Disney Buses Vs Driving to Parks

[BornABrook]

The only time I’ve been to Disney World, I flew there with my family. We didn’t bother with a rental car and just used the Disney transportation. It wasn’t a huge hassle, and there were some advantages to using it, but also some downsides.

Next year I’m going back and I plan to drive instead of fly so I will have my own car with me. I’m considering driving myself to the parks for a few reasons:

1. I can leave for the parks as soon as I’m ready instead of waiting for the bus I want to arrive.

2. If I get going early enough, which is likely, I can possibly get ahead of the crowds a bit by beating the buses and getting in line at the gate sooner. It might not make any difference in the grand scheme of things, but it would make me feel like I’d accomplished something.

3. I won’t have to deal with the overwhelming bus lines when the park closes.


My main questions are these:

1. I’ve seen a couple posts elsewhere that seemed to indicate that the parking lots don’t open very early. Does anybody know how early you can get into the parking lots? Would I actually get further behind the crowd by driving and waiting for the parking lot to open instead of getting on the first bus out? (I’ve read that the buses generally start running an hour before the park opens?)

2. Do you have to take a tram to get to the park from the parking lot or can you walk? How long of a walk is it? How early do the trams start running?

3. How crazy is the traffic after the park closes? Could it possibly be worse than standing in line for an hour surrounded by cranky, whiny kids (and cranky, whiny adults) waiting until you can get on a bus?

4. Parking is free at the parks if you’re a resort guest, right? I’m pretty sure I read that somewhere, but couldn’t find it on the official site.

So I guess what I'm ultimately asking is this: Which way will get me the earliest start in the morning and which way will involve the least amount of insanity at the end of the day?

Brook

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by BornABrook
1. I’ve seen a couple posts elsewhere that seemed to indicate that the parking lots don’t open very early. Does anybody know how early you can get into the parking lots? Would I actually get further behind the crowd by driving and waiting for the parking lot to open instead of getting on the first bus out? (I’ve read that the buses generally start running an hour before the park opens?)

Parking lots open one hour prior to park opening. Buses start running with limited service at 7:00am (Epcot at 7:45). Full service begins one hour to park opening.

When going to the MK you park at the TTC. That lot opens at 7:00, however, you are held back at the TTC until 8:45am. Buses take you to the front gates directly.

Originally posted by BornABrook
2. Do you have to take a tram to get to the park from the parking lot or can you walk? How long of a walk is it? How early do the trams start running?

It depends on what lot you park in. MK and AK, chances are you'd need the tram. Studios might be a bit of a walk, but its doable. And Epcot you usually don't need the tram. It should be noted that lines for the MK tram can get VERY long. (And don't forget the line for the Monorail or Ferry as well.)

Originally posted by BornABrook
3. How crazy is the traffic after the park closes? Could it possibly be worse than standing in line for an hour surrounded by cranky, whiny kids (and cranky, whiny adults) waiting until you can get on a bus?

The line for the bus may look long, but it won't be an hour long. It takes us typically 45 mins to clear out the crowds after a Magic Kingdom exit. There may be huge crowds, but we move them out very quickly.

Traffic coming out of the parks can be a nightmare to deal with at times. That's why a lot of folks leave the driving to me... so that I get to put up with the crazy tourist drivers. AK is really the only park that doesn't have a huge massive exit. The rest of them can be tricky.

Originally posted by BornABrook
4. Parking is free at the parks if you’re a resort guest, right?

Correct.

Originally posted by BornABrook
So I guess what I'm ultimately asking is this: Which way will get me the earliest start in the morning and which way will involve the least amount of insanity at the end of the day?

When I have friends and family down, and staying at a resort, we always take the bus, despite us having cars readily available. I practice what I preach... lol... the past few times have been at the All-Stars, never had a problem. Never even had to stand, unless I volunteered my seat for someone else.

If you catch an early enough bus, you can get there to beat the crowds no problem.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Lately the AK parking lot opens just before the park opens (especially on EMH morning). If you drive to MK, you have to park at TTC, take the shuttle to the monorail or boat, then take the monorail or boat to MK. It's easier taking the resort bus to MK.

If you are staying at a Disney resort you will get a parking pass to put in your window. Gets you into the parking lots without paying.

We like to drive to AK, DS and Epcot. Never MK.

 

[safetymom]

We like having our car to drive to the parks but I take Disney trans. to go to MK. We usually park at Epcot and take the monorail or bus to MK.

 

[Geoff_M]

Except for MK, we have found it generally quicker to drive yourself to the parks.

 

[BornABrook]

Thanks for all the responses! I'm still waffling a bit on which way I want to do it, but at least now I have some info on which to make my decision.

I may just play it by ear and see what I feel like doing once I get there. It could be that after driving all the way there I'll not be much in the mood for driving myself around in unfamiliar territory. My first day on Disney property will be a relatively relaxed one, without hitting any parks, so I will probably take some time that day to drive around and try to get oriented without the pressure of wanting to be at a specific place at a specific time. If the route seems pretty straight forward, I may give driving myself a try for my first park (Epcot) and see how it goes. If I hate it, I can always do the bus the rest of the time. At least I'll have options.

It sounds like driving myself to MK is definitely out, in any case!

Brook

 

[Boo Mc]

We always drive to MK. We are early risers though and usually park in the first row of cars. I guess if you got there later and had to park far away then the bus might be easier. We always walk to the TTC. It's not that far from where we park and we don't have to fold up the stroller and put it on the tram. Plus we like to get a little exercise to help justify eating all the goodies at MK! We have never had too many trafic problems when leaving MK (even when we stay till closing).

 

[Sandi]

We generally find that using Disney transportation to the 4 major parks is the way to go. For the water parks, Downtown Disney, the mini-golf, and resort restaurants, however, it is more convenient to use your own car. Playing it by ear makes a lot of sense. I think you'll be happy with Tyler and his colleagues for most of your travels!