How much time should we allow?

[yorkieteacher]

For our early September trip this year I am traveling with family who insist on NOT using Disney transportation, but taking our van to the park parking lots. We are staying at AoA. On previous visits, I have always allowed 45 minutes for traveling by Disney bus to actually walking into the park, although it usually took less time. Can some of you give me an idea of how long I should expect it to take at each of the four parks from the parking lot to actually walking through the entrance if we arrive about 15 minutes before 7am for EMH at MK, AK, and Epcot. I realize it's harder to predict HS for this month right now? I don't believe I can get all 7 of us in the van for EMH before 6:45am.

 

[Christine]

We mostly always drive to the parks. I would say, maybe 10 minutes at most. Less if you happen to get a parking spot up near the entrance and don't have to use a tram.

 

[sam_gordon]

For our early September trip this year I am traveling with family who insist on NOT using Disney transportation, but taking our van to the park parking lots. We are staying at AoA. On previous visits, I have always allowed 45 minutes for traveling by Disney bus to actually walking into the park, although it usually took less time. Can some of you give me an idea of how long I should expect it to take at each of the four parks from the parking lot to actually walking through the entrance if we arrive about 15 minutes before 7am for EMH at MK, AK, and Epcot. I realize it's harder to predict HS for this month right now? I don't believe I can get all 7 of us in the van for EMH before 6:45am.

I would still budget 30-45 minutes...
Walk to the van, pile in, everyone situated? Drive to the park, slow down to get though toll plaza, park in large lot, walk to tram, wait on tram, ride on tram, walk to security.

 

[BorderTenny]

Work harder on changing their minds. You've (hopefully) got the Skyliner right there for Epcot and HS. AoA is the closest bus stop at AK. And the construction mess at TTC should convince anyone to avoid driving to MK from onsite.

 

[Bjkandma]

Remember driving to MK, you park at the ticket and transportation center, then need to ride ferry boat or monorail. Also, right now there is a lot of construction at the ticket and transportation center.

If staying in site Disney bus is best for MK. They drop off at the MK. Try to convince your party to at least use bus transportation to MK.

 

[georgina]

Disney trans is good for MK, unless you are going to MNSSHP and have to wait for an hour for a bus at the end of the night! I'm planning to valet park at the Contemporary for the party this year (staying offsite so I would have to pay to park anyway.)

 

[Bjkandma]

When leaving MK at night, especially after closing or a special event, take your time. Buses run two hours after park closing and even later. You can spend time in line for buses,or enjoying the quietness of the park. We've actually closed down the park several times. When exiting, cast members will direct you to the buses. Well we were there on night "extremely" late and they actually had to call for a bus for us. We rode on a completely empty bus and arrived at POP at 1:45 am. As security told us, we won't leave you stranded. It's one of our favorite memories!!!!

 

[tguz]

We have always had good luck with the busses and never even consider driving our vehicle to the parks. Remember that since you are at AoA, hop on the Pop Century bus if it looks like the line is shorter and you can make it on the first bus or if the AoA bus just left. It's only a short walk between the 2 resorts and it might save you time waiting in line. At least last Summer, the bus slots at the parks for the 2 resorts were next to each other or very close to each other.