Driving vs. busses

[Katy Belle]

We will have our van and will be staying at POR. When does it make sense to drive and when should we take the bus? We have a PS at Ohana and hope to get to Chef Mickey. Should we drive to those resorts?
Thanks for your help!

 

[luvsTink]

I think driving from resort to resort is much easier than taking buses. In order to bus from one resort to another you must first go from your resort to a park or DTD and then catch another bus to the other resort.

We drove everywhere except one morning we took the bus to MK. It was OK, but it seemed more magical to me to arrive by boat or monorail.

Anne

 

[Micca]

There are pros and cons to both. We almost always have our own vehicle, but I'm starting to think we walk a bit more than those who use the WDW transpo.

 

[RescueRanger]

Although we drive to WDW, our car stays put once we get there. We use WDW transportation for everything. Since your PSs are for monorail resorts, just take a bus from your resort to the TTC and catch the monorail from there. For me, I like to take a vacation from driving as well; however, it really is a matter of personal preference.

Hey, I see your from Katy...we are from Beaumont...man I hate that drive down I-10. Oh well, have a great trip no matter what you choose.

 

[DVC California]

Here's a link to a great transportation planner from ourlaughingplace.com . Simply select the starting place and end destination from the pulldown menus and approximate travel time will be calulated using alternate forms of transportation.

HTH, Steve

 

[mmmcq]

Not long ago somewhere on these boards, I think it was the Vacation club board last summer, there was long debate about cars vs busses....so you'll get all kinds of replies.

We have a 4 yr old (and 2 teens) so for the past three trips we've taken the car to MK, AK and dinners at California Grille, Hoop De Doo and Downtown Disney or offsite. We usually stay in the Epcot area (BCV or BWV) and we walk into Epcot and take the monorail to MK or the boat to MGM...so we're not always taking our car. But we never, ever use the bus. I think it's the bad memories we have of using the bus from CBR on one trip and the many extra hours we spent waiting and waiting and waiting.

And when the kids were young, forget it. Getting carriages on and off the busses and standing room only crowds during vacations.....we didn't like the stress. Parking is never that bad and the kids love the tram. Of course since we stay onsite and are Annual Passholders we don't have parking fees.

 

[The_Disney_God]

To the parks, use Disney buses.

To resorts, use your car.

 

[tjkraz]

From our experiences, the only park for which we almost always use WDW transportation is MK. Driving means parking at the TTC, taking a tram to the center itself, then boarding the bus or monorail to actually get to the park.

The busses drop you off right outside the gate.

Other than that, we find ourselves driving more than taking busses. Taking the bus means walking to the bus stop, waiting for your bus to arrive, invariably fighting with fellow resort guests for a seat, etc.

And, if you plan to leave the park after a major event (fireworks, parade), you will often have to wait for multiple busses. If you drive, it may take a few minutes to get out of the parking lot, but at least you are in your own car.

 

[shortbun]

We always used our car to get to resorts for meals. When on site-we use buses to parks.

 

[Geoff_M]

I second tjkraz's comments. The busses to MK can't be beat. However, we've found driving ourselves to be a time saver overall. However, in the case of the PS for Ohana/Chief Mickey's, if you are planning to go to MK afterwards I'd drive and park in the MK parking lot, take the tram, and then the monorail to the resort. You'd only be given a three hour parking permit at the resort's lots and they are known to tow cars that linger too long.

 

[Katy Belle]

Wow!!! Thanks for all of the advice! This is our first trip and its difficult to understand everything! We definitely will drive to other resorts and bus to MK! I really appreciate all of your help.

 

[Hawk]

Originally posted by Geoff_M
I second tjkraz's comments. The busses to MK can't be beat. However, we've found driving ourselves to be a time saver overall. However, in the case of the PS for Ohana/Chief Mickey's, if you are planning to go to MK afterwards I'd drive and park in the MK parking lot, take the tram, and then the monorail to the resort. You'd only be given a three hour parking permit at the resort's lots and they are known to tow cars that linger too long.

Same for us! MK is our only bus trip. We started renting a car in 2002. Now we can't imagine being without one.

Many things to do outside WDW as well. Oops, did I say that!

Hawk,

 

[mryder]

Originally posted by Hawk
Same for us! MK is our only bus trip. We started renting a car in 2002. Now we can't imagine being without one.

Many things to do outside WDW as well. Oops, did I say that!

Hawk,

It is nice to have to car to head to the grocery store for things we need. I prefer to drive to the parks. The tram service at each park is wonderful, and we usually wait less that we would for a bus.

 

[crisi]

We've stopped renting a car. Bus service is adequate and we supplement it with cabs for those resort to resort trips....the reason is, I get lost easily and my husband thinks he should drive and I should navigate. Cabs are cheaper than divorces.

If you are going to drive, take the time to familarize yourself with a good roadmap. Contrary to my experience, there are not three signs advertising Tower of Terror between WL and Epcot, I was just passing the same sign three times.

(Also think about leaving the car behind anytime you anticipate drinking more than a glass of wine with dinner)

 

[mixsap]

We drive down and drive frequently around the world. We do not drive to the MK and Epcot is a toss up. Otherwise, it is SO much more convenient to drive. As a resort guest we get free parking at ALL parks and ANY resort.

Last time we were down, I put almost 1,000 miles of local driving in , including going around Orlando but not any farther out. We were also there 3 1/2 weeks. Am going back from May 13 to June 13 this year and will be driving again.

There is nothing wrong with WDW trans but is can be slow and the Downtown Disney busses get really CROWDED at night. It is but a 5 minute drive from Fort Wilderness.

 

[madthemouse]

I would reccomend driving to Ohana, Chef Mickey's, because you get a 3 hour parking pass and it is more convenient than taking the bus. Also, IMO we prefer driving to AK, MGM, and if you're planning on seeing Illuminations driving to Epcot is easier. When visiting MK it's easier to take WDW transportation.
Before I forget I reccomen driving to DTD


Enjoy you're stay and have fun!