No choice but the bus (lynx)

[jsmla]

Really, I wouldn't worry about taking the 56 bus. I have an Annual Pass (free parking) and my own car in the condo parking lot and CHOOSE to take ths bus. I do so because I like to have a drink (or two!) in the evenings and have very strong opinions on driving and alcohol. I stay in the area around three weeks each year and really don't see the problem.

Again, this is not the 50. I have never seen the 56 full and, especially at midday and later in the evenings, have sometimes only had it make two stops en route to my condo.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

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.

You say you have used the bus and it was a nightmare. I believe you.

Not to disagree with darrius1st and his comments about his bus experience, but getting two adults and six kids anywhere on public transportation can be a nightmare. A far different scenario than two grown adults. You, quite probably, could have no issues at all.

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.

Not exactly sure where your resort/hotel is located but I have used the Lynx bus system and it was quite pleasant.

Two very positive posts . This should help you feel much better.

OP, don't sweat it. You currently have two viable options within your budget for getting to and from the parks.....the free hotel shuttle or the lynx bus system. Arm yourself with the how-to's and times for each and you should be good to go.

As far as your hotel choice goes, you know what you've got so now you can plan accordingly. Some of the TripAdvisor reports aren't bad at all, so hopefully you too will have a good experience there (or even an "acceptable" one).

Were you able to find the transportation board to post some of your concerns? If not, here's the link to get there:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16

 

[Nakkira]

Not to disagree with darrius1st and his comments about his bus experience, but getting two adults and six kids anywhere on public transportation can be a nightmare. A far different scenario than two grown adults. You, quite probably, could have no issues at all.

OP, don't sweat it. You currently have two viable options within your budget for getting to and from the parks.....the free hotel shuttle or the lynx bus system. Arm yourself with the how-to's and times for each and you should be good to go.

As far as your hotel choice goes, you know what you've got so now you can plan accordingly. Some of the TripAdvisor reports aren't bad at all, so hopefully you too will have a good experience there (or even an "acceptable" one).

Were you able to find the transportation board to post some of your concerns? If not, here's the link to get there:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16

Thank you. Perspective and expectations do often make a difference in experience. Two grown adults can probably navigate the system with much less problems than a family. In fact if we were taking his son I would not be considering this as an option.
I am getting less worried

As for the hotel, really, as long as it is not filthy and flea-ridden, I do not need frills. I will not be there much. Some negative review mention that the "free breakfast" is only toast and donuts. Again, really, I am more than willing to fill up on carbs in the morning. Less money I have to spend on meals in the parks. I wasn't expecting a buffet for the price. Some people expect to get vastly More than what they pay for and review with sour grapes when they got Only what they pay for.

Really, I wouldn't worry about taking the 56 bus. I have an Annual Pass (free parking) and my own car in the condo parking lot and CHOOSE to take ths bus. I do so because I like to have a drink (or two!) in the evenings and have very strong opinions on driving and alcohol. I stay in the area around three weeks each year and really don't see the problem.

Again, this is not the 50. I have never seen the 56 full and, especially at midday and later in the evenings, have sometimes only had it make two stops en route to my condo.

Thank you. this is the kind of info I need!
I will print the schedules before my trip and have them with me. So there are no transfers between my hotel and the WDW transportation center? That would make it easier!

BTW I also sometime enjoy a drink or two in the evening and that is another good reason I do not want a rental car. I really do want to sample a little of the Food and Wine festival.

 

[s87dew]

You will do fine with the bus, route 56 will bring you right to the TTC. From what I can tell the bus stops almost directly in front of your hotel. You can also avail of the Walmart Supercenter and the Super Target that are in the area.

My suggestion is to look up the locations in Google maps, I find this gives me an idea to what I need to do (the bus option gives you the route numbers that you will need to take).

Don't worry and enjoy your vacation

 

[maxiesmom]

At least you have a credit card for emergencies. If worst comes to worst and you find the lynx bus unbearable, you can always rent a car. Hopefully it won't come to that and the bus works just fine.

