AKL transportation-1st timer to WDW

[PopsAndHis2Dwarfs]

So I understand if you want to go to a restaurant located at another hotel you have to transfer at a theme park. However, from AKL is there a direct bus to downtown disney? Overall how is the transportation at this hotel?

 

[DisneyObsessed87]

Yes, there is a direct bus to DTD. Overall, we loved our stay at AKL and found the bus transportation to be excellent. We did not ever wait longer than 15 mins for a bus... Most times just a few mins. Hope this helps.

 

[figment_jii]

So I understand if you want to go to a restaurant located at another hotel you have to transfer at a theme park. However, from AKL is there a direct bus to downtown disney? Overall how is the transportation at this hotel?

I found that the transportation to and from AKL was very good when I last stayed there. The buses went to AKL and AKV, but usually did not share with any other resorts.

In terms of transfers, you can take the bus from AKL to a theme park (if they're still open and running - I recommend AK because it's very close to AKL/AKV) or to DTD (I would not recommend this for the Epcot resorts because the buses running from DTD to the Epcot Resorts tend to be really packed in the evenings). I'd allow about 90 minutes to get between AKL and any other resort when using Disney transportation. The general rule of thumb is to allow about 45 minutes per leg of the trip (so if you have one transfer, there are two legs to the trip, so 90 minutes). The travel time is usually around 20-25 minutes to get from one side of the resort to the other, but if you just miss the bus and have to wait for the next one that adds time. For faster transportation, you can take a taxi. I'd allow about $30 plus tip to get anywhere within WDW.

 

[bumbershoot]

Wow, you guys are luckier than we've been! We have found the buses at kidani and Jambo to be the worst typical service.

We love using a cab when we don't rent a car and have lost patience for the buses. Haven't hit a $30 fare yet.

 

[figment_jii]

We love using a cab when we don't rent a car and have lost patience for the buses. Haven't hit a $30 fare yet.

The most expensive route I've had was from AKL to Grand Floridian (about $23 back in 03/2013). When I looked it up today using taxifarefinder.com, it came up as about $28, so I figured $30 was a safe bet if someone found a longer route and/or had to wait a bit somewhere.

 

[PopsAndHis2Dwarfs]

I found that the transportation to and from AKL was very good when I last stayed there. The buses went to AKL and AKV, but usually did not share with any other resorts.

In terms of transfers, you can take the bus from AKL to a theme park (if they're still open and running - I recommend AK because it's very close to AKL/AKV) or to DTD (I would not recommend this for the Epcot resorts because the buses running from DTD to the Epcot Resorts tend to be really packed in the evenings). I'd allow about 90 minutes to get between AKL and any other resort when using Disney transportation. The general rule of thumb is to allow about 45 minutes per leg of the trip (so if you have one transfer, there are two legs to the trip, so 90 minutes). The travel time is usually around 20-25 minutes to get from one side of the resort to the other, but if you just miss the bus and have to wait for the next one that adds time. For faster transportation, you can take a taxi. I'd allow about $30 plus tip to get anywhere within WDW.

That's crazy how long it takes to get from one end of WDW to the other. I hear the property is huge when compared to DL which is what I'm accustomed to.

 

[PopsAndHis2Dwarfs]

can anyone supply a general forum link for AKL please. I know it must exist I'm having trouble finding it.

 

[figment_jii]

That's crazy how long it takes to get from one end of WDW to the other. I hear the property is huge when compared to DL which is what I'm accustomed to.

It's not that it really takes 45 minutes to drive from one end of the property to the other, but you have to allow for waiting for the bus/boat/monorail. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes to get between the furthest two locations using a car/bus. However, buses only run about every 15 minutes or so, so if you just miss the bus, you may have to wait another 15 minutes (or more) for the next bus to arrive. So the rule of thumb is 45 minutes per leg in case you have to wait for the bus, deal with multiple stops, and include travel time.

can anyone supply a general forum link for AKL please. I know it must exist I'm having trouble finding it.

This is on the Resorts board: AKL LITE unofficial FAQ thread#10 - I believe that's known as a 'Jambo Dozen'

 

[robndani]

You're going to love it there, it's our home resort! For the most part buses weren't a problem. Once or twice we waited around 20 minutes, but that was the most!

 

[wendybeth75]

We were there in April and had expected the transportation to be slow. It was excellent! The most we waited on a bus all week was 20 min at Epcot. I was very pleasantly surprised!

 

[PopsAndHis2Dwarfs]

We were there in April and had expected the transportation to be slow. It was excellent! The most we waited on a bus all week was 20 min at Epcot. I was very pleasantly surprised!

were you in a savannah view room? If so how was it? Any room or building you suggest?

 

[CarolMN]

We were there in April and had expected the transportation to be slow. It was excellent! The most we waited on a bus all week was 20 min at Epcot. I was very pleasantly surprised!

were you in a savannah view room? If so how was it? Any room or building you suggest?

We were there this past April, too. I thought the bus transportation was very good. I especially liked the real time electronic displays in the bus shelters that let you know when the net bus to your destination would arrive. It would update automatically as the estimates changed. Wish the other resorts would install those. (I don't think any other resort has them, but don't know that for sure).

We had a savanna view dedicated 2-bedroom villa in Kidani. Loved it. Huge balcony and lots of animals for the kids to see. Villa was large and very beautifully themed. Kids loved the Kidani pool.

If you have Kidani booked, just request close to the lobby and hope for the best.

 

[bumbershoot]

That's crazy how long it takes to get from one end of WDW to the other. I hear the property is huge when compared to DL which is what I'm accustomed to.

