Can I Drive to the Parks and Resorts?

[bkerney]

I'm staying on site at All Star Movies. I've heard some stories about the bus waits and delays.

Just in case, the crowds are bad and I don't want to wait, is it relatively easy to drive to the parks and resorts to eat? Will I have to pay? Will I save alot of time driving?

Any answer/comments are appreciated.

 

[cherylp3]

Yes it is eary to drive. If you are staying on site as long as you have a parking pass you do not pay a fee. The only park I recommend not driving to is MK because you park at the TTC and then Monorail or Boat to MK.

 

[tkldisney]

Driving around WDW is very easy. They have signs everywhere. You also see a lot more when your driving.
when you check in you will get parking pass, this will let you park free in the parks. You can always get a time pass to visit other resorts for meals or just to check them out.
I always drive to MK & park at the TTC then take express monorail to MK. We like to ride the monorail, and it's and easy way to do it. Id' rather have my own car, than wait in lines to ride on the bus (which I have done lots of times) then take the change of not getting a seat.
A lot of people have cars and don't use them at all. I'd try it both ways and see what you like better.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Every time I read someone ask about the crowded buses and delays I just kind or cringe. We have not rented a car for our WDW vacations in many years. Sure the buses get crowded, mostly at park closings. All you have to do is NOT dash for the exit right at closing time. Last June we watched Wishes and then sat down on a bench near the castle as the throngs poured down Main Street to exit the MK. After 20 minutes or so we slowly walked out and found the bus station almost empty. Disney provides extra buses for peak times but with everyone trying to get out at the same time there will be crowded buses right at park closings. Personally, I cannot imagine it any easier taking the tram to your car...depending on how far back you are...and then trying to drive out with several thousand other people. Relax, take your time, you are supposed to be on vacation. WAY too much rushing around today. Disney will take you anyplace you want to go inside WDW without the cost and hassle of your own car.
Someone mentioned that you get to see a lot more when driving yourself????
The only way to enjoy the sites all around WDW is to let someone else drive so you can sit back and take in the views and the wonder of WDW.

 

[ducklite]

Often when there are delays with the buses during peak time, it's because the roadways can't handle all the traffic and the buses are snarled in it just like everyone else. If people would leave their cars parked at their resorts and take the bus, it would make getting around a lot faster for everyone.

Anne

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm not sure I would drive to the parks, but I would drive to the other resorts to eat. I have always found the bus sytem to work very well. Yes, it does get crazy at park closing. But, as others have said...just hang out and wait for a bit in the park. It only takes about 20-30 minutes for the crowd to go away. And it's much nicer sitting on a park bench, munching on a Mickey bar, people watching, then it is standing in a bus que, waiting to get squished on a bus.

 

[krdisneybound]

You certainly can drive. If you know the road system, it is a breeze. If you don't know the road system, you can easily get on the wrong road and go in circles to find your way again.

If I was new to the area, I would defnitely take the bus. There should be a rush for nothing.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We generally drive ourselves to places when we stay there. It is easier and you aren't dependent on the bus schedules. You also get a guaranteed seat. The signs are very good about getting you around so you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Boater]

We generally drive ourselves to places when we stay there. It is easier and you aren't dependent on the bus schedules. You also get a guaranteed seat. The signs are very good about getting you around so you shouldn't have a problem.

My thoughts exactly, I love the monorails but you will never getme on a bus again.
We tried buses on one trip and it was nothing but waiting around, and there was no traffic.

 

[cranbiz]

I like to drive to the parks and resorts.

The only time I don't drive is to AK when I need to be there early, Then Disney busses are a must.

I just prefer to use the truck, that way I always can come and go at MY leasure, not Disney's.

I don't have a problem driving to the TTC, and will usually park there if I'm going to the monorail resorts for a meal. Park at TTC, monorail to the resort, what could be easier! Of course, this works best if you are going to MK before or after your meal.

I have had good bus experiences and bad bus experiences. I'll make my own experiences from now on.

DISCLAIMER: This is my opinion only. Many have great experiences using Disney transportation and Disney transportation is usually pretty efficient, many don't want to drive on vacation or don't have a car available while onsite. FWIW YMMV No flames please

 

[RobInBigKC]

Yes, it does get crazy at park closing. But, as others have said...just hang out and wait for a bit in the park. It only takes about 20-30 minutes for the crowd to go away. And it's much nicer sitting on a park bench, munching on a Mickey bar, people watching, then it is standing in a bus que, waiting to get squished on a bus.

I totally agree (except for the ice cream choice). Nothing better than sitting along Main Street in the MK or at the large fountain at Epcot and eating an ice cream cone while the busy bees all rush past.

-- Rob