park hopping

[child-at-heart]

What is the best way to park hop? Are there buses that go between all the different parks? If I want to go from DHS to AK is there a bus that goes directly there? Thanks for any help.

 

[jefngeo]

Yes, there are busses that run from park to park.

You just go to the bus area, and look at the signs, it will tell you what "stall" to stand in, and then a bus will drive you from one park to the other.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

AK to EC or MK - direct, to MK bus change at TTC
EC to DHS - choice of bus or boat, to AK - direct bus, to MK monorail to TTC and monorail to MK
DHS to AK - direct bus, to EC bus or boat, to MK bus to TTC
MK top AK or DHS, go to TTC and get bus, to EC monorail to TTC then monorail to AC.

 

[child-at-heart]

thanks for the info. if staying on property and one also has a car is it faster to just drive to the parks on the days you know you will definately park hop?

 

[ajleone]

thanks for the info. if staying on property and one also has a car is it faster to just drive to the parks on the days you know you will definately park hop?

We just find it easier to use WDW transportation. No car to worry about and whether we hop or not the transportation is there.

 

[imthatgirl]

i find it soooo much easier and faster, much faster to use a car. with the buses you should plan an hour from the time you sit and wait for the bus from the time you get to your destination. in reality its probably 45 minutes. to me thats waisted time.
in your own car, if there is a bit of thought put into where and how you park, from gate to gate there is nothing thats more than 20 minutes away, and most times closer.

 

[Micca]

WDW transportation works best going from resorts to parks, and parks to parks. If you want to go between resorts or DTD, your car is a better bet.
The issue with using your car is that you can lose time parking and walking to your destination. I would add that a car is probably the best way to exit a park for the evening if you are departing at park closing.

 

[lynn432]

i find it soooo much easier and faster, much faster to use a car. with the buses you should plan an hour from the time you sit and wait for the bus from the time you get to your destination. in reality its probably 45 minutes. to me thats waisted time.
in your own car, if there is a bit of thought put into where and how you park, from gate to gate there is nothing thats more than 20 minutes away, and most times closer.

So what do we need to know about where and how to park? We're staying in a non-Disney resort, so we will be driving, and I'd love any tips you can share!

 

[Robo]

So what do we need to know about where and how to park? We're staying in a non-Disney resort, so we will be driving, and I'd love any tips you can share!

Each of the parks has its own parking lot.

 

[lynn432]

Each of the parks has its own parking lot.

Well, that much I do know... and I know you can park in one and pay the fee and then park in another the same day without paying again... I meant more along the lines of timing, etc.

Thanks though!

 

[kileybeth]

Be careful driving to a park if you want to do EMH in the morning. The people driving in are sometimes/always? held back from the gate (like at TTC for MK) whereas park guest get dropped right off at bus stops near gate. We nearly missed rope drop at AK because they woudl not let us through and then it was crowded which led to longer wait for EE , etc.

Also remmeber it is FL, your car is going to be a toaster no matter what time you get back to it after sitting in the sun all day long. I'd rather plan a few extra minutes and use the bus/monorail system.

If switching parks midday it is a nice way to rest your feet for a bit and cool down on the buses before you go go again! And the monorail? It's just a big ride, one of my kids favorites.

If traveling with strollers? You will need to fold them for the buses BUT I have always found that to be so doable and every one gracious and helpful everytime. And if you drive, you will still need to fold your stroller for the parking lot trams to pick you up.

Exception? dinner ressie after park day? If going to Boma or Jiko, drive unless you really want to be on a bus awhile!

oh and don't miss some of the boat rides. They are a fun way to transport too!

 

[imthatgirl]

Be careful driving to a park if you want to do EMH in the morning. The people driving in are sometimes/always? held back from the gate (like at TTC for MK) whereas park guest get dropped right off at bus stops near gate. We nearly missed rope drop at AK because they woudl not let us through and then it was crowded which led to longer wait for EE , etc.

!

no, thats not true. we drive every time we go and have never had a problem being at rope drop every morning of every day of our trip. people have dining reservations before the parks open all the time and have no problem getting to them.

 

[kileybeth]

I was just stating our own experience. Also talking about resort guest and the Early EMH not regular off site park openings. MK and AK are the two worst offenders in this area. But please take no offense. I just prefer to let Disney do the driving when I am in town! Have a great trip all!

