First Timer Driving to the Parks

[jiminyC_fan]

Hi, this post is for my friend, a first timer to WDW. We have always stayed on property and I can't answer her parking questions. She was told that it was hard to park inside WDW and has gotten the advice to take a taxi or shuttle from their resort, Liki Tiki. I've never heard that. I guess Liki Tiki's shuttle is a hit or miss. Is the transportation center where everyone parks and then takes busses/monorail to the parks? Can anyone give me/her advice? Is there a certain time that works better to avoid traffic backups? I really know nothing about driving there. I appreciate any help. Thanks.

BTW: I do know they can't park at any resorts.

 

[Bellamouse]

We have only ever stayed on property once and even then we still had a car. We have always driven to the parks and it has never, ever been any kind of problem whatsoever. I can't imagine what that person was even talking about. In fact, IMO, driving is a million times better because you go straight to your destination with no stops in between (unlike Disney busses that stop at multiple stops along a route).

The only park that it takes a little longer to park at is MK because you park at the transportation and ticket center and have to either take the ferry over to the MK park or the monorail. But I find the ride on the monorail to be part of the Disney magic and not a negative. Riding a bus is much more of a negative in my book. You can drive directly to the rest of the parks, no need to go to the TTC for any park except MK.

But at all the parks and at the TTC, you get into the lot, are directed quickly to your parking space and then you walk to the end of the row and then a waiting tram takes you to the front gates of the park (for Epcot, DHS and AK - for MK only you have to then get on the ferry or monorail). No big deal at all. We are usually at the front gates of the park within 15 to 20 minutes or so from the front door of our hotel/condo. Sometimes less, depending on where we stay.

 

[theGoofyDad]

I would definitely drive to the parks. Disney's own on-properly buses are efficient but can take 30-40 minutes to get you to a park. An offsite shuttle will likely take even longer, knowing you have to wait for it going both ways. DHS, EPCOT, and AK all have lots that are fairly easy to get into and out of. MK is more of a challenge, since you have to either Monorail or boat from there, but driving still beats an offsite shuttle, I'd say.

 

[Luvchefmic]

BIG hint to give your friends count down how many spaces the car is from the end of the row write it down, send yourself a text whatever Then take a picture of the ground/end of the row where it says for example "Pluto 24"

Also $15 to park a day now in case they don't know ( keep receipt if hopping no charge at the next park/same day )

People always walking around at end of day where did we park ?

 

[Burnedout]

Driving and parking are no big deal during most often year. I'd never take a hotel shuttle and a taxi to Liki tiki would be terribly expensive!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Driving and parking are no big deal during most often year. I'd never take a hotel shuttle and a taxi to Liki tiki would be terribly expensive!

oh boy got that right had to look it up and its about 7 miles o/w cab would be $$$$

 

[Skywise]

I'm staying onsite at the GF but thinking of driving to the DHS rather than taking the bus presuming that it'd be faster?

Is that a safe assumption? Do I still have to pay parking at DHS even though I'm staying at the resort?

 

[jiminyC_fan]

You guys are awesome! Thanks!

 

[Luvchefmic]

I'm staying onsite at the GF but thinking of driving to the DHS rather than taking the bus presuming that it'd be faster?

Yes I would

Is that a safe assumption? Do I still have to pay parking at DHS even though I'm staying at the resort?

No get the parking pass from your resort ,,,just a piece of paper with your name , resort name, and dates of stay on it you'll get that at the front desk will have to show your ID upon returning through security at GF and when you get to toll booths at parks

 

[Luvchefmic]

You guys are awesome! Thanks!

you're welcome, we all try

 

[PeterPanic]

BIG hint to give your friends count down how many spaces the car is from the end of the row write it down, send yourself a text whatever Then take a picture of the ground/end of the row where it says for example "Pluto 24"

Also $15 to park a day now in case they don't know ( keep receipt if hopping no charge at the next park/same day )

People always walking around at end of day where did we park ?

I'll never forget my first trip in 83. MK parking lot, tram ride to TTC and Monorail to MK. It has been a part of my full WDW experience ever since then. Some call it a burden, I find it part of the fun and wouldn't miss it.

I also remember getting on the tram in the parking lot and having the CM riding the tram repeatedly say...you're parked in Goofy 22. Don't forget it. Say it over and over. If you have a pen write it on your arm or your wife/husbands arm. Say it again...altogether "G O O F Y 2 2". No cell phones or digital cameras back then. We had to rely on our memories. It must have been affective because here it is 30 years later and I still remember the row.

Hi, this post is for my friend, a first timer to WDW. We have always stayed on property and I can't answer her parking questions. She was told that it was hard to park inside WDW and has gotten the advice to take a taxi or shuttle from their resort, Liki Tiki. I've never heard that. I guess Liki Tiki's shuttle is a hit or miss. Is the transportation center where everyone parks and then takes busses/monorail to the parks? Can anyone give me/her advice? Is there a certain time that works better to avoid traffic backups? I really know nothing about driving there. I appreciate any help. Thanks.

BTW: I do know they can't park at any resorts.

I don't know who gave her that information, but talk about bad advice. That would have to rank up there as close to the worst. Driving in WDW can be a little confusing, but there aren't that many roads so even if you miss a turn it isn't much of a deal to get turned around and get back. Each Park has it's own Parking Lot. MK, Epcot, DHS and DAK. Parking at MK to the TTC is also possible and I recommend using the Monorail to get to Epcot from TTC if you are planning to go to both parks that day, otherwise park at the lot of the park you are visiting. If doing both try and plan on parking in the lot of the last place you intend to be at the end of the day.

Any other park I find easier to get to via personal car, buses are usually a total hassle. If she were to park in Epcot she would have access to MK via the Monorail or DHS via boats or bus. DAK is kind of remote comparatively, but it's an easy place to park and you are usually close to the entrance no matter where you stop, but trams do run anyways. If one stays offsite it costs $15.00 per day to park. You only get charged that once per day no matter how many parks you visit. If you are staying onsite parking is free all over the property.

Please encourage her to drive. It will save a lot of time, shuttles for offsite hotels don't run all day so you can only go when they go and return when they return. Your flexibility is shot. Most of the time a cab ride would cost more then a days parking so there really is nothing to be gained by using one if you have a vehicle available.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Transportation forum.

 

[glassslippergirl]

We drive all the time and love it. My one piece of advice is to use a GPS if they have one. It is not necessary as the roads are well labeled but makes us more comfortable getting around.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I've moved this thread to the Transportation forum.

Sorry I posted this on the wrong board.

And, thanks for all the great answers. I've sent her all your replies.

 

[Julie521]

Our very first trip was off site and we drove to the parks. Very simple to park. Did have to pay each day, but like a PP said, keep receipt in case park hopping so you don't have to pay twice in the same day. Never had an issues with going from offsite to he parks. my second trip we stayed onsite but still had our car, and loved it. Didn't have to worry about waiting for buses or missing anything because we could come and go as we please. One tip: try to put some type of marker, flag, anything that stands out on the car so it stands out of the crowd. you wouldn't believe how many silver honda civics are at the parks every day