Art of Animation - TRANSPORTATION

[j4ino]

My family is staying in the art of animation (september) and we are considering getting a car to drive to epcot and magic kingdom because we are worried that the buses are too difficult with my 1 and 4-year-old. We will also have a small stroller. What do you think? Also, how is the parking situation in those parks? Would I have to pay?

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We didn't stay at AoA in June, but we walked over from Pop and used the buses a couple of times and there was no issue and of course the resort wasn't crowded at all. I would use the buses, they don't share with other resorts and come regularly.

I wouldn't waste money on a car, honestly. Sept is fairly slow, so I wouldn't worry about it. We will be staying there over Labor Day weekend.

You do NOT have to pay to park at the parks if you are staying onsite, just make sure they give you the piece of paper to go in the front window and you will be waved through the gate.

 

[DisneyMom5]

We've taken a double stroller and up to nine kids/5 adults on the disney buses before.
We choose NOT to drive our own vehicle, because the buses are great. [We've stayed a Pop, All Star Sports, and FW cabins]

Especially for MK, because if you drive your own vehicle, you will be using the stroller to the tram, folding it, stroller to the monorail, might have to fold it, etc. Buses drop you right at the park.

Once we get to WDW (we drive down, over two days) we let THEM drive. Saves time, gas $$$, and the buses have A/C, where our van does not.

Can you tell I'm a fan of the buses? LOL

 

[addicted2dizney]

We didn't stay at AoA in June, but we walked over from Pop and used the buses a couple of times and there was no issue and of course the resort wasn't crowded at all. I would use the buses, they don't share with other resorts and come regularly.

I wouldn't waste money on a car, honestly. Sept is fairly slow, so I wouldn't worry about it. We will be staying there over Labor Day weekend.

You do NOT have to pay to park at the parks if you are staying onsite, just make sure they give you the piece of paper to go in the front window and you will be waved through the gate.

yes, If you decide to rent a car when you check in you will get your car pass. you keep it in on your dash while parking and to get in and out of your resorts. I've done it both ways.. with and without cars but when I want to hop around a lot to different resorts for dinners I usually get a car to save myself some time. If you can get a really good car rate it's nice to have but resort transportation is usually great!

 

[gopfans]

We stayed at AoA in June and no trouble at all with the buses. Save your money and use the buses.

 

[j4ino]

Thank you everyone! I appreciate all your advice!

 

[fdecker]

It helps to have the right kind of stroller that isn't a monstrosity and doesn't look like a cheap umbrella when its folded either. This one folded and fit between my knees or was carried in front of me on the bus. Your little one will spend a good amount of time doing this:

 

[jenlov]

Honestly, we thought using the buses was much easier. We only had 6 kids, 2 in strollers (2yo and 3yo), the last time we went. We also had friends w/ us who had 4 kids. So, 14 people total...10 were kids 2-13 yo. It was so much easier than getting everyone in the car, buckled in car seats, etc. We drove one day to MK and regretted it b/c it was so much trouble. When we went back that evening, we took the bus, as we did the rest of the trip. We kept our strollers folded, backpack on our back, kids ready to hop on the bus...while we were waiting. That way, when it got there, we just hopped right on it, very quickly without causing much congestion for those waiting for all 14 of us to board, lol.