POR to DTD-Boat or Car?

[Jalva22]

Just wondering how the times compare to get to DTD from POR by boat or by car, including wait time for a boat to arrive.

If they are comparable, or even if boat takes a little longer, we would do it that way.

But, if boat can be substantially longer we wouldn't mess with it.

Thanks!

 

[MinnieSummer]

Dont bother driving. Parking at DTD can be a nightmare and I believe some of the parking lots are closed for construction. The boats are a nice way to relax.

 

[Missytara]

For me, it is preference to take the water taxi, because it is so convenient and a lovely way to end the day.

You can find all the info of the times on the POR thread; the water taxi runs every 20 minutes until 4 pm and every 10 minutes after 4 pm, so there is never a long wait.

Also, right now, DTD has parking spaces closed for renovations, so parking is going to be scarce around this time period. In addition, once it gets closer to the holidays, parking is almost non-existent.

Best to depend on the water taxi. It is also very convenient, because the bus hub is right behind WPE, and you can see the volcano from RFC from there - the water taxi dock is right next to RFC. It is wonderful to end the day at a resort, take the bus back to DTD and then take the water taxi back to POR.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Though we don't drive on Disney vacations, many a time we've made comment about people roaming the DTD lots looking for a parking place... It's huge, and full... Where you end up will be quite a walk... Not for us !!

Best deal out there for POR and POFQ guests is the water taxi... Best ride in Disney, cool, calm and long.... No parking necessary...whatever the wait or length, wouldn't consider driving to DTD, boats are the ticket..!

 

[HopperFan]

Something to note is, if thunder/lightning occurs the boat will go to the next stop and you have to get off. Luckily for us it dropped at POFQ and we had to RUN to POR to make our dining reservation. Once at DTD waiting, they said no go due to incoming weather so us and many others were waiting for the buses.

We love it but my point is always buffer some extra time if you are trying to make an ADR at either end of the boat ride.

 

[starrysky]

We love taking the boat to DTD it's a lovely ride and its one of the reasons we stick to the resorts in that area.
As everyone has said the parking lots are undergoing construction and I have read numerous reports about the amount of time it's taken to get a parking spot.

 

[MinnieSummer]

I have also heard that when the remaining lots are full they are directing cars to the Casting lot across the street and shuttling people back and forth. I believe that the boat dock locations have changed as well. The dock in the Marketplace area is closed due to construction so you board at the dock in Pleasure Island.

Even taking into consideration the daily thunderstorm I would rather take the boat then drive. Maybe, once the new parking garages are constructed and there is adequate parking I would consider driving but not now -- especially not now.

 

[kandb]

We are Disney right night. This past Saturday we had a dinner adr at DTD. We left and could not take the boat because there was lightning 20 min before and they said they have to wait an hour after the last lightning. Off we went to the bus, waited a while at the south depot, a bus finally came and was almost full. Getting back was horrendous also, lots of traffic, super crowded buses, stopped at pleasure island even though the bus was full from the west side. Took almost 45 minutes to get back to POR from DTD. The reason we took the bus back instead of the boat was because the line was so long at the water taxi to get back, they said it was at least a 40 minute wait.

 

[LibertyTree]

The boat is definitely slower then driving.

But its such a better experience. Its a great opportunity to just mellow out and feel like you're doing something different. When you get home you can drive your car to the mall. Take the boat while you have the chance.

 

[winterman]

Dont bother driving. Parking at DTD can be a nightmare and I believe some of the parking lots are closed for construction. The boats are a nice way to relax.

Ditto

 

[TDC Nala]

A lot of the DTD parking is closed for future construction of parking garages. Some are being asked to park across the street at the Casting building and walk or shuttle across.

Yes, the boats will close if there is lightning in the area. When that happens you'd need a bus.