From parking lot to MK....how long?

[xyymom]

I was looking at a map and it seems that the parking lot is quite a ways from the actual park. I don't recall this at all from when I was there (it was 13 years ago though, lol)

When we arrive to park, what happens? How do we get from the parking lot to the park itself and how long does all of this take? I'm trying to plan to be there at opening.

Are there any other parks that I need to get to extra early due to logistics?

Thanks!

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

You'd take a tram from the parking lot to the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) where you can catch one of three monorail loops:

1) Clockwise: Stops @ TTC, Poly, GF, MK, CR
2) Counter Clockwise (Express): Stops @ TTC and MK only
3) To Epcot

[You'd want 2) ]

Debbie

 

[seashoreCM]

All of the DIsney theme parks have trams running from the parking lot aisles. For Magic Kingdom the tram lets you off at the monorail station and boat dock area. Early in the morning, you are not permitted to use the (clockwise) monorail to the MK resorts and MK without proof of staying at those resorts, you must use the express monorail or the ferry boat.

If it is a busy day the time to get to the MK entrance and turnstiles in the morning is very unpredicable. There will be crowds lined up for both the monorail and the ferry boat. Often the express monorail and boats don't start running until about half an hour before the park gates open. Then when you disembark at the MK, crowds of resort guests, who are dropped off bu buses at the entrance, will be there waiting to go through the turnstiles unless the park opened early for resort guests that day. During the summer and other busy times you would probably want to pull into the lot 90 minutes before to really make it through the turnstiles right at the opening time.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I second the post above- get there early. In my experience, allowing a total of an hour from my hotel to the turnstiles at the MK via the TTC monorails has been more than adequate. We never do a morning that is non-EMH at the MK though, so if you are going on a 'regular' day it may be different.

Blessings.

 

[nicdanh]

If you are staying in the park I would take the bus over to MK they drop you off right at the entrance of the park.

 

[hitthebids]

Yes if you can take the bus if you are on site you will be better off. on the other hand part of the magic is to take the monorail. If it is your first time you might want to try it.

 

[xyymom]

Thanks...we're staying offsite, we couldn't afford to stay onsite. So, we'll be going on 'regular' days which is why I want to know how early to be there to be at the time of opening. I have to plan in travel time, etc.

I also need to know how long it takes to get from parking lot to park to figure in afternoon naps/rests.

 

[hitthebids]

I would say in the morning you have to figure at least 20 minutes. If it is crowded it may be a wait to get on the monorail. The mornings work the best. The tram will be there or pulls up in a few minutes. The ferry is an option but only if the line appears to be shorter, not really a time saver. Your pblm will be the afternoons which are harder to gauge. The trams run through the whole parking lot and it may take longer to get to your car. The night is the hardest if you are staying for the fireworks. Everyone leaving at same time.

 

[disneysteve]

Depending on where you park, you may also be able to walk to the TTC. We've done that a few times when we parked close to that end of the lot.

 

[disneymom3]

Get there really early--at least 40 minutes before opening so you can park close and walk to the TTC. (Then you don't have to wait for a tram when you come back to your car either.) We do this all of the time because we usually have a stroller with us and the little extra walk is better than getting a stroller and two toddlers onto the tram!

My experience has been, though, that they don't start running the monorails until park opening time though. Very frustrating.