Parking @ WL to Access Hoop De Doo?

[keishashadow]

Posted this as part of Q on Resturant board, thought i'd direct the transportation aspect here as well.

Staying @ AKV in Oct, booked @ Chef Mickeys which we've enjoyed several times; thought i'd shake things up & try Hoop De Doo.

transportation seems to be a real pain though there either driving or by bus, transfers, etc.

DH suggested we visit 'home' WLV & grab a boat over. Know we can visit pool hop, etc. just wondering if it's accepted form

 

[CraftyMouse]

Actually, it's very simple. You can either take Disney transportation from the AKV to the MK and then take a boat from the MK to Fort Wilderness, or you can drive yourselves. Yes, you can park at and travel from the VWL, but it's much easier to park right at Fort Wilderness. Just park in their lot and hop on the bus that goes to Pioneer Hall (you can take any of the internal shuttles).

Depending on when your Hoop-Dee-Doo reservation is you may be able to do the campfire afterwards. There is a sing along with Chip & Dale, a campfire for roasting marshmallows/making smores and a Disney movie on an outdoor screen (like a drive-in, but no cars). It's a lot of fun and definitely worth checking out. The campfire is right in the middle of FW. Just ask a CM how to get there!

Keep in mind, however, that if you do the campfire you should definitely drive to FW. That way you won't have to deal with the Disney transportation (especially if the MK is closed) to get back to AKV.

 

[keishashadow]

thanks, i was worried that the FW shuttles would take an excessively long time to navigate

 

[CraftyMouse]

thanks, i was worried that the FW shuttles would take an excessively long time to navigate

No, they are very easy. Just don't get on a bus that's headed to a park. All of the others will take you to Pioneer Hall. If you aren't sure just ask the driver. They are very helpful and will tell you if their bus is your quickest option.

Have fun!

 

[hakepb]

FWIW On my one trip to try the FW buffet (next to hoop-dee-doo), we did not like the internal FW bus service at all. The bus driver was helpful, but then we had an exceptionally long wait at the main stop for any park bus. (It did not help that another kid got sick during the trip)
...And I am somebody that likes my SSR bus service.

 

[Mahusky]

I just got back from WDW last week and we had done the Hoop Dee Doo. We parked at the main parking lot as others have posted and took the internal FW transportation. It was just fine. I do however have an additional question for all the experienced folks out there....... When I left the main FW lot and turned left back toward POFQ and OKW there was a sign that said enter here for Hoop Dee Doo and Campfire. I did notice cars parked near Pioneer Hall?? Does this entrance get you right up to Pioneer Hall?

 

[CraftyMouse]

FWIW On my one trip to try the FW buffet (next to hoop-dee-doo), we did not like the internal FW bus service at all. The bus driver was helpful, but then we had an exceptionally long wait at the main stop for any park bus. (It did not help that another kid got sick during the trip)
...And I am somebody that likes my SSR bus service.

Sorry you had a bad experience. We've always found the buses at FW to be as timely and reliable as those at SSR and OKW (and any other WDW resort we've stayed at. Perhaps you had an off night. It should be different for the OP though. If they drive to FW they won't need to wait for a park bus, just hop on the internal shuttle (any of them will get you there) and head to Pioneer Hall.

When relying solely on WDW transportation I'd take a bus to the MK and the boat from there to FW. By taking a bus to a park, then a bus to FW, then the internal bus you have 3 "legs". When you bus to the MK and then take the boat to FW you keep it at two "legs".

 

[CraftyMouse]

I just got back from WDW last week and we had done the Hoop Dee Doo. We parked at the main parking lot as others have posted and took the internal FW transportation. It was just fine. I do however have an additional question for all the experienced folks out there....... When I left the main FW lot and turned left back toward POFQ and OKW there was a sign that said enter here for Hoop Dee Doo and Campfire. I did notice cars parked near Pioneer Hall?? Does this entrance get you right up to Pioneer Hall?

You have never been able to park within the Fort Wilderness grounds unless you are camping there or staying in one of the cabins. The cars you saw were guest cars, probably parked while they were in the Mercantile. All guests not staying at FW have to park in the main lot and take WDW transportation from there.

 

[keishashadow]

im wondering if the boat runs to WL after the late seating? since the MK since the park closes that night @ 8pm & i booked the last seating 9:30 pm, then we shouldn't park in the MK lot (glad it was mentioned here, i probably wouldn't have connected the dots )

CM suggested if we were going to enjoy adult beverages, we might just want to grab a cab from AKV to FW, then the shuttle to Pioneer Hall. Further stated that buses would be waiting outside when show is over to 'whisk us away'

fyi, probably old news:

I was going to book on cash basis; yet was told the DVC discount is only good until Sept 27th & there's been no word on extension. Signed up for DP & was able to get Category 1 table for 2 TS CRs. Interestingly, i was originally offered Category 3 table. Only when i read elsewhere that the DP allowed Cat. 2 & 3, did I call back & secure one

 

[CraftyMouse]

im wondering if the boat runs to WL after the late seating? since the MK since the park closes that night @ 8pm & i booked the last seating 9:30 pm, then we shouldn't park in the MK lot (glad it was mentioned here, i probably wouldn't have connected the dots )

You wouldn't want to park in the MK lot. You'd have to take a monorail/ferry over to the MK and then take the FW boat from there. You might as well just take a bus from AKV to the MK and then the bus to FW. Of course with the MK closing at 8:00 the boats probably won't be running after your dinner/show so I'd drive right to FW and park there, taking the shuttle to Pioneer Hall. It is really MUCH easier than you are thinking it is.

CM suggested if we were going to enjoy adult beverages, we might just want to grab a cab from AKV to FW, then the shuttle to Pioneer Hall. Further stated that buses would be waiting outside when show is over to 'whisk us away'

They will wisk you away to the main parking lot...not back to AKV. You'd have to take a taxi from the FW parking lot and I don't think they are there waiting. You'd have to call one and wait for it to arrive.

If you don't want to drive then I'd take the first park bus that came to the AKV, transfer to the FW bus at that park and then take the shuttle to the Pioneer Hall end of FW. On the way back you could take a Downtown Disney bus from FW and then switch to the AKV bus at DtD.

Again, I'd just drive and park at FW. It's so easy.

Hope that helps a bit. We often stay at Fort Wilderness (on our non-DVC stays) and absolutely love it out there. I'd suggest arriving a bit early so you can look around the resort!