Disney resort transportation question

[annab6]

Part of my plan is to watch the MGM parade at 4pm and get to Grand Floridian right after that for our 5pm 1900 Park Fare PS.
I've never visited Disney resort hotels so I need some help to figure this out.

We are staying off-property and will be driving or taking our hotel's bus to the park. Is it better to take the Monorail (or is it a resort bus) to GF after the parade and then return to the parking lot or the bus stop after dinner via monorail again or to return to the parking lot and drive to GF?

Is it hard to exit MGM after the parade?

Thanks
Anna

 

[XStAnt]

I think you're cutting it too close to make your dinner. Depending on where you are along the parade route, it probably won't be finished until about 4:20-4:30. You'll then have to fight the throng of people around the parade to exit MGM, which could take up to 10 minutes.

You then have to get to GF. The monorail does not run to MGM. Your options are to drive or take a Disney bus going to the GF. If you drive you will have to walk or take a tram to your car. This can take several minutes (You may have to wait a few mins for the tram and then wait until it drives around to your section. This still may be better than walking after a day in the park). If you take a bus you may have to wait 10-15 minutes for the bus to arrive. Once on the bus or in the car it could take 10-15 minutes to get to GF.

A good rule of thumb is to leave yourself an hour from the time you'll be leaving a park to go somewhere else. It may take less time to get there, but one hour gives you the extra time for a "worst case scenario."

Can you change your PS to 5:30 or 6:00?

 

[annab6]

Thanks, I was hoping there is a way to do it. This is the only PS that was available so I guess we'll have to miss the parade. I'll keep calling to see if something becomes available.

Thanks
Anna

 

[ncbyrne]

Only Epcot and MK are on the monorail line. To get to MGM or AK, you will have to drive. I agree with the previous poster - you should make your PS a bit later in order to give yourself enough time.

 

[The House of Mouse]

I haven't done this myself, so I am not speaking out of experience, but if it was me and I really wanted to do both I would take a taxi between the two. I've heard that the most a taxi costs from place to place on WDW is $15.00 and that they can be found everywhere. You might try posting this on the transportation board as well. When we go in May we plan on using WDW buses, but also use some taxis if there is a wait or we are cutting things too close.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

We had the same problem last May. We wanted to see the parade, but could only secure a 5:00 pm PS. I called the restaurant directly the day before and explained my situation. The maitre d' told me he would hold our spot, but to try to get there before 6:00 p.m. He was completely wonderful.

 

[annab6]

Thank you very much for sharing this. Do you remember where you got the phone # for the restaurant? I asked a WDW-DINE operator for their number but they said they don't have it. They said to call them with any questions.

Thanks
Anna