Car vs Disney Transporation

[Happy Mom2]

We are driving down so we will have our own vehicle. I'm just wondering if we would be better off taking Disney buses or our own vehicle to the parks. We are staying to the POP, and will be going to a different park each day. We have two young kids so we plan on taking breaks most days, and we will have one late night at the MVMCP. Also we will have a double jogging style stroller with us.

Would it be quicker/easier to drive our van to the parks? Would it be better to drive to some parks than others?

Thanks!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Drive--everywhere!!

 

[skelooch]

Another vote for driving!

 

[AlexDurrani]

Being a veteran Transportation user for serveral trips I can honestly say use your car. It will cut down on the 45 - 60 minute commute back to the resort at break time and long lines at MVMCP. That's not mentioning the jogging style stroller probably giving you problems on the bus. I am for the first time renting a car/suv for my trip because I got sort of fed up with the long waits and with my health I need breaks during the day more than before.

 

[Happy Mom2]

Thanks for the input. My DH is not going to be happy. He was looking forward to not having to drive anywhere once we got to our resort at Disney.

I'd love to hear if anyone else has any input.

Thanks again!

 

[skelooch]

Thanks for the input. My DH is not going to be happy. He was looking forward to not having to drive anywhere once we got to our resort at Disney.

I'd love to hear if anyone else has any input.

Thanks again!

Trust me your DH will not be disappointed having to drive, most of the driving will be limited to 5 to 15 minutes depending on where you are staying, there are no long drives or traffic congestion. At the end of your trip you will have saved hours of your valuable vacation time.
I assure you he will be far more frustrated waiting for and riding on buses, particularly with a double stroller.

The only park I could possibly say taking the bus could be an option would be MK, and that would be only a 50/50.

 

[kermit116]

A few years ago, I would have voted for Disney transportation. It used to be that the buses ran on time and frequently so that commuting using Disney transportation was a real convenience.

In our most recent trips to WDW (2008-present), we've noticed the buses running less frequently. During our 2008 trip we staying at All Star Music and basically had to get in line for a bus at least an hour before we planned to be in a park. It was the "regular" season (not value, not peak) but we still often had to wait 20-40 minutes for a bus to even arrive. After that, you have to factor in the time to stop at other resorts, plus the time to travel to whichever park you're going to. During our most recent trip (2010) we rented a car and drove everywhere. It was so much nicer to be able to mobilize ourselves with our own car. Since you'll be staying on property you'll have free parking at the parks. We found our rental car to be a huge asset during our trip - especially for park hopping and making dinner reservations without having to leave super early to catch a bus. Also, there's just something nice about getting into your own vehicle with just your family members after being in the parks all day surrounded by crowds.

If you were staying at a resort that was on the monorail line, I'd say take Disney transport. But since you'll be out at Pop, I think you'll find it much easier to drive your own car.

 

[Happy Mom2]

Thanks everyone! Guess I'm going to talk to DH about driving in Disney.

 

[dblr]

I drive to the parks, that way you are on your on to come and go I think it is much easier, if we take our camper and stay @ the Fort we still drive to all the parks but the MK as the boat ride is easy from there.

 

[skelooch]

When you checkin at your resort ask bell services for a couple of maps of the property, which they have, and let him study and plan his routes ahead of time and he'll be a lot less intimidated knowing which turns to make and where, and being familiar with the road names helps also.
Keep one in the car for reference just in case.