I'm SO CONFUSED about how to get from Epocot Resorts to MK! Help!

[missypie]

Here's a real rookie question:
We will be staying at YC and will have a car. In the UG, it says that the "commute time" from YC to MK is 7:15 minutes.
Another chart in the UG compares travel time using a car vs. using Disney transportation. For YC to MK is says that it will take between 25 & 46 minutes using a car, and between 11 & 31 minutes using Disney transportation.
How could taking a car take so much longer? Please explain...I'm so confused!

 

[Chuck S]

The time difference driving is because you would have to park at the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) lot and transfer to a monorail or boat to get to the MK. WDW busses drop you off near to the actual park entrance.

 

[teedee]

I don't know for sure, but I think that when you take the bus it drops you directly at the front gates, but when you drive your car you have to park at TTC, take tram to monorail or ferry then after that you would get to front gates. This could cause taking your car to take you longer than the bus.

Terri

 

[sotoalf]

No confusion. I would never recommend driving to the MK from anywhere. For one, you must park at the TTC, then take a tram (depending on how far you parked), then a monorail or ferry boat to the MK entrance. Disney transportation leaves you at the MK entrance.

The UG cites the worst-case scenario: if you just missed the MK bus at the YC, you'll wait a max of 20 mins for the next one, plus another 10 min of drive time.

 

[LoveMickey]

These times are if the bus is right there waiting for you when you get to the bus stop.

Usually there is a little wait for the bus to arrive at the bus stop, but it can be longer if you arrive at the stop and the bus just left.

We used to rent a car, but have not done that in many years. We do not mind waiting for the bus. You can meet a lot of nice people while waiting. You just need to "plan" on a short wait for the bus and then there is no stress involved.

 

[missypie]

I'm so compulsive about being at the park at rope drop. If we are taking the bus from YC to MK, how many hours before park opening do I need to catch the bus?

 

[Ergens2]

or if you miss the MK bus you can walk through Epcot and hop in the monorail! We usually do this. We get a cup of coffee and walk through and usually by the time you are done with your coffee you will be ready to board the monorail.
*this is provided you have either an AP or the hopper add-on to your MYW tickets. I keep forgetting about that!!!

 

[jlowejd5]

I'm a big proponent of the Disney transportation system. I know there are some people who don't like it, but for us, it's part of the reason we stay on property and don't rent a car. I get to go a week without worrying about car keys, or where I parked, or fighting for a parking space, or gas, or directions, or anything. And the only time we've had to wait more than about seven minutes for a ride was one time at ASMu back when we were in college.

I say relax, and let the mouse do the work.

 

[BevS97]

If you are getting the bus, then I would leave your room about 1 hour before opening time - that should get you to the gates about between 10 and 20 minutes before the park opens.

That's figuring 5 minutes walk to the bus stop, max 20 minute wait for the bus, 10 minutes on the bus, 5 minute walk to the gates from the bus.

They will generally let you partway into the park before opening time, so you won't be locked out when you arrive.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I'm so compulsive about being at the park at rope drop. If we are taking the bus from YC to MK, how many hours before park opening do I need to catch the bus?

Take the very first morning bus for MK (or AKL) and you'll be fine! That's what we always do and we must be there well in advance of opening! You can get the info as the resort guest serives or when you check in. I always double check with another source.

 

[robinb]

We always rent a car and we always take the bus to the MK. It's faster than driving, parking, taking the tram and then the monorail/boat to the MK.

 

[sha_lyn]

I belive the first bus usually arrives at the resorts 45 miin before park opening. We usually walk out the room door about an hr before EE and make it in plenty of time.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I would never advise driving to MK when staying on-site. The far parking might as well be in Georgia for as long as it takes to get you finally to the MK (park, then tram to the monorail or ferry then over to your final arrival at MK); since DS is wheelchair bound, we park in the HC lot right up close (well, closer than the rest of it) to the TTC, and even there it takes forever to get to MK even without the tram.

Compare that to the bus, which whisks you right from the resort to the gates of MK. We'll take the bus to MK always, and prefer it to most of the parks. Resort to resort or going to the waterparks of Downtown Disney, the car might be worth it; otherwise keep to the bus.