Back Way (Vista Blvd) to the Parks?

[HLAuburn]

Staying at a hotel on Palm Parkway, and I'd really like to avoid I-4 and Downtown Disney on the way to MK and Epcot. If we take 535 to Vista Blvd, can I just turn on Bonnet Creek Pkwy to get to Epcot? And what about MK? I think Vista Blvd puts you out past the parking lot entrance, so should I take Bonnet Creek and hop on world Drive or is there a better way loop back to the ticket booth for MK?

Or is there a better way altogther?! I just know that whole Apopka Vineyard exit at I-4 can be a mess, so I was hoping to avoid going that way.

Thanks!

 

[joelkfla]

Sure, that'll work. Just make sure that you turn left on Vista Blvd, not Buena Vista Dr. which will take you right back to DTD.

I don't know whether it will save you any time over going to I-4. It is longer, and I think the delay to get to I-4 is usually not more than 5-10 minutes. But it will avoid the traffic around BVD at the Crossroads.

 

[richmo]

I've stayed on Palm Pkwy and often do that.

As Joel mentioned, take Vista Blvd, which is the 2nd light, by the softball field.

If you stay on Vista Blvd, it eventually takes you past Fort Wilderness and then you'll have to make a right on World Drive, then left at the next light on Seven Seas Dr. (towards Polynesian). Pass the Poly, then you'll automatically make a left onto Floridian Way and you'll actually be taking the Magic Kingdom exit. However, stay to the far left as you pass the Hess car Care Center. There will be a loop back into Magic Kingdom parking (and a little magic happens here).

I agree this can save time when Apopka Vineland Rd and I-4 are busy...also good for coming back at night when Hotel Plaza Blvd is congested.

One last tip: if you're doing this, as you leave your hotel and take Palm Parkway, stay closer to the right. There may be a lot of cars turning left onto Apopka Vineland Rd. (towards Crossroads Plaza and Hotel Plaza Blvd). No need for you to wait in that.

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed at BLT 2 weeks ago, that's how I got to my hotel. I took 417 to 536 and got off at the exit for OKW, took Bonnet Creek to Vista, past FW and then to World Drive. Skipped the MK parking entrance.

 

[kneemeister]

...However, stay to the far left as you pass the Hess car Care Center. There will be a loop back into Magic Kingdom parking (and a little magic happens here)....

I was shocked the first time I took this route and realized the little magic that happens......But I have an AP so it didn't matter to me.

I stayed on Palm Parkway my last trip in September, and It was so nice going to and from the MK from my hotel with no traffic, the only downsides is the Camel Hump speed bumps in front of the Poly.

 

[auger]

And that magic is why these directions should not be posted.

 

[wiigirl]

And that magic is why these directions should not be posted.

I am glad it was.

 

[kneemeister]

If Disney considered it a problem, they would close that Ramp, there is another turn around just past the Toll Booths. They could make that the turn around but I think that most people that do come in that way are not trying to cheat the system and are as supprised as I was.

 

[richmo]

If Disney considered it a problem, they would close that Ramp, there is another turn around just past the Toll Booths. They could make that the turn around but I think that most people that do come in that way are not trying to cheat the system and are as supprised as I was.

I have to agree with that. Each time I go down there, I expect that turnaround to be either gone or gated with card access, and I'm surprised it hasn't been done. Personally, I have an AP, so the cost isn't an issue, but its a lot easier coming in that way from Lake Buena Vista when there's a lot of traffic...which seems to be most of the time.

 

[Traveliz]

I have to agree with that. Each time I go down there, I expect that turnaround to be either gone or gated with card access, and I'm surprised it hasn't been done. Personally, I have an AP, so the cost isn't an issue, but its a lot easier coming in that way from Lake Buena Vista when there's a lot of traffic...which seems to be most of the time.

I go that way also as we have a condo in Windermere. My thinking is that is there for several reasons. First it alleviates traffic but if you think about it most/much of the traffic coming from that direction would not be paying for parking anyway. Guests of GF, Contemporary, Poly, Wilderness Lodge would be coming that way and they would all ready be allowed free oarking. Others coming from that direction are likely CMs who live behind the MK area and also all ready get free parking and then there are regular types that live behind MK and many of us also have APs allowing for free parking. There are no off site hotels that would generate traffic from that direction (unless you are choosing to go this way for some reason). The major tourist roads don't dump tourists off behind the MK either.

Liz

 

[auger]

The point I am making is that the directions should not be posted on this forum, as it will only serve to encourage people to cheat the system.
I don't think that type of thing belongs on here, as we are not supposed to post ways to get around paying for what is supposed to be paid for.

 

[Traveliz]

The point I am making is that the directions should not be posted on this forum, as it will only serve to encourage people to cheat the system.
I don't think that type of thing belongs on here, as we are not supposed to post ways to get around paying for what is supposed to be paid for.

It's not really a way of encouraging people to cheat as its a clearly marked turn off. It's not like you have to know that if you turn there you are going to the MK parking lot...the sign says ...Magic Kingdom Parking and has an arrow.

Liz