Off-site hotels with transportation to parks and Disney resorts?

[amymgould]

My husband and I are in the process of buying DVC and planning a trip for Easter 2018. My parents want to join us but likely will be getting their own hotel off-site. Which hotels offer free shuttles/transportation to the Disney parks? Do any offer shuttles to the Disney resorts? We will be at Bay Lake Tower, if that makes a difference. Just wondering what their options are or if renting a car might be the better choice. TIA!

 

[writerguyfl]

Most nearby, off-site hotels offer some sort of transportation. Personally, I've never heard of any off-site hotel that provides transportation to any Disney Resort. I'd guess that Disney wouldn't allow that to happen.

The key to off-site transportation is knowing the details. Most will only make 2 or 3 trips each way each day. Often, they only do to one destination at Disney World. Typically, they will go to Epcot. From there, you must transfer to Disney Transportation to get anywhere else. Also, some may make stops at other hotels along the way. Finally, sometimes you are required to sign-up in advance if you want a ride.

In between Disney Resorts and completely off-site hotels sits the Disney Springs Hotels. These seven hotels are located on Disney property adjacent to the Marketplace section of Disney Springs. They are not owned nor operated by Disney. Although prices vary, they are typically less expensive than comparable Disney Resorts.

Disney Springs Hotels Marketing website: http://disneyspringshotels.com/

The Disney Springs Hotels provide bus transportation every 30 minutes to all four theme parks. They also provide buses to Disney Springs in the evening...although they are all within a 15 minute walk. Each hotel is on two routes. Typically, one will go to Epcot followed by Disney's Hollywood Studios. The other will run to the Transportation and Ticket Center (transfer to boat/monorail for Magic Kingdom) followed by Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Each route does stop at 3 or 4 hotels prior to heading to the theme parks. As the hotels are next to each other, this procedure does not take long. (The exception would be if a wheelchair or ECV must be loaded.) As the hotels are smaller than most Disney Resorts, there usually are only a few people who get off/on at each stop.

The Disney Springs Hotels might work for your situation. Your parents would be able to hop on a bus and get off at the first stop (the Transportation and Ticket Center). Then, they can take a scenic monorail trip over to Disney's Contemporary Resort to Bay Lake Tower.

 

[BigredNole]

I would NEVER do offsite without a car. If I were in your shoes, this is what I would do. Have them rent a car. You can register it as yours where ever you are at. They can drive over in the morning, park, and then join you on the bus.

 

[DVC California]

I would NEVER do offsite without a car. If I were in your shoes, this is what I would do. Have them rent a car. You can register it as yours where ever you are at. They can drive over in the morning, park, and then join you on the bus.

You might also want to add them on your reservation so they will receive a resort ID. Occasionally the security guards will ask for DL and/or room card.