Transportation for Rope Drop Addicts

[GertOregon]

We're staying at the Grand Floridian and our goal is to be first in line at the park each day!
• I know that we should be at the bus stop 90 minutes before early entry (Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios days)
• We're walking to Magic Kingdom. Is the path open 24/7?
• Disney says the monorails start running 30 min. before park entry. Is that early or regular entry? Do the trains REALLY start at that time, or should we get to the station earlier than that? (Epcot day)
Thank you in advance for your advice!

 

[scrappinginontario]

It’s recommended to be towards the front of the crowds to be at any transportation 90 mins before ETPE begins.

For your Epcot day, the monorail won’t be running yet but it will put you towards the front of the line.

Not sure if there is still a stopping point along the path on the way to MK. In the past there was a security stop but not sure that’s still there.

You don’t have to line up 90 mins early but depending on crowds it will put you further back in the line for when it dies start running.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

We're staying at the Grand Floridian and our goal is to be first in line at the park each day!
• I know that we should be at the bus stop 90 minutes before early entry (Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios days)
• We're walking to Magic Kingdom. Is the path open 24/7?
• Disney says the monorails start running 30 min. before park entry. Is that early or regular entry? Do the trains REALLY start at that time, or should we get to the station earlier than that? (Epcot day)
Thank you in advance for your advice!

For your EPCOT day, investigate whether it is worth your time to walk from GF to TTC to catch the earliest monorail departing the TTC. I'm sure somebody on the YouTubes has checked this hack.

 

[GertOregon]

I hadn't thought of walking to the TTC. That could save quite a few minutes.

 

[CarolynFH]

I hadn't thought of walking to the TTC. That could save quite a few minutes.

At this time, the walkway from GF to Poly is closed due to construction of the Poly Tower. It may or may not open in time for your trip. Sorry.

 

[brockash]

We're staying at the Grand Floridian and our goal is to be first in line at the park each day!
• I know that we should be at the bus stop 90 minutes before early entry (Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios days)
• We're walking to Magic Kingdom. Is the path open 24/7?
• Disney says the monorails start running 30 min. before park entry. Is that early or regular entry? Do the trains REALLY start at that time, or should we get to the station earlier than that? (Epcot day)
Thank you in advance for your advice!

Monorails will start earlier (ppl have reservations at the different resorts) but won't stop at MK until later. For your Epcot day, I'd plan on getting on the monorail early, taking it around to the TTC(hoping they stop, I really can't remember), if it doesn't get off at Poly and walk over.

I will say we've been on the first monorail to Epcot many days abd have NEVER beaten the first buses to Epcot. It's not a big deal, but just preparing you when you're riding in on the monorail and see the ppl. from the buses already at the tapstyles.

 

[JackosinDIS]

I always walk if I can… or Uber! Can’t rely on the monorail to get you there first in line

 

[AleaDaisy]

I'd love to have an update after you go as to how it went!

We'll be staying at the GF and I'm realizing Early Entry in Epcot will be trickier than I expected. Current plan for us is to try and be on the first Monorail out of GF, transfer at the TTC to the EPCOT line, and head over on the Monorail (I've been told to expect this to take about 45 minutes)--but Minnie Van is our backup plan. My kiddo needs a booster seat, and I'm worried about trying to install one in a Lyft or Uber while rushing around.

 

[GertOregon]

I'd love to have an update after you go as to how it went!

We'll be staying at the GF and I'm realizing Early Entry in Epcot will be trickier than I expected. Current plan for us is to try and be on the first Monorail out of GF, transfer at the TTC to the EPCOT line, and head over on the Monorail (I've been told to expect this to take about 45 minutes)--but Minnie Van is our backup plan. My kiddo needs a booster seat, and I'm worried about trying to install one in a Lyft or Uber while rushing around.

We used the monorail just fine all week and were able to be at the front (or close enough) of the rope drop lines every morning. These were our plans: Hollywood Studios and Epcot: board the GF monorail 2 hours before early entry; Animal Kingdom: board the GF monorail 1 1/2 hours before early entry; Magic Kingdom: start walking the GF-MK path 1 hour before early entry. We were there during spring break season, which was a pretty busy time. Good luck with your trip!

 

[sam_gordon]

We used the monorail just fine all week and were able to be at the front (or close enough) of the rope drop lines every morning. These were our plans: Hollywood Studios and Epcot: board the GF monorail 2 hours before early entry; Animal Kingdom: board the GF monorail 1 1/2 hours before early entry; Magic Kingdom: start walking the GF-MK path 1 hour before early entry. We were there during spring break season, which was a pretty busy time. Good luck with your trip!

Why did you get on the monorail for HS & AK?

 

[_19disnA]

Animal Kingdom: board the GF monorail 1 1/2 hours before early entry;

??? The monorail doesn't go to AK.

 

[GertOregon]

Oh my, I guess I shut off my Disney brain. We boarded the AK and HS buses at those times. Sorry.

 

[GertOregon]

I'd love to have an update after you go as to how it went!

We'll be staying at the GF and I'm realizing Early Entry in Epcot will be trickier than I expected. Current plan for us is to try and be on the first Monorail out of GF, transfer at the TTC to the EPCOT line, and head over on the Monorail (I've been told to expect this to take about 45 minutes)--but Minnie Van is our backup plan. My kiddo needs a booster seat, and I'm worried about trying to install one in a Lyft or Uber while rushing around.

We also liked using the boat to return from Magic Kingdom (rather than walking or taking the monorail).

 

[AleaDaisy]

We also liked using the boat to return from Magic Kingdom (rather than walking or taking the monorail).

Thanks for the tip!