First timer - tranport torn

[vault19dweller]

This is our first ever trip to WDW and I'm super confused.

Only just starting to realize just how massive this place is and now I'm really torn about how to go around transport.
Seems to be a 50 / 50 split online as to using the WDW transport network (free) or hiring a car (costs)


We're 2 adults only - flying in from overseas to orlando airport - planning at least 13 nights in Feb 2015 to be staying on-site at WDW, the first two weeks will be purely inside WDW.

Was leaning to the WDW transport because it is free and heard that you can get a boat/bus/etc every couple of minutes, its free but may add half an hour to get anywhere. Also recall there being something about to get to one place you need to go from the park to the hotel then to the other place? (I know, I need to read a lot into how this all works)

But when making my decision, I forgot that pretty much all our meals will be done through reservations, same with shows - now Im starting to worry about timing for reservations.

Of course I'm going to aim to get to any reservation at least 15 minutes before, but being a first timer I know its also a big confusing place
I assume if you miss your reservation they give your seats to the next people on the waiting list given the demand for seating - which is what I want to avoid.

We're already spending upward of 5k for two people alone so not looking forward to adding another grand on top of that for a car - but is it worth it? for a first timer?

 

[DebbieB]

This is our first ever trip to WDW and I'm super confused.

Only just starting to realize just how massive this place is and now I'm really torn about how to go around transport.
Seems to be a 50 / 50 split online as to using the WDW transport network (free) or hiring a car (costs)


We're 2 adults only - flying in from overseas to orlando airport - planning at least 13 nights in Feb 2015 to be staying on-site at WDW, the first two weeks will be purely inside WDW.

Was leaning to the WDW transport because it is free and heard that you can get a boat/bus/etc every couple of minutes, its free but may add half an hour to get anywhere. Also recall there being something about to get to one place you need to go from the park to the hotel then to the other place? (I know, I need to read a lot into how this all works)

But when making my decision, I forgot that pretty much all our meals will be done through reservations, same with shows - now Im starting to worry about timing for reservations.

Of course I'm going to aim to get to any reservation at least 15 minutes before, but being a first timer I know its also a big confusing place
I assume if you miss your reservation they give your seats to the next people on the waiting list given the demand for seating - which is what I want to avoid.

We're already spending upward of 5k for two people alone so not looking forward to adding another grand on top of that for a car - but is it worth it? for a first timer?

For a first timer, I would use Disney transport. After you are there, if you decide you would rather have a car, you can get one from the Car Care Center (Alamo/National).

 

[siskaren]

The buses and boats run about every 20 minutes, so you do have to take that into consideration if you want to be somewhere at a specific time. The buses run directly from the hotels to the parks - what you read about was in reference to getting from one resort to another. Since there isn't direct transportation between resorts, you would have to take a bus to a park or DTD then transfer to another bus to the second resort.

I would say that since this is your first time it would probably be easier to let WDW do the driving. Also, you said you're coming from overseas, so I'm guessing that you're used to driving on the left, and I don't know about you, but I would find it difficult to drive on the opposite side of the road from what I'm used to, especially in an unfamiliar area.

 

[vault19dweller]

Thank you both for such quick responses!!!

Original gut feel was for WDW transport but then I got really worried about reservations and the thought of losing ones booked half a year ahead.

As long as I plan it right and make sure to read enough about the transport network there (and allow enough time) then it should be okay!

@DebbieB
Really good point about being able to pick up a car there if its not working out, keep forgetting they have the rentals on site too Thanks!!!

@siskaren
Thank you! The way you summarized the transport between parks and resorts made it a lot easier to understand!
Agreed that it would be easier to let WDW do the driving and navigating, just got worried about time - bit like you mentioned as long as I take it into consideration that should be all good!

 

[kiford]

You need to leave yourself a good padding of time to account for just missing the previous bus, traffic, transfers, etc. We last had a car in 1991 at WDW. We've been six times since then and will never rent a car again. I personally like the time to sit down and get off my feet. We don't have to worry about finding our way around, parking, traffic. Not only is it a huge place, but you have to carefully watch for all of the right exits and some of the turns and intersections seem a bit weird to me. Not clear at all. Somehow I could just have this vision of us going around and around and doubling back to find out where we're supposed to be.

