Bus or Boat? to MK

[Yackerz]

This is my first time post here! I've been a Disney forum poster for awhile on micechat.com, but you guys seem to have a lot more info when it comes to WDW. I joined there seeking info for DL, and they helped me exceedingly much.

Just trying to nail down a few remaining questions in my head
for my trip to WDW in July. I'll be staying 3 nights at the WL.

From Wilderness Lodge going for an EMH morning at 8:00 at MK and Leaving about 7:15 to 7:30, what would be the fastest route to MK?

The bus route? The boat route? I read the boats direction to MK don't start till 30 min before park opening on any morning including EMH. The other boat to the Contemporary starts earlier.
Would I be best to take the bus? or take any boat I can get and walk to MK from contemporary if need be?

For transportation to the other parks, I'm considering using my rent a car and avoiding the buses all together with the exception of Epcot possibly. (maybe I'll drive there too)

 

[vicki_c]

At that time, I would take the bus - you will be there in 5 minutes. We were late for regular rope drop once using the WL-MK boat.

 

[RandFamily]

Once the boat leaves Wilderness Lodge, it only takes a few minutes and lets you off right in front of the entrance. If you do the boat, be there ahead of time to be one of the first ones on. Ask ahead of time what time the first boat will leave.

I personally don't like the WDW buses. Too many people, too crowded, and if you happen to have someone get on at your stop with an ECV it can take FOREVER! I always stay on property and I always rent a car and park at the other parks.

 

[StEpHandMiKe<3Disney]

We always take the boat and have no problems =)

 

[jsesp]

In the past we found the boat was quicker since when we went the bus also went to Ft Wilderness before going to MK ( of course I may be remembering wrong...it may have been the other parks). You can also take one of the little boats to CR and walk from the CR dock. It's about 5-7 minutes waliking from there.

 

[Yackerz]

Thanks for the advice everyone. There seems to be a lot of conflicting thoughts. Sure the boat ride is nicer, but if its an extra 10-15 minutes worth of a wait then is it worth it? In the morning when, it is important to beat the lines into the park, 10 to 15 minutes can mean an extra ride or two. It probably is a timing thing. Whichever one is there first will be the quicker one as the actual travel time is probably about the same. Yes, I could take either boat either the one directly to MK if it starts running at 7:30 or the one to contemporary and walk. How far of a walk is it from the contemporary to MK time wise?

 

[vicki_c]

I did not take it, but I have been told that the morning buses from WL to MK are direct and don't make other stops, so it takes 5 minutes. As with all Disney transportation things, your mileage may vary. I can only tell you that on the day we took the boat (June 09), it only showed up at the dock in just enough time to get to MK for opening - and it was the first MK boat that day - and we missed the rope drop show but arrived as it was ending.

At that time, we weren't aware or else our timing was off for taking the boat earlier to the Contemporary and walking. That resort boat starts a lot earlier than the MK boat.

There are a few boat captains and bus drivers that post on the Transportation board - you might want to ask your question there.

(PS - of course, you can't see the bus stop from the boat dock or vice-versa, so that's where the problem lies - no running back to see if one comes before another).

 

[Yackerz]

Agreed! It seems like the bus is much more consistent in the early morning hours than the boat at least until the park opens officially.

Thanks for the transportation board tip. I didn't realize there was one!