WL Transportation Question - The DIS Discussion Forums

fitzperry · 10-07-2012, 11:58 AM

Planning our next trip--probably the week after Thanksgiving 2013--and evaluating resort options. In a couple of threads I've noticed people mention the boat from WL to CR for access to the monorail. Is this a reasonable way to get to Epcot (CR to TTC to Epcot) or are people just mentioning it as a way to access the monorail resorts for their dining and entertainment offerings?

As it is, a garden wing room at the CR is looking like more for the $$ than WL (monorail access and the daybed because my kids don't like to share a bed). I'm surprised that the CR garden wing runs less than a bunk bed room at WL.

Mousemommy1 · 10-07-2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitzperry

Planning our next trip--probably the week after Thanksgiving 2013--and evaluating resort options. In a couple of threads I've noticed people mention the boat from WL to CR for access to the monorail. Is this a reasonable way to get to Epcot (CR to TTC to Epcot) or are people just mentioning it as a way to access the monorail resorts for their dining and entertainment offerings?

As it is, a garden wing room at the CR is looking like more for the $$ than WL (monorail access and the daybed because my kids don't like to share a bed). I'm surprised that the CR garden wing runs less than a bunk bed room at WL.

Yikes! Why can't I edit the title of my post?!!! Just noticed my typo!

If you do the advanced edit, you can fix the typo on the title.

As far as the boat to CR to get the monorail, it is a completely reasonable way to get to Epcot, though it probably takes longer than just hopping on the Epcot bus. I would say that we hit it really good a couple of times, where we went to the boat dock, only waited 5 minutes for the boat to CR, then it's about a 10 minute ride to CR (because it stops at Ft. Wilderness), and then a 5 minute wait for monorail once at CR, and then ride to TTC, and then 5 minute wait for the monorail to Epcot, and then 7-ish minute ride to Epcot...so a total of about 30-40 minutes....but, waits could be longer.

Conversely, if you hit the bus right, then you are 10-15 minutes from Epcot, but if you miss the bus and have to wait 20 minutes for the next one, then you may be about 30 minutes total from getting to Epcot.

We had a very leisurely 11 day trip in July and used the boat to CR to monorail AND the bus option to Epcot about equally. Neither time did we feel that either was excessively long, but we don't tend to worry about that type of thing while on vacation either, so we've never really had any big issues with Disney transportation.

We're just happy not to be driving.

Kae · 10-07-2012, 12:32 PM

Helloo fellow hoosier

We have stayed at WL Twice once without & once with kids. When we stayed without kids we were the farthest room for the bus stop kid you not, so yes we would take the boat to CR, We would sit on the balcony & we could see the boats coming & then we would walk down the stairs & go to the dock much shorter walk, I would get a coffee at the Coffee bar at the CR then we would head out to the busses for the parks, Or go back up to the monorail. Was this a time saver I dont think.

When we went with the kids we were in the lobby area way closer to the bus stop so we used the bus stop most of the time. WE love WL & with the kids bunk beds are great & you will get a balcony at WL. I don't think the CR Garden wing rooms have balconies.

Check out this website http://www.wildernesslodgesite.com/ and they have a link to a CR fan page too.

Kae

siskaren · 10-07-2012, 12:33 PM

Personally, I would say it's not a reasonable way to get to Epcot because you would take the boat to CR, enter the resort, walk upstairs to the monorail platform, take the monorail to the TTC, then transfer to the monorail to Epcot.

traceyw · 10-07-2012, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siskaren

Personally, I would say it's not a reasonable way to get to Epcot because you would take the boat to CR, enter the resort, walk upstairs to the monorail platform, take the monorail to the TTC, then transfer to the monorail to Epcot.

I agree. The bus is the best route IMO.

fitzperry · 10-07-2012, 12:49 PM

Thanks for the quick replies!

I don't hate the buses like some do, but I'd much prefer to be on a boat or the monorail. Sounds like it might be a decent option depending on room location. It's always good to have choices.

mickeynut1 · 10-07-2012, 01:11 PM

Taking the bus would be the fastest way, but going via boat to CR is definitely another option if you don't mind it taking a little longer

. During our WL stays, we usually took the boat to the CR for accessing the monorail to visit the monorail resorts, but it certainly is doable to go that route to get to Epcot. We are never on a schedule when we're on vacation, so we are fine if it takes a little longer getting around. Plus, taking the boat to the CR is relaxing, with beautiful views of the lake along the way

.

Lynne M · 10-07-2012, 03:08 PM

It's a possible way to get to Epcot; by no means the fastest way. If you want to go the scenic route, and don't care that it will take significantly longer, it's certainly doable. The one time I did it, I think it took a little over an hour.

