Driving to MK for early PS?

[BostonRob]

I just read a post below that scared me. Something about the not being able to drive to the AK for an early breakfast. So what's the drill with the MK?

We're staying at the AKL and have an 8:05 PS at the Crystal Palace on a day that the MK opens at 9:00. We'd much rather drive than take the bus. So, will we have any problems parking at the TTC that early (7:15/7:30) or catching a Monorail from the TTC to the MK that early?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

You will need to have your PS number with you to get past the TTC. Parking trams will not be running, and only the Resort monorail will be in operation at that time.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

It would be MUCH easier if you just took the early Character Breakfast buses that Disney provides daily. Just be at your resort bus stop about 45 minutes before your priority seating. The bus will drop you off right at the main entrance of the Magic Kingdom. No hassles with the TTC and monorail.

 

[BostonRob]

It would be MUCH easier if you just took the early Character Breakfast buses that Disney provides daily. Just be at your resort bus stop about 45 minutes before your priority seating. The bus will drop you off right at the main entrance of the Magic Kingdom. No hassles with the TTC and monorail.

I've considered that, but according to Disney, the character breakfast busses start 1/2 hour before the first seating. I have the first seating and according to the Unofficial Guide, best case scenario for the bust from AKL to MK is 27 minutes. That's cutting it too close for my tastes.

The UG suggests driving to the TTC, then walking to the Polynesian and grabbing the Monorail from there. I think I'm leaning towards that option.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Never trust transportation information from anyone unless they are wearing purple pants. That includes both the official and unofficial guides, the folks at WDW Dining, and Guest Relations.

It's a 14 minute bus ride from AKL to MK. Buses run about every 15 minutes give or take, and will start running around 6:30am daily for the Magic Kingdom area. It's reccomended to be at your bus stop 45 minutes prior to your seating time. 15 minutes for wait time in case you just missed the bus, 15 minutes travel time, and 15 minutes walk time. Most cases, you will arrive early.

 

[BostonRob]

Never trust transportation information from anyone unless they are wearing purple pants. That includes both the official and unofficial guides, the folks at WDW Dining, and Guest Relations.

It's a 14 minute bus ride from AKL to MK. Buses run about every 15 minutes give or take, and will start running around 6:30am daily for the Magic Kingdom area. It's reccomended to be at your bus stop 45 minutes prior to your seating time. 15 minutes for wait time in case you just missed the bus, 15 minutes travel time, and 15 minutes walk time. Most cases, you will arrive early.

Are you 100% certain that the busses for the MK start running at 6:30 on a day when the park doesn't open until 9:00?

Thanks for the advice. The Disney Transportation system is so wide and confusing and constantly changing that I really don't trust anybody, until my butt has been delivered to my destination.

 

[ducklite]

I've considered that, but according to Disney, the character breakfast busses start 1/2 hour before the first seating. I have the first seating and according to the Unofficial Guide, best case scenario for the bust from AKL to MK is 27 minutes. That's cutting it too close for my tastes.

The UG suggests driving to the TTC, then walking to the Polynesian and grabbing the Monorail from there. I think I'm leaning towards that option.

Stop reading the Unofficial Guide. Geez, those guys will NEVER get it right, will they? As Tyler said, it's 14 minutes door to door from the AKL to the MK. Pay attention to what Tyler tells you, he wears purple pants.

Anne

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Are you 100% certain that the busses for the MK start running at 6:30 on a day when the park doesn't open until 9:00?

Yes, they do run that early, but not for park access. They run so that folks can get to thier breakfasts. I've driven the runs myself before, and when I worked at Pop, I saw the buses coming in. Now that I work nights, I know they still run because I've seen the dispatch sheets.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Stop reading the Unofficial Guide. Geez, those guys will NEVER get it right, will they?

The sad part is that Birnbaum's Official Guide has some goofs too. LOL Oh well, that's why there's the DIS!

 

[Donnask8pro]

What if the days of our breakfasts we are staying off site? Can we drive to the parking lots? Thanks

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Yes, you can. The TTC will open plenty early to get to an MK area breakfast. The DAK parking lot however won't open till 8 for some reason.

 

[Donnask8pro]

DAK? Magic lot? So get to the TTC? 45 min prior? Thanks.. Your the man..

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

DAK = Disney's Animal Kingdom.

TTC = Magic Kingdom Parking (Transportation & Ticket Center)

You'll want to arrive at the TTC at least 30 minutes prior to seating time, if not more. You'll have to figure in walk time (no trams for the early morning), and you'll be taking the Resort monorail.

 

[Donnask8pro]

OK, hopefully last question. I have a handicapped child (wheelchair). I heard (dont kill me) I can valet park maybe at CR and walk?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Unless you have a Priority Seating at the Contemporary, or are staying there, they will not allow you through the gates. Your best bet is to park at the TTC, and take the Monorail or Ferryboat.

 

[Donnask8pro]

Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it