How to get there

[nicoleakr]

We are staying at the GF in may. We will have car so is it better to drive to epcot, mgm and Ak or use Disney transportation.

 

[JPN4265]

I would vote for using Disney Transportation at all times. One of the perks of staying on property is never having to use your car. This makes for a more relaxing vacation in my opinion.

 

[bicker]

I go back and forth on that. For many years we've used our rental car. However, we won't have one next year, and I'm fine with that. I think it does save time and does cut some of the standing-around-and-waiting out of a trip to use the rental car (EXCEPT between MK resorts and MK, and Epcot resorts and Epcot or D-MGM), but not so much to make a big difference.

 

[Mom2DS]

I second JPN4265!! Although the bus wasn't our favorite form of transportation, it still beat having to try and navigate a place we don't know, having to remember where we've parked and that LONG walk out to the car after a full day at the park? No thanks, we'll just hop on the bus! For us, that was part of the vacation. JMHO

 

[sweetinmaine]

I vote for the Disney transportation...You get dropped off closest to the entrances, you won't get lost along the way, you can look around at the scenery and with gas prices the way they are you can save $$$ to spend on souvenirs etc! Have a great trip

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

We have always rented a car and love it. Especially with a young child. We can pop her in the stoller and away we go no waiting ever. We also enjoy eating at other resorts and parks and having a car is a real time saver in that area. Disney is very well marked for driving and the resort valet (whether you use them or not) will give you a set of directions to all the parks, DTD, DQ, etc. You will find the boards pretty split on this topic. You have to do what you think will work best for your family. Good luck

 

[drogerstn]

Since you will already have a car, I recommend you use it for travel to AK and MGM. EPCOT a toss up; we always drive to EPCOT from a "non-monorail" resort. If going to DD or another non-monorail resort, I also recommend using your car. You'll have a place to put stuff if doing a lot of shopping and if going somewhere afterwards other than your resort.

Driving around WDW is simple and relaxing. WDW provides a very good map and has excellent signage on the roadways. Depending on when you arrive at the parks, you may be able to park close to the entrance; if not, a parking shuttle is provided. We have often had to stand when riding the buses after a long wait at bus stop.

 

[drewswife]

I would only use the car when you plan on staying for late shows(Illumination, Fantastmic etc.) We have waited over an hour sometimes for a bus.

 

[Kick Save]

I'm with drogerstn, drive to MGM and AK. Monorail to Epcot and MK is right there.

Then again, nobody says you have to do just one OR the other...try them both out, see what works the best. UG claims driving can save you up to 20 minutes, so it can be worth it.

WDW is pretty easy to drive around, IMO. They do have good signage...unless your grandma is poking you in the arm about something and you miss the sign that says "EPCOT Resorts" and instead follow the one that says "EPCOT." Tough to get to the Boardwalk from Epcot's main entrance...they don't let you just drive back to the International Gateway.