Time spent traveling between parks

[jillyjoey]

This may be a stupid question -- but does anyone have an average time spent traveling between parks and/or resorts using buses and monorails. I want to maximize time at parks and minimize time traveling -- as of Monday we will be flying instead of driving so no car. Any help much appreciated.

 

[Robo]

This may be a stupid question -- but does anyone have an average time spent traveling between parks and/or resorts using buses and monorails. I want to maximize time at parks and minimize time traveling -- as of Monday we will be flying instead of driving so no car. Any help much appreciated.

Anywhere from 15 minutes to 40 minutes, depending on distance and how long you must wait for a bus to arrive, load and depart.
There are DIRECT BUSES that go between all parks (the ones to and from MK actually connect at TTC and you would use the Monorail between MK and TTC.)
Of course, TTC/MK and Epcot has the monorail link.

The following is a "Transportation Calculator"-
The times are actually "worst-case" and most times it takes much less than the times shown.


www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.asp

Here's a list of Distances between WDW Resorts and Parks:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/resort-distances.htm

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The wait time between buses in the middle of the day can be as long as 30 minutes (we have waited longer actually). It sounds like they estimate travel times of ten minutes, when travel taimes can take longer. Often driving tim to get to MK takes about 15minutes. I'd put the typical times more realistically at between 15 minutes and an hour.
Last year, it took us over an hour to get to MK from POR at 5:15pm. Not only that, but getting on the bus was a mob scene. If we hadn't been agressive (we were some of the first people at the bus stop too.), we would not have gotten on the bus, period. Most the people at the bus stop did not get on that first bus, and anybody who wasn't wating at the main bus stop did not get on that first bus. And let me say, some of the late comers were really trying to shove their way onto that bus!

It can also take extra time to load/unload wheelchair-bound guests. I'm not being critical, simply stating facts.

If there is long line of people waiting for a bus, your wait time might be longer too - like at park closing - since you'll have to wait for the next bus.

Another trip from AKl to DTD took 45 minutes - thattime, it wasn't the wait that was so bad, it was the driver. He was driving REALLY slowly. Luckily, the bus to our resort form DTD was much better.

Having said that, the above are more exceptions than the rule. If you are lucky, then most bus trips will only take about 20-25 minutes. Just don't count on it when it comes to getting to a park in time for ADR's.

 

[AmyBWV99]

The biggest bus drawaback is going from resort to resort. To do that, you have to go to a park or the TTC to get a second bus to the other resort. We rent a car everytime we go because transportation time is fairly unpredictable, usually crowded and we hate spending too much of our vacation 'in transit'. If you use L&M or get an Entertainment discount book, you can get cars realitively inexpensively.

 

[jillyjoey]

Thanks everyone. I would really love to rent a car but that defeats my logic of "saving money" by flying and getting an extra day at WDW. If I tell DH that we are now renting a car -- I think he may do or say something not nice.

 

[AmyBWV99]

Renting a car does add expense, but we like it because it cuts transportation time and frustration dramatically (at least we think so).

 

[Robo]

Renting a car does add expense, but we like it because it cuts transportation time and frustration dramatically (at least we think so).

For balance:

I have done it both ways. Rented a car and driven in WDW, and taken the buses.
Overall, I love not dealing with a car at all in WDW.

There are many things that weigh against driving between parks and resorts.
Not the least of which:

Busy parking lots and trams.
Busy lot exits and crowded roads.
Paying for gasoline.
MK/TTC... forget about it!

Crowded buses notwithstanding, if there are negatives to both methods...
I choose "pay less, and don't mess."

This is a very common discussion here on the DISboards.

If folks truly WANT to drive... I say, "Bless 'em, let 'em."
Fewer folks on my bus!

 

[cindy_k]

The biggest bus drawaback is going from resort to resort. To do that, you have to go to a park or the TTC to get a second bus to the other resort.

Unless its after park closure.. you best bet is to change buses at the closest theme park to either the resort you are at or the resort you are going to.
Going to the TTC everytime will take you way out of the way.

Example:
Going From AKL to WL - Take the Animal Kingdom bus at AKL. At Animal Kingdom switch to the Wilderness Lodge bus.
The only problem with doing this is if its after hours... if its after 8pm, you couldn't do this, because AK is closed.

Still if you are going resort to resort, plan at least an hour of transportation time if you are using the bus system.

Have fun!
Cindy

 

[eeyoreiscool]

It takes us on average between 50-60 minutes to get from one resort to another using the buses. We normally take a car just so we can get from one place to another fairly quickly.

 

[Karnak]

... does anyone have an average time spent traveling between parks and/or resorts ... Any help much appreciated.

Well, now, then, there, hummm .....

I never need be concerned about moving from park to park because I plan my days at the parks and make meal reservations so that moving around is not necessary in the first place. And I never take a break in the afternoons. It just eats up too much park time to suit me.

One exception: On the day I visit the Animal Kingdom, I plan something for the evening that will require moving around, like Hoop-Dee-Do or the Circus at Disney Downtown, or a late evening event at the Magic Kingdom.

Enjoy.

 

[christinadei]

Thanks, I didn't know there were buses from park to park!