No choice but the bus (lynx)

[Nakkira]

My poor hotel choice (and yes I am locked in) keeps getting worse and worse.
Now I have found out that it only runs the free shuttle once per day.
No renting a car is NOT an option either.
Before you suggest I rent a car or stay on property please remember that I am already locked in and do not have enough addition money for a car rental and Disney parking.

That said. I will be staying on Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy.
I have heard that the LYNX bus runs frequently AND only costs $2 each way.

Does anyone have any experience with this?
Have you ridden LYNX and has it gone ok?

I am getting really terrified that my budget choice of hotel in now really going to screw things up! (Free Shuttle was one of the attractions till I found out how pointless THAT is)

 

[JeRmS]

I understand you're concerned about budget but have you at least checked into Rental Cars? Sometimes depending on date of travel you can get a economy sized car for as little as $10 per day.

I don't know much about the Public Transportation in Orlando buuuuuuuut I wouldn't want to rely on it after spending a day at the parks.

Hope things work out for you

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

OP, just to confirm, is this the location you are staying at?

http://www.econolodge.com/hotel-kissimmee-florida-FL863?source=gglocalai

Knowing the exact location might help some other Disers offer you up some suggestions or tips on bus transport to the parks.

Also, you might want to post your situation on the Transportation Board. Those folks can be pretty darn knowledgeable too.

And in the interest of your budget.....did you know that the hotel has a daily resort fee? (just wanted to mention it in case you missed it)

 

[Nakkira]

I understand you're concerned about budget but have you at least checked into Rental Cars? Sometimes depending on date of travel you can get a economy sized car for as little as $10 per day.

I don't know much about the Public Transportation in Orlando buuuuuuuut I wouldn't want to rely on it after spending a day at the parks.

Hope things work out for you

Thank you for the well wishes.


I really mean it when I say I cannot afford a rental car. (yes I have looked for the record)
okay, even if I can get one for $10 (and I saw nothing quite that cheap in my search, but let's just say I could) a day that is $60 for my vacation. (I know there would be taxes & insurance too, but I will let that go for now)
I assume I will spend at least $20 in fuel (likeley more, but I am making a point)

$14.00 to park it at the parks for 5 days = $70.00

60+20+70 = $150 that I do not have (if we want to eat at all).

Please, I am asking for advise that DOES NOT INCLUDE THE WORDS "RENTAL CAR".
or "STAY SOMEWHERE ELSE".

It is too late for that am I am so tightly budgeted my butt is squeaking.
I admit I made a mistake and probably should never have booked the trip with money so tight, but what is done is done and I am determined to try and make the best of it, and hopefully even enjoy my trip.

So now the big question is HOW TO GET TO THE PARKS FOR CHEAP OR FREE from my hotel and back without having to bend over backwards trying to make the one shuttle a day my hotel offers.
The appeal of the LYNX system is it seems I can get week long passes for $16 which is only $32 total. Apparently there is also a stop Right outside my hotel.

My worry is, is it reliable?

 

[Nakkira]

OP, just to confirm, is this the location you are staying at?

http://www.econolodge.com/hotel-kissimmee-florida-FL863?source=gglocalai

Knowing the exact location might help some other Disers offer you up some suggestions or tips on bus transport to the parks.

Also, you might want to post your situation on the Transportation Board. Those folks can be pretty darn knowledgeable too.

And in the interest of your budget.....did you know that the hotel has a daily resort fee? (just wanted to mention it in case you missed it)

Yes, that is the hotel I am staying at.
Also I did know about the resort fee and that is already accounted for. Thank you for pointing that out in case I missed it though!

I did not know there was a transportation board. I will go look for it.

 

[darrius1st]

If it's two of you, then you have a choice, I just looked at carrentals.com and the have $8 and $9 aday car rentals. Fixed route all day passes on Lynx are $4.50 each so that's $9 dollars a day. Then they have coupons in the entertainment book for car rentals to reduce it more. Entertainment book is on sale now for $11 dollars. It also help you save on dining and alot more, you should look at all your options. You don't want to make the trip then spent all day on buses.

 

[Tissa]

You are not the first one needing to use the lynx bus. Google Disboards lynx bus and several threads come up with some info.

Here is a link http://www.golynx.com/ put in your start address and destination and you should get the info you need. I believe the bus drops off at the TTC.

 

[Nakkira]

If it's two of you, then you have a choice, I just looked at carrentals.com and the have $8 and $9 aday car rentals. Fixed route all day passes on Lynx are $4.50 each so that's $9 dollars a day. Then they have coupons in the entertainment book for car rentals to reduce it more. Entertainment book is on sale now for $11 dollars. It also help you save on dining and a lot more, you should look at all your options. You don't want to make the trip then spent all day on buses.

