Tips for Driving Around the "World"

[sailbill]

I'm wondering if any DISers with experience having a vehicle at WDW could offer some advice or tips on using a personal vehicle instead of Disney transportation. My family will be at WDW in June and for the first time are driving there instead of flying. We usual use ME and then Disney transportation the whole time we are there. Since we will have a car I am thinking that it may be better to drive to some parks some of the time (in order to make rope drop, for example). Any replies are appreciated!

 

[desiree71081]

I'm wondering if any DISers with experience having a vehicle at WDW could offer some advice or tips on using a personal vehicle instead of Disney transportation. My family will be at WDW in June and for the first time are driving there instead of flying. We usual use ME and then Disney transportation the whole time we are there. Since we will have a car I am thinking that it may be better to drive to some parks some of the time (in order to make rope drop, for example). Any replies are appreciated!

Following...

We went to DW in March with 3 adults, 5 kids and our 5 month old. The buses weren't too bad but it wasn't all that much fun either being squished in with everyone.

We are going again in September but with 3 adults and our baby who will be 1. We have discussed driving our own vehicle to the parks instead of using the buses.

I imagine having your own vehicle to go to the parks would be less hectic than riding the bus but I am a little worried about having to park so far away from the park itself if nothing closer is available. However, what's a little more walking added to all the walking you will be doing regardless.

 

[wareagle57]

I think it's faster to drive to everywhere except MK. That said, I think it's worth the small loss of time to use the buses. There is something about not having to get into your car and drive. That's something you do in the real world, so it takes you out of the experience in my opinion.

 

[TDC Nala]

it's more convenient, everywhere except MK. At MK you have to walk or take a tram to TTC, then take monorail or ferry to MK. As far as time, it will take longer on the arrival side...but then you didn't have to wait for a bus to get there. As far as walking, some of the bus stops are practically at the Contemporary and that is going to seem like a long walk to the front gate.

I don't use a car though. I'll rent a car if I want to go somewhere else in Orlando but not just to stick with WDW.

 

[sailbill]

I am a little worried about having to park so far away from the park itself if nothing closer is available. However, what's a little more walking added to all the walking you will be doing regardless.

Yes, the "where will I end up parking" issue is on my concerns list. Also, is it possible to drop off people at the gate? Probably not at MK, but the other parks, maybe?

 

[PlainJane]

Like everyone else has said, the bus to MK is probably your fastest option. For everywhere else driving will probably be the most convenient. Since you'll be going at rope drop, you'll probably get to park pretty close to the park entrance too. On my last trip (getting there at rope drop) the only time we had to take a tram was at DHS.

Even when we have a car, we end up doing both. Sometimes we'll see a bus pulling up for the park we want on the way to our car and decide to just go ahead and take it.

 

[Mickeygolf]

We've had a car available just about every time we've gone to WDW. MK is the no brainer to take WDW transportation. It's the easiest and will get you to the parks the quickest. We've driven and parked at all three of the other parks with great success. Especially if you're going to take a mid afternoon break. We rely on Disney transportation 80% of the time just because we like the buses and it puts us in the mood, but driving definitely has its rewards. Good luck!!!

 

[skylizard]

Also, is it possible to drop off people at the gate? Probably not at MK, but the other parks, maybe?

Nope, no dropping people off at the gate whatsoever. When you come into the parking lot the attendants direct you where to park. And you don't really have a choice beyond that (unless you're a cast member/handicap/etc.)

 

[Frozen2014]

Hi,
Have never been to DW but am interested in your post too. We decided to rent a car mostly because we will be spending one day offsite (compromise with my DH for staying onsite). I like being able to come and go when we want rather than lining up for the bus int he crowds. And at end of day, same thing....esp if later. As people have said, I undertand that for MK you almost need tranporation to your car but I would think the monorail would be quicker than waiting for a bus.

 

[Itinkso]

Yes, the "where will I end up parking" issue is on my concerns list. Also, is it possible to drop off people at the gate? Probably not at MK, but the other parks, maybe?

There's a Drop Off area for MK. It's the parking lot that is next to the Lost and Found building. It's situated between Lost and Found and the Poly.

For Epcot, you could always drop someone off at BWI or Beach Club and they could enter through International Gateway.

 

[kwdw]

We drive pretty much exclusively around the World, including MK. We find it faster, less frustrating/annoying, and it let's us be flexible.

Now - for MK - if we are driving our car - that's ONLY when trying to make rope drop with the intention of not staying all day. For MK - we get there early - find ourselves in one of the first couple of rows and walk over to the monorail or ferry, depending on our mood. BUT - if we were doing that mid-day and planning to stay to closing - then we would join the chorus of taking Disney transportation to that park. Getting OUT of MK at the end of the evening is a pain to get back to TTC. The bus waits at closing are pretty fast in comparison to trying to take the monorail or ferry back to TTC.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

There's a Drop Off area for MK. It's the parking lot that is next to the Lost and Found building. It's situated between Lost and Found and the Poly.

For Epcot, you could always drop someone off at BWI or Beach Club and they could enter through International Gateway.

