Do these commuting times from resorts sound right?

[boomhauer]

I took this info from the Unofficial Guide, and I must say, if these are correct, I really need to do some thinking about my stay in July.

Pop Century
MK - 8:30
Epcot - 6:30
MGM - 5:00
AK - 6:15

All Stars
MK - 6:15
Epcot - 5:45
MGM - 5:15
AK - 4:15

Animal Kingdom Lodge
MK - 8:15
Epcot - 6:15
MGM - 6:00
AK - 2:15

And this is what worries me. We planned on WL, but look at the commute times from there:

Wilderness Lodge
MK - n/a
Epcot - 10:00
MGM - 13:30
AK - 15:15

It may not seem like a lot, but over 10 days, we're talking almost 2 extra hours on the buses as opposed to in the parks.

 

[catbertdave99]

I think a lot of it has to do with when you go, what else is going on in WDW while you're there, weather affecting crowds, etc., but I'm no expert. We stayed at WL and had NO problems with transportation. We've also stayed at AKL and CBR, and there never seemed to be a big difference in transportation times. Can't think of a bad instance at any of those, although I'm sure some have had bad experiences here and there.

I do have to say, though, that we go to WDW with the idea that there are a lot of people and it may take a long time to move around... they do a good job of moving thousands of people.... I've found the Unofficial Guide to be pretty reliable on info of all kinds, though.

Maybe the Transportation Board has some info for you.

 

[dixiedizfan]

I think the times are completely irrelevant. You might be staying at a resort where it only takes 5 minutes by bus to get to a park, but you need to take into account the fact that a person in a wheelchair might have to be loaded or unloaded on the bus before it leaves. Or the fact that the bus you need for a certain park might not show up for 10 or 15 minutes. We found that the actual commute to and from parks by bus was nothing ... it's all the waiting for the buses that uses up park time. And in that case it's all hit or miss.

 

[boomhauer]

I think my biggest concern is that, these times are tested as an average from the time the bus picks you up, to the time the bus arrives at the park.

If it's taking the buses from WL 10 minutes longer to get to a certain park, it seems as though on average, the buses from there do in fact make stops at other resorts.

When I get on a bus, I wanna go, go go....

 

[#1hockeymom]

Please don't let the posted times make or break your plans for your trip. As others have mentioned, other reasons can change the times. Honestly, some of our great memories have been made on the buses traveling from one place to another. We've had great conversations with both the bus drivers and other passengers. Not driving is a vacation in itself! If there is someplace you must get to on time please don't be afraid to use the taxi service. I plan in 2-3 taxi uses per trip when I must get someplace or am going resort to resort and don't want to stop at a park. The price is not that much for the service they provide.

Enjoy your trip!
Debbie

 

[boomhauer]

I know - I hate to pick out where I'm going to stay based on possible commute times to the parks. I guess I've just been spoiled by the great bus service from All Stars all these years. Even Pop, where I'd have to wait for a bus or stand, was great because it's direct service.

I'm so stubborn. I won't rent a car, as I feel the Disney Transportation is all part of the vacation experience to me. However, I feel more so, that being in the parks is MORE of the vacation experience.

 

[goofy4tink]

Please don't take this the wrong way......I never base where I'm staying on how long a bus is going to take from that particular resort to a particular park. I have found all the buses from the resorts have their strengths and weaknessess. It would seem that you are pretty familier with the bus times based on your having stayed at a value resort.
I have never felt the need to rent a car if staying at WDW for my whole trip. We don't even feel like we're at WDW until we're sitting on that bus, going to our first park. I sometimes think that too much is made of the bus times from resort to park. I think that we, as a society, are all about 'right now'...we don't like to have to wait for anything. But, sometimes the 'magic' is found in the waiting. Just a few rambling thoughts. Have a terrific trip!!!

 

[boomhauer]

Please don't take this the wrong way......I never base where I'm staying on how long a bus is going to take from that particular resort to a particular park. I have found all the buses from the resorts have their strengths and weaknessess. It would seem that you are pretty familier with the bus times based on your having stayed at a value resort.
I have never felt the need to rent a car if staying at WDW for my whole trip. We don't even feel like we're at WDW until we're sitting on that bus, going to our first park. I sometimes think that too much is made of the bus times from resort to park. I think that we, as a society, are all about 'right now'...we don't like to have to wait for anything. But, sometimes the 'magic' is found in the waiting. Just a few rambling thoughts. Have a terrific trip!!!

Everything you said is exactly right. That's me though - That "society" part. sadly, it's Disney's wonderful fault for making the bus service so efficient at the Values. I've always been SO happy with it. Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a molehill. I've always wanted to stay at Wilderness Lodge. I would hate to get a bad taste in my mouth simply because of commuting times.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

We have waited at the bus stops of various Disney resorts during the day when it is ususally quiet. Even when the wait is long I just think of myself and my family and the wonderful surroundings I am in the middle of. Just watching other buses come and go and people driving and wandering around. I agree that this is part of the WDW experience. I'm as much in a hurry to get to a park as anyone else, but have found the simple pleasure of sitting on a bench anywhere at WDW better than being anyplace else.

