How difficult is it to drive around Disney?

[Twingle]

We'll be driving do WDW in June, and this is the first time I'll have my own transportation. How difficult is it really, to drive from your resort to the parks? We're staying at OKW, and planning on going to all four parks while we are there.

Between driving, parking, and riding the tram to the park entrances, did you find it easier to just use Disney transportation, or use your car?

Any tips/advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Donna]

Whether it be with friends or family, we always have a car and most always stay at OKW. You'll find it VERY easy to get around to most anywhere. I would recommend bussing to MK just because it's easier than dealing with the big lot and the tram. You'll see where some people will park at contemporary and walk over; you are not supposed to but people do it. It's a rather warm walk in June i bet! Everything on disney propery is well signed, roads are in excellent condition.
It's very easy to get to downtown disney/PI from OKW with your car as well. Have fun!

 

[PlutosFriend]

We'll be driving do WDW in June, and this is the first time I'll have my own transportation. How difficult is it really, to drive from your resort to the parks? We're staying at OKW, and planning on going to all four parks while we are there.

Between driving, parking, and riding the tram to the park entrances, did you find it easier to just use Disney transportation, or use your car?

Any tips/advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

We always rent a car and drive to all of the parks. I have gotten very used to roads there, but I still bring a map. It is a map I got many visits ago. Not sure they even give out the same map anymore. I have seen a few roads on the grounds, not marked with street names. That may make it a bit confusing for some. It helps if you have someone to navigate while another person drives. Good luck!

 

[Tigger_Magic]

For me it depends on the resort and the park. Sometimes I will drive, especially if we are arriving at the park early and can park close; other times use Disney transportation. Almost never drive to MK or AK -- those are easier by Disney transportation. Often drive to Epcot and arrive early to park close. Studios is a toss-up because the entrance is only 2 lanes and depending on the day/events can get backed up easily. (Never, ever drive to the Studios during Super Soap Weekend! Made that mistake ONE time.)

Disney has very good signage and it's fairly easy to navigate. That said you should have someone with you who can keep one eye on a Disney map and one on the signs, so the driver can focus on traffic/driving.

 

[pixiepower1971]

I would rather drive. I find the roads well marked. Just don't speed on the final leg into MK. You will get a ticket! The only time I really use WDW transportation is if I am staying at a MK resort and I will use the monorail to MK and Epcot. I always drive to AK and MGM. I hate arriving at the MK by bus. There is nothing better, IMO, then seeing the castle from the ferry in the am. Beautiful!!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

It's very easy to get around. We got a map when we checked in about a year ago, and use it again and again. I think they still hand it out.

Between the map and the road signs, I've only gotten off track once (missed a turn for the Magic Kingdom area and ended up at Animal Kingdom). It's definitely easier to get from hotel to hotel (for whatever your reason may be) if you have your own transportation.

 

[daisax]

We drive and find it easy enough. If you take some time before your trip and work out in your mind the overall geography (where AK, Epcot, MGM and MK are in relation to each other), then each time you get in the car you can zero in on your basic destination area on the map (whether to the specific park or one of its resorts) and plot your driving strategy then.

For example, though it's not all THAT close, Coronado Springs is part of the Animal Kingdom resort area, so when leaving MGM, for example, you will spot "Animal Kingdom resorts" signs before you ever see anything specifically about Coronado Springs. Likewise, if you're headed for the Poly or Contemporary, head for Magic Kingdom and watch for those signs as you get closer.

And remember, if you miss a turnoff, you'll eventually circle back and find another route. As long as you don't leave Disney property, you're going to hit another set of parks/resorts and there will be more signage. Takes a lot of the stress out of it. Just call it "the scenic route."

 

[Uncleromulus]

By all means use the CAR!! Just being able to park in front of your "home" at OKW, come and go when you want--change your mind and head elsewhere on a moments notice--THAT's doing it right!! We haven't been on a Disney bus since we purchased at OKW in 1992.
And it is pretty easy to get around--as daisax says, if you do happen to miss a turnoff--just find a safe spot and turn around!!

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We drive around Disney all the time and find it quicker in our own car rather than Disney transporation. The signs getting you to all the parks are great.