Disney bus or rental car faster from Port Orleans??

[Parrotheader]

My family always used to stay at the campgrounds at Fort Wilderness so that's my only real point of reference for comparison purposes. We were always on the loop closest to the main store at Fort Wilderness so the walk to the main bus stop and boat docks were never a problem.

My wife and I will be staying at Port Orleans Riverside in late May. We'll have a rental car although I wasn't really planning on using it inside Disneyworld all that much. We're hoping that the transportation (i.e., buses) will be adequate.

Staying at Fort Wilderness, I didn't mind the fact that the boat rides were a little slower overall because it's such a cool way to get around. But I wasn't really fond of having to wait for the bus for an extended period of time (out of the 4 times I've been there it was only slow once, and that was the last time we were there in '97.) I guess I'm a little worried that since Port Orleans is kind of off by itself that the buses might run a little slower to it. I know from reading other posts that the best thing to do is get on at the main stop (so you won't be passed over on smaller stops.) But how regularly does it make trips to the main parks and transportation center (and I mean real-world waits, not official times.) Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Disney Doll]

I've stayed at PO, both sides, many times and don't remember the bus service being a problem as far as long waits go. I don't recall waits for the bus to the TTC, as I didn't travel through there much.Usually I was going to a park, or went via DD.

 

[Ityldu]

When we stayed at DxL, we had a car rental and it was a God send. Then again, we like to have a rental car no matter where we're staying. It just makes it much easier to get to places like other resorts, DD, even BW. It also makes it easier when you have little kids who are exhausted at night and can't wait in the long lines for buses, boats or monorails. Plus, we found getting a stroller on a bus, especially when crowded, was a huge pain. The other advantage is having the trunk to store the empty suit cases as well as being able to make grocery runs.

We wouldn't do Disney w/ a car rental, but I know there are plenty that wouldn't consider it a vaction if they had to drive themselves anyplace.

 

[Laura's Dad]

We have stayed there 3 different times. The buses have been reliable. If you want to save milage on your rental car, use the buses. We live within driving distance from WDW, and therefore, have driven our own car. It is faster to the parks and you don't have to pay for parking if you get a parking pass at check-in. One place it would certainly be better is if you plan to do Illuminations at Epcot. I have never seen anything like trying to get a bus back to our hotel (ANY hotel) after Illuminations. If you choose to do an E-Ticket night, however, I think you have to take the bus. Ditto Early Entry if they ever bring it back.

 

[HappyandDoc]

Hi there! We've stayed at both DxL and PO, (now French Quarter) and had absolutely no problems with bus transportation. We don't rent cars if at all possible, my husband loves not having to drive AT ALL while at Disney. He feels it's more relaxing--let them do all the work, driving, and thinking! We found it very easy to get everywhere, no long waits, no parking lots or traffic problems. The boat to DD is a very pleasant ride also. Have Fun!!!

 

[Ityldu]

HappyandDoc - I do believe they got rid of the boat to DD. It was one of our favorite things also and we're sorry to hear it's gone.

 

[Parrotheader]

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

The main reason we're renting a car is due to the fact that we'll be doing the Disneyworld/ Disney cruise combo (4-day land/3-day sea package.) It turns out that for two people (it'll only be me and my wife . . . kids are still a couple years down the road ) paying for Disney's ground transfers is only slightly cheaper than renting a car for the whole week. So we figured we'd pay just a little extra and have the freedom of mobility. That way we can make a grocery store run, eat wherever we'd like, get to the cruise ship early and then beat the bus back to the airport.

I figure we'll probably use the buses for the most part while we're at Disney. However, like Laura's Dad said, I know how tough it can be to get out of the park after Illuminations. Of course, since it'll just be me and my wife (and since we'll hopefully be viewing the show from that English pub on the lake) we can just take our time and stay out as late as we want (although being a teacher, she's not exactly a night-owl.) I'm sure we'll manage.