 

[goofy4tink]

It's funny about WL...everytime we have 'visited' there, we have had great success with the buses. While I haven't stayed there, we do try to visit once or twice each visit...love Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Cafe!!!! We use both the boat back to MK area and the bus to the other parks. We have had much worse service when we are at BW....now, those buses are the pits!! Longish waits and then you have to stop at both the Swan and then the Dolphin, then off to the park. But, BW is still my favorite spot.

 

[Disney Doll]

boomhauer...it's vacation buddy!!!! Chill!!!!!

Seriously, the bus service is generally fairly efficient...at least that has always been my experience. I've had some drivers who were less than stellar, I've had some drivers who were wonderful. I've waited anywhere from 5-45 minutes for a bus. On average, their estimate of 15-20 minutes is usually about right, regardless of which hotel I was staying at.

I use the bus waiting time to watch the green lizards, look for bunnies, plan my attack of the park I'll be visiting, laugh with my friends, or just "drink in" the magic.

Now, say it with me "I am on vacation, I am on vacation"...deep breaths...."I am on vacation"...

 

[CallaLily]

I think the difference in times that you're seeing is that the other resorts' buses are direct to locations, while WL usually share a bus with FW. My DH and I stayed at WL last August and we rarely have any problems or delays with the buses to or from the parks. If anything, it seemed like a bus was always arriving or waiting for us at the depot. Also the boat ride to MK is very pleasant and boats also go to FW and CR if you wish. So please give WL a chance because it's a great place to stay.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I took this info from the Unofficial Guide, and I must say, if these are correct, I really need to do some thinking about my stay in July.
...
Animal Kingdom Lodge
MK - 8:15
Epcot - 6:15
MGM - 6:00
AK - 2:15

And this is what worries me. We planned on WL, but look at the commute times from there:

Wilderness Lodge
MK - n/a
Epcot - 10:00
MGM - 13:30
AK - 15:15

It may not seem like a lot, but over 10 days, we're talking almost 2 extra hours on the buses as opposed to in the parks.

One issue here is that you're only quoting the minimum point to point on the bus. Dixiedizfan correctly points out that the wait time for the bus should also be taken into account - you need to consider the shortest and the longest times it could possibly take. I love the Unofficial Guide, and find their numbers pretty reliable. However, WL to MK is no "n/a" for transport time; the boat takes time; UG is making it seem like WL is adjacent to MK, when we all know that it's a 10 minute boat ride away, and that boat only comes every 10-20 mins in the best of times.

But heck, if the commute times look that daunting, maybe it's time to try out AKL (my personal fav').

 

[lentesta]

However, WL to MK is no "n/a" for transport time; the boat takes time; UG is making it seem like WL is adjacent to MK, when we all know that it's a 10 minute boat ride away, and that boat only comes every 10-20 mins in the best of times.

The chart referenced was for bus service, which wasn't running for the WL when the chart was created, hence the "N/A" in that column.

Len

 

[pumpkinboy]

The chart referenced was for bus service, which wasn't running for the WL when the chart was created, hence the "N/A" in that column.
Len

Thanks for the clarification LenTesta. I buy the Unofficial Guide every year, and frequently buy one or two more for friends who are planning WDW. This particular quirk had always bugged me, and I still think more clarification in next year's guide would be called for. I love WL and VWL to pieces, but I think a lot of ppl get the impression that it is convenient to MK, when this is not really the case, IMO (I love the seclusion tho, and the theming is magnificent).

Keep up the good work, LenTesta, and we'll keep buying and recommending the UG.

 

[lentesta]

Agreed, pumpkinboy. I'm listening to the WL soundtrack right now!

There's bus service now from the WL to the MK, and I think we've captured that for the next edition. Thanks for reading the book!

Len

 

[zoomsharedisney]

Everything you said is exactly right. That's me though - That "society" part. sadly, it's Disney's wonderful fault for making the bus service so efficient at the Values. I've always been SO happy with it. Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a molehill. I've always wanted to stay at Wilderness Lodge. I would hate to get a bad taste in my mouth simply because of commuting times.

Disney makes service efficient at ALL resorts, NOT just the Values. I've stayed at several different resorts and have taken all different types of transportation around Disney. It really does depend on the time of day (other traffic on the road), those with "abilities", other stops, etc. Please don't base your resort on the bus times. It would be a shame to miss out on all that Disney has to offer you based on a few extra minutes on a bus. Who knows...may the Wilderness Lodge bus will be quicker than the Values bus!!!

Happy Holidays!!

Amanda