Cab to Animal Kingdom

[scootert]

Weird question - we're on an 8 am tour at Animal Kingdom and need to be there at least 15 minutes before it begins. We've always used Disney Transportation, but don't want to risk being late.

We thought we would just take a cab from BWV, but was wondering if we have to pay parking in order to get into the park

Thanks

 

[Alesia]

Here's the thing: there are occasions that the AK parking lot opens late. It probably doesn't happen often, but there have been first hand reports. I wouldn't risk it. I would take the bus - if you're at the bus stop by 7:00 you'll be fine.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

We made the mistake one year of taking a taxi for an early breakfast to the AK. They were not letting cars in so we sat in a long line until the CM relented and let us through.

Of course, the meter was running while we waited. The driver offered to let us out so we could wait for the bus. It was a very long wait and we almost missed our breakfast. For whatever reason the AK parking lot opens later than the others. Only Disney buses are allowed through.

Definitely take the bus to the AK.

 

[scootert]

Thanks so much - very helpful.

 

[bleeps]

I would talk to the concierge desk at BW before making your final decision.

In the past, we've had the issue of an early breakfast at AK and sitting in a cab waiting for the parking attendants to start letting cars through, but that *seems* to be a thing of the past (several years ago).

Last week (6/7/13 to 6/14/13), we twice took cabs from BC to AK for 8 am EMH, and had no issues either time -- sailed right through.

Now, with the early breakfasts and the Wild Africa Trek, etc., they don't seem to hold up people at the parking kiosks any more.

BTW, they do NOT charge cabs the parking fee, they just wave them right through. Although we try to make good use of Disney transportation, there are times when it makes sense and saves a lot of stress to just take a cab.

 

[scootert]

Thanks Bleeps - we'll definitely talk with the concierge about this. We're on the 8 a.m. Wild Africa Trek - no way do we want to be late or sitting in line waiting for a parking lot!!

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

I need to add that the many years I have been reading this particular board the one thing most veterans of WDW agree on is NOT to rely on transportation advice from any Cast Member in the resorts.

So many people have been given absolutely wrong information. For whatever reason Disney seems to train it's CM on everything except how the transportation system works. If you need transportation advice you should ask any bus driver as they know how it really works.

 

[goofy4tink]

I need to add that the many years I have been reading this particular board the one thing most veterans of WDW agree on is NOT to rely on transportation advice from any Cast Member in the resorts.

So many people have been given absolutely wrong information. For whatever reason Disney seems to train it's CM on everything except how the transportation system works. If you need transportation advice you should ask any bus driver as they know how it really works.

Oh man...you are so right. I actually saw a post where the poster said that she had asked about early morning buses leaving from her resort. She told us that the concierge area at the resort told her that buses start running an hour prior to park opening. When she said she thought buses run earlier than that, the CM said nope, it's an hour prior. So, the poster asked, how do we get to early ADRs or tours? The CM told her that a cab could be arranged!!!
So, I repeated that scenario on the next trip I took. And I got pretty much the same answer. Except the CM told me it was never a good idea to book an early ADR at a resort or park you weren't able to walk to, from your resort, since there were no buses that early!!!

 

[Alesia]

I need to add that the many years I have been reading this particular board the one thing most veterans of WDW agree on is NOT to rely on transportation advice from any Cast Member in the resorts.

So many people have been given absolutely wrong information. For whatever reason Disney seems to train it's CM on everything except how the transportation system works. If you need transportation advice you should ask any bus driver as they know how it really works.

Definitely. Do not ask at the resort. Resort CMs are the biggest perpetuators of incorrect transportation information, including the oft repeated (and completely false) "Bus transportation starts one hour before the park opens."

It's a shame, really, but the only CMs that can be completely trusted about transportation information are transportation CMs.

 

[scootert]

What if we took an early cab to Animal Kingdom Lodge and then took the bus from there? Our main concern is them not allowing the cabs through early. Seems like sometimes they do and other times they don't.

 

[joelkfla]

I need to add that the many years I have been reading this particular board the one thing most veterans of WDW agree on is NOT to rely on transportation advice from any Cast Member in the resorts.

So many people have been given absolutely wrong information. For whatever reason Disney seems to train it's CM on everything except how the transportation system works. If you need transportation advice you should ask any bus driver as they know how it really works.

This is true ... but bus drivers are NOT informed on what time DAK parking opens.

In defense of resort cast, I will say that the information on the internal web site, which is where a resort concierge or front desk cm would go to confirm info, is confusing as to bus service start times.

Another common error is sending Guests to Epcot instead of DHS when they have an ADR at BC. The web site has been updated to tell cm's to send Guests to DHS for breakfast ADRs, but a cm would have to read thru about 2 pages of info to get that statement.

I agree that Disney should train concierges & front desk cm's at a minimum on transportation, and keep them updated to changes.

 

[joelkfla]

What if we took an early cab to Animal Kingdom Lodge and then took the bus from there? Our main concern is them not allowing the cabs through early. Seems like sometimes they do and other times they don't.

I don't see any advantage to that, over just taking the bus from BW.

You can always have a cab as a backup plan. If you don't get a bus by, say, 30 minutes before your check-in time, then grab a cab.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

I don't see any advantage to that, over just taking the bus from BW.

You can always have a cab as a backup plan. If you don't get a bus by, say, 30 minutes before your check-in time, then grab a cab.

I also don't see any advantage to taking a taxi and then getting out and waiting for the Disney bus if cars are not being allowed through. It's much easier to get to your resort bus stop early and take the bus right to the AK main entrance.

 

[mschreib13]

I have purchased a ticket for "Ultimate Star Wars VIP Tour" for May 22. As WDW does not provide transportation to get me from PO-FQ to DHS by 6:30 AM I have arranged a Mears cab to pick me up at 6:00 AM. Anyone interested in sharing this ride. The cost is $16.00, I don't know if that is for each for the vehicle.

 

[Alesia]

I have purchased a ticket for "Ultimate Star Wars VIP Tour" for May 22. As WDW does not provide transportation to get me from PO-FQ to DHS by 6:30 AM I have arranged a Mears cab to pick me up at 6:00 AM. Anyone interested in sharing this ride. The cost is $16.00, I don't know if that is for each for the vehicle.

Yes, the cost is per vehicle.

Also, you may want to edit your title.