This s true, but you kind of have to know how to get there- so to speak. In a way, all roads lead to the MK parking lot. Beyond that, I'm not sure it would be worth driving to one of the resorts, then having one person go back and park. You also go to the car when you leave the park, and you'd park that much further away.

As others have said, there are pros and cons to each. Driving means you must have a designated driver! Cars get hot; buses have AC. (then again AC when you are wet may be too cool!) Boats and monorails are fun! It is not always clear how to get from point A at WDW to point B at WDW, and especially getting offsite (Do use your GPS!). hen again, sometimes monorail stop running mid-day. Many buses make multiple stops. Your car has a trunk and seats for everyone. (don't underestimate how unpleasant it can be to sit aside a sweaty stranger!)

You probably DO want a picture as you are entering WDW property.


Last, the wisdom of always driving- and getting to MK - depends a bit on which resort. If you are staying at an Epcot deluxe walking to Epcot/HS is probably a better bet than driving (there's also a boat). you'll enter Epcot via the IG. If you are at CR, then walk to MK. If you are at another monorail resort- then use that for MK.

Also, it may be better to drive to MK - if you are also going places other than MK. Like if you plan to go to MK then directly to dinner at AKL, then back to your resort at 9pm- you should drive for the day. Getting to resort via WDW transport can be time consuming. Conversely, you can't park just anywhere. Parking all day at a resorts to go to a park is a big no-no.

Foul weather can add a toss up factor.

 

[wisblue]

If you are driving around WDW for the first time, you have to watch the signs closely and be prepared to miss a few turns until you get the hang of it.

Also, be alert for the fact that a high percentage of the drivers have no idea where they are going and tend to want to cross over several lanes on a whim.

Other than that driving around WDW is a piece of cake. Seriously, though, once you learn how the roads work and where the key turns are, it isn't too bad. Personally, I prefer the buses most of the time because I can nap on the way back to my resort without hurting anyone.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I imagine having your own vehicle to go to the parks would be less hectic than riding the bus but I am a little worried about having to park so far away from the park itself if nothing closer is available. However, what's a little more walking added to all the walking you will be doing regardless.

Most of the time, in September, you won't park all that far from the gate.

Consider you are going to be walking around the parks all day. Usually where you park is less than the distance between TT and the Land.

Beyond that, there is a tram that will take you from where you park to near the front gate. When we drive we generally find it is faster to walk than take the tram. Even when our group has a stroller.

Ooh, that reminds me....one factor in the bus vs. drive debate. You don't have to fold your stroller on the monorail or very large MK ferry, or usually on the Epcot boats.(If you sit in the back) Every other transportation you do.

If you drive, you must bring/use carseats. Some may find that's added safety, some might find the bus/boat/monorail a break from all those fasteners.

 

[mrsmorrow]

We have driven many, many times. We always stay on-site but actually prefer to drive to parks. MK is usually the exception but we have done it. We've never felt that parking was too far or too difficult. When we decide to leave a park, we love knowing we have virtually no wait, no other people, and some flexibility. So many times we have detoured and stopped at a resort or DTD or even Celebration.

 

[GillianP1301]

We drive at WDW. We find it much more convenient and far less stressful. Even MK, we tested that out and travel time was about equal for us. Definitely faster to all other parks.

We tend to get to parks early and in the first few rows and an easy walk. If we do end up further back, they have trams.

You'll want to have a good idea of the overall layout of WDW going in. I have the resort road map with me always. The entire place is really well signed, but sometimes it may just say 'Epcot resort area', so if you didn't know that's where BC is, for example, you could get a bit confused.

We've never gotten lost or missed a turn, it's pretty straightforward. One tip, when it says next turn, they mean like now, not as much earning as I'm used to at home.

 

[RustManFan]

We almost always have our car since my sister will not fly.....we take the Amtrak Auto Train from Virginia to Florida and back....

We use the buses to go to all the parks and save the driving for going to FW and to DTD (or whatever it is called)

Who wants to track down a car late at night after wandering around a park all day? Not me!! And sometimes the walk to the car takes quite a few steps...I am done walking at that point usually

 

[droycro]

Be sure to ask the front desk for a map of the entire Disney property. They have several maps available that are not always handed out with your check in materials. We found these maps to be VERY useful as there are lots of turns and ramps on property.

As others have said, we find it very convenient to drive our own vehicle around Disney. If you are planning to do rope drop, you'll get a close spot every time. We were probably 20 steps from the front gate of Typhoon Lagoon when we parked there. Super convenient!

 

[maguis82]

I've done the bus and rented a car. I much prefer having a car! It was so much faster getting to the parks and there was no waiting around in line for an overcrowded bus (value buses are horrible, imp). I didn't even mind taking it to MK because the boat ride to the park was fun. With little ones, I find it so much easier to buckle them into their seats and put the stroller in the trunk vs hold a baby/toddler and a folded stroller. The trams run constantly and the wait never seemed long (although most days we walked because the distance wasn't too bad).

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Granted, we stay off-site, but I couldn't imagine anywhere for it to be easier to get around in your own car. Signage is everywhere and traffic light as long as you're not trying to leave one of the parks after closing. Driving around my hometown of 12,000 people is more challenging, and I've been doing that for 30+ years.