Disney bus or taxi?

[Alaska Mom]

Hi everyone, I have a question about using the Disney bus system. My daughter and I have reservations for the Wild By Design tour at the Animal Kingdom on a day that does not have the morning extra hour. The tour starts at 8:30 a.m., do you think we can use the Disney bus system and get there in time for the tour or should we look at alternative transportation? Thanks for any input.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Disney runs busses to the parks before they open for character breakfasts, tours etc. Just check at the front desk of your hotel and they should be able to tell you what time the bus will be there for early pick ups. Have a great time!

Edied to add: You will be instructed to go to a special gate at the park where they will check your name for breakfasts, tours etc. so you can be let in.

 

[MKFan-PR]

Where are you staying and when does the park open that day? Usually buses start running before the park opening hour.

However, since you want to make sure you are on time, maybe the cab is a better option.

 

[Alaska Mom]

I was starting to worry what to do because the Animal Kingdom did not have the early morning hour and I was having trouble trying to figure out if we took the normal Disney bus if we would get there in time for the tour. I would feel awful getting there late and either having people wait for us or missing the tour all together so thank you so much for your advice. Can't wait till July and all that Disney magic!

 

[Alaska Mom]

We are staying at the Caribbean but I am such a worry wart (nice image huh?) that I wanted to know what would be the best strategy to get to the Animal Kingdom in time for the tour (didn't want to hold up the tour or miss it). I was hoping that the Animal Kingdom would have the early morning hour the day we take this tour but no so I was just researching the alternatives to getting there on time.

 

[goofy4tink]

You'll be fine using Disney transportation. The buses start running by 7:00 for the early character breakfast at Donald's Breakfastasaurus. Be at your resort bus stop by 7:15-7:30. I know it sounds early, but the buses to AK don't seem to run often as the other parks for those early meals. When you get to AK, head over to the far right...that's where we have always entered from for those 'before park opening' things. They can tell you where to go from there. It's so nice to wander around, with the park pretty much empty before it opens.
The big issue with taking a cab is that the cabs aren't allowed in until one hour before park opening...you could get held up.

 

[Alaska Mom]

Thank you so much for the tip. It's a good thing we aren't taking this tour until a few days into our vacation or else it would feel like 2:00 in the morning for us! Not only will it be nice to wander around "by yourself" but the picture opportunities should be very nice as well so thanks for tip!

You'll be fine using Disney transportation. The buses start running by 7:00 for the early character breakfast at Donald's Breakfastasaurus. Be at your resort bus stop by 7:15-7:30. I know it sounds early, but the buses to AK don't seem to run often as the other parks for those early meals. When you get to AK, head over to the far right...that's where we have always entered from for those 'before park opening' things. They can tell you where to go from there. It's so nice to wander around, with the park pretty much empty before it opens.
The big issue with taking a cab is that the cabs aren't allowed in until one hour before park opening...you could get held up.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Absolutely take the Disney bus. I can tell you from personal experience that no cars are allowed into the AK parking lot early.

A few years back we were told by our resort front desk that there was no early bus (WRONG info.....big tip here....don't believe any transportation information unless it comes from a Disney bus driver!!!!!).
So we took a taxi which was a big mistake. The driver told me immediately that he had a problem just recently getting into the AK early and had to leave his passengers out to take a Disney bus.

We were fortunate that the CM on duty did let us and some other vehicles through early, but it was not a very good experience. I have read many others tell the same story that only Disney buses are allowed in early.

I don't know the reason, but whether you have early dining reservations or whatever...it doesn't matter at the AK. 99.99999% of the times they will not let any vehicles other than the Disney buses through early.

 

[Alaska Mom]

Wow, you know I hadn't even thought of not getting onto the lot. That would have been very frustrating and disappointing if we paid for a taxi and then found out we would still have to take the bus. Thanks for that info - sounds like the bus will be the way to go. Thanks to all who responded to my question, this is my first time participating in a discussion forum like this and I have to say the wealth of information I have gotten has way exceeded my expectation! This is so cool to get everyone's insight, thanks!