Pros and Cons of driving to the parks...

[PixiDust04]

We've almost always driven to the parks. I don't have kids - I AM one of the kids. My parents always talked about which is better, and we've done just about everything. Of course, when staying off-site, you have to drive, and that just seems easier to me. I'll admit that I always complained when we got a bad parking spot and had to walk "forever" to get to the entrance, but we always tried to catch the parking tram (which is fun in its own way)! When we drove, we never had to worry about where we would put all of our stuff, and we never had to stand, either! On-site, we always stay at OKW, and we drive sometimes and take the bus other times. We always take the boat to Downtown Disney, because its really relaxing. Taking the bus to MK is the best option, but last time I was there, we were off-site and had to drive to the TTC. It didn't take long, though, because we just got on the tram, then got right on the Monorail and were at the park in no time! On the way back to the TTC, we even got to sit in the front car of the Monorail, with the driver! Buses to the other parks are good, and usually prompt, and we haven't encountered any serious problems. The only complaint I have is that the buses to POP and the All-Stars are always SO crowded, and they should send them more often but they don't. The worst was Downtown Disney to POP...but that is a long story.

Overall, I would say that we have had more success with driving to the parks, because then you are guaranteed a seat, and you don't have to wait in any long lines out in the hot sun!

 

[momof2inPA]

Cons: You might want to have a few drinks at the parks-- except for MK.

You might have to park pretty far out and pretty far down the row. Packing the stroller, etc. to get on the parking tram is as difficult as getting on the bus with the stroller and other stuff.

At MK, my husband drove and I waited for the bus. Even with the long bus line, we beat him back to the resort.

 

[OurDogCisco]

We've never rented a car for our WDW and never have trouble with the busses. We just put things in our backpacks and nothing in the stroller. Then, we basically carry the stroller with our hands folded. We do this way before loading onto the bus. It never seems to be a problem with us. I can see if you taking a lot of stuff but then just get two backpacks one for each parent. I've never done it the other way. I think the key is not to wait until the bus comes before folding your stroller. On the monorail we just stroll on with our stroller.

The con I can think of with a car is that you waste money just to drive the car to and from the park and hotel especially now with magical express. I never seem to find good car rental rates.

 

[runwad]

We drove to all the parks too except MK, just easier and I think quicker than waiting for the buses. We too had AAA Diamond parking always got up front and it was just nice to know that when we wanted to go we'd go and always have a seat

 

[Pixiedust34]

Well, I can tell you one big con about driving yourself to the parks if you travel in the summer.........Would you rather step onto an air conditioned bus after a long day of touring the parks, or would you rather get into your hot and stuffy car that has been baking in the sun for hours on end?

We used our car only twice during our trip in August. Once was to Chef Mickey's for an early breakfast, and the other time was for Blizzard Beach (We didn't want to go on the bus with swimsuits and t-shirts). The rest of the time, we enjoyed using the buses. It feels more like a vacation if you can sit back and let someone else do the navigating and the driving. JMHO.

That said, it was nice to have our car so we had the option of driving somewhere if we wanted to. We did go to Publix right after we checked in for food & drinks for the room, which was another reason it was nice to have our car. I guess you could say we drove 3 times during our trip, if you count that outing to Publix.

 

[hogwartsdropout]

We like the buses better. I don't like the extra hassle of waiting for a tram, then trying to find our rented car which looks so alike to all the rest!
We have never had a problem with buses and we've been using them for about 4 years.
Going on the bus takes the stress off my father, who would have to drive if we rented a car. We've done it a few times in the past, but it's his vacation and we want him to be able to relax too.

 

[labdogs42]

So, if I'm staying at the Beach Club and I'm going to MK for Spectro, should I drive or take the bus? I'm thinking drive so I don't have to wait an hour for the bus? I'm planning on renting a car anyway because I like having a car as a "home base" even if I'm staying on site. We will drive to AK and DD for sure anyway. I'm just not sure about MK. Thoughts?

 

[BonnieA]

So, if I'm staying at the Beach Club and I'm going to MK for Spectro, should I drive or take the bus? I'm thinking drive so I don't have to wait an hour for the bus? I'm planning on renting a car anyway because I like having a car as a "home base" even if I'm staying on site. We will drive to AK and DD for sure anyway. I'm just not sure about MK. Thoughts?

You will wait in a long line after Spectro no matter if you take your car or the bus. If you have to get to your car you will wait in a line to get on the monorail or the boat to get to the T&TC. Then you might have to wait in a line for the tram to the parking lot. Your best bet is to just take the bus.

 

[KathylovesPooh]

DD is now 12 so we don't have a lot of stuff. I have found the general opinion from the DISboards is to drive. So we tried driving this past trip and found the bus was a time saver for sure. We stayed at CSR which we have found has great service but we won't be going back to driving any time soon!

 

[momof2inPA]

So, if I'm staying at the Beach Club and I'm going to MK for Spectro, should I drive or take the bus? I'm thinking drive so I don't have to wait an hour for the bus? I'm planning on renting a car anyway because I like having a car as a "home base" even if I'm staying on site. We will drive to AK and DD for sure anyway. I'm just not sure about MK. Thoughts?

If Epcot is still open and you have parkhoppers, I would take the monorail from MK to Epcot and walk through Epcot to the back exit, then either take the boat or walk to the hotel.

 

[mitros]

FAR easier to get around by car 99% of the time, especially when you have dining reservations. Getting around by bus can be painfully slow and frustrating.

 

[2poohbears]

We've only gone in off-season, and haven't had to wait that long for buses, except at closing time. I like taking the buses so we don't have to deal with parking, walking, trams, traffic.

I have 2 y/o twins and am bringing a backpack style diaper bag for diapers, change of clothing, snacks, juice, water, sippy cups & cameras. Since we'll be going back to the hotel for naps after lunch we will just load the bag for 1/2 day, then re-load it for the afternoon when we go back for nap. We're also bringing 2 umbrella strollers which fold easily to get on and off buses. I also attached a strap to the backs of the strollers so we can throw them over our shoulders should we need to.

One tip someone from this board gave me about AS Movies---request a room in the Dalmations Building. It is just as close to the AS Music resort's bus stop as it is to the AS Movies one. You can go to AS Music to catch the bus, and since they pick up BEFORE AS Movies you'll have a better chance of a less crowded bus. I'm going to test this out next week!