Off site stay....how early should we leave?

[momnum1]

We are staying off site, and even though the hotel seems close to MK, I was wondering how early we should plan to leave to get to the park. We already have our tickets. Also, how easy is it to get exact directions? BTW, this is my first time to WDW in many, many years!

 

[U2_rocks!]

Once we got through the Disney gates we just followed the signs to each park - we didn't find it difficult at all.

We were very close to the Downtown Disney gates, but for MK and AK it was quite far, because we either had to pick up I-4 West and go that way, or we had all the traffic lights past DTD to get through (which adds more than you think to your travel time).

The thing with MK too is that first you have to park, then you have to get from your car to either the monorail or the ferry (at the TTC), then you have to travel across the lake, then you have to walk to bag check, then get through the turnstyles. It actually takes quite a lot of time on top of just driving. I would budget for at least 30 minues.

And if you're hoping to get into the park AT park opening, I'd aim to be at the bag check by 8.45 at the latest - 8.35 might be better, depending on time of year (peak or not). So that has you leaving the hotel between 8 and 8.10. We misjudged timing on several days, and got to the parks 10 minutes after we'd wanted to, but luckily it didn't end up mattering too much b/c it was a non-peak time. But if it's peak time and you have a "get to park at opening" strategy, then I'd be leaving the hotel no later than 8. The advantage of early too is that you get a close parking space, and you can walk to the TTC easily instead of relying on a parking lot tram.

Luckily for us we are early birds, and can easily be ready by 8 a.m. I know some people would find that very difficult!

 

[momnum1]

Thank you soooo much for that info!!!! We are leaving on the 10th (June), so we will be at MK on the 11th. My DD's are fine with being up early, I'm just hoping the people we are going with can do it. Do the hotel receptionists usually have good directions, or should I get some kind of map somewhere?

 

[hercamore]

What is the name of the hotel you will be at?

I would suggest getting your own map. A map is a handy thing. . Barnes and Nobles has good ones or AAA. Also, you can do mapquest online.


herc.

 

[spiceycat]

give the name of your hotel plus its address.

if you just want a map with hotels - and you are staying in Kissimmee - not Orlando or Lake buena vista

http://www.floridakiss.com/tools/maps/index.php

other maps of the area
http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/map/ushwy192mapindex.htm

 

[spiceycat]

found one that claims it has everything?
http://www.orlandoinfo.com/maps/

if your hotel is in Kissimmee I would still use it instead.

 

[HeatherC]

My general rule of thumb is to leave an hour before the park opens. Of course that what I like to do....getting everyone out the door is another story.

That way we are right there at rope drop and...sometimes they open early. Particularly we do this with MK since that tram is such a nuisance and takes time.

Have a great trip.
HeatherC

 

[momnum1]

We are staying at Buena Vista Suites. Thanks for all of the links.....I just sat down at the computer, so I will have to check them after we eat. I had a friend who went down for the first time and got lost trying to get to one of the parks. That worried me a little, especially with my sense of direction!!

 

[U2_rocks!]

We are staying at Buena Vista Suites. Thanks for all of the links.....I just sat down at the computer, so I will have to check them after we eat. I had a friend who went down for the first time and got lost trying to get to one of the parks. That worried me a little, especially with my sense of direction!!

You're staying at the intersection of the 535, Apopka-Vineland Road, and the 536, World Center Drive - very easy access to WDW. The most direct way to WDW for you is probably World Center Drive (hwy 536) that runs south of your hotel. I don't remember which road your hotel actually exits onto, but if you can exit onto 536 it will take you right to WDW, can't go wrong! I believe WCD (536) eventually becomes Epcot Center Drive.

Also note, to the north on 535 is the ramp to I-4. To the south on 535 will take you to the main Kissimmee strip, Hwy 192.

 

[HeatherC]

You picked a great spot. You are practically at the Disney gate. I think you go out the hotel make a left and a quick right and you will see the Disney gate. Even if it's not left and right, it is very quick...you will know it once you get there.

Have fun.
HeatherC

 

[spiceycat]

do the one for orlando

you go straight down 536 it is World center drive becomes World Center Parkway, then Epcot Center Drive - goes by all the parks.

there is a shorter way to get to Studios and AK - but more confusing.