Disney Resort Bus vs Self Drive to Theme Parks

[BigDaddy5]

We have trip coming up within a few weeks. We are staying in a Disney resort and our family definitely takes advantage of early entry. I have seen mixed information what time the resort bus transportation starts running in relation to park opening or in relation to early entry times (two different times I realize). I also have seen mixed information as to when the theme park parking lots open to cars. As we are debating whether to drive to the theme park or take resort bus transportation, this would be good information to know.

Side note: we will not drive to the theme park on days we visit Magic Kingdom since the parking situation is a bit different.

Anyone have good information we can work with on bus transportation and theme park parking lot times? Thanks.

 

[MrKnight]

Generally speaking, it's always best to use WDW transportation, it's one of the biggest perks of staying on-property at a WDW resort and in most cases will drop you off directly in front of the park entrance (not always the case with other methods of transportation, parking, etc.)

 

[Her Dotness]

About the only times we use our car at WDW are going to another resort to eat.

That's mostly because we've 16 hours to get to WDW that we break into 2 days' drive. As a result, neither of us wants to drive much at Disney. It's just so much easier letting Disney haul us around because you can have somewhat of a hike in car parks other than the MK. When hot and tired, that quick trip into Epcot to get a must-have munchie or souvie seems lots less a chore when not parking your car.

 

[erionm]

About the only times we use our car at WDW are going to another resort to eat.

^^THIS^^

We're local, so we always have a car and almost never drive unless it's resort to resort.

 

[mjmgsssp]

Another consideration is that parking lot trams are currently only running in the MK parking lot, not the other 3. It can be a long walk back to your car at the end of the night.

 

[reddog21]

We always find it easier and more comfortable to drive, the buses in the morning are way to crowded. There's been plenty of time we've waiting 20+ minutes just for a bus. Even without the trams if you get there first thing in the morning the walk to the park isn't bad at all.

 

[scrappinginontario]

We were there last week and exclusively used Disney transportation. We did not have trouble reaching the parks in time for ETPE.

As long as you allow enough time before ETPE begins (recommended to arrive at your resort transportation 90 mins before ETPE), you will not have any problems arriving for rope drop. Where people seem to run into problems is they think, 'The MK opens for ETPE at 8:30 so I'll arrive at our resort transportation at 7:30' only to find a huge line of people already there.

E.g. We were at Pop last week. We arrived at the Skyliner station at 8:05 for 9:30AM ETPE at Epcot. When we arrived at the Skyliner the line was back beside the kiddie pool and it took us 20 minutes just to get to our cabin. The line moved well, there were just a lot of people in front of us. From there we had 2 Skyliner rides then had to line up for security at Epcot. Once through security we walked to Remy, arriving at 9:14. Not once did we really stop moving, just everything takes time and there are lines of guests all trying to do the same thing. Even arriving at our Skyliner station 85 mins before ETPE, we were not off Remy until 10:05 (it started running at 9:30) as there were that many people already in line in front of us!

 

[Her Dotness]

One major reason why we like the monorail resorts for getting to the MK isn't the monorail, funniest thing.

You now can walk to MK from Poly, GF and CR. It's about 10 minutes from CR at a relatively brisk adult pace, 15-20 from GF and 35-40 from Poly.

While you won't get to MK magically fast walking from the Poly, it's a nice wide walkway the entire distance and much more relaxing than waiting for Disney transportation when everybody else is.

 

[OKW Lover]

We always prefer to drive to the parks than take Disney transportation. The only exception is going to the MK where the Disney bus service drops you off right by the entrance. Parking at the TTC requires a monorail/ferry ride over to the MK.

 

[chaoskids]

We've done both through the years. The last few years we've been driving. It just saves so much time. No waiting for a bus for 20 + minutes or getting to the bus stop more than hour before. Walk out and get in the car.

 

[BigDaddy5]

I certainly appreciate the feedback. We have done both through the years as well. I just haven't been able to nail down a concrete time for the parking lots opening or when the buses start running for the resorts to have that information to make informed plans. My research has given varying information on that one.

This background on the disney transportation last week is helpful to that end for sure.

We were there last week and exclusively used Disney transportation. We did not have trouble reaching the parks in time for ETPE.

As long as you allow enough time before ETPE begins (recommended to arrive at your resort transportation 90 mins before ETPE), you will not have any problems arriving for rope drop. Where people seem to run into problems is they think, 'The MK opens for ETPE at 8:30 so I'll arrive at our resort transportation at 7:30' only to find a huge line of people already there.

E.g. We were at Pop last week. We arrived at the Skyliner station at 8:05 for 9:30AM ETPE at Epcot. When we arrived at the Skyliner the line was back beside the kiddie pool and it took us 20 minutes just to get to our cabin. The line moved well, there were just a lot of people in front of us. From there we had 2 Skyliner rides then had to line up for security at Epcot. Once through security we walked to Remy, arriving at 9:14. Not once did we really stop moving, just everything takes time and there are lines of guests all trying to do the same thing. Even arriving at our Skyliner station 85 mins before ETPE, we were not off Remy until 10:05 (it started running at 9:30) as there were that many people already in line in front of us!

 

[bsmcneil]

For what it's worth, I used my rental car far more than I thought I would. Once we had it, it just seemed easier (not that I dislike Disney Transportation - I actually love it).

 

[Bullseye]

Always drive everywhere! Much easier and faster! Go where you want when you want on your own schedule. Last time I was there (Jun 2021) they were letting cars line up at 60 minutes and letting them through 45 minutes before park opening.

 

[nolatravelgirl]

Any recent information as to when the parking lots open? We will be onsite with a rental car and would like to take advantage of the ETPE but don't want to be stuck in line at the parking gates.