Yes, you occasionally have to have patience but I'm on vacation so I don't stress. If you properly plan in advance if you want to go from resort to resort for dinner reservations you should be fine. Ask about how long it takes if you don't know (I have an app I found that gives basic estimates). Generally, they advise at least one hour to get from resort to resort if you have to transfer or just miss the bus and have to wait for another one. If you get there early, just spend the time looking at the resort, which is something we never seem to have enough time to do.

 

[rwdavis2]

In 5 family trips we have ridden one Disney bus. Getting around is not too difficult if you pay attention to the signs and do a lattice study before hand. Google maps is handy. We always rent a car. IMHO it it quicker to get around and no waiting for busses.

 

[badiggio]

Disney transportation is THE perk for staying onsite.You can get anywhere within 30 minutes if not less,and at the front door,whether by bus,boat or monorail.You're there to relax and have fun;sit back and enjoy.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

For dinner reservations I would allow 1 hour to get there.

If its a reservation at a park I would allow 1 1/2 hours to get there. You will have to go through bag check, then the turnstyle to get into the park. Once in the park you will need to figure out how to get the restaurant.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

.....

I would say that since this is your first time it would probably be easier to let WDW do the driving. Also, you said you're coming from overseas, so I'm guessing that you're used to driving on the left, and I don't know about you, but I would find it difficult to drive on the opposite side of the road from what I'm used to, especially in an unfamiliar area.

I don't what country the OP is from, but in most EU countries, they drive on the right, just as we do in the US.

 

[Jestocost]

In 5 family trips we have ridden one Disney bus. Getting around is not too difficult if you pay attention to the signs and do a lattice study before hand. Google maps is handy. We always rent a car. IMHO it it quicker to get around and no waiting for busses.

In 20+ family trips we never have driven a car. IMHO it doesn't take that much more time and it's so much less to worry about.

Which is to say there's no one right answer. A lot will depend on your own personal style and preferences. I hate to drive. Nobody else in my family has any sense of direction whatsoever. Most of our family fights involve driving and parking. YMMV.

 

[siskaren]

I don't what country the OP is from, but in most EU countries, they drive on the right, just as we do in the US.

I was assuming that the OP was from the UK because it doesn't seem that English is their second language and because they said hiring a car rather than renting.

 

[Brian Noble]

For trips between a resort and the four major theme parks, a car is a little faster on average, but not vastly so. For trips between a resort and the "other" destinations (water parks, downtown disney), a car can be noticeably faster/more convenient. For trips between two resorts, a car is often much faster.

If you are planning your trip so that you are often eating near where you expect to be otherwise, a car is a convenience, but not really necessary. For the infrequent "hard" trips between two resorts you can also generally find a taxi without too much trouble.

So, really, it comes down to what sounds better on vacation. Would you rather never have to wonder when the next bus will come or if you'll get a seat on it? Or, would you rather never have to drive in an unfamiliar setting?

I've gone both with and without a car. I usually rent one, though have sometimes skipped it if I'm there without the kids and either in a convenient location (BWV, BCV) or just on a budget "extra" trip. Even when I do have one, I don't drive it everywhere. For example, if I'm planning on a margarita in Epcot, I'll let Disney do the driving.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I much prefer a car. Especially with dining reservations, a trip that long if you may get sick or need a dentist, or drug store runs. We hit a Walmart, souvenir shops, attractions off site, numerous reasons of convenience. It's a preference of ours after using it. I can only think of one trip it sat a few days, but we did use it. I did need a GPS to get around though.

It was easier to get into the parks from off site hen it was in the maize onsite of roads. Bless the bus drivers!

 

[DOOM1001]

For the time you plan to strictly be onsite at Disney World stick with their transportation.If you want to venture offsite to Universal,Sea World or any of the shopping malls,restaurants or other attractions then you have to have a car.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

I love the bus system, one less thing to worry about on vacation.