Sue M · 10-07-2012, 03:31 PM

I did the boat to CR, monorail to TTC then transfer to Epcot monorail once just for fun. Not an option if you're trying to make rope drop. Direct bus is sig. Faster, no mater your room location.

Taking the Boat to CR for ADR, or boat to MK then transferring to resort bus say if your ADR I'd away from MK area is very handy. We also take the MK boat for Poly & GF dinners, just transfer to GF/Poly boat at MK.

sazzifrazz · 10-07-2012, 09:37 PM

I'm staying at WL next weekend. We have a 9:15 ADR at ohanas. Is it fastest to take boat to CR then monorail to poly...Or boat to mk then monorail to poly

Mousemommy1 · 10-07-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sazzifrazz

I'm staying at WL next weekend. We have a 9:15 ADR at ohanas. Is it fastest to take boat to CR then monorail to poly...Or boat to mk then monorail to poly

Either one would be about the same...maybe boat to MK/monorail to POLY a little quicker since boat to MK is direct and boat to CR stops at Ft. Wilderness.

Depends on what boat comes first, take that one.

jtowntoflorida · 10-07-2012, 10:31 PM

We stayed at VWL last year and did take the boat to the Contemporary and then hopped the monorail to EPCOT. We did it because we weren't in a hurry and the kids loved the monorail. It definitely was not a timesaver and was a big trek that involved several different steps: WL boat ramp-on boat-off boat-up to monorail level at Contemporary-monorail to TTC-off monorail to switch lines-back onto monorail-to EPCOT. We didn't do it to save time, we did it to have fun and experience something that's classic Disney. I'd say do it once just to say you've experienced the monorail.

hot_mama · 10-07-2012, 11:25 PM

It is a very reasonable way to get there. We detest the busses! We actually enjoy the boat rides and the monorail. Even if we don't save time, we enjoy the ride!

GrandCalifornian · 10-08-2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sazzifrazz

I'm staying at WL next weekend. We have a 9:15 ADR at ohanas. Is it fastest to take boat to CR then monorail to poly...Or boat to mk then monorail to poly

In the mornings we found that the WL / CR / FW boats often did CR immediately after WL, so that made it a very short quick ride to the CR, where you can get on the monorail and the Poly will be the second stop. Also, once you are at the CR your monorail travel time is the same as for a CR resort guest, so the only additional time is the quick boat ride over from WL.

If you took the MK boat it is a longer boat ride, then you would want to make sure you got on the resort monorail (not the TTC Express one) and then it will take you to CR, then TTC, then the Poly, so we found that if you want to go monorail, getting on at CR worked a little faster.

You do have another option from MK though besides the monorail, once you are there you could take a boat to the Poly, which would be more direct but timing would depend on the wait for a boat.

Enjoy your trip, and your breakfast!

Sue M · 10-08-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sazzifrazz

I'm staying at WL next weekend. We have a 9:15 ADR at ohanas. Is it fastest to take boat to CR then monorail to poly...Or boat to mk then monorail to poly

I would either take the boat to CR, then monorail to Poly, or Boat to MK, then Boat to Poly. I'd say take the first boat to arrive at WL!

10-07-2012, 11:58 AM	#1
fitzperry DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,816	WL Transportation Question Planning our next trip--probably the week after Thanksgiving 2013--and evaluating resort options. In a couple of threads I've noticed people mention the boat from WL to CR for access to the monorail. Is this a reasonable way to get to Epcot (CR to TTC to Epcot) or are people just mentioning it as a way to access the monorail resorts for their dining and entertainment offerings? As it is, a garden wing room at the CR is looking like more for the $$ than WL (monorail access and the daybed because my kids don't like to share a bed). I'm surprised that the CR garden wing runs less than a bunk bed room at WL. __________________ Jen Last edited by fitzperry; 10-07-2012 at 12:47 PM.

