT, and getting there when we want to- not depending on luck (because we usually have bad luck) on how long it will take to get there. That's just less stressful for us and it can't be using NEAR as much gas as if we were home driving to work/etc. :) But I'm not fond of the idea of getting lost and driving around forever trying to find the right way to get to the park we want to...

[2goofycampers]

They will give you a map of the world and there are lots of signs, so getting around is pretty easy.

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

I agree they do give you a map. Use it, learn it back and forth. We also use GPS. We bookmark all the destinations before we leave home. That way we let it guide us. It has taken us a few different ways that was a bit quicker. The signs heard you like cattle so everyone will go the same way. Sometimes out of your way a bit but still way faster than the buses.

[Shan-man]

There are signs everywhere and it is easy to find your destination just using them. The one instance I can think of where you don't want to follow the signs is FW to DtD and back. For some reason Disney wants to direct you through the MK toll gates. Instead, when leaving FW take a left and take the first right (Bonnet Creek), DtD will be on your right in a couple miles.

[BradyBz12]

Only possible way to get lost is if you have a condition that prohibits you from being able to read enormous purple & red signs! :rotfl2:

Worst case if you miss an exit you may need to go around the long way, but the signs will always get you there.

Definitely take Shan-man's suggestion about DTD-FW, though. Much quicker and more direct. :thumbsup2

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

There are signs everywhere and it is easy to find your destination just using them. The one instance I can think of where you don't want to follow the signs is FW to DtD and back. For some reason Disney wants to direct you through the MK toll gates. Instead, when leaving FW take a left and take the first right (Bonnet Creek), DtD will be on your right in a couple miles.
Do you have to pay the toll? is that why they want you to go that way?
Maknig a note about how to get to DTD- we are planning on going there atleast one day/evening if not more. Thanks!

[Shan-man]

Not if you have already checked in and have a parking pass... or if you are about to check in you just tell them where you're going and they wave you through.

[BigDaddyRog]

If you have a GPS device...this is a very valuable thread....
GPS FOR DISNEY WORLD (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1691065)

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

No GPS- sorry.

[eandesmom]

Bus. Boat. Monorail. Not in that order, but often more than one.

I am on vacation. I'm not driving, I'm not dealing with someone else driving and trying to park, I'm not dealing with turn here or turn there. I'm on vacation. Someone else can drive and I am more than happy to plan for a little extra travel time if needed!

For us, no car for the bulk of the trip, no GC, in 7 days we had one truly bad bus experience and I can't see how that was a Fort issue. One day it took 40 minutes for an AK bus to show up. While the one day we had a car there were some nice things about it, in a way there was way more work (for me) I thought. I can't think of a single instance, during Presidents week where the parks were PACKED that I was in a standing room situation.

I can however vividly recall that kind of crammed bus from my one day at ASM.

Personally, I had zero issues with getting to resorts. But we planned our resort dinner reservations in ways that made it easy. Boma after AK, Poly after MK, etc. Spa services at MK resorts which were a boat or 2 away. I suppose it would depend on the resort you are trying to get to but really, if planned right, all would be pretty simple I think :)

[fldisneyfamily]

I am on vacation. I'm not driving, I'm not dealing with someone else driving and trying to park, I'm not dealing with turn here or turn there. I'm on vacation. Someone else can drive and I am more than happy to plan for a little extra travel time if needed!

I'm right with ya on that!!!:thumbsup2