Transportation from Saratoga Springs to Magic Kingdom etc.

[Minnie Mom]

We are flying in and are trying to decide if we should rent a car. We have three kids, 12, 9 & 3 and will be visiting all of the parks. How is the bus system and are there alot of transfers. Also, if you drive yourself what is the parking/walking situation? Thanks !!!

 

[Bob P]

Welcome to the DIS!

In general, you will find a pretty even split on these boards between people who like to drive and people who like to use WDW transportation. But one thing I think we all agree on is that getting to the MK is much easier by WDW transportation.

If you use a WDW bus from SSR to the MK, you will be dropped off a short walk from the entrance.

If you drive, you will have to park in the parking lot, take a tram to the TTC, then take a monorail or ferry over to the entrance area.

The parking situation is much easier at the other parks. Many people will drive to the other parks but take the WDW bus to the MK.

We used to drive to the other parks (took the bus to the MK) when our kids were smaller but now that they are teens we take the bus to all the parks. Again, you'll find that everyone here is pretty equally split!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[GEM]

We've been to SSR twice and found the bus service great. SSR doesn't share busses with any other resorts. There will be several other stops at other SSR bus stops on your way to and from the parks - but no other stops at other resorts, etc. We really thought the bus service was great.

There is also plenty of close parking to each building, if you decide to drive.

For the two trips we have stayed there, we drove down once (so had a car, bit we still used the busses to get to all the parks) and flew down the other time, relying totally on Disney transportation. We didn't have any transportation complaints or problems either time.

We LOVE Saratoga Springs. I think it has the best pool area on all of Disney property for little ones - especially your 3 year old!

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

As already noted, it makes no sense to drive to the MK when the Disney bus drops you off near the entrance. All the parking lots at WDW are huge so unless you get there early you would likely need to take a tram to the park entrance. Again, the Disney buses will leave you near all the park entrances. There is direct service to all the theme parks from all Disney resorts. The only service not available is direct resort to resort. If you plan on eating at a Disney resort simply plan on the nearest theme park for that part of the day. From the MK you can walk to the Contemporary or monorail to that resort as well as the Poly and the Grand Floridian. From the Disney Studios and the Epcot International Gateway you can walk or boat over to the Epcot resorts of Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club and Swan and Dolphin. There are many great restaurants in the Epcot resort area.
We have not rented a car in many years for our trips to WDW. Disney does a great job in getting people around. If you try to leave any park at closing it will be crowded, even with the extra buses they put in service. Best advice is to walk around, shop, eat, just take your time instead of trying to exit with everyone else. This is true if you take Disney transportation or drive. I cannot imagine trying to drive out with hundreds or more people trying to do the same at park closing. Last June my DS and I watched Wishes and then sat on a bench across from the castle for about 15-20 minutes as the hordes poured down Main Street. Then we slowly walked out of the park and to a quiet and empty bus station. Relax, take your time. Disney will take you anywhere you want to go without the hassle and expense of a rental car....and gasoline!