From FW to parks travel time

[mrsswat]

Realistically how long should we plan on traveling by bus to Studios and Magic Kingdom? Does boat still run from campground to MK? Been a while since we stayed there and excited to be going back! Thanks for any information!

 

[FtW Mike]

Several years ago I read somewhere that on average you should plan on it taking about 90 min to get from one place in WDW to another when using Disney Transportation. I have found that to be an excellent guide. Considering that Disney transport is now operating at approx. 40% capacity and with fewer vehicles that would be my guide and for some destinations I might add an additional 30 min for safety .
Yes the boats are running from FTW to MK but with only 2 not 3. There are no smaller vessels between resorts

 

[bama_ed]

Realistically how long should we plan on traveling by bus to Studios and Magic Kingdom? Does boat still run from campground to MK? Been a while since we stayed there and excited to be going back! Thanks for any information!

Covid distancing has really impacted bus/boat timing and capacity from the Fort (and probably other resorts too).

I rode the bus from the Fort to MK back in October. The rope drop time was 9am and I got to the Settlement Bus Depot at 8am. I was the second family group in line. The one bus to MK and back showed up a little before 830am and the driver assigns seats based on how many in a group to assure spacing. We had 14 people in a bus that had 30 seats. We did leave people behind who had to wait for him to take us to MK, drop us out, and drive back to the Fort (no stops at WL either way).

The boat dock, fwiw, to MK only runs the big boat and is about 40% capacity. I've heard different reports: some say there are two boats running in the morning, others reported only one and also having to wait for it to make a round trip to come back and pick them up. The small boats to Contemporary are not currently running. The line does form early for the big boat (we chose to take the bus to MK because there was only one family there and the boat line was about half of the dock length already).

For Studios leaving from the Outpost Bus Depot, it's not really the drive time but the wait time like the MK bus. How many busses are running? How many families are in front of you? If you don't make the first bus while waiting, how long till the next one? So I would say if you want to ride the bus to Studios, get to the Outpost Bus Depot earlier than you think you need to. Probably same for MK bus too at the other end of the Fort. We always drove to the parks other than MK (and only did MK in October).

When/How soon are you going to WDW? Glad you're going back.

Bama Ed

 

[mrsswat]

Thanks for all this info! Last minute trip 4/10 - 4/14. We have a full family 10 day trip in Aug but my oldest daughter decided her family needs a little getaway now! And lucky for me I was invited along! We have been so good with this quarantine probably even to the extreme because of my age and they have 2 small children as well as a 13 yr old. They are certainly deserving of a break! We are going with a VERY flexible mindset, 2 park days only. Dad will run with 13 yr old when need calls for it LOL.

 

[Haley R]

Thanks for all this info! Last minute trip 4/10 - 4/14. We have a full family 10 day trip in Aug but my oldest daughter decided her family needs a little getaway now! And lucky for me I was invited along! We have been so good with this quarantine probably even to the extreme because of my age and they have 2 small children as well as a 13 yr old. They are certainly deserving of a break! We are going with a VERY flexible mindset, 2 park days only. Dad will run with 13 yr old when need calls for it LOL.

Let us know how the boat situation goes for you! We’re going in early May and are planning one park day at mk. We were hoping to do the boat and get there pretty early since they’re letting people into the park early

 

[StormyCA]

Keeping an eye on this thread looking for 'ammo' to support my position! nDH (nonDisney Husband) thinks maybe we should take the buses to DHS, AK, and Epcot rather than drive the truck.

I told him the total travel times would probably be wayyy long, PLUS we'd have to take the truck to drop off/pick up the pooch anyway. Much easier to drop him off and continue on to the 'park o' the day' as opposed to drive to drop off, return to FtW, park and wait for bus, then reverse and repeat each evening.

I told him that if he didn't want to drive, I'd be happy to do the daily drive to/from the parks. He turned a delicate shade of green and started to hyperventilate. He'd rather chew glass than have me drive 'his' truck. Not sure why, my driving record is as good as his. But fine by me!!!!

 

[shawthorne44]

Some people just don't like to passenger. Fortunately, my DH is like that.

 

[Teamubr]

Back in October (I suspect it is still the same) they were telling you at check in to drive to the parks due to the busses and other transportation having limited seating.

Historically, we always gave ourselves an hour to get anywhere. Pre Covid, it was generally less than that, but you would occasionally get the short straw on bus timing and it would take longer. Drive most places now, except MK, that hour is still a good estimate factoring in parking and walking in from the lots.

j

 

[FtW Mike]

StormyCa one point to ponder The Parking Lot Trams are NOT operating at this time. When will that change Not sure haven't seen anything addressing that. My guess would be about when they open to somewhere North of 50 % capacity

 

[tiggerdad]

Usually I let Disney do all the driving. The covid restrictions however changed that our last trip. When restrictions go back to normal I'll let mouse move me around. Until then, unless it's MK I'd drive.

