Disney Shuttles?

[PA4K]

This is a common question that generates a bit of heat (as you've seen with Zeta, and I'll chime in with later ).

To answer the question in your title, yes, anyone with a valid WDW ticket may use the WDW transportation system to get around the resort complex. The price is included with the admission media.

To answer the question in the body of your post (as Tink already did), no, it is taboo to park at a WDW resort in an effort to avoid the parking fee. Likely, this is exactly why the resort in which you are staying has the transportation charge, as many people not staying there have taken advantage of their "free" shuttle. Otherwise, the price would be included in the room rates/member dues. In essence, you are feeling the pinch of this same thought process.

That said, you are going to enjoy having your own car versus using the WDW transportation as you suggested mainly due to the flexibility this option offers. At the end of the day, you are going to be tired, and a nice comfortable vehicle waiting for you in the lot is going to be much more appealing than waiting for a bus with hundreds of other guests staying at the resort in which you parked. It really is nice to get in the car and drive directly to your resort versus fighting the crowds.

Lastly, as a bit of a purist when it comes to first visits, I feel it is important for first-time visitors to drive to the MK! The excitement of driving under the arch, through the ticket booths, riding a tram to the Ticket & Transportation center (TTC), then hopping the monorail or ferry to the MK is the way entry was designed to be experienced. The trip is just as important as the destination at Disney, and the queues are designed to set the story before getting to the ride. Sit back and enjoy!
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Thank you for this reply.
I had actually missed all of the responses after the first. I guess I didn't click on the link in the email so it stopped notifying me there were replies.

Your comment about the comfort of having our own car there is exactly what I needed to hear. I've never been to WDW before. I was afraid having to drive our own car would be stressful or difficult (I've heard traffic can get bad). BUT we'll be there in the fall so I'm thinking that may be less the case anyhow.

Really $15/day (or thereabouts) sounds like it will be well worth it.

I am very big on "my time is money" and am definitely willing to pay a premium for convenience. It is fabulous to know that having a car there is an asset and not a liability.

I am also looking forward to the traditional entry to the park as you described. Thanks for painting that picture so well.

Thank you! And I'm sorry I started a thread that created some heat. I am learning as I go along.

 

[smidgy]

I have to agree with everyone. downtown disney buses are notoriously slow. especially from the resorts TO DTD. for some strange reason, they go the long way, past POr. right on vacation club way, then right again and again, and come in from the east . when we have a car we always drive to DTD from our resort when we are going to eat at Planet Hollywood or Trex.

as far as the MK entrance. we have been to WDW 22 times, andhave never once driven in, parked at the TTC lot, and taken the monorail or ferry to MK. just seems like to big a hassle. we get the "thrill" going under the purple DisenyWorld sign when we first drive on tot he property on check in day. (unless we enter the back way :sherbeth road. you get cheated out of the purple sign that way!)

we have driven to DHS or AK, never MK or epcot.

 

[sam_gordon]

Thank you for this reply.
I had actually missed all of the responses after the first. I guess I didn't click on the link in the email so it stopped notifying me there were replies.

Your comment about the comfort of having our own car there is exactly what I needed to hear. I've never been to WDW before. I was afraid having to drive our own car would be stressful or difficult (I've heard traffic can get bad). BUT we'll be there in the fall so I'm thinking that may be less the case anyhow.

Really $15/day (or thereabouts) sounds like it will be well worth it.

I am very big on "my time is money" and am definitely willing to pay a premium for convenience. It is fabulous to know that having a car there is an asset and not a liability.

I am also looking forward to the traditional entry to the park as you described. Thanks for painting that picture so well.

Thank you! And I'm sorry I started a thread that created some heat. I am learning as I go along.

Just to let you know, not everyone views having a car as an "asset". If we drive to Disney, once we get to the resort, the car stays parked. Disney transportation all the way! I like not having to worry about directions (although WDW is very easy to get around) or other drivers. I like being "immersed" in the magic. Others disagree and that's fine. But don't take away from this thread that you must have a car to enjoy yourself.

 

[Greysword]

I've never been to WDW before. I was afraid having to drive our own car would be stressful or difficult (I've heard traffic can get bad). BUT we'll be there in the fall so I'm thinking that may be less the case anyhow.

Thank you! And I'm sorry I started a thread that created some heat. I am learning as I go along.

Sam has some good points, where it is nice to just use WDW transportation when we stay on-site. However since you are offsite, using the car to get around is great, too!

Late when the parks close, there is usually a mad rush for the exit, and thus a subsequent line for buses, and things there can get pretty irritating fast. When DD was a toddler (and smaller), we used a car quite a bit, even though we stayed on-site, since she enjoyed snuggling into her car seat after walking around so much. Plus, you'll have quick mid-day access, so if you want to park hop or just return to the resort and take an afternoon break, a car makes it easy.

The toll booths accept credit cards, so you won't need cash if you prefer.

Finally, don't worry about the thread. It is a good question, however, asking is more akin to opening the lock-box that surrounds the big shiny red button and we just wait for someone to come along and push it (as they always do) .

 

[PA4K]

Just to let you know, not everyone views having a car as an "asset". If we drive to Disney, once we get to the resort, the car stays parked. Disney transportation all the way! I like not having to worry about directions (although WDW is very easy to get around) or other drivers. I like being "immersed" in the magic. Others disagree and that's fine. But don't take away from this thread that you must have a car to enjoy yourself.

Thanks for that perspective too. It's also good to know that when we stay in the Disney resorts (hopefully sometime on a future visit), we will be just fine without a rental car -- or even better off in that situation.

 

[Lewisc]

Just to let you know, not everyone views having a car as an "asset". If we drive to Disney, once we get to the resort, the car stays parked. Disney transportation all the way! I like not having to worry about directions (although WDW is very easy to get around) or other drivers. I like being "immersed" in the magic. Others disagree and that's fine. But don't take away from this thread that you must have a car to enjoy yourself.

But would you have the same thought if you were staying offsite and was going to park in DTD in order to avoid shuttle bus fees and parking fees?

IMPORTANT FOR THE OP: Keep your receipt. You only pay once per day. You can leave and come back to that park, or any other theme park, without paying a second time for parking that day.

 

[PA4K]

IMPORTANT FOR THE OP: Keep your receipt. You only pay once per day. You can leave and come back to that park, or any other theme park, without paying a second time for parking that day.

Noted. Thank you!

 

[sam_gordon]

But would you have the same thought if you were staying offsite and was going to park in DTD in order to avoid shuttle bus fees and parking fees?

No, if I was staying off site, I would use our car (rental or personal) to get to/from parks.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have to agree with everyone. downtown disney buses are notoriously slow. especially from the resorts TO DTD. for some strange reason, they go the long way, past POr. right on vacation club way, then right again and again, and come in from the east . when we have a car we always drive to DTD from our resort when we are going to eat at Planet Hollywood or Trex.

as far as the MK entrance. we have been to WDW 22 times, andhave never once driven in, parked at the TTC lot, and taken the monorail or ferry to MK. just seems like to big a hassle. we get the "thrill" going under the purple DisenyWorld sign when we first drive on tot he property on check in day. (unless we enter the back way :sherbeth road. you get cheated out of the purple sign that way!)

we have driven to DHS or AK, never MK or epcot.

To the best of my knowledge, it's easier for the buses to take that round-a-bout route. Something to do with lights along the way and convoluted turns.
But, man, is sure is quicker to drive to DTD from your resort!!!