Contemporary to Downtown Disney??

[MartDM]

Hi,

We'll be dining at the Contemporary Resort and want to travel to Downtown Disney after our meal (at approximately 9:30pm) using WDW transportation.

Can anyone tell me how we should go about doing that and how much time it is likely to take.

Thanks so much!

 

[DisneyFan09]

You can catch a bus from the Contemporary to Downtown Disney but the last time we did it it took about 45 minutes. The bus stopped at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island and then DTD. At the time of night that you will be doing this I'm sure they won't stop at Typhoon Lagoon so that will cut out some time.

 

[MartDM]

Hmm...any quicker way to get there such as taking the monorail to the TTC & transferring to a bus there?

If not, it sounds like we might be better off driving our car to the Contemporary & to DTD, huh?

Thank you for the info and any additional details anyone can provide!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by MartDM
Hmm...any quicker way to get there such as taking the monorail to the TTC & transferring to a bus there?

If not, it sounds like we might be better off driving our car to the Contemporary & to DTD, huh?

There is no bus from the Transportation & Ticket Center to Downtown Disney. Even if there were, it would take longer than the direct bus from the Contemporary due to the transfer.

The direct bus from the Contemporary goes in the following route:

Contemporary -> Polynesian -> Marketplace -> Pleasure Island

Buses run every 15 minutes, and it takes 15-20 minutes travel time to get to Downtown Disney, on average. Buses do not typically stop at the Grand Floridian -- that is part of the Wilderness Lodge -> Grand Floridian route. Typhoon Lagoon is only stopped into during operating hours. During the morning it is prior to the Marketplace, in the afternoon it is after Pleasure Island.

Driving there might take the same amount of time, if not more, due to the time it takes to find a parking space in the over crowded parking lot. Also, road signs will point you to an easier to follow route than the buses take, however, this route will take longer to drive than the back roads.

 

[MartDM]

Well geez, I can handle 15-20 minutes. The earlier estimate of 45 minutes scared me. I agree with you that the bus is the better option based on what you've said.

Thank you!

 

[DisneyFan09]

I am not exagerrating when I say 45 minutes. In fact that may be a little too lenient. Keep in mind that this was 2 years ago and it was around 11:00 am on a Saturday. All I know is that I had planned on having about 2 hours to shop before we had to catch our plane and ended up with only about an hour. I was shocked at the length of time it took to get there. I might also add that we waited about 10 -15 minutes for a bus to come.

Maybe the bus route has changed because I'm almost positive that we stopped at the Grand Floridian. I was just there this past week and did notice that Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge were listed together.

But if Chip and Dale Express says that it's 15 - 20 minutes, then that's what it is! After all he is the expert. I must have caught my bus on a bad day!!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by DisneyFan09
Keep in mind that this was 2 years ago and it was around 11:00 am on a Saturday.

A *LOT* has changed since then. Also, the time of day (AM/PM) does make a difference in order of stops. In the morning, Typhoon will be first, whereas in the afternoon, it will be last.

 

[MartDM]

Once you mentioned GF being on the WL route I knew you were right because I was at WL in '01 and the buses did go to GF then. I remember checking out the exterior of the place.

I also agree that timing is everything. There is a vast difference between 11am on a Saturday and 9:30pm on a Sunday in terms of crowds & traffic.

I appreciate both of you providing your input. I think we'll chance the bus & hope the wait is on the shorter end!