Bus or Drive?

[Emagine]

We have always done the bus, but picked odd times. Now we are changing things up a bit. For one we have never stayed at BWV and will be in Oct. I am leary about the transportation, all the hotel stops etc.

Next we are adding in a Service Dog, big lab. I am not sure how that even plays on a bus and crowds. I know the only time we run into an issue with crowds are the fireworks night. We usually let ppl pass us and get the next bus because of 2 special needs kids. Now I am trying to see about juggling a dog and kids in the mix.

DVC gets free parking at all parks, right? Are you parked a mile away if you wait till after rope drop, leave for dinner, come back? We cook in the rooms.

Advice needed. TIA

 

[twinklebug]

We have always done the bus, but picked odd times. Now we are changing things up a bit. For one we have never stayed at BWV and will be in Oct. I am leary about the transportation, all the hotel stops etc.

Next we are adding in a Service Dog, big lab. I am not sure how that even plays on a bus and crowds. I know the only time we run into an issue with crowds are the fireworks night. We usually let ppl pass us and get the next bus because of 2 special needs kids. Now I am trying to see about juggling a dog and kids in the mix.

Your primary transportation to/from HS & EPCOT will be by boat. You'll be fine with the service dog and kids. They do not want anyone standing on board and neither child not pup will be in jeopardy.

The buses in that area to MK/AK should still be fine late morning and mid day, but if you're planning on coming home after the fireworks in a crowded bus I'd drive for sure. You don't want your service dog being stepped on in a crowded bus, and those BW/BC/YC/S/D buses get bad.

DVC gets free parking at all parks, right? Are you parked a mile away if you wait till after rope drop, leave for dinner, come back? We cook in the rooms.

Folk staying at the Disney hotels, including DVC are given free parking at the parks. Look into disability parking at the parks - it's right up front so you don't have to transfer onto a tram. I'm sure with a service dog they will allow it - although it might be good if the hotel front desk prints up something for your windshield so you don't have to stop and explain the situation every time to the parking CMs.

Remember, MK requires folk take either the ferry or the monorail to the MK entrance from the parking lot. It's not direct access like you'll have with a bus.

 

[msp2mco]

On our last trip, we stayed at BCV and decided not to get a car since we enjoy walking to DS and Epcot. However, we had to wait a long time to catch the bus for rope drop to AK and MK. We also had a long wait to leave AK (more than 40 min). As we waited, we talked ourselves into always renting a car. Time is money, and we wasted so much time waiting for the buses. I think that taking a bus to MK often saves time though.

 

[princesscinderella]

If you have a car I would definitely drive. The only way I would take the buses is if I was planning on having a couple of drinks. Which is not the case if going to magic kingdom. The only advantage to the MK buses is they drop you at the entrance to the park saving the 15 min boat or monorail ride.

 

[Emagine]

I think I am lost on MK. We have always used the Disney Transportation. How is the MK parking lot?

We do not have a handicap pass for the car but a long walk with the 2 boys and a dog might be a tad difficult.

 

[drusba]

At BWV, I would definitely do the car to AK not just because of the service dog because the trip can be very long and includes during the day stops at Blizzard Beach. But it is a very easy drive and if yiou can get a handicap space you don't need the tram but even if not the tram is easy to use. MK raises different issues. Though the bus is generally BWVs worse feature, it is a one ride excursion and you get off right near the entrance to the park. If you drive, you park in the lot and then usually take a tram, and then you have to take the boat or monorail to MK which can be very crowded during rush times. Even if you can park up front in the handicap spaces and avoid the tram, you are still doing car and boat or monorail. The service dog on the bus is really not an issue as they are easy to get on and off.