I am sorry, not to be rude, but did you see above? It really is not just $9.00.
Fuel and parking cost are a part of that picture too.

Again $32 for two week long bus passes or $96 (for car, gas & park, assuming I ONLY use $20 in gas and there are no additional fees,that I REALLY could get a car for $8 a day)


I really am trying not to cop an attitude here, I am asking for help and advice, but a rental car would cost me at least 2 days food (I believe more)


FOR the record I looked at that site, and the cheapest I say for the dates of my stay was $18 per day after taxes. (still not including fuel and Park Parking)
Thank you for sharing it though because for a future less impoverished trip I think it would be useful. I am trying to fix This trip.

 

[Nakkira]

You are not the first one needing to use the lynx bus. Google Disboards lynx bus and several threads come up with some info.

Here is a link http://www.golynx.com/ put in your start address and destination and you should get the info you need. I believe the bus drops off at the TTC.

Thank you!

 

[darrius1st]

We are just trying to help. I know about budgeting. I have a wife and six kids and I know how to pinch each penny. I have used the bus and it is a nightmare, it may be a lot better when you travel in October. These boards are about help each one of us to have the best Disney or Orlando experience possible. As I said, we were just showing you the other options you may want to try.

 

[jsmla]

I use this bus route a lot to get to Disney from the Wyndham Cypress Palms. It's the Lynx 56 and runs to the Transportation and Ticket Center. I take it from the Scott Blvd/Polynesian Isles Blvd stop which is closer than your hotel woiuld be and it takes me between 45 minutes to an hour to reach the parks including the transfer to Disney transportation at the TTC. My main complaint is that the last bus leaves the TTC at 10:53 which means I sometimes have to leave the parks before I otherwise would.

I purchase the weekly pass ($16) which I order in advance before I leave home. It takes about a week to arrive (Louisiana) in the mail.

Here's a link to the Lynx 56 route and schedule:

http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/rou..._1_1=showPublicPosting&calendar_entry_id=1331

Hope this helps!


ETA: If you need to pick up groceries the 56 also goes fairly near the new Publix store in Celebration.

 

[natter]

Not exactly sure where your resort/hotel is located but I have used the Lynx bus system and it was quite pleasant. We were staying @ Disney but went to Sea World for a day and needed a cheap transportation option. If you go to the Lynx site that was posted above they have a schedule and route for the Orlando area. They also have passes that may save you $ if you purchase in advance. If you choose NOT to purchase in advance the price is $2 p/p (children under 5 Free) one-way, but make sure you have EXACT change for the driver because they will NOT give change. Hope this helps!!!

 

[Nakkira]

We are just trying to help. I know about budgeting. I have a wife and six kids and I know how to pinch each penny. I have used the bus and it is a nightmare, it may be a lot better when you travel in October. These boards are about help each one of use to have the best Disney or Orlando experience possible. As I said, we were just showing you the other options you may want to try.

I understand that and I appreciate it. (really) I really have, however, done all the math (I believe realistically)and cannot afford a rental car.
It is frustrating to have to keep saying that over and over again.

So basically I am gathering that my trip is going to suck because my only option is LYNX. I will have to cope.

You say you have used the bus and it was a nightmare.
I believe you. Could you please explain what specifically, made it so horrific, so I can figure out if this can be coped with our not?

Thank you for your honestly.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Why not just make your plans around the shuttle that is available? May not be ideal, but won't cost anything! One way to make the best of it.

And, just curious, how are you already locked in to the hotel? Aren't most reservations refundable up until the time of travel? I know packages and such aren't, but thought a direct to site hotel reservation would be. Or did you book another way?

And I know this is going to sound completely rude, but is meant as more of a reality check. If the budget is so close that one little thing could throw you off to the point of not being able to eat, maybe now's not the time for a trip! I know I wouldn't want to go through a vacation worried about every little thing, every little penny. If you're stressed that much, are you going to even enjoy yourself?

We all go with budgets in mind but I think we all know that things happen, too, things that are out of your control.

 

[Nakkira]

I use this bus route a lot to get to Disney from the Wyndham Cypress Palms. It's the Lynx 56 and runs to the Transportation and Ticket Center. I take it from the Scott Blvd/Polynesian Isles Blvd stop which is closer than your hotel woiuld be and it takes me between 45 minutes to an hour to reach the parks including the transfer to Disney transportation at the TTC. My main complaint is that the last bus leaves the TTC at 10:53 which means I sometimes have to leave the parks before I otherwise would.

