HOW TO HOP: Getting from One Park to Another

[goofy4tink]

Wow! This helps me sooo much.... this is our first trip to WDW (or anywhere,actually!) Healthy DH, me (mom) and 18 and 20 yo daughters... we get in May 2nd, Sat evening, take it easy... then Sunday I hope to do the following, please tell me if it is feasable/reasonable....

AK at rope drop, stay till mid afernoon or so, DHS for Fantasmic, then on to MK for the evening EMH...

is this doable? The transportation info on this thread makes me cautiously optimistic we can swing it... lol

If we DO manage this, would you all suggest we go DHS to EPCOT to MK or go straight from DHS to MK?

I am such a newbie to all this that I almost panicked when I learned the TTA would be closed during our trip, thinking that was the TTC and we would not have transportation anywhere *blush*

That's a lot of running around on one day. We were there for one full day a year or so ago. We got to AK for our early ADR, were done right at 9am. We left AK around 3ish. And then headed over to Epcot for an hour or two (we were staying at the Swan so it was easy to do), then headed to MK for Pirate and Princess Party at about 6:30ish. Left there at midnight.
Now, understand that we had been to WDW about 15 times before, so we fully understood how to get from point A to point B in the fastest manner, and also knew exactly what we wanted to get accomplished in each park. We didn't come close to doing the things that someone who is new to the parks would want to do.
If it were me, I would head to AK, leave late afternoon, heading right to MK. I would forego Fantasimc! that night. Unless you have to get it all done on that one day, you would be much better off by splitting it up.

 

[ahecht]

What about Typhoon Lagoon?

We never go to the water parks, so I have no idea about "direct to/from theme park" connections.

I don't know about Typhoon Lagoon -- we'll have to get someone to post picture of the bus directory there. I don't remember seeing any park busses, but I wasn't looking very hard.

 

[Alesia]

I understand what you are saying, think I did not explain myself well enough, let me try again!

Ak in the am is our first choice...
then want to see Spectromagic, which has limited showings in May, but DOES show that night... it is at 830, so we could perhaps go to POP and chill for a couple hours, then take the POP bus to DHS around 6, with the sole intention of waiting in line to see Spectro... then when that is done head over to MK for the late EMH. We will not be going to Epcot that day, except/unless DHS/EP/MK is a faster route than DHS/TTC/MK

The next day is scheduled as a sleep in day... plan to go to BB and float in the lazy river. CLear as mud? We are there from the evening of May 2nd to around noon on May 8th. We have the park hoppers with the water park option.

Thanks!!!

SpectroMagic is in MK.

DHS has Fantasmic.

I'm not sure which you want to see.

 

[HillsboroHoppers]

FANTASMIC.... sorry.... the Sorcer Mickey and big dragon and stuff one... lol, at DHS.... I just noticed I said spectro... I realize that is in MK... sorry!

 

[Bob P]

Bibbity Bobbity Bump.

 

[Robo]

Bibbity Bobbity Bump.

Bobbity Bibbity Bam!

 

[Robo]

I don't know about Typhoon Lagoon -- we'll have to get someone to post picture of the bus directory there.

No Picture so far.

 

[MyMuse]

Give us a "for instance" and we can tell you how to get there.
Here or on the Transportation Board.

(Post a few of your "how do I get to..." questions.)

Yes, it is much easier once you are there.

Thanks! Didn't mean to disappear! Losing heat at my place takes priority.

I'm back to planning transportation stuff. Now, if the calendars can just align, I'll know where I'm going. I guess my biggest issue is figuring out whether I should do some resorts when I go to a park or just do a resort day itself.

That and making sure I don't get stranded!

I know I want to see Wishes & the Electric Water Pagent from the Poly beach (or is there a better resort?).

I also know I want to visit The Boardwalk (Jellyroll's). I also like visiting the resorts both day & night.

See what I mean?

 

[Robo]

I want to see Wishes & the Electric Water Pagent from the Poly beach (or is there a better resort?).

Ride from MK to the Poly on the Resort Monorail.

The Beach at the Polynesian Resort offers a great view
of Wishes and other MK Fireworks shows.
They do "pipe in" the audio of the shows.
There are several ground-level speakers along the
sidewalk.

They also pipe the audio to the speakers at the Poly
pool.

That said, the volume level is so LOW that its nearly
inaudible.
It's been that way for years, and I don't know why.


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly Stuff/Poly-TTC-042408B.jpg

Here's a photo I took from the Poly Beach-
MK Fireworks (MVMCP Christmas Finale)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly Stuff/Poly-Beach-Firewx-Cln.jpg
-----------------------------

More Viewing Spots-

You can see them from TTC (they pipe-in the audio from
the show) but you are not allowed to stand in the
Ferry loading area.

You can see them from the boat-dock and an outside
observation deck near Narcoossee's restaurant at the
Grand Floridian. Also from the Patio overlooking the Marina.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly Stuff/GF-FW-Narcoo-BE_072708.jpg

At the Contemporary, there is viewing on an outdoor
observation area on the 4th floor.
The California Grill observation areas are reserved for patrons that day of the Grill or Bar.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly Stuff/MK-CR-BE-Deck-S_090308.gif

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly Stuff/MK-CR-Sat-Fwx-Deck-N_090308.gif (Fireworks shown above are simulated.)

As for viewing from INSIDE the dining area of restaurants
(you usually need ADRs for most, and they are usually busy during the shows)...
you can see (and hear) them at California Grill at Contemporary,
'Ohana at Poly,
and Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian.


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http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=26641095&postcount=17

Traveliz 8-01-09
DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 3,069

I was there this past NYE with a group of ten on the beach and had a lengthy chat with a security guard. He did not ask to see our IDs. At one point he did ask us though if we were staying at the Polynesian (in regard to activities there) and we told him no and told him where we were staying. We continued chatting and he went on his way wishing us a good evening.

