First timer question re: Cape May & Trails End

[patriciaofoz]

It's my first time at WDW and we're here right now, looking for some expert help (or an affirmation):

1) we have a breakfast reservation at Cape May tomorrow (12/24). What are better off doing: park at the resort (we're staying offsite) or go to the TTC and catch a monorail/other transport to DHS?

2) we are going to hit AK on Christmas Day and have lunch reservations at Trail's End. How long does it take to get from AK to Fort Wilderness? I read that we can take a boat? And how do we get from FW to MK?

Thanks in advance! And Happy Holidays, all.

 

[shburks]

It's my first time at WDW and we're here right now, looking for some expert help (or an affirmation):

1) we have a breakfast reservation at Cape May tomorrow (12/24). What are better off doing: park at the resort (we're staying offsite) or go to the TTC and catch a monorail/other transport to DHS?

2) we are going to hit AK on Christmas Day and have lunch reservations at Trail's End. How long does it take to get from AK to Fort Wilderness? I read that we can take a boat? And how do we get from FW to MK?

Thanks in advance! And Happy Holidays, all.

1. You can't leave your car at Beach Club. I'd drive there for breakfast and then move your car to DHS.

2. No boats to/from AK. You'll need to take a bus from AK to Fort Wildnerness. After lunch take the boat to MK. BUT where will your car be? Also note that MK may close that afternoon to non-resort guests due to large crowds.

 

[patriciaofoz]

Thanks, shburks!

Our car will be at AK. And I forgot that we have to be at ESPN Club by 4:30 on Christmas Day, what's the best way to get from MK to ESPN? And if MK is closed on the 25th, which park do you suggest we hit instead? DHS?

I suppose we can do MK tomorrow (24th) instead and then AK & DHS on the 25th.

 

[Piglet52]

1. You can't leave your car at Beach Club. I'd drive there for breakfast and then move your car to DHS.

2. No boats to/from AK. You'll need to take a bus from AK to Fort Wildnerness. After lunch take the boat to MK. BUT where will your car be? Also note that MK may close that afternoon to non-resort guests due to large crowds.

Once you get to Fort Wilderness you will still have to take a bus to get to Trail's End. Allow enough time. If you have reservations at ESPN at 4, also you will be spending much of your day just trying to get to your lunch and dinner reservations. Instead of Trails End you might try a food stand in AK, Flame Tree Barbeque is really good! It will be very crowded and difficult to get around. Good luck

 

[AirGoofy]

Thanks, shburks!

Our car will be at AK. And I forgot that we have to be at ESPN Club by 4:30 on Christmas Day, what's the best way to get from MK to ESPN? And if MK is closed on the 25th, which park do you suggest we hit instead? DHS?

I suppose we can do MK tomorrow (24th) instead and then AK & DHS on the 25th.

You can get a bus from MK to Boardwalk resort. It can be combined route with beach club and swan & dolphin. You could exit any of those and walk, although BW would be shortest walk.

 

[ToddyLu]

Take bus to Boardwalk from MK. AK closes usually at 5 p.m. so I would not leave my car there to have dinner or visit another park.

You could park the car at DHS, take the boat just to the right of the main gate and it will drop you at BW then you can walk to ESPN. OR you can do EPCOT and use the international walkway between England and France to get to ESPN, it is a quick walk on the left side of the lake.

 

[shburks]

Thanks, shburks!

Our car will be at AK. And I forgot that we have to be at ESPN Club by 4:30 on Christmas Day, what's the best way to get from MK to ESPN? And if MK is closed on the 25th, which park do you suggest we hit instead? DHS?

I suppose we can do MK tomorrow (24th) instead and then AK & DHS on the 25th.

I would do MK on any day other than Christmas!!

MK to ESPN Club...probably take the bus to Boardwalk. Other option is to monorail from MK to EPCOT and walk from front gate to Boardwalk.

With so little time to spend at MK, don't think I would even risk it on Christmas. If you do AK and then bus to FW, take the bus over to DHS and then boat to Boardwalk/ESPN.

You need to allow LOTS of time to get around that day. Not sure how much time you'll really have at any park if you're eating lunch until, say, 1:30 and need to be somewhere else by 4:30. Maybe an hour in a park?

 

[smellyia]

I would call Beach Club if its more convenient for you to drive - a friend who went had no issues parking there when she told them they were eating at Cape May.

 

[shburks]

AK closes usually at 5 p.m. so I would not leave my car there to have dinner or visit another park.

You could park the car at DHS, take the boat just to the right of the main gate and it will drop you at BW then you can walk to ESPN. OR you can do EPCOT and use the international walkway between England and France to get to ESPN, it is a quick walk on the left side of the lake.

Forgot about AK closing early!

 

[shburks]

I would call Beach Club if its more convenient for you to drive - a friend who went had no issues parking there when she told them they were eating at Cape May.

They can park for their breakfast but can't leave the car there all day while they go to the parks. Resorts will be at capacity, too, and need their parking for resort guests

 

[patriciaofoz]

Thank you so much for all these tips - a few things to consider...

We will be done at ESPN by 8 at the latest (just catching the Heat vs Thunder game) so hopefully we'll still get time to spend at MK (as long as it's open) til 1am.

 

[Epcotgal]

I really don't want to be pessimistic but have a back up plan. ESPN Club gets packed and there are multiple big name teams playing that day. To squeeze in AK, Trails End, and get in ESPN @4:00 is pushing it. Even with a car the transportation time is more than you may expect. I hope everything works out for you but have my concerns. I've been to ESPN on Thanksgiving and people just stayed at tables for multiple games.

Thank you so much for all these tips - a few things to consider...

We will be done at ESPN by 8 at the latest (just catching the Heat vs Thunder game) so hopefully we'll still get time to spend at MK (as long as it's open) til 1am.

 

[Ro Z]

Wow kinda confusing! You are doing a lot of traveling for a firstimer. I would suggest not trying to do everything all at once. You will be overwelmed! Hope you have a great time!!

 

[patriciaofoz]

I called Dining Reservations after my last post and we cancelled our Trail's End reservation and we'll now be going to Captain Grille for lunch instead (still has Christmas food & a buffet & seafood!). She suggested we then do EPCOT that entire day, which is the closest to both CG & ESPN.

Hopefully this helps our cause and keeps our party of 6 all happy. I guess my follow questions would be:

1) if ESPN is packed, where else can we see games that evening that is close to EPCOT? My cousin's only Christmas wish is to see his beloved Heat play that day.

2) what are your thoughts on Captain Grille food?

Thanks again!

 

[bellebookworm9]

I called Dining Reservations after my last post and we cancelled our Trail's End reservation and we'll now be going to Captain Grille for lunch instead (still has Christmas food & a buffet & seafood!). She suggested we then do EPCOT that entire day, which is the closest to both CG & ESPN.

Hopefully this helps our cause and keeps our party of 6 all happy. I guess my follow questions would be:

1) if ESPN is packed, where else can we see games that evening that is close to EPCOT? My cousin's only Christmas wish is to see his beloved Heat play that day.

You should be able to go to any of the nearby hotel lounges, or even the Solarium at the Beach Club.