HDDR if staying offsite

[Clemsonsarah]

We are staying in Orlando at a VRBO in June. Doing a couple park days, but won’t be Disney focused the whole week. I’m going to try my best to get an ADR for Hoop de Doo for our party of 13 on any of our non-park days. We won’t want to use any of our MK time to head over for that experience, so going directly from MK seems to be out of the question. We’ll be driving ourselves. Do we have to pay to park at FW for our dinner? Any other option for off-site guests that would make sense? Just trying to flesh out some details before trying to sell the rest of the family on it. Thanks!

 

[Aimeedyan]

We've done it many times.

You just check in at gate, and they'll doublecheck your reservation. You park in the lot right near the gate, walk over to the bus area (can't miss it), wait for a bus that will take you to Settlement Depot where Pioneer Hall is. I think all the colored internal buses take you there, though you'll get a mini tour of Ft Wilderness on your way. Never takes very long and the bus drivers are all very helpful.

Bus stop is just steps from Pioneer Hall, where HDDR is. There is also a bar, playground, giftshop, dock, etc in that same space you come a little earlier and want to wander a bit.

There is no charge to park with dining reservations.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We've done it many times.

You just check in at gate, and they'll doublecheck your reservation. You park in the lot right near the gate, walk over to the bus area (can't miss it), wait for a bus that will take you to Settlement Depot where Pioneer Hall is. I think all the colored internal buses take you there, though you'll get a mini tour of Ft Wilderness on your way. Never takes very long and the bus drivers are all very helpful.

Bus stop is just steps from Pioneer Hall, where HDDR is. There is also a bar, playground, giftshop, dock, etc in that same space you come a little earlier and want to wander a bit.

There is no charge to pay with dining reservations.

take the first color of internal bus that shows as all do go to same depot near HDDR and the same on the way back after the show back to your car. depending on time of your show and time of MK fireworks you could watch them from the dock just a few more steps from there

 

[Clemsonsarah]

Thanks for both replies! That’s so helpful! We are not opposed to walking any distances, but also want to do what makes the most sense. Cool to hear that we could have some things to do if we arrive early. Also love the idea of fireworks in the evening!

Any idea how late fireworks at MK are typically in June? Would the 8:30ish reservation time be better for that?

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thanks for both replies! That’s so helpful! We are not opposed to walking any distances, but also want to do what makes the most sense. Cool to hear that we could have some things to do if we arrive early. Also love the idea of fireworks in the evening!

Any idea how late fireworks at MK are typically in June? Would the 8:30ish reservation time be better for that?

are you ready to walk a mile both ways as that is about the distance you would be walking. there is no car parking even handicapped in the HDDR area.

 

[Clemsonsarah]

are you ready to walk a mile both ways as that is about the distance you would be walking. there is no car parking even handicapped in the HDDR area.

I didn’t mean I was going to forego a bus. I just meant some walking here and there isn’t an issue for any of us.

 

[Lehuaann]

Any idea how late fireworks at MK are typically in June? Would the 8:30ish reservation time be better for that?

No, the 4 pm or 6:15 pm shows would be better. HDDR is 2 hrs long.

Last week, the 6:15 pm show got us out in time for the 8:30 pm fireworks. The fireworks can be viewed at the beach/marina dock which is just a short walk away. Now, it’s an obstructed view with Discovery Island and the tree lines, but you will see the higher blasts. The music is also piped in.

Fireworks in June start around 9 pm, so still best to do the earlier shows.

We’ll be driving ourselves. Do we have to pay to park at FW for our dinner?

Day Parking for resort visitors with dining reservations is free. Overnight Parking for registered guests is not.

Gate security will instruct you to park in the front lot. Walk to the Outpost Depot and catch any purple/yellow/orange bus to the Settlement Depot. From there, a short walk to Pioneer Hall.