Parking free? Use buses or drive?

[rponseti]

Can someone tell me if parking at the Parks is free if you're staying on the grounds? Debating on whether to use the buses or take my van each morning. I have three small children, so I'm leaning towards my van. Any comments are welcome.

Thanks,
Richie

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by rponseti
Can someone tell me if parking at the Parks is free if you're staying on the grounds? Debating on whether to use the buses or take my van each morning. I have three small children, so I'm leaning towards my van. Any comments are welcome.

Thanks,
Richie

Hi rponseti(Richie),

Parking is free if you are staying on property but Disney transportation can also be good. Here is what we do and keep in mind we do not have childern with us.

From the AKL we took the bus to the MK, AK and MGM. All of these buses go directly from the AKL to the park. The MGM bus does stop at BB during BB hours but we did not find this to be a big deal.

We valet parked during our trip so when we wanted to go to EC we would drive to the BW valet park. Have a late luch ealry dinner at ESPN then go into EC for the night then after EC we would go to JellyRolls. Then drive back to the AKL.

We always drive to Downtown Disney no matter where we stay.

I assumed you are staying at the AKL based on your signature.

Hope this helps you out and I hope you have a great trip.

 

[rponseti]

Thanks for the info. Yes, I am staying at the AKL. I can't wait! My problems are with the kids. I'll have at least one stroller, diaper bag and lots of other junk. Getting on and off the bus with that stuff and the kids is a hassle. Especially if the bus is full. We've always used the buses before, but this is our first trip with all four of my daughters. After talking with friends, looks like my best option is to use my van. As long as I don't get lost!!! The evenings, when the kids are tired, it will be nice to just let them ride all the way to the van and then in their seats.

Richie

 

[drusba]

Driving to Epcot, AK, and MGM is easy and usually quicker than the bus although bus is not bad trip. However, I would recommend the bus to MK. Problem is you have to park at the TTC and thus still have a monorail or boat to MK. Bus takes you directly to park. Also, the trip back from MK if around closing time can be horrendous if you drive--long wait for monorail or boat back to TTC and then another long wait for tram to car (the TTC's line for the tram that takes you to your parking area after MK closing always seems to be about 3 to 4 times longer than the line for a tram at closing for the other parks). Note if you want to go anywhere other the theme parks, definitely drive.