Transportation to MK-Does this work?

[IndianaDVCMember]

This fall will be our first trip as DVC members, so forgive me if I am asking the obvious. We'll have a vehicle and will be staying at BWV. I've read lots of complaints regarding the Disney transportation system. Our thought was to valet park at Wilderness Lodge and take a boat launch to MK. Has anyone tried this and if so, how successful was this? Any info would be great.

 

[RLevy29]

We have done this and it works great! If we are going to MK in the morning we have had lunch when we returned at Whispering Canyon. In the evening we have had munchies at Territory Lounge and then went to the MK when the park is open late. The boat ride can be very relaxing.
However, we don't valet park. DH used to do this when he was in college and will only valet park when he has to.

 

[stacy6552]

Its a great idea. Have breakfast at the whispering canyon while youre passing through. Its one of our faves!

 

[Caskbill]

While your idea will work, keep in mind that in all likelihood this will take you longer than just going and parking at MK, taking tram, then monorail or boat. So unless you are planning on doing something at VWL while you're there, it's probably not the best way to just park the car.

You could easily wind up with a 20 minute wait at the VWL boat dock.

On the other hand, if you just want to avoid big crowds and are not concerned about the time, then it would definitley be a more enjoyable way to get there.

Have a great trip.

 

[colleen costello]

Hello Indiana neighbor! Have a great trip... Meanwhile, try not to sweat the transportation. On our trip this June we stayed at the Lodge and at OKW, both places where we have heard about transportation "issues," and everything was fine. Between boats, monorails and buses, we did fine. We even staged a few "races." Leaving Epcot one afternoon, my daughter and I waited for the Lodge bus and dh and my son took the monorail to the TTC, then a bus to the Lodge. The boys beat us, but only by about 10 seconds! Overall, the transportation was great the whole trip. We kind of decide each morning what we feel like doing -- do we want to "drive" or not -- and no matter what we decide, it all turns out FINE!

Have fun!

 

[hulagirl]

You could also valet at the Contemporary, have breakfast at Chef Mickey's and walk over to MK.

 

[joepoe]

The bus will get you there in 15 -30 minutes, depending on how long you have to wait for the bus. Bus ride home can be shortened by getting off at the Swan (first stop) and walking across the bridge. Maybe one out of twenty times you have to wait longer than 15 minutes for a bus.

 

[PamOKW]

The idea of going via VWL might make for a more interesting trip but if you want the quickest, the bus is probably the way to go. Even though you might have a wait, you will still be dropped off right at the entrance to the MK.

 

[skoi]

Well, it's a question rather than a reply. We're new DVC members haven't even gotten our paperwork yet so I can't even look it up myself. Can you park at any resort lot?

Thanks,
Julie

 

[IndianaDVCMember]

I believe you can park at any resort, but the free valet privelage only applies to the DVC resorts.

 

[PKS44]

I would have to say that the wait for buses at BWV can be very long--not the rare phenomenon others claim...I was there in May 2002 and again in January 2003 and never--NEVER caught a bus without waiting AT LEAST 20 minutes...that was not the maximum for numerous rides..it was the minimum---particularly on the day of the very "unpopular" early entry--so many people actually do go to Early Entry and they do not increase the bus service--so unless you are at the front of the line to get on the bus you may not get on the first bus and so you will have to wait for the next one (A 40 + minute wait is not unusual -kiss Extra Magic Hour good bye)--if anything bus services seemed lighter to the EE parks on any given day from BWV in our experience (and others have noted this as well)---If you are willing to go to the bus stop 45 minutes before the park opens you MIGHT be okay...but why should you stand around waiting for a bus? I would rather leave the same time, drive over to the TTC and take a resorts monorail--Idon't know if they operate the other monorail on EE days in time to get there for EE--but riding the monorail is way cooler than a bus and then you can ride it back to your car to take you anywhere else you want to go when the EE park gets too crowded later in the morning....

Paul

 

[beattyfamily]

I posted something recently on the transporation board asking this same question.

We are staying at the BWV for the first time this December and I've read quite a few threads complaining about the buses to MK especially on EE mornings.

I'm very worried about what to do because I have 2 little DD's who LOVE MK and we'll be going there 3 mornings and one night for MVMCP.

We will have a car so what is the best way to get there for us?

Any more tips or advice on how to get there on time without too much stress?

 

[spiceycat]

as I say on another post - try the buses first - if you have wait as I did 45 minutes for the MK bus - believe me you will find other options - but the bus schedule is now surpose to be much better - try it first - if you only have to wait 20 minutes or less - this is great - if you have to wait 45 minutes or more - definitely find another route.

you can walk through Epcot and take the monrail - or you can also walk or boat down to the Studios and take the MK bus from there.

to my knowledge the bus system to the AK works fine - when we had to wait for the MK - there were 3 buses going to the AK.

or you can do what you suggested. just find what works best for you.

 

[skoi]

Thanks for the response of the parking question.

For the OP worried about getting to the MK in time for early entry, we're planning to drive to the CR and park, then walk the five minutes or so to the MK gates for our early seating at Crystal Palace. We stayed at CR last fall and found the walk quick and easy.


Julie

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have always been told (actually pounded in) about how "convenient" BWV is to ALL the parks. We always stay at OKW and always use the bus even though we have a car. I can tell you from that perspective, that the bus is almost always quicker in and out to most parks than driving yourself. We have had guests leave Ecpot post Illuminations at the same time we went to take the bus. The bus passengers have always arrived back before the car passengers. While you can park free at all the theme parks during your stay, you can only park at the DVC resorts in Valet parking free. All other resorts will ask where you are going, and will give you a time limit to use their lots...usually 3 hours.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
While you can park free at all the theme parks during your stay, you can only park at the DVC resorts in Valet parking free. All other resorts will ask where you are going, and will give you a time limit to use their lots...usually 3 hours.

If you have breakfast in a monorail resort and valet park...is it the same? Do you get a 3 hour permit?

 

[spiceycat]

yes because the security guards gives you the 3 hour pass - but valet parking because you are paying for parking does not seem to follow the regular parking rules - also off season you are less likely to be given this parking pass.

so if you get the parking pass - just have take the valet parking - if you aren't go for the self-parking and save $8 to $10 - $6 plus tips.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by spiceycat
yes because the security guards gives you the 3 hour pass - but valet parking because you are paying for parking does not seem to follow the regular parking rules - also off season you are less likely to be given this parking pass.

so if you get the parking pass - just have take the valet parking - if you aren't go for the self-parking and save $8 to $10 - $6 plus tips.

What do you mean by "just have take the valet parking"?

Do you mean that if I do get the parking pass, I should valet park?

Also, do DVC members pay to valet park at WLV?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Also, do DVC members pay to valet park at WLV?

No, only the tip as long as you are staying in a DVC resort on a DVC ressie.