Driving to other resorts for ADRs...

[hokie98]

We'll have our car at WDW; if we make an ADR at a resort not easily accessible by bus/monorail/etc, we can drive directly to the resort, right? We are staying at POR, so say I make an ADR at Cape May...I can drive there, right (which is easier/quicker than going to a park then hopping a bus, or boat, to the resort...)?

 

[Kimosabe]

Yes - just tell the guard at the entrance gate that you have a reservation somewhere and they will let you in.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Or, if you don't have a reservation, just tell the guard you are going to eat at the resort. He/she may ask for the restaurant name, just to be sure it is at that resort, but that's all.

The guard will require to see a photo id, even if you have your resort parking pass on the dash. We use our driver's license (does not have to be Florida).

The guard may give you a paper for your dash that lists your parking expiration time - usually 3 hours.

We always drive to our dining spots; so much quicker; so much more comfortable & peaceful.

Enjoy!

 

[hokie98]

Awesome! Thank you!!

 

[dansyr2514]

BTW...it is so much quicker to drive. What would take over an hour on the bus would probably take 10- 15 min to drive. That's why we always rent a car!

 

[momofkids]

Does it work the same if you take a taxi? Do they ask the restaurant and require ID?

 

[gtpoohbear]

Does it work the same if you take a taxi? Do they ask the restaurant and require ID?

I've taken a taxi between resorts a couple of times and we didn't even have to stop at the guard stand... not sure if that is always the case but it was my experience anyway.

And definitely agree that if you have a car, driving to other resorts is way easier. We don't usually have one, so when we do I make good use of it and get to eat at places I wouldn't normally bother making an ADR at b/c getting there is too difficult.

 

[ready2vacation]

Does it work the same if you take a taxi? Do they ask the restaurant and require ID?

It has been a few years, but we took a taxi back from Universal to YC (where we were staying) and we stopped at the guard shack. I remember the guard giving the driver a hard time, but can't remember why and it seems like we had to show our IDs from the backseat. I wish I could recall the specifics, but all I remember is that it was "odd" and seemed like the taxi didn't follow the correct protocol.

 

[dansyr2514]

If you're staying onsite...they'll usually just ask you to show your room key. I think things are a bit tighter when special events are going on nearby. For example, if you want to park at Beach club or Boardwalk during food and wine...you may need to provide more info.

 

[aurora72]

It has been a few years, but we took a taxi back from Universal to YC (where we were staying) and we stopped at the guard shack. I remember the guard giving the driver a hard time, but can't remember why and it seems like we had to show our IDs from the backseat. I wish I could recall the specifics, but all I remember is that it was "odd" and seemed like the taxi didn't follow the correct protocol.

There is a taxi company Disney has a contract with. If you use the other companies, Disney gives them a very hard time. My friend took a taxi from the airport to Epcot and Disney wanted to charge the taxi the full price for parking, even though it was just dropping off. The gate guard was not happy when my friend showed his annual pass, to get free parking.

 

[juliebug1997]

There is a taxi company Disney has a contract with. If you use the other companies, Disney gives them a very hard time. My friend took a taxi from the airport to Epcot and Disney wanted to charge the taxi the full price for parking, even though it was just dropping off. The gate guard was not happy when my friend showed his annual pass, to get free parking.

Yikes! That's not what I would call customer service friendly.

We've taken taxis from POR to other resorts several times to make our ADRs, especially since we've had a few bad experiences and near misses using Disney Transportation to get there. I know a lot of Disers have reported that sometimes the bus driver will take them directly to their ADR location, but it's never happened to us. We had an ADR at Ankershus last summer at 8:20 AM and we were at our bus stop by 6:45 AM and started waiting for an Epcot bus. After seeing three AK, four MK and two DHS buses, a transportation supervisor was called and he came to take us to Epcot. We made it, but it was a little frustrating. Plus, if you're doing ADRs in the mornings, taking a taxi can actually give you some additional sleeping time!

 

[sephorachick]

We'll have our car at WDW; if we make an ADR at a resort not easily accessible by bus/monorail/etc, we can drive directly to the resort, right? We are staying at POR, so say I make an ADR at Cape May...I can drive there, right (which is easier/quicker than going to a park then hopping a bus, or boat, to the resort...)?

yes, just tell the security guard you have a reservation & they'll let you right in.

 

[BearcatsFan]

How long should we allow to get from POFQ to the POLY for a Kona breakfast ADR at 10 a.m. by car?

 

[hokie98]

On a similar note, on our arrival day, we have an ADR at 1900 Fare for dinner, then we plan to head to MK for the Elec Parade & Wishes. Could/should we drive to the GF, then hop on the monorail/grab a boat after dinner to MK? Or, just drive to TTC as we're probably "suppose" to do? It would be alot easier leaving MK if we could just hop back over to the GF, then get in our car instead of fighting the crowds after the fireworks.

Edit here: I guess actually I can't if they only allow a parking pass for 3 hours, right? Shoot...

 

[BearcatsFan]

On a similar note, on our arrival day, we have an ADR at 1900 Fare for dinner, then we plan to head to MK for the Elec Parade & Wishes. Could/should we drive to the GF, then hop on the monorail/grab a boat after dinner to MK? Or, just drive to TTC as we're probably "suppose" to do? It would be alot easier leaving MK if we could just hop back over to the GF, then get in our car instead of fighting the crowds after the fireworks.

Edit here: I guess actually I can't if they only allow a parking pass for 3 hours, right? Shoot...

Exactly right. The parking passes are for only 3 hours. I believe, however, if you want to pay for valet parking, you can leave it all day at the GF in the valet parking lot.

 

[JimmyV]

How long should we allow to get from POFQ to the POLY for a Kona breakfast ADR at 10 a.m. by car?

From the intersection of Bonnet Creek Parkway and Vista Blvd to the Poly parking lot should take 5-10 minutes, depending on how you do at the traffic lights. But build in a little extra time to find a place to park, walk from the self-parking, and walk to the restaurant. Also, don't forget that you can valet the car. Just tell the valet that you are there for a meal. Saves some time looking for a parking place and the walk.

 

[mrjef]

I would drive if I were you. It is much quicker and more reliable to make sure you get to your ADR on time. I have driven to many other resorts to eat and never had any trouble with the security guards. Have a great time at WDW!!

 

[BearcatsFan]

From the intersection of Bonnet Creek Parkway and Vista Blvd to the Poly parking lot should take 5-10 minutes, depending on how you do at the traffic lights. But build in a little extra time to find a place to park, walk from the self-parking, and walk to the restaurant. Also, don't forget that you can valet the car. Just tell the valet that you are there for a meal. Saves some time looking for a parking place and the walk.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Everytime of the hundreds of times we have gone thru a resort guard gate, we have always been required to show photo id, even though we always display our paper parking pass on the dash which is visable thru the window by the guard. And, obviously, we always have our room keys with us. Maybe we look dangerous - us too old people!?

 

[Ro Z]

I've taken a taxi between resorts a couple of times and we didn't even have to stop at the guard stand... not sure if that is always the case but it was my experience anyway.

And definitely agree that if you have a car, driving to other resorts is way easier. We don't usually have one, so when we do I make good use of it and get to eat at places I wouldn't normally bother making an ADR at b/c getting there is too difficult.

We take taxis quite often. I don't have the patience to take a bus here and transfer there. Usually the taxi driver will show his credentials and we will be waved thru. Sometimes we will have to show a room key. Very easy! Driving is the quickest and cheaper way probably. But we like to grab a drink or 3 so taxis work for us!!!