 

[imthatgirl]

I was just stating our own experience. Also talking about resort guest and the Early EMH not regular off site park openings. MK and AK are the two worst offenders in this area. But please take no offense. I just prefer to let Disney do the driving when I am in town! Have a great trip all!

oh i dont take offense, i just want people who may not go often know they can stay on property and get to EMH with no problem. ive done it, i would never take a bus. many people have done it without issue.

 

[Robo]

oh i dont take offense, i just want people who may not go often know they can stay on property and get to EMH with no problem. ive done it, i would never take a bus. many people have done it without issue.

And, I'm in the other camp.

It can be much more difficult to get from TTC to MK early on AM EMH mornings.

 

[imthatgirl]

And, I'm in the other camp.

It can be much more difficult to get from TTC to MK early on AM EMH mornings.

i guess im just not understanding how its more difficult? you park, you either take the tram or walk to ttc, then get on the monorail. isnt it the same process on a non emh morning?
on EMH mornings the AK opens the lot 15 minutes before the morning hours start. you can then park and usually walk to the gate.
i suggest trying it, its much easier than having to wait for a bus.

eta: i see you changed your mind about AK.

 

[dishm12/08]

Oops

 

[kileybeth]

Maybe I am thinking of busy times and it could very well be different at slow times (been at both but the old mind won't cooperate this morning!)

It has been my experience that Disney will hold people in the que of TTC and not allow them to move forward to the gate until just before opening (maybe 15 minutes?) By then lots of guest are already in line in front of you.

And at AK , I believe you said they open the lot 15 minutes before Rope Drop? Definitely not enough time to unload my 2 strollers and get a decent place in line.

BUT that is all only relevent if you are a "die hard be in the gates when they open and using that first hour to the fullest" guest. Otherwise, 15 minutes is just that, a few minutes.

And park hopping which was the OP question, I still stand by my hot car vs cool buses/monorail and let Disney do the transfering theory.

Park closing? yikes, that's gotta be all about where you are staying and how much you care about getting back to resort quickly. On the monorail? lucky you! You will be asleep long before some of the car drivers or value resort bus takers are even off the bus or out of the lot!

 

[imthatgirl]

Maybe I am thinking of busy times and it could very well be different at slow times (been at both but the old mind won't cooperate this morning!)

It has been my experience that Disney will hold people in the que of TTC and not allow them to move forward to the gate until just before opening (maybe 15 minutes?) By then lots of guest are already in line in front of you.

And at AK , I believe you said they open the lot 15 minutes before Rope Drop? Definitely not enough time to unload my 2 strollers and get a decent place in line.

BUT that is all only relevent if you are a "die hard be in the gates when they open and using that first hour to the fullest" guest. Otherwise, 15 minutes is just that, a few minutes.

And park hopping which was the OP question, I still stand by my hot car vs cool buses/monorail and let Disney do the transfering theory.

Park closing? yikes, that's gotta be all about where you are staying and how much you care about getting back to resort quickly. On the monorail? lucky you! You will be asleep long before some of the car drivers or value resort bus takers are even off the bus or out of the lot!

they open AK 15 minutes befoe EMH hours, thats plenty of time at that park. i dont know when they open for regular hours. but we've been at rope drop many times, so i would think maybe 1/2 hour. but in that park if you are there that early you park so close its about a 2 minute walk. i dont know i guess i just dont take that long to open strollers we get up there pretty quick.

the only time weve been held at the ttc is when we had to wait for the next boat or monorail. i dont know about the boats, but the monorails start running earlier for those that want to get in there earlier and those with breakfast ADRs.

i dont, weve never noticed the hot car problem. i guess we just turn the air conditioner on and it solves that problem.

i dont understand your last statement? personally we use a diamond parking pass and walk to my car at park closing. it usually takes about 15 minutes from gate to room(i have never been in a line to get out, its very efficient). much quicker than a bus. we walk by the hundreds of people waiting for that next bus, then that next bus..until they can finally get on just to wait through a couple stops till they get to theirs, no thanks.

btw...i actually love the bus system. i love that people love it. it keeps cars out of the resort parking lots and it makes getting there in the morning so much easier. it used to be that if you got there first thing you would still have to take the tram to the gate. not any more...since disney added magical express its been wonderful!! not only do i want you to use it, disney does too. they dont want you ta have a car, they want you to think the buses are better. that way you dont leave to spend your money off property. so keep on using them, please!!