We also had at least four different manager types greet us through the evening -- no one was asking to see IDs - this was probably the 5th or 6th time I have watched the NYE fireworks from the beach.

And I will disagree -- although I do enjoy Wishes from inside the MK - I far prefer seeing it from a distant over the castle. It seems like the proportion is better - and some of the shapes that are not distinguishable up close are so from a distance.

Liz


----------------------------------

The beach at the Poly is a great place to watch!

Walk down the sidewalk along the beach until the CASTLE is no longer obstructed by trees... that's the "sweet spot."

Lots of beach chairs available, and a couple of hammocks and wooden swings, too.

VERY large open area so you won't have any trouble.

They do "pipe in" the audio of the shows.
There are several ground-level speakers along the
sidewalk.

They also pipe the audio to the speakers at the Poly
pool.

That said, the volume level is so LOW that its nearly
inaudible.
It's been that way for years, and I don't know why.


Here's a photo I took from the Poly Beach-

MK Fireworks (MVMCP Christmas Finale)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly Stuff/Poly-Beach-Firewx-Cln.jpg
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I want to visit The Boardwalk (Jellyroll's).

Boardwalk can be reached by bus from MK (TTC) and DAK.
Boardwalk can be reached from Epcot (International Gateway) and DHS by Friendship Boat or on foot.

DHS to Epcot - ALL to FRONT GATES & Resorts Walking Paths MAP >>
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/RoboWDW/Silly Stuff/DHS-Epcot-C-All-081908.jpg

 

[MyMuse]

Robo, Holy Buckets! Thanks for all the help!

I will get it straight by the time I leave. I am staying at POFQ, so I'm hoping it will not be too hard.

 

[Robo]

I don't know about Typhoon Lagoon -- we'll have to get someone to post picture of the bus directory there. I don't remember seeing any park busses, but I wasn't looking very hard.

CF posted this on another thread today:

Cheshire Figment 2-19-09, 05:24 AM

There are no direct buses from any Park (or TTC) to TL. Some morning buses from Resorts to AK may stop at BB, and some afternoon buses from AK to Resorts may stop at BB.
Your best bet would be to take a bus from AK to AKL or Coronado and then change to a bus to TL.

 

[Robo]

unless you only have 1 day at WDW and HAVE to see all 4 parks, I don't suggest that strategy. You'll spend a lot of time doing transportion, getting oriented at the park, then have to leave.

Hoppy is as hoppy does.

 

[volsfan22]

what the heck are ttc and tl and tta????
obviously a newbie to the boards......

 

[joy13]

what the heck are ttc and tl and tta????
obviously a newbie to the boards......

TTC = Transportation and Ticket Center

TL = Typhoon Lagoon

TTA = I'm blanking on what it stands for, but it's the old people mover in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom - it's the elevated ride that goes through Space Mountain.

 

[MyMuse]

TTC = Transportation and Ticket Center

TL = Typhoon Lagoon

TTA = I'm blanking on what it stands for, but it's the old people mover in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom - it's the elevated ride that goes through Space Mountain.

I think it is Tomorrowland Transit Authority?

Yeah, the abbeviations are difficult to stay on top of.

And I think the calendars have now aligned? Could it be?? Robo, watch out! Transportation questions will abound!

 

[Robo]

1-Is it typically quicker to drive or take a bus? How often do the park to park buses run (are wait times long)?

2-Are the parking lots open for a while after the park closes? For example, I believe AK is closest to our (offsite) resort, and it closes earliest.

3-What if we parked there and took the bus to other parks that stayed open several hours later. Is this possible?

1-All depends on the time of day, WHICH park and your luck with timing of the bus arrivals. Buses are typically on an arrival schedule of "every 20 minutes,"
but in the mornings and evenings they can arrive at much shorter intervals.

2-Yes.

3-It is, but it is not advisable. You will have to take some extra steps to get back to a park that has been closed for awhile that night.
It will be better if you drive to your next stop if the park you are leaving will be closed for awhile before you wish to come back for your car.

 

[teddygurlkeekee]

what the heck are ttc and tl and tta????
obviously a newbie to the boards......

lol I am sooo glad you asked this becasue I was reading all these posts and had no idea what ttc was. I guess I spend too much time in infertility boards because tt c to me is "trying to conceive".... i dont think thats right here...

 

[clukas]

My family is going to WDW for a day next Wednesday. We planned on going to MK for the day but will start at HS to ride the Toy Story Mania ride hopefully meet Buzz & Woody. I have a feeling the HS will be busy as it is a Fantasmic day. We are staying at AS Music and have a rental car.

What would be your strategy?

Take the Disney buses from ASMu to HS then to MK and back to ASMu at night?

Drive to HS then drive to MK?

Drive to HS then take the Disney bus to MK and pick up the car at night?

Drive to MK (early) leave the car then take the bus back to HS for opening?

Just stay home?....too much to try and do.

Thanks in advance.

Chris

 

[BreTyPres87]

I didn't see any talk about how to get from parks to DTD (and I read the whole thread or skimmed pretty well) or is there no way?
I want to go to Epcot in the am and DTD in the evening how do I do that?

I apologize if i'm being repetitive

 

[ahecht]

There are no buses between Downtown Disney and the Theme Parks. This is by design -- when they did run buses people would park for free at DTD and then take the buses to the parks, leaving no room in the lot for people who wanted to shop at DTD.

To get from a park to DTD you will need to take a bus to a resort and transfer to a DTD bus. You could also take the bus to Saratoga Springs and take the boat to Downtown Disney.