OKW transportation

[twocjsmom]

Is the transportation at OKW really that bad? I understand waiting for the buses, how how long is the typical wait? Also, as a guest staying at a DVC resort, are their any benefits as far as free or reduced parking at the parks? Thanks!

 

[stacy6552]

When we stayed at OKW, we rented a car, but never used it. There were waits for the busses, but nothing we noticed worth complaining about.

All resort guests get free parking at the parks.

 

[PamOKW]

Reports are that the transportation at OKW continues to improve. There have been very few comments about it at all lately which means there isn't much to complain about. It's hard to judge how long your wait will be. If you arrive at the stop just after your bus has left, it's possible you may have a 15-20 minute wait. However, this isn't likely to happen that often. Most time your wait should be 0-10 minutes. Travel from resort to resort is always difficult by Disney Transportation so that's when things can get frustrating. The OKW buses also tend to be almost "private" during the day. You may find yourself on board with just yourselves and another family.

Parking at the parks is free just as it is for all WDW resort guests. We also get free valet (you should tip) at the DVC resorts -- BWV, Beach Club and WL).

 

[wisbucky]

We stayed at OKW in Ocotober of 2003. The buses were running smoothly. The longest we waited for a bus was fiteen minutes and this was for MGM. We have stayed before at Coronado Springs and the transportation there is certain nothing but horrific. We waited one time 40 minutes for a bus to Magic Kingdom.

 

[RobDoc]

We always use the buses- even if we have a car. They are, for the most part, very dependable - every 10-20 minutes all day long. They are about the same as all WDW resorts.

I think of the buses as another attraction and enjoy not having to drive and park, even if I have to wait for the bus.

Enjoy! WELCOME to the DIS!!

 

[twocjsmom]

Thanks so much for all of your input! I think that what we will do is feel out how things are going with the transportation when we get there, and then use the driving/parking option if needed. I feel lucky to have found these boards- you all area a great resource for a newbie like me!

 

[dsmith]

We've had waits at OKW as long as 30 min but that's rare. Personally I don't mind sitting on a bench in the shade waiting for a bus when I'm on vacation, what else have I got to do? If we've got a PS or something we need to be on time for we just leave a few min early. Our family is rather fond of the buses, we've even got the whole fleet of toy buses Disney has released.

 

[Jimbo]

We always get a car when at WDW, partly because we like to visit other resorts, and Disney's transportation isn't really geared to make that easy. But we also use the buses, and have no complaints about OKW's transportation system.

Here's one tip that has worked for us. All of the buses make their stops around the resort in order. If you get on a bus at its first stop, you will have the opportunity to tour the entire resort when you're all eager to get to the park. But on the way home, you'll be the first ones back to your room.

On the other hand, if you get on the bus at its last stop, the Hospitality House, your next stop will be the parks. On the way home, though, your exhausted family gets to take that same tour of the resort. It's not terrible (our kids are usually asleep anyway), but not ideal either.

So check your OKW map. Many times your room will be close to two stops, and one will be good for the trip home while the other is better for the trip out. Buildings in the 20s are perfect for this, being close to the first and last bus stop.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have had 2 OKW trips in the past 4 months, and neither trip did we ever wait more than 10 minutes for an OKW bus, and often less or no wait at all. Even at the parks, there seemed to never be a wait. We feel like Doc, that this is part of the attractions! I do know that taking the bus is usually faster than driving and going in from the parking lot.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I haven't been to OKW since the end of 2002, but we never had more than a 10-15 min waits during our stay. I had similar waits at BWV in 2003, except for a Friday night when we were going to an E-Night and had a 25 min wait to the MK. I've experienced the longest waits (in the past) at WL and POR.....and, suprisingly, the shortest waits at the All Star Resorts ! Go figure !?

 

[jarestel]

No problems at all with OKW busses when we stayed in August 2003. Then again, we've never really had any transportation problems anywhere we've stayed if you don't count Downtown Disney transfers to get to/from another resort.

 

[BWVDee]

, suprisingly, the shortest waits at the All Star Resorts ! Go figure !?

Me too! I think the bus service is the best at the value resorts, next best is the moderate resorts and the deluxe resorts have the worst bust service. I think because the value resorts always have such high numbers of guests using the buses that these resorts are always running buses at full capacity.