Transportation from DS Resorts

[mistyinca]

Quick intro. Four of us will be visiting March 10, 2018 (next year) through March 14, 2018. Me, my husband, and my two adult sons (early 20s). We will be getting back from a cruise out of PC. My husband and I are Disneyland (CA) passholders, so we well know the Disney drill at home, but in December 2016 we tried to visit WDW for one day (thinking we'd do it like Disneyland) after a cruise and it was a miserable disaster. This time we are going in better knowing what to expect, and with a PLAN.

Do each of these resorts have their own shuttles to the parks?:
Hilton BVP Disney Springs
Hilton LBV Disney Springs
Holiday Inn
DoubleTree

If so, how early do they depart/arrive at the parks? If we want to be in at rope drop, can we count on the shuttle to get us there in time for that?
Also, the DoubleTree, for example is a little further, but this is the one I'm considering staying at. Do the shuttles go to/from Disney Springs. It says walk to Disney Springs.

Thank you,

 

[FCDub]

A quick look at the hotel websites:

http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...ney-springs-area-ORLDWHH/about/amenities.html
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...palace-disney-springs-area-MCOBUHH/index.html
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/lake-buena-vista/dislb/hoteldetail
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/ho...rlando-disney-springs-area-MCOFHDT/index.html

All say they offer a shuttle service to the parks. Some have the frequency listed, but none have exact hours. You might want to call to inquire about that. Consider Uber/Lyft to/from the parks if the shuttles aren't leaving at the optimal times. Have fun!

 

[joelkfla]

All of the "Official DS Resorts" share a shuttle service. During peak times, the shuttle may stop at 3 or 4 of the hotels before going to the park. During non-peak, the same bus may stop at all 7 hotels.

The shuttle runs at least every half hour. I think the AK & DHS shuttles may also stop at another park before going to those parks. The website says the shuttle starts 1 hour before opening, which may not get you to the MK in time for rope drop.

At MK, the shuttle does not drop you off at the park, but at the TTC, where you then need to take either the monorail or ferry boat to the park entrance. There can be long lines for the monorail & ferry boat on busy mornings, and you'll also have to wait in line to go back to the TTC if you leave after the fireworks. (Disney hotel shuttles and the Swan & Dolphin shuttles go right to the park entrance.) Uber & Lyft also cannot drop off at the MK entrance, but they can drop off at the CR which is a 10 minute walk away. (You cannot walk from the TTC to the MK.)

At the other parks, the shuttles drop you off in the charter bus lot, which is about the same distance or just slightly further than the Disney bus stops.

I think there is also a shuttle to DS, but the last time I checked it started running late afternoon, and it may not run as frequently as the park shuttles.