I found it useful to compare the size of Disney property to the size of my town. (hint, WDW is bigger)

But I kept the misperception that I would be dealing with city-type roads. 35 MPH type roads. NO. Highway type roads, big huge highway type signs, cloverleaf on and offramps, and close to highway speeds. The place is BIG.

 

[eeyoresmom]

OP, do not use DTD as a transportation transfer point unless you have a lot of time to burn . Those busses often stop at TL, also,making for a very long trip, especially from AKL. If I were you I would stick to restaurants that are in the resorts outside MK. ....you can take a bus from AKL to MK, then monorail or boat to one of those resorts. If you have parkhoppers and are using a ticket that day anyway you can also take a bus to Epcot, walk all the way through the park to the rear entrance ( International Gateway) to those resorts. Even these plans are time consuming but they are considerably easier than getting from AKL to other resorts. Quick story...several years ago, when AKL just opened, we traveled by bus from Port Orleans Resort to AKL via DTD for dinner at Boma. It took us 4 hours.No more than 90 minutes of that was dinner. On the bright side, you are staying at the resort with arguably 2 of the best resort restaurants, Boma and Sanaa.

 

[PopsAndHis2Dwarfs]

OP, do not use DTD as a transportation transfer point unless you have a lot of time to burn . Those busses often stop at TL, also,making for a very long trip, especially from AKL. If I were you I would stick to restaurants that are in the resorts outside MK. ....you can take a bus from AKL to MK, then monorail or boat to one of those resorts. If you have parkhoppers and are using a ticket that day anyway you can also take a bus to Epcot, walk all the way through the park to the rear entrance ( International Gateway) to those resorts. Even these plans are time consuming but they are considerably easier than getting from AKL to other resorts. Quick story...several years ago, when AKL just opened, we traveled by bus from Port Orleans Resort to AKL via DTD for dinner at Boma. It took us 4 hours.No more than 90 minutes of that was dinner. On the bright side, you are staying at the resort with arguably 2 of the best resort restaurants, Boma and Sanaa.

So we want to have dinner at the California Grill your above mentioned advice of going to MK then traveling either by monorail or boat would work correct?

 

[siskaren]

So we want to have dinner at the California Grill your above mentioned advice of going to MK then traveling either by monorail or boat would work correct?

There isn't a boat from MK to the Contemporary, and actually walking would be the easiest.

 

[figment_jii]

So we want to have dinner at the California Grill your above mentioned advice of going to MK then traveling either by monorail or boat would work correct?

You take a bus from AKL to the MK and then either talk the monorail or walk to CR. As far as I know, there is no boat. It's probably faster to walk because the monorail station is the on the other side of the MK entrance plaza from where the buses drop guests off.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Foe California Grill (which is in The Contemporary), the quickest option is walking. For the Polynesian Resort and Grand Floridian, you can take the resort monorail or the boat . The boat dock is in front of the Magic Kingdom. The Resort Monorail (not to be confused with the monorail to Epcot), is just past the entrance to MK when you get off the bus there.

 

[PopsAndHis2Dwarfs]

Would you folks say that California grill is the best non park restaurant to watch fireworks or should I be looking at a different restaurant.?

 

[figment_jii]

Would you folks say that California grill is the best non park restaurant to watch fireworks or should I be looking at a different restaurant.?

It depends on what you are looking for. There are only two MK restaurants that pretty much guarantee you can watch the MK fireworks while dining there: CA Grill and Narcoossee's. Neither venue will guarantee you a table with a view, but both have viewing areas that you go to for the show. CA Grill has the observation deck and Narccossee's has the veranda. A few of the tables at 'Ohana have a view, but there is no alternative viewing area if you don't get one of those tables.

Wishes/HalloWishes/Holiday Wishes
MK fireworks (all shows) can be viewed from any of the monorail resorts, WL, FW, the TTC, and (if you're lucky) the water transportation.

Contemporary - no view from Chef Mickey or the Wave. You can watch the fireworks from the CR 4th Floor Observation Deck or California Grill (if you are dining there).
California Grill - the restaurant has an observation deck where you can watch Wishes. They pipe in the music. A few tables have a view of Wishes, but those are pretty hard to come by. You can ask for a window table, but they do not promise to have one available before fireworks. If you want to eat here, I would aim for an ADR about 2 to 2.5 hours before Wishes. Personally, I like the observation deck because you don't have to deal with reflections in the glass.

4th Floor Observation Deck - guests can watch the fireworks from the viewing area. They pipe in the music. I would guess the view is similiar to that of California Grill, but from a lower angle.

Polynesian - no view from Kona.
'Ohana - a few tables have a view, but most do not. I would not go with the plan to see fireworks from your table. There are some reports indicating that folks do get up and move around to see the fireworks.
Beach - guests can watch the fireworks from the beach. They do pipe in the music, but it can be hard to hear. The view is straight on, but at a distance. It is worth noting that at this point in time, access to the Poly beach may be restricted due to construction. It is not clear how long this will last or what will happen in the future.

Grand Floridian - no view from Citricos (a few bursts might be visible, but not really anything worth seeing) or 1900 Park Fare.
Narcoossee's - this is my favorite restaurant in WDW. Most window tables have a view of Wishes, but the view is often blocked by folks standing out on the veranda. You'll probably have to go outside to watch as well. Then dim the lights and pipe in the music (inside the restaurant and outside on the veranda). You can request a window table. I would aim for an ADR about 90 minutes before Wishes.

Boat Dock - guests are able to view the fireworks from the boat dock area. They pipe in the music. Almost the same view as Narcoossee's.

WL Boat - if you happen to be lucky and be taking the boat to MK from WL (or the opposite), you might be able to watch Wishes from the boat.

I've not as familiar with the layout of watching Wishes from WL or the TTC.