10-07-2012, 12:32 PM	#3
Kae DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Indiana Posts: 6,588	Helloo fellow hoosierWe have stayed at WL Twice once without & once with kids. When we stayed without kids we were the farthest room for the bus stop kid you not, so yes we would take the boat to CR, We would sit on the balcony & we could see the boats coming & then we would walk down the stairs & go to the dock much shorter walk, I would get a coffee at the Coffee bar at the CR then we would head out to the busses for the parks, Or go back up to the monorail. Was this a time saver I dont think. When we went with the kids we were in the lobby area way closer to the bus stop so we used the bus stop most of the time. WE love WL & with the kids bunk beds are great & you will get a balcony at WL. I don't think the CR Garden wing rooms have balconies. Check out this website http://www.wildernesslodgesite.com/ and they have a link to a CR fan page too. Kae __________________ :Me DH DD12 DS15CSR Oct 2010-Just Me & DH!! May 2007-Pop & AKL June 2005-WL April 2005-Wyndham Palace March 2004-Marriott DTD Oct 2003-WL Oct 2001-Poly DS 1st Trip Oct 1999-POFQ May 1996-AS Music May 1994-Travel Lodge DTD Dec 1971-Contemporary DisneyLand-March 2006

10-07-2012, 12:49 PM	#6
fitzperry DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,816	Thanks for the quick replies! I don't hate the buses like some do, but I'd much prefer to be on a boat or the monorail. Sounds like it might be a decent option depending on room location. It's always good to have choices. __________________ Jen

10-07-2012, 01:11 PM	#7
mickeynut1 DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 8,540	Taking the bus would be the fastest way, but going via boat to CR is definitely another option if you don't mind it taking a little longer . During our WL stays, we usually took the boat to the CR for accessing the monorail to visit the monorail resorts, but it certainly is doable to go that route to get to Epcot. We are never on a schedule when we're on vacation, so we are fine if it takes a little longer getting around. Plus, taking the boat to the CR is relaxing, with beautiful views of the lake along the way . __________________ CBR July 2002 - BC December 2003 - WL CL Oct/Nov 2004 - WL September 2006 - Poly September 2007 - AKL/GF SL/WL January 2010 - AKL/GF December 2010 - GF RPC May 2011

10-07-2012, 03:31 PM	#9
Sue M DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2009 Location: B.C. Posts: 7,209	I did the boat to CR, monorail to TTC then transfer to Epcot monorail once just for fun. Not an option if you're trying to make rope drop. Direct bus is sig. Faster, no mater your room location. Taking the Boat to CR for ADR, or boat to MK then transferring to resort bus say if your ADR I'd away from MK area is very handy. We also take the MK boat for Poly & GF dinners, just transfer to GF/Poly boat at MK. __________________ Past Trips: Aug 2003 WDW Marriott Courtyard, [B]Aug 2005 [/BSeaWorld, Universal, Busch Gardens Hilton Garden Inn, ]Aug 2007 WDW CBR, Jan 2008WDW WL, Aug 2008St. Pete Beach, Universal-HRH, Sea Workd & Aquatica- Hyatt Place & Doubletree, Jan 2009WDW AKL, Aug 2009Key West Sheraton Suites, Cocoa Beach Hampton Inn, & WDW POR/WL, Jan 2010WDW Poly, Jan 2011WDW POR, Aug 2011WDW POR/BC CL, Jan 2012WDW WL, Aug 2012AKL CL, Jan. 2013POFQ Next trip GF & YC Aug 2013

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10-07-2012, 12:33 PM	#4
siskaren DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Aurora, IL Posts: 4,371	Personally, I would say it's not a reasonable way to get to Epcot because you would take the boat to CR, enter the resort, walk upstairs to the monorail platform, take the monorail to the TTC, then transfer to the monorail to Epcot.

10-07-2012, 03:08 PM	#8
Lynne M Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 8,043	It's a possible way to get to Epcot; by no means the fastest way. If you want to go the scenic route, and don't care that it will take significantly longer, it's certainly doable. The one time I did it, I think it took a little over an hour.

10-07-2012, 09:37 PM	#10
sazzifrazz Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 289	I'm staying at WL next weekend. We have a 9:15 ADR at ohanas. Is it fastest to take boat to CR then monorail to poly...Or boat to mk then monorail to poly __________________

10-07-2012, 10:31 PM	#12
jtowntoflorida DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 689	We stayed at VWL last year and did take the boat to the Contemporary and then hopped the monorail to EPCOT. We did it because we weren't in a hurry and the kids loved the monorail. It definitely was not a timesaver and was a big trek that involved several different steps: WL boat ramp-on boat-off boat-up to monorail level at Contemporary-monorail to TTC-off monorail to switch lines-back onto monorail-to EPCOT. We didn't do it to save time, we did it to have fun and experience something that's classic Disney. I'd say do it once just to say you've experienced the monorail.

10-07-2012, 11:25 PM	#13
hot_mama All Things DISNEY Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Central Texas Posts: 116	It is a very reasonable way to get there. We detest the busses! We actually enjoy the boat rides and the monorail. Even if we don't save time, we enjoy the ride! __________________ Next trip - BLT and BWV in October - November

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