OKW to WL?

[1833]

We're new owners (sight unseen) at VWL, and just booked our first trip in November to OKW. We wanted to make at least one trip over to WL to eat dinner at AP and check out our new "home".

Our plan was to go to MK for the day, and take the boat over for a late dinner (around 7). But since the MK typically closes at 7 during that time of year, how would we get back to OKW? Would we have to take a bus to DD and backtrack? Does anyone have any suggestions with Disney transportation?

Alternatively, could one drive to WL at the beginning of the day and valet park, take the boat to MK and take the boat back for dinner? Can you use the valet for the whole day? How much more time would it use to take the boat to MK verses going straight by bus?

This seems a little complicated (especially since I'll be dragging my paretns and toddlers in tow), but I'd really like to be able to eat at WL if its doable. Any advice on making this easier would be appreciated!

 

[dis-happy]

Okay, I'm not a rocket scientist, but I am a mum who drives a lot of carpools.

Wouldn't it be easiest to take Disney transportation home to OKW at the end of the day, then drive to dinner at WL, then drive back home for the night?

Or maybe I'm missing something...(like the cool boat ride you want to take?)

 

[1833]

You answer does seem easy, and I have to admit I didn't think of it (and may wind up using it.)

The pontential pitfalls are that I'll probably be losing an hour of park time to get to OKW and back to WL. Since the days are somewhat short this time of year, and my parents won't be meeting us until around 2 in the afternoon (a complicating fact I didn't mention), the thought of having to leave the parks by 5:30 to go back to OKW get the car and then go back to WL seems like a lot. I can hear my DH already.... this too much work, they'll be other trips for AP.....

Plus I really want to take the cool boat ride!

 

[jimmytammy]

First off let me say we bought VWL site unseen and we have no regrets. We love it!! Just stayed at OKW in Mar and enjoyed it very much also. But as the ol saying goes, theres no place like home.

Here are a couple of optionsafter dinner at WL...... catch the boat back to MK if it is still open and catch bus to OKW. Or, catch bus to Epcot or MGM, then bus to OKW. Even later at night some drivers will drop you off if it "happens" to be going in that direction. This will usually take place after most parks are closed. Just ask, it wont hurt. It has happened for us on a couple of occasions. But dont let this be your only option.

Dis happy seems to have the best solution of all though. With others in tow, this may give chance for a breather between park, WL visit and dinner. Make sure that first visit to WL is a happy memorable one. You want to remember that first WOW when you see the lobby for the first time. Youll know what I mean.

There is always the bus to DTD then bus to OKW but this can be a lengthy thing if your timing isnt just right.

 

[paulsimon]

As a DVC Member you have access to free valet parking at all DVC Resorts.

You might want to valet park at Wilderness Lodge and take the ferry from Wilderness Lodge to the Magic Kingdom. After Magic Kingdom you can take the ferry back to Wilderness Lodge for your dinner, pick up your car at the valet and then drive back to Old Key West.

It's also very convenient to go from WL to Magic Kingdom. By doing that you will avoid the hassle of the ticket and transportation center - another bonus.

 

[1833]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Bus to Epcot may be an decent option (If they they close at 9, would busses still be running around 8:30 to Epcot?)

Paulsimon, I like your idea because it lets me take the boat between disney and WL. My follow-up question is if there a time limit in which you can leave your car in valet if you are a DVC member. I think I read on the resorts board if you valeted at the Contemporary it was only good for 3 hours-- is that true for when a DVC member valets at another DVC resort?

 

[Pa@okw95]

You seem to be guilty of trying to do a little too much< MK-boat ride-dinner. I would skip the boat ride which is going to be full during that time anyway not to mention probably a little on the cool side weather wise. Take the bus from MK to OKW at the end of the day. Make your dinner reservations a little later than drive to WL. WL is just a short ride from OKW as you probably know. Or have your husband take the bus while the rest of you take the boat. He will get to OKW get the car and meet you at WL, probably getting there before you.

 

[CarnotaurDad]

Recently back from a trip. Stayed at OKW and went to MK via WL and the boat ride. DD (4 1/2) loved it. It was so soothing to ride there and back. I highly recommend it. We did use they OKW buses some and they were great but not between more than one place. When traveling with kids, I wouldn't recommend it.

You can valet all day. Although, I don't think too many people use this function here because the gate guy looked at us like we were crazy but other than that all was fine.

The kids hidden mickey search sheet at WL is great too. Be sure to ask for one after parking.

Good luck and have fun. Remember there are no wrong choices just different options for fun.

Karen

 

[Daggett]

I have to vote for the bus ride back to DD, then hop on the boat. One of my favorite things about the OKW is the boat ride!

 

[Disney Doll]

Either drive to WL and valet there, and take the MK boat back and forth from the WL or take the bus from OKW to the MK, the boat to the WL when you're done at the MK, and then a cab back to OKW when you're done at the end of the night. That bus to DD to the OKW boat thing could take hours!If you're going to be at the WL around 9:00-9:15PM, go out to the geyser area and watch the Electric Water Pageant on the lake. It's very cute!!!!!!

 

[off to neverland]

Whatever you decide, I recommend you take a breather before dinner.

We were there last February with my 4 year old and 1 year old. We did dinner right after Magic Kingdom, and regretted it because both kids were so overloaded they couldn't really enjoy all the fun atmosphere at the restaurant. (The waiters yell, throw straws on the table, scream for ketchup, etc....) I was sorry we didn't go when they were more fresh so that they'd enjoy it more.

The boat ride is fun for kids, but I think you may be trying to pack too much in doing MK, the boat ride and the fun dinner.

Have fun!
Rae

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by raewhid
Whatever you decide, I recommend you take a breather before dinner.

We were there last February with my 4 year old and 1 year old. We did dinner right after Magic Kingdom, and regretted it because both kids were so overloaded they couldn't really enjoy all the fun atmosphere at the restaurant. (The waiters yell, throw straws on the table, scream for ketchup, etc....) I was sorry we didn't go when they were more fresh so that they'd enjoy it more.

The boat ride is fun for kids, but I think you may be trying to pack too much in doing MK, the boat ride and the fun dinner.

Have fun!
Rae

I think the OP was talking about dinner at Artist Point, Not the wild place where they throw things! ARtist Point is our all time favorite "slow" white table cloth restaurant at WDW. I would suggest the valet parking at the beginning of the day. Another easy option is to take the bus to Epcot and then to OKW if you are done with dinner by 9:00.