I purchase the weekly pass ($16) which I order in advance before I leave home. It takes about a week to arrive (Louisiana) in the mail.

Here's a link to the Lynx 56 route and schedule:

http://www.golynx.com/plan-trip/rou..._1_1=showPublicPosting&calendar_entry_id=1331

Hope this helps!

ETA: If you need to pick up groceries the 56 also goes fairly near the new Publix store in Celebration.

Thanks for the tips! Yes I will want to get groceries. The one good thing is at least my room has a fridge and microwave!

10:53 for the last bus only sound bad until it hit home that my hotel's one and only ride home is at 9:30. At least 10:53 gives me a little more time.

 

[jsmla]

I don't know if you read my previous but I have used the same route (56) that you will need dozens of times and have never felt like it was a nightmare. While definitely not as convenient as driving it really isn't a huge deal. I check the schedule and have found it to be uncrowded and with an acceptable on-time record.

The 50 which runs between the TTC and the Lake BuenaVista/SeaWorld area is far more crowded and makes many more stops.

 

[ibob52]

in the *spirit* of doing a *Budget Trip* (your own way)

use the LYNX bus system ... there is no wrong in doing so ...

it is a public transportation option (alternative to driving/shuttle/etc) ...

enjoy your Trip ... Have a great vacation

 

[Nakkira]

Why not just make your plans around the shuttle that is available? May not be ideal, but won't cost anything! One way to make the best of it.

And, just curious, how are you already locked in to the hotel? Aren't most reservations refundable up until the time of travel? I know packages and such aren't, but thought a direct to site hotel reservation would be. Or did you book another way?

And I know this is going to sound completely rude, but is meant as more of a reality check. If the budget is so close that one little thing could throw you off to the point of not being able to eat, maybe now's not the time for a trip! I know I wouldn't want to go through a vacation worried about every little thing, every little penny. If you're stressed that much, are you going to even enjoy yourself?

We all go with budgets in mind but I think we all know that things happen, too, things that are out of your control.

I booked as a package through Priceline and it is not refundable. I already called them.

I am not offended and I see your point. Even I have second guessed the wisdom in the decision we made to go at such a fiscally difficult time. Still, I really think we can do this. (in either case, no refund available, I called Price-line and checked, so it Will happen, lol)


This was doable and we could afford it (without frills) until I screwed up the one detail.Tightly budgeted does not mean "could not afford".

I agree that one should live within their means, which is why I am not staying "on property" or spending the extra $ on a rental car.

I also believe that when one has been through a lot of bad times (ugly divorce, death of my best friend, loss of employment, and other upheavals) and has not had a vacation for YEARS, they should try to make it happen if they can, even if they have to be careful to stick to the amount they managed to save for it. I refuse to incur debt doing it.

Ok, maybe I am being a little dramatic about the ABILITY to eat, a few small bumps though with change my ability to eat in the parks as opposed to packing EVERY meal. Something I am willing to do, but I was hoping to have at least once decent Dinner, and on or two treats. Heck, I have saved aside $100 in cash just for the food and Wine festival. I could sacrifice that for a rental car. But then what is the point of going to the food and wine festival?
I would rather deal with a 45 bus ride to the parks than give up my tasting experience.

Also I do have trip insurance and a credit card in case of a true disaster, but again I am determined to stick to the budget and only do what I can pay for ahead of time. That is why I am trying to work out my solution to this problem well in advance

Yes, I can and probably will reschedule some things around my hotel's free shuttle, but I am trying to find out if LYNX is in any way a feasible alternative so that maybe, if we MISS our free shuttle, or want to actually watch Wishes one night, we can do that too. The trip WOULD suck if there was only one time a day I could get to the parks and one time I could get back EVERY day and I was stuck using a cab if I missed my shuttle back or stuck at the hotel if I missed it there.

So yes, I was initially panicking because I did screw up on the research end, but am really looking for tips concerning the bus and even stories so at least I know what to expect when I do it.

 

[Nakkira]

I don't know if you read my previous but I have used the same route (56) that you will need dozens of times and have never felt like it was a nightmare. While definitely not as convenient as driving it really isn't a huge deal. I check the schedule and have found it to be uncrowded and with an acceptable on-time record.

The 50 which runs between the TTC and the Lake BuenaVista/SeaWorld area is far more crowded and makes many more stops.

Thank you for the reassurance. I don't expect to be perfect, I just was starting to really fear the "nightmare" some make out to be.

 

[natter]

In my honest opinion I thought the Lynx bus was much more bearable than the Disney bus transportation. The ride might be a bit longer but they have a set time and they were ON TIME!!! I would definitely not worry much about using it if that is the option you need to go with.