From the parking lot to the theme parks

[awhitey]

On our trip in the middle of September, we will be using a rental for the first time. Is it pretty much guaranteed that you need to take a tram to the park entrance from the parking lot, or would we have a good chance of getting a spot close enough to walk from the car to the park?

 

[cardramblues]

On our trip in the middle of September, we will be using a rental for the first time. Is it pretty much guaranteed that you need to take a tram to the park entrance from the parking lot, or would we have a good chance of getting a spot close enough to walk from the car to the park?

It all depends how early you get there. When parking at TTC for the MK it is almost always better to take the tram as you have to walk under the resort road. The other parks its all up to you and how much you do or don't want to walk.

 

[TheWog]

As mentioned. All depends. Get there early and you will have a shorter walk. Get there later and a tram it is.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

At the parking lots for Epcot, DHS, and DAK, we prefer to walk, even later in the day.

By the time you walk from your car to the tram stop, wait for the tram to arrive, wait for the tram to load, wait for the tram to depart, ride on the tram to the tram stop somewhere near the park entrance, and walk to the actual park entrance, you can usually get there in about the same time or more quickly on foot. And walking provides some exercise.

Of course, if someone has difficulty walking, or you happen to park near a tram stop just as a tram pulls up to load, a tram would be better.

MK is a different case. They often make you park so far back, especially later in the day, that using a tram tends to be faster than walking from your car to the Monorail station or boat dock.

 

[DisTwix]

We've never trammed @ DHS, AK or Epcot --- no matter what time we've arrived, it has seemed we got decent enough parking that walking was no problem.

We've trammed @ MK (and totally forgotten where we'd parked, because it was the first time we'd ever had a rental car - now I always take a picture!), but I have also found parking REALLY close to the TTC, usually in the afternoon, when there aren't as many CM's out directing traffic. I'd just scoot off and find something pretty close. However, there are times when we've been forced to park so far away that we can't even SEE where we'd get on the monorail or boat, so tramming is the only way to go.

 

[shafke]

We have never taken the tram at DHS or Epcot. At both of these it is usually quicker to walk. An added plus at DHS is that there is a security check point off to the side that is not busy so you do not have to go through the mobs at the main security point.

At AK we have never gotten there early enough to make walking the better option so have take the tram.

We have never parked at MK. It is quicker to take Disney transporation. If you are staying off site then my guess is you would need to take the tram to the TTC.

 

[awhitey]

My next question then is....does it really save time to take your own car versus the buses if you still have to take the tram from the parking lot to the park?

 

[DebbieB]

My next question then is....does it really save time to take your own car versus the buses if you still have to take the tram from the parking lot to the park?

Depends on the resort and if the bus comes when you get to the stop or if you have to wait 20 min. It can take 20 minutes after you get on the bus to get around to all the other stops before even leaving for the park. I prefer the car, not so much for the time but for the convenience. No being smashed in like sardines.

 

[Sandisw]

If you belong to AAA, they have a parking pass that you can get. It allows you to park up closer to the front of the parks. We use it at Epcot, DHS, and AK (we walk or monorail to MK since we most often stay at Contemporary and just bought in to DVC @ BLT so will stay there from now on).

Of course, we get there at park opening and it is great as we are usually near the front. We do not like to take the buses so always have a car.

 

[awhitey]

If you belong to AAA, they have a parking pass that you can get. It allows you to park up closer to the front of the parks. We use it at Epcot, DHS, and AK (we walk or monorail to MK since we most often stay at Contemporary and just bought in to DVC @ BLT so will stay there from now on).

Of course, we get there at park opening and it is great as we are usually near the front. We do not like to take the buses so always have a car.

Do you have to book your package through AAA or can you get the pass just because you are a AAA member?

 

[savannahcat]

In our past 12 trips to WDW, I can count on one hand the number of times we have ridden the tram. When walking, we almost always get to the gate before or at the same time as the other guests who parked next to us and rode the tram. In my opinion, MK is the only lot with spots that are far enough away that you really need to use the tram, but I don't mind walking, either.

 

[c&m]

Do you have to book your package through AAA or can you get the pass just because you are a AAA member?

Good question. We didn't book our package thru AAA but were wondering as well if we can get that parking pass just by being an AAA member.

Thanks for the tip!!!

 

[c&m]

I just got off the phone with our local Canadian automobile association (CAA). The travel agent informed me that you can only get the AAA parking pass if you book the package with AAA. Also, she said that the parking pass is not available with the free dining offer. When I asked why she said that this was not a combinable offer.