How much time to allow to get to parks

[alexandra uk]

It says in the brochure 15 mins to Disney & Universal.
We'll be staying at The Sheraton opposite Seaworld, and I've just read in The Brit's Guide,that the traffic on I Drive can get quite congested.
We're going for the 1st 2 weeks of December,which is a quiet time, so would it be about a 15 minute drive or should I allow longer ? I want to get to the parks for opening time.

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[daywalker]

I would have thought 15 mins would be about right in the morning, personally I have only noticed that I-drive gets congested on a Friday/Saturday night, otherwise I don't think it is too bad.

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Hi again Alex

15 mins maximum to Disney from Sheraton World is about right - you don't need to go down I-Drive from there because you can go the "back way" - all signposted. We had no problem when we stayed there a couple of years ago.

Sea World - 5 mins walk

Universal - 10 mins in car . . because you do have to go up I-Drive, but only half way.

Great location

 

[alexandra uk]

Thanks again Annie
Thats good about " the back way", I didn't know about that
I'm not too worried about Universal, because we've taken it off our itinery after reading that there isn't much there for 14 month old DS. We'll do it another year when he's older.

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[Scotfan]

Just remember that if you are going to Magic Kingdom ( which will be furthest of the Disney parks probably) you have to get from your car then on to the Monorail or boat then into the park itself.
When we took friends for the first time they didnt believe me when I said how long it would take to get to the Crystal Palace in MK for an 8.30 Breakfast.

 

[BevS97]

I was going to say the same as Mo. Allow yourself about an hour to get from the car park to any PS you have booked.


Also, it's worth getting there early anyway, as they are quite likely to open the gates before opening time, and it's nice and quiet if you get there that early.

Bev

 

[alexandra uk]

I haven't any morning ps's booked, but I want to arrive at MK by ferryboat ready for opening.
If I leave the hotel about 1 hr before, am I likely to make it ?

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[BevS97]

I would have thought so. They will hold you back at the TTA until 1/2 hr before opening (or thereabouts), and then the ferry will go over. I would go for the ferry rather than the monorail as the ferry can take 1000's of people and the monorail queue will be very slow.

Bev

 

[alexandra uk]

I want to take the ferry because I've read that the first view of the castle that you get is wonderful

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[Fantasia Sam]

Alex

I agree the ferry is wonderful and it is truly a magical way to get your first view of the MK.

In December you won't need anymore than an hour - In November I've done MK in just over 30 mins from Sand Lake Road/I-Drive junction so you should be fine.

Also I should add that the mornings are a little chilly in December and you may need a light fleece or cardi for the ferry as it can give a bit of a wind chill especially if you're up on top - you can then stash them in a locker for the day.

 

[alexandra uk]

Thanks Sam
Is it better to go up on top of the ferryboat for the view ?

66 to go

 

[Fantasia Sam]

In my opinion yes Alex go up on top

 

[BevS97]

Alex

will you have a stroller with you? (you mentioned a 14 month old on the other thread).

They have a seperate line for people with strollers/wheelchairs, and they put you right at the front of the ferry. It's not the top, but you should still get a good view, and you will be one of the first off.

Bev

 

[uksaint]

Scotfan

When we took friends for the first time they didnt believe me when I said how long it would take to get to the Crystal Palace in MK for an 8.30 Breakfast.

So how long, exactly. We will be making Breakfast PS at Crystal Palace - what time would we need to be leaving the Vistana Resort??

BTW, highly jealous of your Golden Princess Eastern Caribbean. We love Princess Cruises.

Andy

 

[alexandra uk]

Does anyone know what times the parks normally open 1st 2 weeks of December ?
( I'm just thinking of what God awful time I'm going to have to get up and get ready for in the mornings )

 

[Scotfan]

uksaint I would allow at least 45 mins from Vistana, its the furthest of the parks from Vistana ( we did it often last Feb) and by the time you have payed, parked, got to TTC, caught ferry or monorail, walked to bag search, been searched, through turnstiles and walked to restaurant it takes quite a time.
Its the 1st cruise we've done with Princess although DM & DD have done 3, and we have done 2 weeks in the Caribbean with P&O. We are loking forward to it.