 

[jsmla]

Nope, no transfers except onto Disney transportation. I actually find the buses between the TTC and the Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios to be more frequent and reliable than those at the Disney resorts.

Two of my three annual condo weeks are during Food and Wine If you want to watch Illuminations try and do so from near the FutureWorld side of the World Showcase Lagoon. From there you will be somewhat in advance of the departing hordes and able to make it onto the Monorail without too much of a wait. You should arrive at the TTC in plenty of time to catch the last bus. I also wouldn't recommend visiting F&W on the weekends if you possibly can. It's extremely popular with locals

Same thing with Wishes at the Magic Kingdom, I watch from near the Main Street train station and hightail it for the ferry or Monorail as soon as the fireworks end. I have to admit that I've never tried to watch Wishes if it's scheduled later than 9:00 PM and I'm taking public transportation "home".

 

[Nakkira]

Nope, no transfers except onto Disney transportation. I actually find the buses between the TTC and the Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios to be more frequent and reliable than those at the Disney resorts.

Two of my three annual condo weeks are during Food and Wine If you want to watch Illuminations try and do so from near the FutureWorld side of the World Showcase Lagoon. From there you will be somewhat in advance of the departing hordes and able to make it onto the Monorail without too much of a wait. You should arrive at the TTC in plenty of time to catch the last bus. I also wouldn't recommend visiting F&W on the weekends if you possibly can. It's extremely popular with locals

Same thing with Wishes at the Magic Kingdom, I watch from near the Main Street train station and hightail it for the ferry or Monorail as soon as the fireworks end. I have to admit that I've never tried to watch Wishes if it's scheduled later than 9:00 PM and I'm taking public transportation "home".

Don't worry. My Food and Wine Fest day with be a Weds & Thursday! (Oct 16th & 17th)

I think the only night it will not work out for me is the one night we were planning to watch the MNSSHP Fireworks from the beach at the Poly. I will have to play it by ear.

If we find we can afford it at the time, we can still do it and get a Taxi back to the hotel. If not we may just have to drop that plan. I though it would be cool, but my heart will not be broken if we cannot.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

If you have a Target Red card, credit or debit, you can purchase $50 Disney gift cards at a 5% discount and use them anywhere on property. 5% helps a little.

 

[Nakkira]

I do not but I will ask around and see if any of my friends do!

 

[suzannews]

I have not read all of the responses but I just wanted to add...I know alot of cast members who live in the 192/Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy area who take the bus to and from work each day. I would say they are very reliable.

 

[Nakkira]

One of the most frequent comment s I have seen on this thread and a couple of others it that the bus system is aimed at those who work in the parks and local businesses and NOT at tourists. Public transportation is just that so I understand.

I am however, that aside from private charters that individual hotels hire so they can off "free shuttle" and Disney's own "in-house" transportation system, that there is not a fixed-route, non affiliated tourist aimed shuttle system operating in the area.

You would think they would make a killing since not ALL hotels offer a shuttle, sometimes people miss the, etc.

 

[nilseks]

OP, if you are really concerned about your hotel, I just wanted to say that Priceline *DOES* offer refunds. It says no refunds in the fine print, but I have gotten refunds from them 3 times. We travel a lot and I also use Priceline often. On a few occasions, we have needed to cancel a trip. I have called and politely explained the situation, and they always give us a refund. The most recent time was only 3 weeks ago. My son was in a travel baseball tournament but it was rained out due to the floods in the midwest. Not only did Priceline give us a refund, but they also gave one to the 3 other families from our team who were booked at the same hotel.

Disney just released free dining PINS for fall, which means they will most likely offer it to the general public soon enough. You may want to look into that option if it fits your dates. You could do a value Disney hotel and then you would not have to worry about food costs, getting to the parks, and you would even have the Magical Express to get to your hotel from the airport, if needed.

If Priceline told you they don't give refunds and you want one...call again. Maybe you just got someone who was having a bad day the first time around.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

I do not but I will ask around and see if any of my friends do!

