Shuttle service from International Drive

[EvertonCJ]

We are staying at the Best Western Plaza on International Drive in August. They have a free shuttle servive to all the Disney and Universal parks. Has anybody stayed at this hotel? What was it like? Has anybody used the shuttle service? How often do the buses run? Do they get full very easily? What about return journeys? Would we be better budgeting for taxis? So many questions, but would really appreciate any help.

 

[peewakio]

EvertonCJ
Never been to that particular hotel, but I can tell you about the shuttle service as they are generally all the same. First of all you will need to book the shuttle the day before (not too late as the time you want may be full). There are usually 2-3 different journey times both to and from the parks. You will be able to get a timetable from trhe hotel reception, to get the return times. The exact place you were dropped off will be the place to pick up your shuttle for the return journey. If you would prefer to return via taxi the cost is normally around $25. On International Drive you wont need to book taxis anywhere unless you are travelling to a non tourist area, as shuttles will take you to all of the parks. Hope this helps.
By the way does the Everton part of your name relate to the fact that you're a bluenose, as I am a scouser of the other persuasion.

 

[Goofyish]

We stayed at the BWP in 1997 and used the free shuttle.

As far as I can recall the shuttle had 3 scheduled times to the parks and the same coming back. I have the actual times somewhere - I will dig them out when I get home tonight. (may be different now though).

The bus to the park was never that crowded (in October), and as far as I can recall the bus only picked up at th BWP.
Coming back the last bus was always crowded (we ended up standing quite often), and dropped and at the Howard Johnson Hotel on the I192 as well as the BWP.

The bus drops you at the Transpotation and Ticket Centre near MK. To get to the parks you then need to catch either the mono rail to MK or Epcot, the boat to MK, or busses to the oher parks. I don't think there is any transport to DTD from the TTC anymore.
Not sure about the water parks though.

Coming back it picks up from the TTC and from Epcot.

We found the return bus was a little early if you are doing Illumination, Fantasmic or the MK fireworks - this is where getting a taxi back may be your best bet.

As for the hotel, we liked it. It is in a very good position on the south end of International Drive. Close by are numerous restaurants (including a Ponderosa and Toni Romas), as well as a shops. Adjacent to the hotel is a Friendlys restaurant.
The Mercado Village is across the road and a bit further south is the Pointe Orlando Mall and Wonderworks.
The rooms are spacious and clean (try to upgrade to a suite room if you can). The pool area is nice, with a kids pool and pool bar.

Make sure you use the IRide Trolley Bus to get up and down IDrive - it's cheap and efficient. Idela for getting to Seaworld, Belz, Premier Outlets Mall etc.

 

[EvertonCJ]

Thank you for your help. I had visions of 100 people trying to force their way on to one shuttle bus, so it is reassuring to know that you can book in advance. As regards my user name I am indeed a mighty Blue. I am originally from St Helens, but moved to the south when I was 8 in 1969. But, as Wayne Rooney would say " Once a Blue, always a Blue ". I did try to upgrade our room through TCD a number of weeks ago, but they said this could only be done when we get to the hotel. Is this true or can we do it earlier? Once again, many many thanks.

 

[HeidSFost]

Hiyas

We are staying at this hotel in 2 weeks, I emailed the hotel, and we have requested an upgrade to a King Suite. They were absolutely fine about this, and told us that chances are we will get this no problems.

www.bestwesternplaza.com

Hope that helps

Heid
xx

 

[Goofyish]

When we stayed at the BWP in 1997 you couldn't reserve your place on the free shuttle - you just queued outside of reception.

They could have changed this since though.

 

[julieannbabe]

when we wnet in march our hotel (quality inn international) picked up before the best western plaza international.
so when it got to the best western it was quite busy but people were still able to get on. you just wait outside the reception

I think that it is free and they give you a schedule of what time they collect you from the parks - and i think it is FREE.

Where we had to pay $13 for a round trip.

I will be staying at the Best Western in September.