Newbite to Disney and WL

[tlady]

Hi all,

We will be visiting Disney for the first time on May 7. Changed our reservations from PO to WL due to a discount offered. Will have a woods view room for less than our cost at PO. It seems what is quoted when you call Disney is not anywhere near the best you can get. How can we find out about other discounts?

Also, in taking buses to Epcot, AK and MGM, what is the typical travel time once on the bus for each? Do they make stops at other resorts before going to the parks?

What's the quickest way to get from airport to resort? Thinking of using a cab (there are 3 of us). Was told the Mears service is very slow. We have only 3 days at Disney and want to maximize the time at the resort and theme parks.

To all you vets - sorry for questions that probably appear silly but we've never been there and don't know what to expect.

 

[goodferry]

I have never stayed at WL, so I can't offer any advice there. I would suggest you check out www.mousesavers.com for other discounts and advice, and the budget forum.
We are taking a van (there are six of us) from MCO to the Poly, and it comes out about the same as a taxi, I believe, and they will stop at a grocery store for you. They meet you at baggage claim, get your luggage and take you to your hotel. Look at the transportation board and www.allearsnet.com for more info. We are using Tiffany Town Car. I believe for a family of three, you could get a town car round trip for around $90-$100
As far as bus time from WL, according to my Passporter, it's an 8 minute ride on boat to Mk, a 10 min direct bus to Epcot, a 15 min direct bus to MGM, a 15 min direct bus to AK, and a 25 min direct bus to downtown disney.

 

[GlennandAnn]

Hi tlady, and welcome to the DIS!!

We use Tiffany Town Car service each time we go to WDW. They have always been on time and we couldn't complain about a thing. Your best way to find out about discounts is to watch these boards (there are a lot of bargain conscious DISers out there) and check mousavers.com often. From WL, you can take a boat ride to MK (it's fairly quick and a really nice ride). You can take the Disney transportation everywhere else. I don't recall having too long a wait or too long a ride to any of the parks. You will enjoy WL as your first WDW experience. It's a beautiful resort. Don't be afraid to ask all of your questions here. We're here to help!

Ann

 

[jwwi]

tlady,
you will love WL. Stayed for 4 nights Feb 04. We also had a woods view, north wing, 5th floor. We were very close to the elevator near the roaring forks. Our balcony had a MAGICAL view of the castle, we were so excited to see that each night. I think room 5034. We would walk thru the halls to the elevator off the lobby, just so we could admire all the views. There are alot of great places just to sit and take in the beauty of the resort. Don't miss the outdoor public balconies. One in front, very large, and a smaller one that looks out over the geyser, pool and lake. (esp nice if you have a woods view)
As much as I enjoy the moderates, all 4 are great, if I have a chance to stay at WL again, for a good price, I will.
goodferry has the times about right for transportation to other parks. Definately do not take Mears, they are so slow, 2.5-3 hours from arrival at airport to arrival at hotel. I usually rent a car, National is quickest, and then make a grocery stop before arriving at the resort, and it is always much faster than Mears. I have not tried other town car options, but would probably go that route if no car.
check out mousesavers, and the budget board, there are many ways to save money when visiting WDW.

 

[castlehappy]

First of all, let me say WELCOME to the boards! You will learn so much from this site.
You are going to love the WL. It is by far my favorite resort. Take the time to just walk around and check out the beauty of this resort. Its a great resort to just kick back and relax as well. We have never experienced any transportation issues during our stays at WL and we go every year in May. Great month to visit.
Enjoy your first trip!