I view the transportation as part of the experience, I lost count of how many buses I used to and from POFQ, I also took a boat from MK to Poly one night, took the monorail from the Poly back to MK, took the boat from DTD to POFQ, took the Colonel boat from the TTC to MK one night, took a friendship boat from BW to Epcot, rode the railroad in MK, and walked a few different paths including the one from POFQ to POR and the one from HS to BW.

For me it's part of the fun and I'd much rather look at the resorts, parks, and scenery than look at the road.

 

[SmallWorld71]

I've done both a number of times and don't have a big preference. If we have a car with us (we often drive up while visiting relatives in FL) we sometimes use it and sometimes don't.

Whichever type of transport I use, I always plan to get to my reservations early. This alleviates stress I feel when running late. Remember, if you are early, it's not like you need to just sit there. Some of our best WDW memories happened because we were early for an ADR.

For example: This past April we were very early for the Hoop Dee Doo. We took a lovely, relaxing walk around the grounds and then soaked in the atmosphere as DD played Hula Hoop and other games with some children there.

Another time, we arrived very early for 'Ohana and we all ended up making leis with a lovely CM in the lobby and then DD ended up learning the Hula.

 

[bumbershoot]

Disney transportation is THE perk for staying onsite.You can get anywhere within 30 minutes if not less,and at the front door,whether by bus,boat or monorail.You're there to relax and have fun;sit back and enjoy.

Whereas we have sometimes waited over 30 minutes just at the bus stop for an appropriate bus for our needs.

On our very first trip DH and my aunt waited over an hour at DHS for a bus to take them to OKW. They were joined in line for a couple heading to a late reservation at Olivia's, and they were there in a very reasonable time to get there without rushing. Not only did they not get to their reservation, they got to OKW after Olivia's had CLOSED. And they never did dispatch a bus for OKW; an SSR driver who had seen them waiting took pity on them and let them get on, and dropped them all at OKW after finishing up SSR.


We drive most of the time now.

But OP, unless you really really want to add the extra insurance (and it might be a great idea if you have no coverage on a rental/hire car here in the States), you don't have to budget 1K more for it. Deals CAN be found. For the 2 week rental I have booked in January, when I was first looking I saw totals in the $800 range. Then one brilliant week (about a week ago) I got it down to $223. Now it's in the $500 range again. You just have to hunt for the bargains.

 

[Rosy Robin]

I have done both and prefer to stick with the Disney busses. There has been a few times where we waited too long, or what not. But I just prefer not worrying about it. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and it will be fine. Plus there's no extra costs as in renting a car.

 

[badiggio]

Whereas we have sometimes waited over 30 minutes just at the bus stop for an appropriate bus for our needs.

On our very first trip DH and my aunt waited over an hour at DHS for a bus to take them to OKW. They were joined in line for a couple heading to a late reservation at Olivia's, and they were there in a very reasonable time to get there without rushing. Not only did they not get to their reservation, they got to OKW after Olivia's had CLOSED. And they never did dispatch a bus for OKW; an SSR driver who had seen them waiting took pity on them and let them get on, and dropped them all at OKW after finishing up SSR.


We drive most of the time now.

But OP, unless you really really want to add the extra insurance (and it might be a great idea if you have no coverage on a rental/hire car here in the States), you don't have to budget 1K more for it. Deals CAN be found. For the 2 week rental I have booked in January, when I was first looking I saw totals in the $800 range. Then one brilliant week (about a week ago) I got it down to $223. Now it's in the $500 range again. You just have to hunt for the bargains.

It's too bad that happened,but things do happen,I've never had a problem with it and unless You plan to go to other places in Florida,I can't justify spending hundreds if not a thousand more,to MAYBE save a few minutes.By the sounds of it,you've never been stuck in traffic.Pay for gas ,rental,some cases insurance,parking and the long haul to the door of any park?
Example:If 2 couples leave mk at the same time,going to WL,one by boat and one by car,The one by boat is already back at WL before the other is even at their car.

 

[ms1031]

I recommend using Disney transportation. If you happen to find yourself in a situation where time is of the essence, hire a cab. Cab rides within Walt Disney World are relatively inexpensive, like $20 or less.