Parking at Magic Kingdom Help!

[Jedi Mind Tricks]

This will be my family's 3rd trip to Disney in the last 4 years and every time we've been we've decided to use the bus system. We're staying at Port Orleans Riverside and I've read that it could be a long ride. I'd like to know if it would be easier to drive to Magic Kingdom then take the Monorail or if we'd be better off using the buses. Also we plan on staying for the fireworks for the first time this year. Would it take longer when leaving the park to wait on the Monorail or the buses due to crowd size? Any info is appreciated. thanks

 

[Alesia]

Taking the bus is faster and easier.

 

[W.E.D.]

When are you going? We were at POR last time in December. We had absolutely no problem with with bus system.

 

[Reddog1134]

MK is probably the only destination that easier by bus than car.

 

[Jedi Mind Tricks]

When are you going? We were at POR last time in December. We had absolutely no problem with with bus system.

We will be there March 28th-April 4th

 

[mom2rtk]

Another vote for the bus. I would consider driving to the other parks, but definitely take the bus to the MK.

 

[Jedi Mind Tricks]

When are you going? We were at POR last time in December. We had absolutely no problem with with bus system.

Another vote for the bus. I would consider driving to the other parks, but definitely take the bus to the MK.

What are the crowds like leaving the parks after the fireworks? is it a mad dash to get to the bus stops like it can be at rope drop?

 

[mom2rtk]

What are the crowds like leaving the parks after the fireworks? is it a mad dash to get to the bus stops like it can be at rope drop?

Yes, there's usually a mad dash to the bus stops. But our experience is that they are usually ready for it and move the buses through pretty fast. I can't imagine there isn't also a mad dash to the monorail and ferry to get to the parking lot too.

Best bet is to hang back for about half an hour and let the crowd clear a bit first.

 

[Alesia]

What are the crowds like leaving the parks after the fireworks? is it a mad dash to get to the bus stops like it can be at rope drop?

It's a pretty good crowd, but it's no worse than the crowd for

Yes, there's usually a mad dash to the bus stops. But our experience is that they are usually ready for it and move the buses through pretty fast. I can't imagine there isn't also a mad dash to the monorail and ferry to get to the parking lot too.

Best bet is to hang back for about half an hour and let the crowd clear a bit first.

There is. And the wait for a monorail is worse than the wait for a bus.

 

[Jedi Mind Tricks]

Yes, there's usually a mad dash to the bus stops. But our experience is that they are usually ready for it and move the buses through pretty fast. I can't imagine there isn't also a mad dash to the monorail and ferry to get to the parking lot too.

Best bet is to hang back for about half an hour and let the crowd clear a bit first.

Thanks for the tip, much appreciated

 

[cariann77]

Busses can be very crowded at the end of the night.

We took the bus back once after the fireworks and it was a awful. Won't make that mistake again. Getting out of the park in general at that time is crowded and slow moving.

 

[W.E.D.]

We will be there March 28th-April 4th

I'd be willing to bet the bus service to MK and back will be fine at that time of year, from POR.
After fireworks there is always the mad rush to exit the parks. We usually just stroll out so the crowd thins a bit before we get to the bus/monorail. As PPs have mentioned, they are (usually) prepared for the mass exodus and have more busses running.

 

[bumbershoot]

I do not like the bus and have had a perfectly fine time driving there. Whenever we do take the bus we inevitably get the bus whose spot is nearly the furthest away from the park entrance/exit both arriving and departing. Could be on the ferry or monorail by the time I get to the bus line. With the boat you can generally see the one leaving and the one coming towards the dock. It gives you an idea of how long you might wait. With the monorail you know it won't be long to the next one. With the bus? Different situation entirely.

There's no need to exit with the masses. Take some time sitting on a bench or shopping or looking around. Zig while others zag. No need to be part of the scrum.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

the mad rush is for buses but also for getting monorail or ferry boat and unless you are lucky enough to be close enough to walk to car you then have line for the tram. my idea would be get a snack and enjoy then head to buses. esp with kids you let major crowd get past where you go under train tracks where it is hard to keep group together

 

[Bullseye]

We drive to every park including the MK. It's no big deal getting from parking lot to the MK via Monorail or Ferry that everyone makes it out to be. Leave your room, jump in your car and you can be there in about 10 minutes from POR. You just take the Bonnet Creek Parkway (which POR is situated on) to Vista Blvd. It's actually a very nice drive through a beautiful wooded area. No waiting for buses on either end and everybody gets their own seat. Plus where else you going to get a chance to ride on a monorail or ferry?

 

[mom2rtk]

I do not like the bus and have had a perfectly fine time driving there. Whenever we do take the bus we inevitably get the bus whose spot is nearly the furthest away from the park entrance/exit both arriving and departing.

LOL, I always said I was picking my next resort based on how close its stop is to the MK gates! We usually stay at the POP, and it is always one of the farthest ones.

 

[hollyferry]

If I may add to this question:
If staying in a Disney Resort (Coronado Springs), if you choose to drive to the parks instead of taking a bus...is the parking at the parks free or do you still have to pay the parking fee?

 

[mom2rtk]

If I may add to this question:
If staying in a Disney Resort (Coronado Springs), if you choose to drive to the parks instead of taking a bus...is the parking at the parks free or do you still have to pay the parking fee?

Parking is free when staying at a Disney resort (at both the resorts and the parks).

 

[hollyferry]

Thanks! There are 5 of us...plus a stroller, plus all my crap (T1 diabetic)...while I know I'll need to use the monorail to get to the parking while in MK, I feel better being able to just throw extra crap in the car vs dragging it all on the bus.

 

[Alesia]

Thanks! There are 5 of us...plus a stroller, plus all my crap (T1 diabetic)...while I know I'll need to use the monorail to get to the parking while in MK, I feel better being able to just throw extra crap in the car vs dragging it all on the bus.

I recommend taking the ferry rather than the monorail when at all possible. It's a much, much nicer ride.