A few questions about our first off site trip

[heartofdisney]

My family has never stayed outside of Disney on all our trips.Our next trip we had planned was going to be in January 2009,however my husband decided that we could go in June of 2008 if we can make the vacation an Orlando vacation and not just strictly Disney World.He agreed we could go there maybe 3 or 4 days of our trip,since he wants to do other things besides just Disney.We were at Universal way back in 96,and he would like to go back there again,as well as Sea World and other places we have never been to before. I don't mind this so much,but one thing does concern me . I was wondering about the traffic getting into the parks as we will be staying off site. How long do cars sit in the line to get into the parks? I remember once when we were there seeing a long line of cars waiting to enter and being thankful we were staying in a Disney resort.
Also we usually go in early May or January,but we wouldnt be able to go until the end of June this year and I am worried about crowds in the parks as well. Just thinking of all the traffic and the crowds inside the parks is enough to cause me to rethink this whole plan for going this coming June,although I cant wait for our next trip. I just want to make sure we all have a great time. So...can anyone give me any general ideas about how long we would wait in traffic and lines for rides at that time of year? Also...are there any good reccommendations for a nice place to stay without spending an enormous amount of money? Thanks!

 

[Freaky]

I cant speak for the end of June but when we were over last month (which is a quiet time) it only took us 15 mins to get from the townhome to Epcot parking with no lines - just straight in but the traffic was very light that day (a Sunday I think from memory). We have stayed off Highway 192 a few times and really don't have much bother with the traffic as we like to get to the parks for opening in the morning.

When looking for somewhere off site check the google maps to see how far exactly it is in miles rather than minutes as this will give you a better indication of the travelling times from the home. Try sites like www.vrbo.com www.lastminutevillas.net or www.homeaway.com It will probably take a bit of research but you will find some lovely townhomes and villas out there

 

[disnut8]

We stay offsite quite a bit and even when we stay onsite, we tend to drive to the parks. We have never encountered a long line ti get into a park. You will have a line to pay your parking fee but that moves quick enough but it does depend on how many questions the people in front of you have. After that, just follow the directions the Cast Members give you and you are all set. Do not attempt to get "out of line" and park wherever you want to. They REALLY do not like that. It really is a fast and efficient way to get into the parking lot. Of all the things to think about for your vacation, I'd put driving to the parks at the bottom of your list.

As for where you can stay, more information will be needed. What do YOU want? I can name about a dozen places off the top of my head that we have liked. All are a very quick trip to Disney World if you have the "shortcut" method (i.e. avoiding Highway 192 as much as possible).

You can PM me for more information and I can give you very detailed driving directions that will cut out a lot of traffic to Disney World. I can also give you a couple of places that we've stayed at (not luxury hotels but not dives either).

 

[heartofdisney]

Thanks for the replies. I am relieved to know that the traffic isnt as bad as what I read in one of the Disney books I have and what I saw back in 2004 when we went there in May. I will be doing some more research..thanks for the help!

 

[spiceycat]

during the summer the lines can be long - but on the whole they move pretty quickly.

having your car is generally a plus. you can leave and come back quick and easily.

WDW parking fee is $11 - I think US/IOA is the same. that is per day not per park.

so you could go to AK in the morning and that night go to Epcot - without paying the parking fee again - just remember to kept your parking ticket.

annual passes at either place (WDW or US/IOA) don't pay for parking at their parks.

 

[englishteacha]

We've been twice at the end of June. It's busy but not unbearable. Our plan was to avoid whatever park was having morning extra magic hours. The parks with EMH are always much busier during the day than those that weren't. We also found a great list online about what parks are busiest on which days. We used it for our trip in August and it was spot-on. We hit nary a crowd!

 

[lovindonald]

We go every August and I have never sat in line for the parking tickets or parking. Never had a problem and it has been busy during those times too.