Realistic Travel Time?

[KangaFan]

Does anyone have a realistic travel time on Disney Transportation from POFQ to Epcot during the off season? We're going in January and I'm trying to coordinate afternoon breaks with reservation times. Everything says 45 minutes to Epcot, but when I mapped it, they're only (on roads) 1.5 miles apart. Is 45 minutes normal? I'd love to hear from those of you who have "been there, done that." Thanks!

 

[cdrn1]

I've never actually timed it, but we were just there a few weeks ago, and it really depends on how much time you spend waiting for a bus, and how many stops it makes after you get on.
There were times we would walk up to the bus stop and a bus would pull up right away, other times a ten minute wait or so. Then, since POFQ is the first stop, the bus would continue on to the POR stops. Several mornings it went straight to the parks without stopping at POR, and when it did stop, it usually just stopped at one of the four. Only once did we stop at several stops, and that was on the way back from DTD, when it stops at POFQ last.
If I needed to be there at a certain time, I would allow 45 minutes just in case, but I don't think it ever took anywhere near that time due to the above things.

 

[mattsdragon]

It's about 10 minutes from Saratoga Springs to EPCOT, and POFQ is pretty close to SSR. So I'd say 10 minutes of bus time. But the busses don't run on a time schedule, so you may be walking up to the bus stop just as the bus rolls off, then you've got a 20 minute wait (give or take a couple of minutes) for the next bus to come along. Then the same thing can happen coming from the resort. So total wait time will add to the lenght of the trip. Be prepared to leave your resort an hour prior to ADR times just to CYA.

 

[InstImpres]

I think part of why they tell you 45 minutes, is people forget to count time to walk from the bus to the park entrance, through security and then to the restuarant. Usually this is longer than the actual ride time. JMHO

 

[Karnak]

I think part of why they tell you 45 minutes, is people forget to count time to walk from the bus to the park entrance, through security and then to the restuarant. Usually this is longer than the actual ride time. JMHO

I couldn't agree more. I've stayed at the French Quarter several times, and always use the bus system rather than drive my own car. (In fact, I'll be back at the French Quarter in three days for a five night stay, and two of my days will include meals at Epcot.)

Personally, I allow one hour and twenty minutes from the time I leave my room untill my reservation time at a World Showcase restaurant. This allows me ample time to stroll to, and around, the Showcase, and arrive at my restaurant a bit before the reservation time.

But then, I never get in a hurry when enjoying one of my solo visits to Walt Disney World.

Enjoy.

 

[KangaFan]

Thanks all. I'll be sure to leave plenty of time. I was just thinking that the kids would get antsy if every trip is 45 minutes. Good to know that is not all bus time! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!