Main Gate vs the back way

[SCtigercock]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have to decided to head through the main gate. First hubby will probably be driving and I will be navigating since I have been there before. Second, will be getting there either before or after the morning rush.

I have told DH that if I can't sleep we are hitting the raod Friday night. I think he already expects to be on the road by 800 and it should take 7 hours or so.

SO, will we get in trouble if we crank up the generator while waiting in the overflow area to check in? We have a really good quiet LP unit on the View. I just want to run the AC to cool off the RV before I pass out.

 

[SandrA9810]

I've seen people use theirs sitting in the overflow. Of course if you're one of the first check ins, you might get one of the sites already available. If you don't, then you have to wait for some one else to check out and for them to clean the site. I've gotten an early check in at 10am before.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

I always go through the main gate, it feels like you have officially arrived. Also, I always go straight, turn left a the light, and go on around and gas up at the Hess gas station. The pump to the far right is for RV's and it is easy in & out. The gas prices are usually cheaper than going off the property.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I always go through the main gate, it feels like you have officially arrived. Also, I always go straight, turn left a the light, and go on around and gas up at the Hess gas station. The pump to the far right is for RV's and it is easy in & out. The gas prices are usually cheaper than going off the property.

Ever since Hess took over, the gas prices have been some of the cheapest in the area. When Exxon had the stations, not so.

 

[AuburnJen92]

The Chevron on 535 usually has the cheapest gas, about 9 to 10 cents cheaper than Disney.

 

[Mary2e]

google maps is giving the following directions: I remember at point they didn't want you taking a left out of the Fort to head to Disney Village/Lake Buena Vista
12. Take exit 67 toward Epcot/Downtown Disney go 1.1 mi
13. Merge onto Epcot Center Dr go 0.9 mi
14. Take the ramp to Downtown Disney Resort Area go 0.3 mi
15. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Port Orleans/Eagle Pines/Ospray Ridge and merge onto Disney Vacation Club Way go 141 ft
16. Turn left at Bonnet Creek Pkwy go 1.0 mi
17. Turn left at Vista Blvd go 0.9 mi
18. Take the 2nd right onto Fort Wilderness Trail

This is the way we always go, including if we're staying at the CR or Poly. It's much easier than dealing with the parking lot traffic or waits.

 

[LarryJ]

I come in off 535 and its just as exciting because we start looking for the castle and the Contemporary so its almost a game to the kids

When leaving or going back once we are there we also use 535 and turn right on Vista Blvd instead of right. You then make a left just before the warehouse section starts and the next left at the stop puts you again on Vista Blvd and follow that all the way till you turn right into FW. There is only one S/L (at Bonnet Creek) and one Stop sign where you turn back onto Vista Blvd coming in or leaving this way not counting the S/L at Vista Blvd and Plaza Blvd. By turning right on Vista Blvd off Plaza Blvd. you avoid all the stoplights on Vista Blvd and the traffic in the DTD area and the traiffic going into I think it's MGM if you turn left and follow that around to Bonnet Creek Pkwy. .

They used to have a guard shack just before you got to FW, but did away with that about 10 years or so ago and you could w/o breaking any rules or signs get to MK parking w/o paying and still can, but now there is a sign where the guard shack used to sit that says you a entering Disney property and are subject to all their rules, etc. so technically by getting around the main gate booths you are violating Disney rules, etc.

Larry

 

[Magicbus]

They used to have a guard shack just before you got to FW, but did away with that about 10 years or so ago and you could w/o breaking any rules or signs get to MK parking w/o paying and still can, but now there is a sign where the guard shack used to sit that says you a entering Disney property and are subject to all their rules, etc. so technically by getting around the main gate booths you are violating Disney rules, etc.Larry

I'm confused about your statement "that you still can get to MK parking without paying". I've thought about it and thought about it and can't figure out how non-CMs can get around the toll plaza. I know WDW property as well as anyone, but you have me stumped on this one.

 

[Mary2e]

When you enter through the back way, if you keep going straight and then turn right when you see the toll plaza, technically, you should be able to get yourself into the parking lot, though I haven't even looked to see if there's a way, nor have I tried.

Perhaps there was when the guardhouse was still there.

 

[AuburnJen92]

If Magicbus is stumped....then I don't know who else to ask. He is the expert of knowing where to go on property and how to get there in a proper manner.

 

[Magicbus]

When you enter through the back way, if you keep going straight and then turn right when you see the toll plaza, technically, you should be able to get yourself into the parking lot, though I haven't even looked to see if there's a way, nor have I tried.

Perhaps there was when the guardhouse was still there.

Nope, I can guarantee that doesn't get you into the MK parking lot. The only way I know for guests to get into the MK lot is thru the toll plaza.

