Driving around the world.

[LWatson]

Okay guys we usually do drive to WDW instead of fly since we are close (we flew the one time we left from TX) in TN, so we will have our car w/ us. When we stay at SOG we usually just take the buses, but we are staying at POP this time. I know they have their own bus, and we are going during a low season, but I'm wondering if anyone has driven to the parks from POP b4. The reason I ask is because we have a full size stroller we are taking w/ us, and I dont want to take up a ton of room in the room w/ it (even folded) and I dont want to have to carry it on the bus.

So yeah, what is it like driving from Pop to the parks? Would you suggest driving to them all, just some, or what?

 

[tkldisney]

I always drive to all the parks. You may have to ride the tram to the park entrance, but that's part of the fun, especially if you get fun CM's. I'm lucky enough to usually have AAA diamond pass, so most of the time get to park closer.

I have stayed at Pop several times and staying there again in March, it's no different driving from there to the parks, than from any other resort.

 

[SDSorority]

We drive too. It's VERY easy to get around- just make sure you know what resort area you're staying in. I'm PRETTY sure that POP is considered an Epcot area resort. We stayed at ASMo last time and that's considered an AK resort area hotel... which we didn't find out ahead of time... We were driving in circles for quite a while

 

[backyardponder]

POP is not an Epcot Area Resort. The Epcot Area resorts are Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin.

 

[Tara]

POP is not an Epcot Area Resort. The Epcot Area resorts are Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan, Dolphin.

Pop is an ESPN Wide World of Sports resort. I'm not sure if it always was - I thought early on it was an Epcot resort, but maybe not. In any case, all resorts have a theme park designation, not just the deluxe resorts, or in the case of Epcot, not just the ones adjacent to International Gateway. Caribbean Beach IS also an Epcot resort. All Star resorts and Coronado Springs are Animal Kingdom resorts.

This map provides a key that shows which resorts are in each area. http://www.visitingdc.com/disney/walt-disney-world-map.asp

OP - driving around WDW is EASY. We drive everywhere - I've taken a WDW bus 2 times in the last 3-4 years. We even drive to MK most of the time, even though that requires taking the monorail or ferry from the TTC. We just like having our own car and that freedom, and with a big stroller, I can understand why you'd want to avoid buses, too! Just remember if you are driving to another resort that you want to know what area its in. If you're going to Beach Club to eat, it's in the Epcot Resort Area, which isn't the same as heading to Epcot! If you are going to a Magic Kingdom resort, like Poly or Contemporary, stay way over on the far right at the MK toll gate (you won't pay anything though as you'll have an onsite guest parking pass).

 

[kaytieeldr]

One thing to keep in mind unless you go very early and stay all day - that big stroller will take up a lot of room on the trams, too, even folded. Doesn't apply, naturally, if you park close enough to the park entrances or the TTC that the trams aren't needed.

 

[Tara]

One thing to keep in mind unless you go very early and stay all day - that big stroller will take up a lot of room on the trams, too, even folded. Doesn't apply, naturally, if you park close enough to the park entrances or the TTC that the trams aren't needed.

While this is true, it is MUCH easier IME to navigate using trams with a stroller than buses as you only are dealing with 1 row of the tram and it isn't unusual to have that row to yourself. You aren't trying to make your way through a bus to a seat or to find a place to stand where you will have enough room while trying to not hit people around you with the stroller. This is LOADS easier to deal with.

And OP are you a AAA member? If so, call your local office and ask if they will give you a Diamond Parking pass. Some will if you ask, some will only give it to people buying Disney park tickets and some will only give it to people buying a vacation package. But it never hurts to ask. If you use Diamond Parking, you'll be close enough to the park entrance to not even need a tram. (and indeed, usually trams don't service those areas of the lot).

Another tip - don't unfold your stroller and put your child in it between the car and the tram. It's a short walk and period of time so there's no sense getting it all set up only to have to fold it up again for the quick tram ride.

 

[Magicbus]

I know they have their own bus,

No, Pop uses the WDW Transportation system buses just like all of the other Disney operated resorts. They all use the same buses.

I have stayed at Pop several times and staying there again in March, it's no different driving from there to the parks, than from any other resort.

I agree.

it is MUCH easier IME to navigate using trams with a stroller than buses

Not so with the newer buses.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

No, Pop uses the WDW Transportation system buses just like all of the other Disney operated resorts. They all use the same buses.

I think what they meant was Pop Century doesn't share bus transportation with the other resorts.

 

[LWatson]

I think what they meant was Pop Century doesn't share bus transportation with the other resorts.

Yep. I know they use Disney buses, but they have their own unlike All Stars was my point sorry.

I'm not a AAA member, but I have heard how great their parking passes are.

Thank you everyone who answered. I am slowly counting down the days till we go again.