Drive or take the bus from Pop Century?

[bangzoom6877]

To drive or to take the bus...that is the question. We will be with our 2 sons, ages 3 y.o. and 14 months when we go. Now we are seriously considering renting a stroller from A Baby's Best Friend to avoid the hard plastic and lines at the theme parks, so lugging a double stroller onto the bus with 2 little kids would be a hassle. The only thing is, I thought the bus would be convenient for one reason...getting into the hot car in July in Orlando is not fun! Could we park close to the entrance gates in the theme parks in order to avoid using the tram and having to lug the stroller onto it? Any advice for someone who has travelled to WDW with babies or toddlers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Bonnie

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

For getting to MK it will probably be best to take the bus, since it drops you off right at the MK entrance. If you drive, you will need to be there early to avoid using the tram(even at that it is a bit of a walk). Once you arrive from the parking lot to the TTC you will then board either a monorail or the ferry boat to get to MK. For all the other parks it doesn't make much difference either way, it is more of a personal prefference. However if you think you will be heading back for naps midday then yes your car will be VERY hot when you get to it, it may be best to take Disney transportation in the morning and drive yourself in the evening.

People take strollers all the time at Disney so it really is not a big deal. Some things to make it easier though, don't over pack it, everything has to come out to fold it to get on buses and trams. A large empty tote bag can be very helpfull at the end of the day for all those little things that just seem to acumulate in the stroller basket. When waiting in line for a bus, start breaking everything down BEFORE the bus arrives, nothing can frustrate you more than trying to hurry the kids out of the stroller and fold it while a mob of tired, impatient people grumble behind you.

 

[goofygal531]

Do you have a double stroller? If so, why not bring yours from home?

I bused it this last trip two weeks ago. First time with two kids, we didn't enjoy it since we're used to the Deluxe resorts and we really wanted to get away for Thanksgiving so we took the moderate resort since all the deluxe resorts were sold out (and regretted it). But that's just us.

It's totally doable and I wouldn't hassle with a rental car then you have the additional hassle of parking and trams. The bus is much more convenient.

You need to plan ahead and it can work. Here's what I did:

I had the diaper bag (which next trip I'm not using, I'm going to put the diapers and wipes in a Skip Hop Pronto - we'll be done with bottles

We had a totes foldable tote bag that I used to consolidate all our stuff at the bus stop. Stuff that we kept throwing in the stroller basket: lightweight blanket, sippys, snacks, jackets, etc...

I also had a baby bjorn that I put in the tote bag.

DH would always grab and fold the stroller and take one bag. I would take one bag and the baby. My 4 yr old jumped on the bus himself.

On the bus, we always ran towards the same seats if they were available. We put the stroller and the two bags under the seat.

We always made sure we were folded and packed away before the bus arrived. You can't be doing this while the bus is at the bus stop. You really have to be ready.

After a few bus rides, we had a system that worked so well that once I was able to do it by myself. DH had to go handle some business that couldn't wait. So he left us in AK. I was able to put the baby in the bjorn, get the bags and stroller on the bus without any additional help. I met him in DTD with no problems.

The only downside we found to the bus was when the baby was asleep. We wished we could have left him sleeping in the stroller.

Hope that helps,
Mare

 

[bangzoom6877]

We don't own a double stroller because our older son walks everywhere, but I know that Disneyworld has a ton of walking and he will need to rest in the stroller throughout each day. So we will be renting one from A Baby's Best Friend. We are not flying down to Florida. We are driving so we will already have our own car with us, no need to rent a car.

Would it be convenient to drive to one of the resort hotels that uses the monorail and take that to the park, to avoid the tram, and t o avoid having to fold the stroller and carry it onto the bus? Can you wheel the stroller onto the monrail? Maybe this would be more efficient? I know it doesn't solve the hot car problem, but at least it solves the tram issue.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Parking at the monorail resorts is limited to guests satying there, they cannot provide parking for the parks. Guests wishing to visit these resorts are often given a 3 hour parking pass, parking all day would not be advised.

 

[goofygal531]

It all comes down to your view of a vacation. My DH hates the buses, but deals with them. He loves the boats and monorails "they make the vacation magical". There is no way he'd every drive from park to park.

I cannot imagine shelping to a resort, parking the car, getting all your gear out, then shleping to the monorail then to the park -don't forget you have to unload all your stuff at security again! It's just a lot.

Park your car at the Pop and leave it there and let WDW do the driving.

Another downside to parking your car elsewhere besides your resort, what if you want to park hop? We spend about 3 hours in MGM then like to take the boat over to the Boardwalk, walk around get my son a slice of pizza then head over to Epcot. From Epcot we might go to MK just to watch a parade or the fireworks and leave. You have lots of options not having to worry where you parked your car.