The debit card is linked to your checking account and can be used only at Target and gets you 5% off all purchases. All you have to do is bring a check to guest services and they give you a temp card until it comes. I've saved lot$ since getting one. There's no fee to have one

 

[Lewisc]

PL doesn't offer refunds for "buyers remorse". The Lynx 56 route should work for the OP. The schedule is far superior to the scheduled bus service offered by most offsite hotels. Every 30 minutes. Early enough for rope drop. She'll have to take Disney transportation from the TTC to other parks. The problem might be getting to the TTC from another park in time to make the last bus. Normally people in the OPs position would supplement Lynx with an occasional taxi. It sounds like one taxi would kill her budget. Absolutely no other option. I think a taxi from AoA would be the cheapest way to get back to your resort if you miss your last Lynx bus.

 

[njmom47]

OP, do you know you can bring your own food into the parks?
If you pack lunches (soft-sided cooler, no glass) that might help your budget a little too. If you're taking a backpack to the parks, you could possibly squeeze in a couple of sandwiches and snacks.(You did say you are getting groceries..but I didn't know if you were planning on making meals in your room only).

I can't even make a budget trip at this point, so I'm excited for you!!!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Honestly I haven't taken the route you would be taking #56 - but I have traveled on Lynx #50 to WDW, #8, #111, #21 for a six month period when I first moved to Orlando. I had been living overseas in Turkey and did not have a car when I came back to the States. I had been taking public transport in Turkey for the entire seven years I was there - which is actually the norm - so I was used to it.

I thought the Lynx service was very good. It felt safe and efficient and I was a woman on her own. There were a lot of Cast Members, and people who worked in the tourist industry taking Lynx to WDW but also a lot of tourists (I was on bus#50 near Seaworld) - a lot of Europeans, especially Brits take Lynx as they (like myself) are used to taking public transport in their own countries of residence. I would imagine you would also see some tourists on your route as well as employees.

The lynx service goes every 30 minutes so it is very convenient - if it runs directly in front of your hotel - even better. I would rely on lynx again in a heart beat without question.

www.golynx.com is helpful if you need route information - also you can buy passes and get more information at the tourist information centers in Orlando (I drive).

Have exact bills with you as the machine on the bus does not give change.

 

[Nakkira]

OP, do you know you can bring your own food into the parks?

Yes. Thank you! I was supper excited to find this out!

I certainly plan to bring my lunch and even some days Dinner (or at least enough of a snack that we can buy light dinners).

BF and I decided to go ahead and have a backpack since he is too cool for a fanny pack, so we will load it with sammies and snack every morning before going out. Also will bring crystal light and other drink packs so we can add them to the free icewater.

 

[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.

I have one last question for you.

I will probably take my hotel's shuttle into the parks my first day buy returning via LYNX. So I will not see where Lynx drops/picks-up on the way in.

Will I be able to easily find the LYNX bus stop at the Transportation Center? Is it clearly marked.
Are there separate spots for each line or will the 56 just pick up in some central location?

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

Will I be able to easily find the LYNX bus stop at the Transportation Center? Is it clearly marked.
Are there separate spots for each line or will the 56 just pick up in some central location?

As long as things haven't changed - (they were remodeling the past few months) there is one Lynx stop and #56 and #50 both leave from the same place. The CMs at the bus information booth at TTC is also helpful if you need more information.

 

[jsmla]

It's pretty straightforward. From the Monorail head to the left and past the gift shop. At the crosswalk continue left past the Disney transportation stops (under cover) and you'll see a couple of tables. The Lynx stops are here. If you opt for the ferry from the MK you'll head straight across the TTC to the gift shop area.

The Lynx stop is just past the the drop off point for buses from the Studios, Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney hotels.

If you scroll down about 2/3 of the page you'll be able to see the route in pictures here:

http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...er-overview-bus-locations-monorail-hours-etc/

It's not at all complicated

ETA: I did see construction as well but this was the situation in place beginning of this month.