I have the guidebook info regarding Disney transportation options between the parks. We will have a car. My question is - which parks lend themselves to driving between and which ones should I use the Disney transportation system on the days we plan to park-hop?
If you DO drive to a park on a given day, continue to drive that day (including hopping.)
It just makes the most sense. Otherwise, you'd have to back-track to pick up your car.
Under certain circumstances (like a late PM EMH at the second park you go to) you COULD park your car at the second PM EMH park earlier in the day, take Disney transportation to the "first" park of the day, then ride Disney transportation back to the late park and your car is already there when you're ready to depart for the day.
On the other hand-
I no longer ever drive at WDW.
I like the transportation system.
But that's all personal preference.
I do always recommend if you are staying at a WDW resort
to always take a Disney bus to AM Extra Magic Hours.
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More info-
There is "direct" transportation between all theme-parks.
There is "direct" transportation between all theme-parks.
Most is via Disney Buses.
Here are the "park-to-park" direct connections:
>Note: The MK buses connections arrive and depart only at TTC.<
MK/TTC> Epcot = Monorail
MK/TTC> MGM = Bus
MK/TTC> AK= Bus
AK> MGM= Direct Bus
AK> Epcot= Direct Bus
AK> TTC/MK= Bus
MGM> AK= Direct Bus
MGM> Epcot= Direct Bus (Epcot Front Gate) or Boat (Epcot Intl. Gateway)
MGM> TTC/MK= Bus
Epcot> MGM= Direct Bus (Epcot Front Gate) or Boat (Epcot Intl. Gateway)
Epcot > TTC/MK= Monorail
Epcot > AK= Direct Bus
The buses have their destinations shown on them on a illuminated signs.
The bus stops are also marked with signage.
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.asp
The above link will give you approximate travel times.
And I have found that these times are a bit over-stated.
On many days, you can make the trip much faster than stated.