Rope Drop Transportation

[Brian1403]

Hello all! First time at the Fort, and wondering about transportation to two places for rope drop.

1. Is taking a boat early to Contemporary and walking to MK the best way to make rope drop?

2. What is the quickest way to get from the Fort to the International Gateway Entrance of Epcot?

Thanks!
Brian

 

[CaptainAmerica]

1. Is taking a boat early to Contemporary and walking to MK the best way to make rope drop?

That particular boat isn't running at all at the moment, but even if it was, still no. Just be on the first boat direct to Magic Kingdom.

2. What is the quickest way to get from the Fort to the International Gateway Entrance of Epcot?

Probably a bus to Hollywood Studios, then Skyliner to Epcot. But that's a lot more convoluted than just taking the bus (or driving) to Epcot in the first place and walking through the park to the World Showcase side.

 

[Brian1403]

That particular boat isn't running at all at the moment, but even if it was, still no. Just be on the first boat direct to Magic Kingdom.

Thanks for the reply Cap! But isn't the first boat to MK at 8:30, and early entry starts at 8:30? Is there a better option?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Thanks for the reply Cap! But isn't the first boat to MK at 8:30, and early entry starts at 8:30?

Nah, the first boat will be there, at worst, 30 minutes before early entry time. In my experience it's usually closer to 45 prior.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Just to add, though you didn't ask, if you'll have a car, drive everywhere except Magic Kingdom.

 

[Brian1403]

Awesome, thanks for the tips! And yes, we will have a car, so great info!

 

[morrik5]

Just to add, though you didn't ask, if you'll have a car, drive everywhere except Magic Kingdom.

These are the times I wish we drove a full size vehicle that sat more than 5 people - we are a party of 7 (5 adults and 2 children)

 

[Disneypeach]

At this time there is a bus to MK from the settlement bus stop. Ran early for rope drop when I was there a couple of weeks ago.

 

[bama_ed]

We were at the Fort in late January 2022.

The official MK rope drop time was 9am.

The early admission for resort guests to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland was 830am.

The turnstiles were opened a few minutes before 8am.

We got to the turnstiles at 750am.

We rode the big boat from the Fort dock that left about 725am.

The big boat arrived in a straight line from its marina spot at 715am. That was the first big boat of the morning.

The MK express bus from the Settlement Depot is an option too. Either one will put you in a good position for your MK day.

Bama Ed

 

[Brocktoon]

Have any of the Fort regulars heard any rumors of the CR-WL-FW boat loop returning (ever again?) ...

My gut is telling me the resort boats will return when we see the Hoop-de-Doo back ... but I've heard no news so far

 

[truserv]

Have any of the Fort regulars heard any rumors of the CR-WL-FW boat loop returning (ever again?) ...

Was there last week, they removed the blue flag resorts sign from the dock, so it probably wont be any time soon.

 

[Sjm9911]

The bus was definitely faster then the boat. Directly to MK. Just ask what time it starts, we missed it once. But it was still good enough to get us in early. Take the boat back. And yea, drive everwhere else if you can.

 

[acgardne]

So both the boat and the Settlement to MK bus run in time for early entry?

The idea of an early morning boat ride sounds much nicer than the bus, even if it does take longer.

 

[Sjm9911]

Nicer or faster, thats up to you.

 

[bama_ed]

A direct bus drive is shorter than a boat ride.

But notice how @Sjm9911 didn't say when the bus gets to the Fort versus when the boat gets to the Fort (and both get to MK)?

In either case, you'll get to MK in time to work your way up to the front of the Early Entry line. "That's my tall handsome Assistant Fire Chief buddy up there", You can say. "We're part of his group".

Just be early for either one.

Also be forewarned that in the evening, the big boat back to the Fort sometimes in the past shared a route with WL and let on folks for both stops. So don't be surprised if both resorts don't have a dedicated direct boat.

Bama Ed

 

[Sjm9911]

Lol, i think it started at 730 , but with getting the kido ready, we were always rushing and late. I belive its a dedicated route, that leaves about every 15 mins. We never waited longer then that for the bus. And be warned, even if your through the turnstiles around 745 , your still a ways back in line. But your aheaid of the rest of the people. For comparison, one morning at 745, and at 800, not much difference. Keep in mind that was the appropriate time i took the picture. So there was a turnstile line, then a walk to the early entry line, then stop and wait for 830ish. Conditions will very with crowds.

 

[acgardne]

A direct bus drive is shorter than a boat ride.

But notice how @Sjm9911 didn't say when the bus gets to the Fort versus when the boat gets to the Fort (and both get to MK)?...

Lol, i think it started at 730 , but with getting the kido ready, we were always rushing and late. I belive its a dedicated route, that leaves about every 15 mins. We never waited longer then that for the bus. And be warned, even if your through the turnstiles around 745 , your still a ways back in line...

Thank you, both! This is all very helpful.

 

[saw1810]

The bus was definitely faster then the boat. Directly to MK. Just ask what time it starts, we missed it once. But it was still good enough to get us in early. Take the boat back. And yea, drive everwhere else if you can.

If you drive to the other parks how do you get past the parking gate? Is there a dedicated lane for resort guests gettn there early? Thanks!

 

[Sjm9911]

No, you go in like everyone else. But it is fastest. And I never waited long, usally not at all. When you get to the park entranceway you wait , depending on the park. At epcott they had a seprate line for early entry, they then let you on the park and held you at whatever are you walked twords untill the opening time. The opening time when I was there was right on the money and never early, but that changes sometimes. The other parks are similer. For the parking they scan your band/card/ap and the parking is free for guests.

 

[coachk34]

So I understand in general its best to boat to MK, but driver to the other parks from the Fort. But is it likely that if you drive to the other parks you will end up behind those that took the bus and left earlier? Especially if cars are not being let into the parking lots as early?