Getting from GF to BC for breakfast

[phyllis1966]

This may seem like a silly question, but is the bus the only way to get from the GF to the BC for our character breakfast? We did this last year and while the wait wasn't terrible, we were almost late for our PS. Is there a boat that will take us directly there?

Thanks!

 

[cindala]

There is no direct boat to the BC from the GF. You could take the bus to MGM, then hop a boat to the BC, but it is still rather slow.

Or, you could take the monorail to Epcot, and walk through the countries, exit by the International Gateway and walk over to the BC. Only thing, is the World Showcase doesn't open until 11am, still they might let you in to get to a breakfast reservation.

 

[Demosthenes]

The quickest way is to take a cab (about $10 or $11). Otherwise, I'd take the bus to MGM and the boat to BC.

 

[phyllis1966]

Is it really faster to hop the bus to MGM and then switch to a boat to get BC? I would think the bus directly to the BC would be faster, unless it makes lots of stops - I really don't remember...

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Hop on board the bus to the Studios. As you board, speak with the driver, and let them know that you need to get to the Beach Club for a Breakfast. If the driver is able (not a guarantee), they might be able to take you directly. If not, they will direct you to your best option.

 

[Demosthenes]

Try here for a (usually) pretty accurate transportation calculator.

It really depends on your timing. The bus to MGM stops last at the GF, and the ride is pretty short (though if the parks are crowded, you may need to stand). If you get to MGM and get right on the boat, you probably make out better than the monorail to MK then bus to BC route, but we're only talking about a couple of minutes difference either way. The Epcot resort bus route just seems to take forever, and in off season, they sometimes add the Swan and Dolphin to the loop wich makes a long trip that much longer.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by Demosthenes
The quickest way is to take a cab (about $10 or $11). Otherwise, I'd take the bus to MGM and the boat to BC.

Just an FYI, it's actually closer to $15 plus tip for a cab from the GF to the BC, and that's with no traffic.

Anne

 

[Lesley]

Your chances of being able to get a bus back to a resort in the early morning is slim....at that time of day they generally drop off and head immediately to pick up at whatever resort most needs a pick up. We tried it once and had to flag down a driver and make our needs known.

I'd say best bet (depending on when your ps time is.....) is to either get a bus to MGM and take the boat or walk to the BC or to take the monorail to Epcot and walk through to the BC. They will let you walk to the international gateway exit if you let them know that's what you need to do. People will be coming in there from the Epcot resorts as well.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

That's a long walk through Epcot for that early in the morning.

In regards to the buses at the Magic Kingdom in the Early Morning... it is true that buses don't run regularly out of there. We only run "upstream" if we know there are guests waiting for a particular area. Then we can find a Zone 4 bus to go upstream. Best advice is to make yourself known. Flag down a driver, or stand visibly in the load zone. Hiding away, or sitting down will lessen the chances of a bus to pick you up.

 

[phyllis1966]

Thanks for all your help, everyone!

Tyler, it's nice to get advice straight from the horses mouth - thanks!

 

[Lesley]

Tyler, I'm guessing you're one of the really great bus drivers at WDW! It always makes the day so much better when the bus driver is friendly and helpful. We will keep our eyes out for you in October!

We learned the hard way that we had to flag down a bus driver in the morning....and unfortunately it took us a while before anyone was willing to find out why we were there and where we needed to go. We were trying to leave AK for a late breakfast at one of the resorts and were standing clearly at the loading area for the resort. That's why I try to let folks know that the busses aren't really going both ways at that point. Before that I had assumed that if a bus was dropping off folks from a resort, it would pick us up and take us back there....which is how it does seem to work later in the afternoon/evening.

And I agree...its a long walk through Epcot early in the morning...and if breakfast is at 9am or earlier it won't work. But my dh loves the monorail and walking through Epcot...so we've done it.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by Lesley
We were trying to leave AK for a late breakfast at one of the resorts and were standing clearly at the loading area for the resort.

AK is one of the better areas, since Zone 6 is right there standing in the load zones. They can monitor the load zones themselves, and only have to rely on drivers passing info on for #11.

However, once people show up at the load zone, it's not always instantaneous that we can get a bus there. Sometimes, it very well could be the full 15 minute wait. It all depends on what Zone buses are coming in, and how the dispatches are going.

For Studios, usually the Zone buses are pretty good about calling in Upstreams, and picking them up. Magic Kingdom as well, although it's a bit harder with the construction going on. Epcot is a bit harder since there are two areas, and buses are only supposed to drop off in one.