 

[Sjm9911]

Keeping an eye on this thread looking for 'ammo' to support my position! nDH (nonDisney Husband) thinks maybe we should take the buses to DHS, AK, and Epcot rather than drive the truck.

I told him the total travel times would probably be wayyy long, PLUS we'd have to take the truck to drop off/pick up the pooch anyway. Much easier to drop him off and continue on to the 'park o' the day' as opposed to drive to drop off, return to FtW, park and wait for bus, then reverse and repeat each evening.

I told him that if he didn't want to drive, I'd be happy to do the daily drive to/from the parks. He turned a delicate shade of green and started to hyperventilate. He'd rather chew glass than have me drive 'his' truck. Not sure why, my driving record is as good as his. But fine by me!!!!

I drove to all but MK before the covid hit. It was easy and fast. You get the free parking. Plus in October , 2 years ago it was hot , 90 + degreess hot, so having a cooler and ice water was nice. And if your too exausted to cook or want a snack you dont want to make , your allready on the road. I thought the drive to all the parks from the fort was easy. We did get there early, and never walked to far to get into the parks. From some loops by the time you get to the bus station we were allready pulling into the parks, or at least it seamed that way. And we could pack the truck at night with whatever we needed for the next day. So, up , coffee, and go.

 

[mrsswat]

Thanks for all advice/suggestions! Flying in from Jersey no car rental. Rate was ridiculous for car we need - 6 passengers, 2 child car seats, luggage - you get the picture! We will be at the mercy of Disney transportation LOL. But just so glad to be getting away we are going with a VERY flexible mindset. I will post the transportation experience upon return!

 

[StormyCA]

I drove to all but MK before the covid hit. It was easy and fast. You get the free parking. Plus in October , 2 years ago it was hot , 90 + degreess hot, so having a cooler and ice water was nice. And if your too exausted to cook or want a snack you dont want to make , your allready on the road. I thought the drive to all the parks from the fort was easy. We did get there early, and never walked to far to get into the parks. From some loops by the time you get to the bus station we were allready pulling into the parks, or at least it seamed that way. And we could pack the truck at night with whatever we needed for the next day. So, up , coffee, and go.

We were there 2 years ago too! But in May. Yes, I agree that driving is the way to go for the other 3 parks + boat to MK. nDH is just 'pondering' his options.

Your idea of an ice chest with waters in it is a good one! We have a shell on the back so could easily throw an ice chest in there.

 

[StormyCA]

StormyCa one point to ponder The Parking Lot Trams are NOT operating at this time. When will that change Not sure haven't seen anything addressing that. My guess would be about when they open to somewhere North of 50 % capacity

I've thought about that. But I still feel that the additional 'hike' will be less time than the total bus time. I may change my opinion after our 1st park day if that 'hike' is from the far corner of the lot!

We're usually rope-droppers so I'm hoping an early arrival + decreased capacity may mean the walk won't be too bad.

 

[Sjm9911]

If your up early, the walk shouldn't be too bad. I thought it was close. We did do HS on the 5 am opening thing. I was like the 10th car in the lot, so we can take that one out. Lol.

 

[ucf_knight]

Let us know how the boat situation goes for you! We’re going in early May and are planning one park day at mk. We were hoping to do the boat and get there pretty early since they’re letting people into the park early

They had two boats running this past Tuesday morning. We got to the dock and had about 5 parties in front of us and by the time the boat got there approximately 15-20 parties were queued up and not all of them made it on the first boat. Plan to be there early and you should be good.

 

[StormyCA]

Let us know how the boat situation goes for you! We’re going in early May and are planning one park day at mk. We were hoping to do the boat and get there pretty early since they’re letting people into the park early

How early are they letting people into the parks? As EMH been re-started?

 

[StormyCA]

If your up early, the walk shouldn't be too bad. I thought it was close. We did do HS on the 5 am opening thing. I was like the 10th car in the lot, so we can take that one out. Lol.

5 am whhaaaattt?

 

[ucf_knight]

How early are they letting people into the parks? As EMH been re-started?

No emh but they have routinely being opening each park approximately an hour before their stated opening time.

 

[Sjm9911]

5 am whhaaaattt?

That was when they opened star wars land. It was the last day of the extra early morning hours. Lol. We left the park at 1 pm. Only cool part is it was still dark out and they had the park lit up like at night. So we got to see it at night, even in the day. Lol.