best transportation options?

[kimmiesmile]

I am really struggling with how to plan this trip. I am traveling witha 5 year old. I imagine we want a "relaxing pace". I expect we will spend most of our time at magic kingdom and perhaps animal kingdom. I also know at some point we would want to go back to our hotel and rest before hitting the town in the evening. That being said, is it better to stay off resort and rent a car or is it better to stay on resort and use the disney transport. Which is faster and more efficient? Is there a particular resort we should aim to stay at on site to get around from point A to point B faster. I don't want to spend 45 minutes on a bus one way everyday. Any thoughts?

thanks
kim

 

[Nadjalu]

Well unfortunately it is virtually impossible to do quick and relaxing at the same time with transportation.

Using WDW transportation isn't as bad as some make it out to be. If you are really wanting no responsibility that is the way to go. They pick you up (bus) at your hotel and drop you at the front gate (practically). There is no driving envolved, finding a parking space (and then when you go to MK getting on the monorail to transfer from parking lot to MK, unless you stay on the monorail line).

Driving can be a bit faster but only by 5 -10 mins. But when you factor in the parking and walking to the gate....it decreases the time you save.

We stay at POP Century, which is the farthest point from MK (opposite of AKL) and it is only a 15-18min bus ride. And even though they say it can be up to 20 mins for a bus, only once did we wait that in the 3 trips we have been on. Usually it is 5-10 min wait.

MK and AK (the 2 parks you say you will visit most) are at opposite ends of the property from one another. So that will give you some travel time, but like I said, no where near 45 mins a bus ride.

Good luck and have a great trip!!!

 

[zulemara]

Additionally, it's all about being either before or after the rushes. FOr instance, at MK many ppl leave after the 3pm parade for a break then come back later for fireworks. They also exit in mass numbers after fireworks(something I will never understand)

In the morning, half an hour can literally mean the difference between getting food right away at a quick service location in ur hotel(speaking of POP here) and having to wait 20 minutes.

If you're not doing what everyone else is doing, it's not so bad. Otherwise, rent a car if you want complete control.

 

[Cherinva]

I've found that using the bus system is the way to go. As a PP said, the time that you spend on driving in, parking, taking the tram and then the repeat on the way out is that much less time you have in the park. Plus, with the bus system, you don't have to drive in traffic and for us, it takes the stress out of the picture.

 

[kimmiesmile]

thanks...very helpful reponses!

 

[goofy4tink]

The most relaxed way to go is going to be staying onsite, and using the transportation options that Disney provides. As to which resort you want to stay at, a lot depends on budget. If you are trying to spend as little as possible, I would stay at POP. The buses system there is very good. If you really want to stay closer to MK and not break the bank, try WL...boat or bus to MK, buses everywhere else. Or if money isn't going to be a huge object, go with the Polynesian..on the monorail to MK, monorail to Epcot and buses to DHS and AKL.
Staying onsite is a nice way to go...you can easily go back to your resort midday for a break. As already mentioned, a lot of people leave MK after the afternoon parade..especially in the hotter months. But you can plan accordingly.

 

[sharona]

Search some of the threads about kids and Epcot before you decide to skip it! It was DDs favorite on our trip when she was 5. Most children love the interactive exhibits and the Nemo/Turtle Talk/Seas area.