First Time CONCERNS

[BraveLittleToaster2]

We are thinking about staying in the cabins for the first time, and while all the extra ways to have fun there seem great, we are concerned from what we've heard about the buses.
I've read it takes about 30 minutes to get to each park!! We will not have access to a car, so driving is not an option. We have two young kids and everytime we've gone so far we've had GREAT bus service and its one of the few things that can make or break our trip for us..
Any advice? Should we look elsewhere?

Also, aside from transportation how are the bugs in a setting like that?

 

[amylevan]

We've stayed at the All Stars, Port Orleans and Animal Kingdom, and to tell you the truth, the buses at FW seemed no worse (and no better) than any of the other resorts. The boat to the MK is an awesome perk as well.

 

[Skyw]

Hi-According to my Unofficial guide, most parks will take about 40 minutes to get to. That includes the internal bus system at the Fort If you have a golf cart, then the times lessens. We have a golf cart, so the times aren't bad at all. We also drive.

There are some things that will help with the little ones like requesting a cabin that is near the bus stop. And one that is closes to the pool. The fort is spread out. Bring your strollers.

I have been there 4 times and the bugs are not bad. Except for one time my SIL got bit by a yellow and black bug. She had a reaction to it. But everyone else was good.

I have been to the fort with my son 3 times. Age 3, 4 and 5. We really like staying there with him. It is quiet for naps!!! We would hit the parks in the AM, nap and then do stuff at the fort.

 

[owensmama2007]

I think a lot depends on how many people are at the resort and how many people are coming/going to where you want to go.

Last year we stayed at The All-Stars and there were times we had to wait for another bus or two, just because there were so many waiting in line and even then I think the longest we might have waited was close to 30 minutes!

 

[mnsprk]

Last year we stayed at The All-Stars and there were times we had to wait for another bus or two, just because there were so many waiting in line and even then I think the longest we might have waited was close to 30 minutes!

That's definitely one problem with the Value Resorts. That is normally where they put all the school/youth groups. In Feb. they had a song/dance competition and when we stopped at ASM just to eat it was packed. Luckily we drove.

 

[Disneylitch]

You will take the ferry to The Magic Kingdon. You can also take the ferry to The Contemporary Resort and then take the monorail. This kids will probably like that. It's worth doing atleast once. The bus service to the other parks is really pretty good. Even if you had a car, you probably wouldn't save that much time. Everyone on the buses are friendly and the time goes buy quickly. My first trip with my kids was when they were 18 months, 3, and 5. It was never a problem. Like what was previously quoted, if your kids nap at home, have them nap at Disney. You will enjoy yourself more and so will the kids. The bus ride won't be a big deal if they are happy.

 

[Magicbus]

We are thinking about staying in the cabins for the first time, and while all the extra ways to have fun there seem great, we are concerned from what we've heard about the buses.
I've read it takes about 30 minutes to get to each park!! We will not have access to a car, so driving is not an option. We have two young kids and everytime we've gone so far we've had GREAT bus service and its one of the few things that can make or break our trip for us..
Any advice? Should we look elsewhere?

Also, aside from transportation how are the bugs in a setting like that?

What have you heard about the buses? Was it about the internal or the resort buses?

 

[BraveLittleToaster2]

I'm not worried about the internal bus system, though is there any way we can ensure to get a cabin closer to the main pool, food, etc? So we dont have too long a walk?

I'm more worried about the times it posts for it taking about 30 min to get to each park and I'm assuming that doesn't include waiting time.

They share their buses with WL correct??

How long does the boat to MK take??

I'm mostly concerned about the bus times because we have several early morning breakfast ressies at EPCOT, AK etc...and want to make sure it wont take to incredibly long to get there.

 

[disney4dan]

We only used the Fort bus system the time we stayed at the cabins in 2003, so that may not reflect the current situation. However, they were fairly fast and we did not think it was a problem in November.

However, there have been times when we stayed at the Values when we waited more than an hour in line at the end of the night at the MK. That is BEFORE getting on the bus and spending the half hour riding. There was a one time trip when it was just Nancy and I that we decided to walk to the Contemporary instead, took a bus to Downtown Disney and then back to the Pop Century. Not sure if that saved any time but sure beat standing in line like cattle at the MK bus waiting area.

That is why I like to use the ferry to/from the Fort and also to plan my exits from the park to either be before closing time or well after closing time. I have never been chased out of the park with a broom yet, and have managed to stick around well past closing. Sometimes in restaurants or in the shops. They'll be patient if you are looking to spend $$.

 

[iwrbnd]

There are some things that will help with the little ones like requesting a cabin that is near the bus stop.

This is a great tip that I wish I had known! The buses ran quickly and efficiently for us. I wish I could say the same thing for our walking to our cabin!

 

[BradyBz12]

Boat to MK is 12 minutes dock-to-dock, not counting wait time.

Leaving FW to the parks I don't think we've ever actually been ON the bus any longer than about 15-20 minutes. Coming back is a little longer because you go to WL first.