Directions to Marina at GF?

[cowtownmom]

I've got my DD signed up for the Pirate Treasure Adventure at the GF. We've never been on the grounds there so I'm wanting to find out the best way to go to get to the marina. I worry that I'll end up being late getting her there without knowing just where to go when we get there.

 

[BCV23]

Are you driving to the resort or taking WDW transportation and if so from where?

 

[cowtownmom]

Sorry, I guess I should have stated that! We're staying at POR and will probably drive over. If we were to take resort transportation, I would need educating on using that too. Would we take a bus to TTC and then the monorail to GF? How early do the buses start driving to the TTC? That's my concern with using the resort transportation route that we'll run the risk of running late if we have to wait on a bus and we have to be there by 9:15 a.m.

 

[BCV23]

I just asked because the directions can be different.

If you take aWDW bus you will not go to the TTC. The MK bus goes directly to the MK. From there you can board the resort (no te express) monorail or you could take the little launch. I was going to suggest the launch because it drops you off close to the marina. But I forgot that the pirate cruise is so early. I don't think the launches start running until shortly before MK opening.

So, if you do take the resort monorail, you will exit on the second floor of the GF lobby. Head to your right to the staircase or elevator. Once you get down to the first floor, head to the back lefthand corner of the lobby.....near the tea room. There is a hallway there that leads you toward the Grand Floridian Cafe. In the little lobby for that restaurant, head out the doors. Follow the wrap around porch around the building to the left for a while and you will soon see the marina to your right once you've turned the corner. The little boathouse is on the right side of the marina.

If you drive, the directions are pretty much the same except you will probably enter the lobby or actually could end up walking around the back of the main building and being right by the marina. But self park is really, really a long walk. Valet might be worth it or just take MK transportation and the monorail depending on your plans for later.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[cowtownmom]

Thank you VERY much!

 

[speedyf]

I also wanted to chime in on this...

We stayed at POR from 6/3 to 6/11 (last week). My son had a pirate cruise on Wednesday, 6/8 at 9am.

Since the parks are opening at the same time (9am)...be sure to be waiting for a bus early....8:15am at the latest.

We were running late...so, I didn't wait for the Magic Kingdom bus. We grabbed the first bus which happened to be MGM. From MGM, we took a bus to the Grand Floridian.

I originally wanted to take a bus to Magic Kingdom and then take the monorail. That would be your easiest bet.

The main thing I wanted to convey is don't worry about running a little late. I was worried because we arrived at the Grand Floridian at 9:05am. We rushed to the marina and arrived there at about 9:10am to find that they were still registering people....fixing the kids' hats...and putting on life vests. The actual boat did not leave the dock until 9:30am and returned at 11:30am on the dot. Even at 9:30am...when the boat was departing....a child was coming in for registration. They registered the child and another cast member took him in another boat (Boston Whaler) to meet the "pirate ship" at the first stop.

My DS5 loved the pirate cruise.

I wanted to share this information because we originally had a PS at 11:30am at Whispering Canyon for lunch...thinking that the pirate cruise would end at 11am and we could catch the monorail to MK then the boat to Wilderness Lodge. Well, we had to move our PS to Noon instead and we were still a few minutes late.

So...if you're running a few minutes late....don't worry about the boat leaving without you. It doesn't seem to leave until about 9:30am anyway.....

POR's buses are slow because they make 5 stops....first at POFQ, then at the South Depot (main bus stop at POR)...then, the West, North, and East Depot...before heading out to the the Magic Kingdom. I would be out waiting for a bus no later than 8:15am if you want to be to Grand Floridian by 9am.

If you are staying at Oak Manor or Magnolia Terrace (like us)...the East Depot is the closest bus stop....but, it's also the last bus stop and the bus is often full or standing room only by the time it gets there. If you are in this situation, I would recommend walking to the main building and catching the bus at the South Depot (2nd stop for the bus after POFQ). This way you will not be passed by because of a full bus and chances are you won't have to stand on the bus either.

If you have any other questions...feel free to ask.

Speed

 

[speedyf]

I also wanted to add that each child wears a life vest. There are several youth and adult sizes to choose from. Each child gets a bandana type, red & white striped hat that has Mickey ears on them and a sticker with the child's name. (The bandana hat sells for around $14 at the gift shop...you get it "free" with the cruise).

They also ask if your kid is allergic to peanut butter...since they serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while on the cruise.

The cast members ask the kids to each have a partner before leaving the dock. If they don't have a partner, the cast members ask them to raise their hands and they pair off the remaining kids. My son (DS5) did not have a partner and was paired up with an 8 year old boy.

They also give you a beeper in case they need to get in touch with you before 11:30am. When you do return to claim your child at 11:30am....you need to return with the beeper and your receipt that you received when you checked the child in.

If you have any other specific questions....I should be able to answer them.

Speed

 

[cowtownmom]

Thank you for all of your great info Speed! I'm glad to get some first hand experience details. My DD will have a partner. Our best friends who moved away after Christmas and as a surprise, they are meeting us for vacation! Our kids don't know it yet, so it's going to be a GREAT surprise!!

 

[GF Girl]

If you are driving, go through the MK entry and stay to the far right. At the first traffic light, make a left and take it all the way down to the end. Make a right at the end of the road, and the GF will be on your right hand side.

If you have any trouble, the CM at the MK entrance will be more than happy to give you directions there. I believe there are different colored lines painted on the ground for you to follow.