Question about getting to DHS

[wendow]

We are doing a split-stay in September with 2 nights at POR and 7 nights at BLT. We are considering going to DHS as our first park and we'd take a bus from POR. But it's not a recommended park on that day so we were thinking about moving DHS towards the end of our trip when the crowds look like they will be lower.

So, here is my question...If we are staying at BLT, can we take the monorail to Epcot and walk to DHS from there? If so, how long of a trip would that be? Is that better than taking a bus from BLT? We were trying to minimize our need for buses. We have 4 young children and 2 will be in single strollers...kind of a pain for buses. Or is it easier to take the bus from POR (gotta take a bus there anyway) and just deal with higher crowds?

Total newbie here so I appreciate any help!!! Thanks!

 

[guitarob]

You would be much better off taking the bus from either BLT or POR if time or wear and tear on your feet are a factor.

The monorail would put you at the front of Future World, you would have to walk through Future World, through World Showcase, and out the international gateway. Then you would have to walk past the Boardwalk and the Swan, then finally around the lake to DHS. You could also board a friendship launch at the international gateway that would take you to DHS. There are a couple of maps (one linked, one embedded) and more info here.

 

[wendow]

Oh wow, that is pretty far. Us adults would be fine but not sure about the kids. Thank you for the help and the link to the thread with the map!

 

[chartle]

You would also need to have a PH ticket.

 

[Alesia]

Generally speaking, it's much better to just take the bus than to come up with an elaborate workaround.

Taking the bus: Total time (including wait) - 40 minutes

Taking the monorail, transferring at the TTC, taking the monorail, walking through Epcot and all the way to DHS: Total time - 90 to 120 minutes and and extra 1.5 miles walking. It would also require the purchase of a park hopper if you don't already have one.

 

[wendow]

Generally speaking, it's much better to just take the bus than to come up with an elaborate workaround.

Taking the bus: Total time (including wait) - 40 minutes

Taking the monorail, transferring at the TTC, taking the monorail, walking through Epcot and all the way to DHS: Total time - 90 to 120 minutes and and extra 1.5 miles walking. It would also require the purchase of a park hopper if you don't already have one.

Thank you. Yes, I noticed that we would need park hoppers for the Epcot way which we do not have and don't need otherwise so that is definitely out.

Is 40 mins for the bus the same for POR and for BLT?

 

[Alesia]

Is 40 mins for the bus the same for POR and for BLT?

Give or take. It's kind of an upper estimate for both.

 

[goofy4tink]

You didn't ask, but I'm going to give you my thoughts on 'recommended parks'....I just don't much care what the recommended park is. There a few reasons I would skip a park....something special happening in that park that day that would bring in many more people, EMH morning in that park. Other than that? Nope, I just don't bother.
So, go to DHS when you're at POR. Much easier. I usually figure on about 40-45 mins total time...wait at the bus stop and then the actual ride.
If you want to go when at BLT??? You can either take the DHS bus directly from BLT, and it will make addtl stops at other resorts along the way, or monorail over to the TTC and hop on the DHS bus. This bus goes directly to DHS.

 

[wendow]

Give or take. It's kind of an upper estimate for both.

Thank you!

 

[wendow]

You didn't ask, but I'm going to give you my thoughts on 'recommended parks'....I just don't much care what the recommended park is. There a few reasons I would skip a park....something special happening in that park that day that would bring in many more people, EMH morning in that park. Other than that? Nope, I just don't bother.
So, go to DHS when you're at POR. Much easier. I usually figure on about 40-45 mins total time...wait at the bus stop and then the actual ride.
If you want to go when at BLT??? You can either take the DHS bus directly from BLT, and it will make addtl stops at other resorts along the way, or monorail over to the TTC and hop on the DHS bus. This bus goes directly to DHS.

I appreciate your thoughts. We just don't know how important it is to follow the recommended parks...best parks/park to avoid hoopla We kind of wanted to make DHS a half day so we thought maybe it made more sense to go on a slower day but maybe with a good touring plan, we could still accomplish that??

 

[goofy4tink]

I appreciate your thoughts. We just don't know how important it is to follow the recommended parks...best parks/park to avoid hoopla We kind of wanted to make DHS a half day so we thought maybe it made more sense to go on a slower day but maybe with a good touring plan, we could still accomplish that??

If you want to do the most popular stuff at DHS, you are going to have to be there first thing in the morning. With the ages of your kids though, I'm not sure which attractions you will want to do. I'm sure you'll be heading to Toy Story Mania. And that means getting there at park opening. I would actually give your dh all the park passes and have him head directly to TSM...that way he can get FPs for all of you, and you don't have to worry about rushing over there with the kids in tow..you can stay over to the side and not get trampled!!!

 

[wendow]

If you want to do the most popular stuff at DHS, you are going to have to be there first thing in the morning. With the ages of your kids though, I'm not sure which attractions you will want to do. I'm sure you'll be heading to Toy Story Mania. And that means getting there at park opening. I would actually give your dh all the park passes and have him head directly to TSM...that way he can get FPs for all of you, and you don't have to worry about rushing over there with the kids in tow..you can stay over to the side and not get trampled!!!

Oh good idea to have him run ahead! Hadn't thought about doing that but it's a great suggestion Thanks!