Car vs. Bus

[KathylovesPooh]

We just assumed since we were staying on-site that we would use the bus transportation as we have in the past. But we will have a car and I've seen some DISers suggest driving (except to MK) is the preferred route. We will be going to MGM and EPCOT in the afternoons - does this make a difference. What about leaving Fantasmic and Illuminations - is it better to take the bus back or drive?

 

[Bob P]

I think you'll never get a clear consesnsus on these boards!

There are people who swear by WDW transportation and others who swear by driving. It's a matter of personal preference.

We've done both and I can say there are advantages and disadvantages to both. But I do agree with the majority who say WDW transportation is the clear way to go if you are going to the MK.

Bob

 

[Uncleromulus]

The split when a post like this comes up is almost always 50-50..
I'm in the car camp. So many advantages and gives you freedom to change plans on a moments notice.
Here's our planned first day itinerary:
Arrive at OKW. Lunch at the Sand Trap. Drive to DD to shop and validate AP. Back to OKW for a swim, (or maybe a quick trip to Fantasia Gardens for mini golf first). Dinner at Narcoosee's.
Try that on Disney transportation!!!
Will add however that if ALL you want to do is get to a theme park and back to your hotel, Disney transportation should be fine.

 

[crisi]

I think Uncleromulus has a very good point - if you want to do a lot of resort to resort moving around, you will want a car - or you will spend money on cabs (that's what we do) or you will spend a lot of time on buses.

How much do you enjoy driving?

Is renting a car a hassle for you? I've had the worst luck with renting in Orlando.

Is navigating roads likely to cause a martial breach? (the scene in the Incredibles where they are driving the RV makes me laugh - sounds so much like us in the car)

Where are you going? Buses into the parks isn't bad - buses from resort to resort can be a nightmare.

Where are you staying? Having a car while staying at the BW isn't perhaps as necessary - especially if you plan are going mainly to Epcot and MGM - as if you are out at AKL.

 

[erikthewise]

People always say the bus is better when going to MK, and it makes sense, but that was not our experience. In two consecutive years under identical conditions we took the bus one year and our car the next, and arrived 10 minutes earlier by car. YMMV.

Details: years 2002 and 2003, MK Sunday early entry at 8:00, same time of year. Left room at 7:15 both times. When we took the bus we arrived at turnstiles at 8:01, when we drove we were standing in line by 7:50. And no, driving was not more stressful, the bus trip was.

 

[SB in KY]

To each his own....personally we rely almost exclusively on Disney transportation to the parks and back....however we love having a car for the resort to resort stuff....others may not agree, but especially when we travel during hot months I cannot stand that feeling of getting in a car that feels like a 350 degree oven,,,so the buses are great...but they are NOT great if you want to go to another resort for dinner, recreation, etc (it is certainly possible, just not quick or convienent)

If you are going to the parks in the afternoons, buses will not be crowded getting you there....coming home after Illuminations or Fantasmic is another story...buses will be packed most likely and you may have to wait for a little while to get on one.

However if you drive, you will have to deal with massive traffic exodus also....so I guess the question is do you prefer to wait in your own car in traffic and navigate through it yourself....or wait for a bus and then ride while someone else navigates the traffic?? (again, we prefer buses)

 

[crisi]

A few cabs can be cheaper than renting a car (especially if you use ME for the airport), and can make some of the difficulties of Disney transportation doable.

For instance, we use cabs for resort to resort travel. We've used them if we miss the first bus of the morning - because the second or third one can be crowded. I haven't done this myself, but if I were leaving the MK at closing, I'd walk over to the CR and grab a cab from there (maybe stopping in the lounge for a nightcap depending on the makeup of the party) and from MGM or Epcot, I'd be tempted to get my cab from the BW.

 

[4formickey]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=10043202#post10043202there is a post about the buses being full read that frist.