Yes, you can stroll your stroller directly on the monorail and canal boats in the Epcot/Boardwalk area. You have to fold your stroller for all buses and boats in the MK resort area.

I think your adding more stress to your vacation worrying where your car is parked. If you plan on how to managing carrying all your stuff around, you'll be fine.

We were there thanksgiving week and it was crowded. Yes some buses were packed. Once we missed 3 full buses to MK but got an empty one only a few minutes later. Lots of buses run when they know the resort is full. I also had to miss a few full monorails due to fitting the double stroller in the the handicap car, but eventually I we got an empty one. We just were never in a rush and let everything happen. We were on "vacation time".

 

[bangzoom6877]

Okay, I understand about the parking situation and the monorail resorts. However, is there a way to park at a resort that is within walking distance to a theme park? I have a feeling we will just end up driving to the parks. We will be taking advantage of the extra magic morning hours and getting there early.

We are not doing the Park Hopper option for this trip. We think it is too much for the kids since they are so little, to do more than one park in a single day. So we are getting the 5-day ticket and going to a theme park a day (two days at MK since we will be getting there later on the day of arrival and there is so much there for the kids to see so we want to pace ourselves).

 

[goofygal531]

I've never planned it out like that since we had kids, all plans went out the window. We always plan to utilize the extra hours, and it never goes as planed. Something always sidetracks us. Who wants to play in the arcade, walk around the resort or just sleep in and watch Playhouse Disney

I wouldn't never NOT get the park hopper. For our family it's a must. We love to go into a park just for the fireworks, parades or even just dinner. That's the whole advantage of staying on property. By doing one whole park a day is exhausting for the family, let alone a little one. The middle day break is great. My kids love to sit in the stroller and just check out the evening sights from their stroller. Plus DH and I love to walk around Epcot and snack grab a glass of champagne while they sleep!

I've found the best way to enjoy your vacation is to plan less and let things happen. We make one dining reservation a day, if we make it we make it, if we're elsewhere no problem.

You have to keep in mind this is a vacation. If your stressing over park times, parking your car, catching buses, etc.. Your not going to enjoy yourself.

You cannot park at any of the resorts for longer than 3 hours. So forget that idea.

Is this your first visit? You might plan all this out now, and it will change when you get there. We met several families on our last trip that drove to WDW but were on the bus with us, it's just easier.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Okay, I understand about the parking situation and the monorail resorts. However, is there a way to park at a resort that is within walking distance to a theme park? I have a feeling we will just end up driving to the parks. We will be taking advantage of the extra magic morning hours and getting there early.

We are not doing the Park Hopper option for this trip. We think it is too much for the kids since they are so little, to do more than one park in a single day. So we are getting the 5-day ticket and going to a theme park a day (two days at MK since we will be getting there later on the day of arrival and there is so much there for the kids to see so we want to pace ourselves).

Very few resorts are within walking distance of any park. CR is close to MK, Boardwalk, Beach and Yacht are close to MGM and Epcot(but not so close that Disney doesn't offer a boat as well), and nothing is walking distance to AK. All the resorts that are close to parks do limit their parking to hotel guests and those dinning/shopping there(those non hotel guest again get 3 hour parking passes.
The Disney bus would be the easiest way around. Parking lot trams are almost a given at any time, and they are less stroller friendly than buses.

 

[TinaLala22]

My idea of vacation is to be completely pampered the entire time..with that said I would definitely vote for the take the bus.

There isn't anything wrong with the buses! Except for when it's late or after a night show and everyone is piled into them. Besides you have to pay to park!!!! Why add on more cost for your trip??

Take the bus and enjoy your vacation - let someone else take the wheel!!

PS - my husband and I are control freaks who have to drive all the time and we enjoy not having to drive at Disney!!

 

[HopperFan]

because I am traveling my DS who is a mobile adult but disabled and I need to be able to exit on my schedule. I used to travel with 3 smaller ones and a double stroller so I understand your issues.

1) You can not park at any resort and go to a park. You may only park to eat or visit a resort for less than 3 hours or risk being towed.

2) You can ride the bus from the resort, folding your stroller.

3) You may drive and park for free at the parks if you are a resort guest. You will be directed to your exact parking spot (they are all placed in arrival order) by the attendents. You will not be permitted to park "closer" as that is reserved for the handicapped or AAA Diamond. This may not be an issue if you are arriving for EMH because with the first come first serve you will be as close as possible.

EPCOT, MGM, AK you can walk to entrance without any problem from your car. Only issue is the distance depending on your arrival time to the parking lot.

The MK is more tricky in that you must walk a longer distance (& watch for trams) to get to the TTC center, then you must get on the boat or monorail across the lake, and then you would be a the front entrance. The MK parking lot is deceptively very large, and you may find the walk much more than you bargained for. For most riding the bus which will drop you right at the front entrance is a better choice, even with the stroller folding...faster and less tiring.