How do I get to and from OKW and DD?

[westjones]

Is there a boat that takes you from OKW to DD? How late does it run? We want to go to DisneyQuest and I see that it is open until 11:00. I don't plan to be there that long, but hey, you never know? We may be having so much fun we won't want to leave.

So how do we get to and from DD in the evenings? We will be there in September, does that mean the transportation won't be running as late?
Thanks!
DJ

 

[RobDoc]

The boat stops it's runs at 9:40pm. The bus runs until 2:00am from the PI bus stop.

While the boatride is great and very relaxing, it doesn't run if there is any weather threat. For an evening at DQ, I'd just plan on taking the bus. It runs about every 20 mnutes all day.

Enjoy!

 

[westjones]

Thanks! It sounds like we can stay as long as we like and not have to worry about transportation then. That is great!

Are there several bus stops around DD, or is there just the PI one? We have never been to DD, so I have no idea how large it is.

Thanks,
DJ

 

[Chadm]

Originally posted by westjones
Thanks! It sounds like we can stay as long as we like and not have to worry about transportation then. That is great!

Are there several bus stops around DD, or is there just the PI one? We have never been to DD, so I have no idea how large it is.

Thanks,
DJ

Right now, only the Pleasure Island and Marketplace bus stops are being used. PI will be the closest one. Just walk out toward the parking lot from Disney Quest and take a left on the sidewalk. That will take you right to the PI bus stop.

 

[westjones]

Thanks so much!
DJ

 

[Disneyaholic]

The boat ride between OKW and DD is one of my favorite things to do at WDW. Even if I'm not staying at OKW, I've been known to just do a round trip, just to have lunch at Olivia's or soak in some of the OKW atmosphere.

Just beware that the capacity of the boat is limited to 10 or 12. (They have changed it a few times). So, if you see people lining up by the dock, count them and join them! <G>

 

[westjones]

We plan to go over to DD late afternoon/early evening when we go (after going to MK for the day). It sounds like we could take the boat over to DD and then find the bus to come back to OKW that night when we are done. That would be fun! A boat ride is always great!

I just wished we had more hours in the day while we are there! I am making an itenary of what we are going to do with our 3 1/2 days at WDW and it is hard to fit in everything that we want to do on this trip! But I think I finally have a 'plan', now that I know how to fit in Disney Quest and DD (this will be our first time there).

Now my only 'stressful' part of planning the trip is calling in July at the 60 day mark to get into Cinderella's breakfast (will also be a first for us). Once I have that reservations set, I will finally be able to relax and look forward to our trip!

DJ

 

[Pa@okw95]

I guess you do not have a car? DD is really on the same very large block as OKW. You can walk to DD and the West Side it is about a mile and a half. I would not recommend it after dark. The boat ride is the nice. Doc gave you the most reasonable way, just take the bus.

 

[westjones]

Yes, we will have a car. Would that be easier? To just drive ourselves? Is there parking near Disney Quest?

DJ

 

[colleen costello]

We always drive from OKW to DD. There are huge parking lots surrounding the area and you can park in the one closest to the area you want to visit. Disney Quest is one of the closest areas to OKW. The lots are crowded, so it's a tossup as to the quickest thing to do -- bus or car. We usually drive in case we want to go off property afterwards for a meal or grocery run.

Have fun!

 

[Dancind]

Driving is very convenient, but not after 5 pm or so. DTD gets very busy and the lot is full. Of course, this may be only weekend nights, but I wouldn't risk it. Diana

 

[dianeschlicht]

While we sometimes take the boat and sometimes walk to DTD from OKW, we don't take the bus unless we have to. This is the one location that the bus takes a long time to go a short distance and makes many DTD stops. We usually drive to DTD if we are staying past boat and walking times, or if we are anxious to get back early.

 

[westjones]

Thanks for the info! I do hate waiting for buses (especially at the end of the day when I am really tired). DH doesn't mind driving around as long as things aren't too hard to find, and it sounds like DD will be very close. I think I will just suggest to him that we drive ourselves to Disney Quest!

Thanks! I'm sure as we become more experienced DVC members, and have had a number of trips things will seem much simplier. We are new members and haven't actually been to WDW very much before joining, so all of this is still new to us!

Thanks for all the help! You guys are great!
DJ

 

[dianeschlicht]

You will also find you will be less of "park commando" and more liesurly about your trips after the first few. We plan two or three in a twelve month period so we can get the most out of APs. We find we go to the parks at least a little every day, but often it is only to see one show or eat etc. We like to do a few things at several parks each day. For example, we will often go over to AK very early for the first Kilamanjaro Safari of the day and then head over to a different park. DVC makes all of that SO easy! WE often like to stay around OKW during the mid-day and head out to Epcot at night.

 

[Caskbill]

If you drive from OKW it's simple. Make every left turn that's possible.

(1) Exit the OKW resort and turn left. Go to the traffic light.
(2) Turn left, go to the 2nd traffic light. (the 1st light is a 'T' intersection with no left turn anyway.)
(3) Turn left, go to the 1st traffic light
(4) Turn left into the parking area. This will get you very close to DQ.

Option: item (4), go to the 2nd traffic light, turn left into a different parking lot. Once inside the lot, turn left and go toward the other end which will then be closer to DQ.

 

[DebbieB]

I've found it's easier to find a space over near McDonalds, you're in between DD and PI.

One night a couple of years ago we took the boat to DD, which was very nice. When we returned it was too late so we had to take the bus. It took us almost 45 minutes! The bus waited at DD, went to the PI stop, waited some more, went to the West Side stop, waited some more.

A quicker way to DD from OKW if you want to be on the DD side is to make a right out of OKW, go by the former Disney Insitute (now Saratoga), make a right on Buena Vista and it will take you right to the end of DD near the new toy store.