If Driving To Wdw Do You Still Use...

[zookeeper]

DISNEY BUSES ONCE YOU'RE THERE???

Last year when we went to WDW we flew so we had no choice but to use Disney transportation (which we found great BTW). This year, depending on price of airfare, we may be driving down and it just occurred to me that I will have the option to drive to the parks. I know it's a time saver when going from resort to resort, but if you take your car to the parks is it that much of a time saver? I don't even know where you park when you drive to the parks. Is it far from the main gates? Any advice? We're staying at POP in case that would be a deciding factor in your advice.

 

[Tina]

When we drive, we use the WDW transportation in most cases. Exceptions were things such as:

* Heading over to EPCOT in the late evening. We were able to park very close to the entrance, snagging spots that were vacated by those who arrived at opening.

* Downtown Disney. Since we are not drinkers and like staying out late, its nice to drive ourselves back to the resort, rather than bus with some of the rowdy folks we've encountered in the past on the bus.

* Its nice when heading over to the Boardwalk area or to play a round of putt-putt at Fantasia Gardens.


Parking at most of the parks is not too far out, but parking at the MK will still require you to use WDW transportation - either the monorail or the ferry. We have found using the bus system (or boat from a MK resort) to be MUCH faster than driving to this park.

 

[Andrea]

no, we dont use disney buses, we drive where ever we go. so we can come and go when ever we want

edited to add: we have never been to mk just the other parks

 

[zurgswife]

I've never enjoyed driving to MK...bus for that trip.

 

[OKW Lover]

We use Disney busses only as a last resort - or if going to the MK. For all the other parks, hotels or DTD we drive.

 

[grinningghost]

Yep. Once we're there, we park the car.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Not driving down, but renting a car for the duration.. I like to drive to all parks / entertainment except MK too. With the exception if the bus was right there when we where walking to the car then we usually hop the bus, but for the most part, I prefer to drive. Then after leaving the park, if you want to go somewhere else you are already in the car. To mini golf, eat, DTD, etc... .

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

I can't go to Disney without having a car. We never use the busses anymore. I feel it is a huge time saver driving over the bus system. Each time we have gone, we have gone with others, and sometimes they use the bus for one reason or another. They have never beaten us back to the hotel, not by a long shot....so I do believe it is a time saver. Plus just comfortable to get in your car back in the parking lot, compared to having to sit on the bus and for us, deal with the kids and stroller, bags, etc.

 

[kycat]

My kids beg me not to use the car...I think it's part of the Disney experience. They love it.

 

[ShellyMouse]

we park our van, and let disney do the driving! we love to just relax, not worry about parking, catching the tram.....and we love the monorail. the busses are fun too, imo. my dd loves to talk to other kids, they compare what they are going to do/did that day. we drive down from michigan, so once we are there, we are all-driven-out! like another poster said, it's part of the disney experience for us!! (i actually think it's quicker to take disney transportation, rather than find your way to which ever park, park, take a tram....)
this past year, our last day we went back to MK, and we did drive. we checked out of hotel, loaded up, then whenever we were ready to leave wdw (who is ever ready to leave wdw??? ) , we had our car, and away we went.

 

[MidgeD79]

We will be driving this summer and staying at Pop Century. I find driving to the parks appealing because I like the idea of everyone guaranteed a seat with a cooler full of cold drinks and snacks. The time it takes for either option isn't a big issue for me....comfort is!

 

[MeggerasMa]

After driving to the World, we park the car and sit back to enjoy Disney's transportation system. After all, we both drive to work, and DH puts mucho miles on in a week. So the Disney transportation is a special treat for him. The fact that gas prices are soaring just makes it that much more practical!

 

[Sirius]

We always use the Disney transportation. We love it.

Plus, with gas at nearly $3.00 per gallon (and probably higher when we return in October) you can be sure that we will use Disney transportation.

 

[Kae]

The only time we might use the car is if we are going to eat at a resort.

Kae

 

[MOmousefan]

We always drive on vacation. While at WDW, we usually take advantage of their transportation. Staying at PoP Century means the buses only run to PC. We drive into town for anyhting we need or forgot.
Using WDW transportation is expecialy advantagious when going to the MK. You avoid the TTC and are let off almost at the front gate.

 

[jlovesee]

We always use our car, and very rarely use Disney Transportation. I personally like coming and going whenever I would like, and not having to wait for a bus..

Jennifer

 

[Uncleromulus]

We always use our car everywhere we go. So convenient and allows great flexability if plans suddenly change.

 

[disneyluv4]

We haven't drove in a very long time, but when we did, we parked the car. It is part of DH's vacation not to drive. To us it is so much more easy to not have to worry about parking the car, getting on a tram and so forth. I just expect a wait after the parks are closing, then I'm fine.

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

Once we enter WDW, the car is parked for the duration. The only reason we would use the car is if we decided to do something off Disney property. Even with ADR's in resorts we work our schedules around the DTS.

 

[clkelley]

Same here, the car stays parked. Even when I camp at Ft. Wilderness, I set up my stuff, then go park the car in the outer lot. Don't want to see it during the trip.