How long to get to MK?

[Callist]

We're staying at All Star Music in late September. My other family members are FIRMLY in the camp of "it's vacation, I'm not waking up early" so last year, our first visit in years, we got to the parks around 10:30. Last year we ate breakfast at the resort food court and then take buses.

However, the only reasonable 7DMT FP I was able to grab this year is at 8:50 am. I'm trying to decide if we should take the buses to MK or drive.

1) How long does it take to drive from ASMu to parking? That's at TTC, correct, and then we have to take a boat or monorail over to the park? Realistically, how long will it take to get from the car to the gate?

2) Anyone have any ideas how long of a wait we can expect for the buses that early?

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

Unfortunately no one knows for sure which will be faster.

Driving takes you to the TTC which from car to inside the park can take upwards of an hour. Walking, tram, security, monorail, ticketing ......

A bus will take you to the gates but the unknown is how long will you be waiting for that bus. You may get lucky and jump right on one or you may end up waiting. Then security and ticketing.....

I think it’s a catch 22

YMMV.

 

[scionchigirl]

The busses, imo, are faster than driving...with parking,then getting from parking,etc to security

 

[cjlong88]

If you were to drive from ASM to TTC, I would guess it would take 20 minutes to drive and park your car, maybe longer to park your car if the lines are longer. Then it's a gamble with the monorail / ferry transportation and the timing of when you arrive. If you feel comfortable using the 15 minute grace period after your FP window, that gives you until 10:05 to tap in. Still (sort of) a late start.

 

[Brett Wyman]

The busses, imo, are faster than driving...with parking,then getting from parking,etc to security

This 100%. The time coming from the TTC is too much of a roulette wheel to predict. Bus to the front door is your best option. Even if your party doesnt wake up early get a bus schedule and try to be at your stop 10-15 minutes before that time.

Minnievan would also be a great 3rd option if your party can split the cost.

 

[chimoe]

I got to admit - Disney transportation was something I never really planned properly for during our 1st trip last year. It’ just takes so long to move anywhere. I would laugh when I would read to plan 1hr to travel from one place to another. Not anymore.

Even from the GF to MK on monorail was a pain in the rear. You never know how long that monorail checkpoint is, and if the last one just left, than that’s 15min wait, and if its busy you may or may not fit on the next ride, you may have to wait for the 2nd one to arrive.

Our only easy transportation was using the Mini van, we went from GF to FS, door 2 door. It’s pricey but might be your best option if your time crunched.

 

[verleniahall]

buses - they start running 2 hours prior to park opening-

 

[Master Fastpasser]

Do NOT drive unless you need to for some reason.
Yes you'll be driving to the TTC and then have to take the ferry or monorail to MK.
It will probably take 10-15 minutes to drive from your resort to TTC and then I'd count on another 45 minutes until you get to the main gate.

Buses run every 20 minutes and usually more often in the morning.
It will take you about 15 minutes and you'll be dropped off right at the main gate.

TAKE THE BUS.

 

[scionchigirl]

This 100%. The time coming from the TTC is too much of a roulette wheel to predict. Bus to the front door is your best option. Even if your party doesnt wake up early get a bus schedule and try to be at your stop 10-15 minutes before that time.

Minivan would also be a great 3rd option if your party can split the cost.

I have generalized anxiety disorder and NOTHING sets it off more than the busses (perceived loss of control?) Im planning on using MinnieVan a bit on my upcoming trip, post MVMCP and HS.

 

[Master Fastpasser]

I have generalized anxiety disorder and NOTHING sets it off more than the busses (perceived loss of control?) Im planning on using MinnieVan a bit on my upcoming trip, post MVMCP and HS.

If you were thinking logically a Minnie van would set it off as well as you have no control.

 

[Karl66]

Travel time from resort to park entrance will be faster taking the bus.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

This 100%. The time coming from the TTC is too much of a roulette wheel to predict. Bus to the front door is your best option. Even if your party doesnt wake up early get a bus schedule and try to be at your stop 10-15 minutes before that time.

Minnievan would also be a great 3rd option if your party can split the cost.

Do the Minnievan's drop you off at the TTC?

 

[bryana]

Do the Minnievan's drop you off at the TTC?

It might have changed but I'm 99% sure that Minnie Vans drop you right at the entrance, where the buses drop off.

 

[Brett Wyman]

Yes Minnie Vans take you right to the front door, by the bus loop.

 

[scionchigirl]

If you were thinking logically a Minnie van would set it off as well as you have no control.

I AM thinking logically...in a MinnieVan I have control over the passengers. No manspreaders, no whiney kids,no sweaty people, no snarky comments...

 

[Master Fastpasser]

I AM thinking logically...in a MinnieVan I have control over the passengers. No manspreaders, no whiney kids,no sweaty people, no snarky comments...

Whoa "sneaky comments". You're paying too much attention to others.
My impression was that you were losing control of physically getting yourself there which is why I was saying that is the same way with a Minnie Van.
Didn't realize you wanted control over kids whining and where and how people sit.

 

[scionchigirl]

Whoa "sneaky comments". You're paying too much attention to others.
My impression was that you were losing control of physically getting yourself there which is why I was saying that is the same way with a Minnie Van.
Didn't realize you wanted control over kids whining and where and how people sit.

SNARKY, not sneaky...also, I didnt state anywhere "losing control physically", control of surroundings in a small environment like a bus. Yes, people DO act annoying on busses,including me having a panic attack, so I chose not to subject them or me to it.Have a magical day.

 

[Figment Mom]

I exclusively use Disney transportation. I would take the bus.

In my experience at Pop, MK buses are very, very frequent beginning 90 minutes or more before park opening all the way through the morning rush.

The big double buses often pulled up two at a time and loaded simultaneously when I was there this past week.

With an 8:50 FP, if that's the first thing your group wants to do in MK, I'd aim to be at the bus stop around 8:20 give or take a few minutes. There will probably be a long line at that point but if the buses come rapidly you'll have time to spare to make your FP.

 

[Master Fastpasser]

SNARKY, not sneaky...also, I didnt state anywhere "losing control physically", control of surroundings in a small environment like a bus. Yes, people DO act annoying on busses,including me having a panic attack, so I chose not to subject them or me to it.Have a magical day.

Haha I really was confused by "sneaky" so glad you corrected me. I still think you're paying too much attention to others though if you're hearing snarky comments on the bus.
About the worst I hear on the bus is serious misinformation about when a show is or when something is opening or closing etc.
I would think its possible to be annoyed with a Minnie Van driver too though.
Your post makes me wonder how the parks treat you because I find many more annoying things in the parks than on the bus.

 

[Tonberry]

Didn't realize you wanted control over kids whining and where and how people sit.

Some people handle sweaty people, crying babies, and children's temper tantrums better than others.
Our last trip, a whole bunch of kids started singing "The Wheels on the Bus..." song. I thought it was funny and cute. The guy across from me looked like he was ready to lose his mind and freak out.