Driving your own car at FW?

[Goofy Gal]

Greetings from a newbie - LOVE this site!

We're planning our first trip to WDW (Jan '06) after moving to Norway 3 years ago (not a moment too soon - I'm beginning to forget the words to "It's a small world!!"). Planning our trip is a whole new ballgame compared to when we lived in FL and had annual passes.

I've read so much about renting carts to get around FW that it makes me wonder if we're not allowed to drive our rental car once we're on the FW property? For example, can we drive from our cabin to the boat dock and park there when going to the parks for the day, or are we dependent on busses and our feet to get to and from once we're holed up in our cabin?
I've looked at the maps of FW, and searched the threads, but haven't found anything that covers this.

Thanks-hoping to meet some of you there in approximately 41/2 months!!

 

[Memph1s]

No, you are only allowed to park at your campsite or cabin. The only other place where you can park inside FW is 15min at the Meadows trading post. I do recommend getting a cart for any days you plan to hang out at the campground. The internal bus system works OK but if a cart is in the budget it makes a big difference in enjoying the campground.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Driving within FW is only allowed from your cabin or campsite to a park and back. While there are a very few parking spots by the Meadows Trading Post, driving is discouraged. There are no parking spots at the Settlement area. While many campers get a golf cart, we never have. We do bring bikes usually, but on the few occassions when we haven't we have used the internal bus system or walked and it really isn't as bad as a lot will imply. If you are used to European style personal transportation, as I would imagine you are living in Norway for 3 years, then walking or taking the bus should be no big deal.

 

[Goofy Gal]

Thanks for the help! You're right - we're big time walkers over here, and since there were no mountains at WDW (Space variety notwithstanding) last time we checked, it should be a breeze. Just so we know, how much stroll (not speed walk) time can we expect from the cabin areas to the dock?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

It is a mile "as the crow flies" from the Outpost area to the Settlement are of FW. Going on the sidewalks, the walk would be a little more than that. The Meadows is about halfway between the two.

 

[Rhonda]

It takes us about 12 minutes to "wander" from the Meadows area to the marina. So, you should be able to walk from the cabins in 20-30 minutes (giving yourself time to stop and watch armadillos, check out the merchandise in the Trading Post, and look at all the huge motorhomes!)

 

[blestmom]

I've stayed in the cabins twice, and no room in the budget for a golf cart. We walked everywhere, and it remains one of my fondest memories of the trips. It is so beautiful there, and it was nice to enjoy the 'quieter' pace of the campground after a busy day. I will mention that I did go off-season both times, so it wasn't very crowded. Have a great time!