Double Tree at Disney Springs and Buses

[Katie Dawn]

Hello! How does the bus service work at the Double Tree? I've read several threads about Double Tree which has helped but I still have a few questions.
*It picks up right at the hotel correct? I don't have to make the 15-20 minute walk to Disney Springs first.

*That same bus picks up at a few other hotels first correct? I get the impression those other stops don't take too long.

*I have read it runs every 30 minutes like clock work. What are the chances that the bus would be full when it arrives?

*Am I understanding correctly that each bus drops off at 2 parks?

*If I'm ready to walk out my hotel room door at 8am for a 9am rope drop in late April and can choose either driving my own car or riding the available transportation I'm assuming my car will get me there faster. But how much faster? 5-10 minutes? 45 minutes?

Thanks everyone!

 

[writerguyfl]

*It picks up right at the hotel correct? I don't have to make the 15-20 minute walk to Disney Springs first.

The bus stop is about 10 feet from a side door off the lobby. Due to the compact nature of the hotel, you can get to/from your room to the bus stop in 2-4 minutes.

*That same bus picks up at a few other hotels first correct? I get the impression those other stops don't take too long.

The DoubleTree Suites is on the "A" route. Buses usually run in this order: Hilton Lake Buena Vista --> Holiday Inn --> B Resort --> DoubleTree Suites. These hotels are literally adjacent, only separated by parking lots and a little landscaping. And, the stops are usually very quick. The only delays that happen would involve wheelchairs and/or ECVs.

*I have read it runs every 30 minutes like clock work. What are the chances that the bus would be full when it arrives?

In my experience, the buses are extremely punctual. I'm NOT a morning person, so I've never used the buses for a rope drop arrival. Hopefully someone else will provide their perspective.

*Am I understanding correctly that each bus drops off at 2 parks?

Correct. One bus usually goes to Epcot, followed by Disney's Hollywood Studios. The other bus goes to the Transportation and Ticket Center (transfer to monorail/ferry), followed by Disney's Animal Kingdom. (I've seen other combinations occasionally, so check the electronic signs on the buses.)

*If I'm ready to walk out my hotel room door at 8am for a 9am rope drop in late April and can choose either driving my own car or riding the available transportation I'm assuming my car will get me there faster. But how much faster? 5-10 minutes? 45 minutes?

The answer here will depend on where you are going. Starting with Magic Kingdom, I think the bus will be slightly quicker than driving. Both options will require using the monorail or ferry. The bus will drop you off right at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Driving will put you somewhere in the massive parking lot, so you may need to take the parking lot tram. But, you'll save time at the end of the day with your car because you won't have to detour to the second park before returning to the hotel.

Epcot is the same story. The bus will be slightly quicker, but you'll save time at the end of the day by driving.

If you are heading to the second park on the bus route, you'll save time by driving. Honestly, I've never timed the extra time it takes because I never have a car when staying at the Disney Springs Hotels. I want to say that the entire route (hotels --> first park --> second park --> hotels) takes 60 minutes. If that holds, it will be about a 45 minutes trip to the second park. Hopefully, someone else will have a more concrete answer in terms of actual times.

Here's a copy of the bus information provided at check-in:

 

[Katie Dawn]

Thank you so much writerguyfl. Very helpful!