AKL transportation question

[adams66]

I've been going to WDW for years but I have never stopped and paused to think about the best way to get from one place to another. I've read posts that suggest taking a bus to DD and then walking to the park ( I think EPCOT ?) and other stuff like that. What's the best way, in your opinions, to get from AKL to each of the four main parks. We will have a car but sometimes it is such a hike from the parking lot to the park entrance and sometimes it is a pain to wait for the parking trams too. It will be me, DH and 2 DS's (ages 5 and 6). A little walking would be OK. I would just like to maybe try some different ways to go this trip. I do know that the bus stops at the parks will be closer to the entrances because AKL is a deluxe. I know when we stayed at ASM last time it was as far away as you could get.

I would appreciate any suggestions and don't hesitate to be creative. We aren't doing the "commando" style this time. I am looking for REST and RELAXATION

 

[DVC-Don]

We usually rent a car/van on our trips. To be honest, we drive everywhere except the to the MK. We take the bus to the MK as it stops just outside the gates. You do not have to do the tram--> ferry/monorail thing.

 

[ducklite]

From AKL to the four major parks, bus is the best option. We never waited more than a few minutes for a bus, they weren't crowded, and didn't share witha nother resort.

Anne

 

[Bill From PA]

We've visited 4 times in the last 4 yrs., 3 times in a WDW resort and one off site. We find that going from a WDW resort to any of the 'main' parks, or from park to park, it is better to use WDW busses or monorail because they take you closer and you don't have to deal with parking and the tram from the lot to the park entrance. When going to water parks, from resort to resort or to most destinations involving a 'connecting' trip, we use the car. We've found the AllStar resorts to have the shortest wait, Port Orleans Riverside was quite good, but I've heard mixed reports on AKL, which is why we'll probably split our next stay between AllStar and Beach Club or a moderate and Beach Club in Nov. 2002.

Bill From PA

 

[DC7800]

The bus from AK Lodge is always going to be the most direct (quickest) way to get to the theme parks and Downtown Disney. We always have a car, but we never move it for the whole week - even when travelling to other WDW resorts for dinner where there is no direct transportation. Getting the car out is just more trouble than it's worth, in my opinion (I do enough driving around back home!).

If you want some creative ways to get around WDW, try some alternate (indirect) routes (Incidentally, Disney says to transfer at DD for resort to resort transportation, but that usually is not the best way). To reach Epcot (World Showcase), take the bus to the Studios, and the boat from there to the International Gateway at Epcot. Or, from Animal Kingdom itself, bus to the TTC, then monorail to Epcot (or the MK).

 

[adams66]

Thanks for all the input. I can't wait. Only 3 weeks from today and we'll be on our way!

Incidentally, DC7800, how did you like the AKL? I see on your signature that you were staying there this month.

 

[lyndon1]

We stayed at AKL in late August 2001 for 8 days. We did have our car and we did use valet parking. However, for the daily trek to the parks we chose Disney's bus transportation. My daughter had broken her foot the week before and we needed to have access to a wheel chair. The buses made that more convenient and I will say that Disney's buses were on time and frequent.

We did use the car to visit some of the other resorts. We did the DVC tour and finally joined after a rather lengthy tour of VWL. Valet parking is only 6.00 per day and allows parking almost anywhere on Disney property. My recommendation is to use Disney's transportation when ever possible. We even used the buses to go to DD, PI and Cirque de Solei and E-nights at Magic Kngdom with little problem.

If you like to just get up and go valet parking is great. If you plan a little and allow for a little longer day you cannot beat the Disney transportation.

The Girvins

Mar 1999 WDW off-site
Aug 2000 Contemporary Tower / 3 Day DCL Wonder
Aug 2001 AKL
Oct 2000 DVC Villas at Wilderness Lodge
Mar 2002 DVC Old Key West
Aug 2002 DCL 7 Day Western Cruise

 

[pixiechick]

We just came back from AKL and used the buses exclusively. We never waited more than 10 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by adams66
I've been going to WDW for years but I have never stopped and paused to think about the best way to get from one place to another. I've read posts that suggest taking a bus to DD and then walking to the park ( I think EPCOT ?) and other stuff like that. What's the best way, in your opinions, to get from AKL to each of the four main parks. We will have a car but sometimes it is such a hike from the parking lot to the park entrance and sometimes it is a pain to wait for the parking trams too. It will be me, DH and 2 DS's (ages 5 and 6). A little walking would be OK. I would just like to maybe try some different ways to go this trip. I do know that the bus stops at the parks will be closer to the entrances because AKL is a deluxe. I know when we stayed at ASM last time it was as far away as you could get.

I would appreciate any suggestions and don't hesitate to be creative. We aren't doing the "commando" style this time. I am looking for REST and RELAXATION

Hi Adams66,

My husband and I spent a total of 15 days at the AKL during 2001. We went for a 5 day trip in May and then our regular trip for 10 days in Sept. Here is how we traveled around.

We rent a car and valet park were ever it is avaiable. We drove to Downtown Disney. We always drive to Downtown Disney no matter we we stay. We just find it easier.

We took the bus to the Studios. This bus does make a stop at Blizzard Beach during Blizzard Beach's operating hours.

We do not spend a lot of time at the MK. When we go for E-Night we take the bus. Sometimes we will go over to the MK for an hour or so after doing a CB at 1900 Park Fare or a CD at Chef Mickey's.

The AK is very close to the AKL and we took the bus.

To go to EC we usualy drive over to the BW and valet park. We will then usualy eat lunch at ESPN and then head into EC.

We did not wait longer then 10 minutes for any bus going from the AK to a park. There was one day that we waited 15 minutes. They tell you when you check in that the buses run every 20 minutes so my view it that as long as a bus shows up within 20 minutes of us showing up at the bus stop then the buses are running fine.

We also do not spend long periods of time in the parks. We might go in for a few hours at a time and then head back to the resort relax then then head out later at night.

Have a great trip.

 

[adams66]

Thanks alot everyone!!