 

[LarryJ]

Nope, I can guarantee that doesn't get you into the MK parking lot. The only way I know for guests to get into the MK lot is thru the toll plaza.

Go to Google Earth and zoom in on the MK toll plaza and just after the car service plaza as you are heading out there is a road that goes left and joins up the the road leading into the MK parking lots. It's the first left after the auto/toll plaza and merges with the main road to the parking lots after the toll plaza entrance. The current google earth shot even shows a car on this road. I think this road might be there for folks staying at either the Monorail resorts, SOG or WL that need to drive to MK because of handicapped issues a way to get to the MK parking areas directly since they already have free parking with their rooms. Beating the system wasn't possible when the old guard shack was on Vista Blvd just before FW since back then you had to show a resort parking permit and/or maybe an AP to enter thru that gate both of which give you free parking.

Larry

 

[Magicbus]

Go to Google Earth and zoom in on the MK toll plaza and just after the car service plaza as you are heading out there is a road that goes left and joins up the the road leading into the MK parking lots. It's the first left after the auto/toll plaza and merges with the main road to the parking lots after the toll plaza entrance.

Larry,
I've taken that road as short cut, it's been a while since I did it though. I go by it a hunderd times a day from MK, that's an exageration. I just assumed it had some sort of sign restricting access to authorized vehicles, CMs or service vehicles, or something. When you're there all the time, you don't notice the signs after a while. I'll be there this morning so I'll see if that's the case or if you've found a loop hole. As I've said before, I'm always amazed at how much people on DisBoards know about WDW, kinda scary.

 

[LarryJ]

Larry,
I've taken that road as short cut, it's been a while since I did it though. I go by it a hunderd times a day from MK, that's an exageration. I just assumed it had some sort of sign restricting access to authorized vehicles, CMs or service vehicles, or something. When you're there all the time, you don't notice the signs after a while. I'll be there this morning so I'll see if that's the case or if you've found a loop hole. As I've said before, I'm always amazed at how much people on DisBoards know about WDW, kinda scary.

There didn't used to be a sign IIRC, just like when you enter on Vista Blvd where the old guard shack was. It was in either 2008 or 2009 that the put up the current sign and they may have done the same on the road in my above post. I haven't looked for a sign in the last couple of years.

If you look at the location where the old guard shack was using Google Earth you can see three signs or at least the shadow of them and there doesn't appear to be any signs on the MK parking area road that I can see and the date for both imaginery is May 2010. I think the parking entrance for cast members is further up right where the golf course ends and looks like it's controlled by some sort of card excess.

Another reason for this road could be for folks to get to the car care center after they pay for parking and then go to the parking area w/o going thru the toll plaza again.

In any event to use this road you will have to technically violated the new signs restrictions of the one on Vista Blvd where the old guard shack was.

Larry

 

[2goofycampers]

I would go Main Gate for arrival. 2 reasons the awe of it and like Jim said the hard right is a tough swing with a TT from the other direction.

 

[ftwildernessrick]

Go to Google Earth and zoom in on the MK toll plaza and just after the car service plaza as you are heading out there is a road that goes left and joins up the the road leading into the MK parking lots. It's the first left after the auto/toll plaza and merges with the main road to the parking lots after the toll plaza entrance. The current google earth shot even shows a car on this road. I think this road might be there for folks staying at either the Monorail resorts, SOG or WL that need to drive to MK because of handicapped issues a way to get to the MK parking areas directly since they already have free parking with their rooms. Beating the system wasn't possible when the old guard shack was on Vista Blvd just before FW since back then you had to show a resort parking permit and/or maybe an AP to enter thru that gate both of which give you free parking.

Larry

I can see what you are saying. Come in on Vista, turn right at the stop sign, go all the way around the MK parking lot to where you are almost even with the car care center, then get on that road that loops back onto the road to MK parking. They probably put that road there and the one just West of it, for people to be able to get to the car care center & return to the parking lot. I guess it is a 'free' way to park, if someone is that bad off & doesn't get caught.

 

[LarryJ]

I can see what you are saying. Come in on Vista, turn right at the stop sign, go all the way around the MK parking lot to where you are almost even with the car care center, then get on that road that loops back onto the road to MK parking. They probably put that road there and the one just West of it, for people to be able to get to the car care center & return to the parking lot. I guess it is a 'free' way to park, if someone is that bad off & doesn't get caught.

I've know about this "secret" for years, but haven't really said anything because there was no sign on Vista Blvd. at FW so back then there was nothing stopping one from doing this and staying within the rules and restrictions posted along those roads. Back then even if caught I don't think they could do anything, but now they could probably throw you off property and black list your vehicle for a day or two.

Larry