GKTW volunteer questions

[DSNY4ever]

I went back and read Dave Parfitt's old blog which has a lot of great info, but I have a few more questions for this of you that have done this.

We would like to do this on our next trip for 3 or 4 days. Should we stay somewhere in Kissimmee during that time because it looks like it takes a half hour to get there from WDW- is that about right?

Does anyone know of any good hotels near Kissimmee?

Our trip is a long way off, but I really want to incorporate this in and start planning now

 

[safetymom]

I would just stay at Disney and rent a car or take a taxi to GKTW. It isn't all that far from Disney.

 

[jeanigor]

I went back and read Dave Parfitt's old blog which has a lot of great info, but I have a few more questions for this of you that have done this.

We would like to do this on our next trip for 3 or 4 days. Should we stay somewhere in Kissimmee during that time because it looks like it takes a half hour to get there from WDW- is that about right?

Does anyone know of any good hotels near Kissimmee?

Our trip is a long way off, but I really want to incorporate this in and start planning now

Depends on where on property you are staying. The Village is roughly 5 minutes south of 192 (Irlo Bronson Hwy) on South Bass Road. To get to Bass Road is a quick ride. When Dave and I did the week for GKTW, we were at a vacation home rental quite close to GKTW. I took a carload of students to DTD for lunch/shopping and made it to GKTW in no time for our afternoon shift. You don't need to be very familiar with the local roads in order to get there.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I was in the group that went to GKTW last week and stayed on-site. It's not far at all and easy to get to from Disney property. I hope you have a great time volunteering at the village. It is a very special place.

 

[txvjc]

The worst part of getting to GKTW from property is the lights...if you get lucky and get mostly greens you'll be there 10-15 mins...if you happen to get stuck at every red light on 192 it greatly adds to your time...depending on where you're coming from on property I would recommend taking 535 down to where it dead ends into 192 then taking 192 all the down.

That said, unless you're just want to stay off property to save money for those couple of days, I'd get a rental and drive.

 

[Califgirl]

We took a taxi back from GKTW village to Wilderness Lodge and the fare was $40 w/ tip. That's one way. It could be less if you don't catch every single light.
Just some info that you can factor into your equation.

 

[DSNY4ever]

Wow, that would be expensive to do a taxi for three days. I think since we want to do it on multiple days that we might rent a car, but still stay over near there to save money and gas, especially since we aren't planning on doing Disney on those days.

Maybe we could go over to see Gaylord Palms in the evening or something- I think it is sort of nearby? I'll have to do a little research since I haven't stepped foot off Disney property since my parents took me when I was 9, and back then I wasn't doing the driving

Thanks everyone!

 

[Sarabi's Cubs]

Is there a minimum age to volunteer? We will be there at Christmas and I would love for our family to volunteer together, but my children are 12, 10 and 4.

Sarabi's Cubs

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I went back and read Dave Parfitt's old blog which has a lot of great info, but I have a few more questions for this of you that have done this.

We would like to do this on our next trip for 3 or 4 days. Should we stay somewhere in Kissimmee during that time because it looks like it takes a half hour to get there from WDW- is that about right?

Does anyone know of any good hotels near Kissimmee?

Our trip is a long way off, but I really want to incorporate this in and start planning now

I'd say it kind of depends what you want to do. Do you want to do 1 shift a day at GKTW? If so, you'd still have lots a time for park touring and such. Then I would recommend staying on property and renting a car. We took a group of DISers during DISapalooza last year from the Dolphin, and it didn't take us that long at all.

However, if you think you might stay at GKTW all day for 3-4 days, and pick up 2 or more shifts a day, then it might be worthwhile staying at Kissimmee. Although, more than likely you're still going to need transportation to get there even if you're staying in Kissimmee.

I think I'd rent a car, but I like having the freedom.