Transportation within WDW

[Siew]

Hi all WDW experts out there,

We are heading for WDW and staying at CBR for a week from 3/20 to 3/26/04.

We have a 1 and 3 yr olds with us and is thinking hard whether we should be renting a car or using the WDW transportation.

The following are our queries:

1. Is it possible to walk to/from CBR to Ecopt and MGM as they look pretty near to one another? Any idea how long will it take?

2. Understand there is no direct bus to MK. One needs to take the monorail/boat. Is the parking area for MK right outside the park?

3. Is it easy to find a parking lot during the period?

4. There are some late shows at the parks and we are concerned if it is easy for us to get on to a bus back to the resort....i mean i am not sure if there will be ample buses cos everyone will be rushing to get back?

5. Generally, how long does it take from CBR to the 4 theme parks and vice versa...i mean including waiting time for bus, ride time and walking time.

Cheers!

 

[MulanMom]

Welcome to the Disboards, Siew! I'll try to answer some of your questions.

1. There are no walkways between CBR and Epcot. There is a walkway between the Epcot resort area and MGM.

2. When you stay at a WDW resort, there are direct buses to MK. It is actually the preferred way to get to that park because you are dropped off at the bus queues just outside the main entrance. Everyone else has to park, then take a ferry or monorail to the MK.

3. There should be ample parking at all the parks during your stay. Parking is free while staying at a WDW resort.

4. Leaving a park after a night show will be crowded no matter if you take the bus or park your car. All the parking lots utilize trams to shuttle most visitors to far sections. There are also a lot of people at the bus stops waiting. However, for special events and parks closing, transportation takes this into consideration and will bring additional busses in as needed to handle the crowd.

5. That's a question that requires a more detailed response than I can give! There are a lot of variables that affect time involved.

Some things to consider:

Are you bringing your own stroller or renting? Does your stroller easily break down, allowing you to get on and off trams and buses easily?

We often stay at OKW, which is down the street from CBR. We've enjoyed the flexibility a rental car gives us. We will usually take a bus to MK, and take our car to MGM, AK, and Epcot. When our children were younger, what was nice about a rental car was being able to push the stroller directly to the car while the children were asleep and directly transferring them into car seats. Sometimes we were lucky enough to have them remain asleep while transferring from the car to the room, but at OKW, we're usually able to park just outside our door.

Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip...we'll be there the previous week!!!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Mulanmom has put things pretty well.
My suggestion would be that if all you will be doing is going from CBR to the various parks--and back-- then the Disney Transportation System will be fine. If however, you have ideas of going to a different resort for dinner, doing some shopping, etc, a car might be useful.
This question comes up all the time and there is no one right answer. Some folks would never rent a car no matter what, and some would never ride a bus--no matter what.

 

[Siew]

Thanks for the info and advice.

Let's say if I rent a car from Budget at the airport and then drop it off next day at Double Tree Hotel, how can I get back to CBR from there? Is it possible to walk, or any bus available? Alternatively, what is the taxi fare like?

Thanks for the patience

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Originally posted by Siew
Thanks for the info and advice.

Let's say if I rent a car from Budget at the airport and then drop it off next day at Double Tree Hotel, how can I get back to CBR from there? Is it possible to walk, or any bus available? Alternatively, what is the taxi fare like?

Thanks for the patience

One of many ways to do this would be to take the shuttle from the Double Tree to one of the theme parks. Then take Disney transportation to the CBR. Another way would be to walk to DTD and then take Disney transportation.

I don't know what the taxi fare would be but would make a wild guess at around $10.

 

[Siew]

If we are not a guest of Double Tree, are we allow to take the shuttle? Is it far to walk from Double Tree to Downtown Disney...how long will it take?

 

[clkelley]

The one time I walked from Downtown Disney past all of the hotels on that street, it was about a 20 minute walk one way. So from the Doubletree, it should be less than 20 minutes.

Another alternative you may have is to check National/Alamo for your one day rental car. They have a desk at the Dolphin and at the Car Care Center on WDW property. The Dolphin is really close to both Epcot and MGM studios and you'll be able to use Disney transport to get you anywhere you need to go. National/Alamo will provide a shuttle to anywhere you wish to go from the the Care Care Center location and if you want to rent another car for your trip back to the airport, they will pick you up by shuttle from your resort.

Hope this helps.

Carol

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Unfortunetly, it's not feasible to walk from CBR to anything else outside the resort.

The debate on whether to rent a car or use Disney Transport is more of a personal choice than anything else. Our transportation system is quite complex, and very efficient for the amount of people that we move. Crowd and time wise, both are about equal, when you factor everything in. Convenience wise, each has thier own pros and cons.



A few tips for using the bus:

• All strollers *MUST* be folded prior to boarding the bus. This is for safety reasons, as well as being the law.
• All buses are clearly marked as to where they go. A few buses still have the older flip dot signs, but 90% of our buses now have the highly visible orange LED signs that can be read from a far distance. Make sure to read the sign on the bus prior to boarding. Remember, if the sign doesn't say it, chances are it doesn't go there. If you are unsure, feel free to ask the driver.
• If you see your bus coming, get ready! Don't wait until the bus actually stops and opens the doors to break down the stroller and gather up belongings. By doing this, you help expedite the dwell time, and get to the parks faster!
• If you have any questions on Disney Transport, please ask someone in Purple Pants (aka the Bus Drivers). They will be able to give you the most accurate and up to date information. By asking someone who isn't in Transportation, you risk getting bad information, and that's no fun. (The call centers are great for giving out wrong information)
• Buses start running early in the morning. Magic Kingdom service begins at 6:30am, Animal Kingdom and the Studios at 7:00am, and Epcot at 7:30am. If you are going to an early morning breakfast, speak with the driver upon boarding, and there is a chance the driver might be able to take you directly.
• Buses run until a theme park is cleared of all guests. This means you will not be left behind. Typically right after a parade or fireworks will be the busiest time. Buses at that point will run back to back, and lines will move quickly. Typically, things will quiet down after 45-60 minutes after closing.
• Resort buses for the Magic Kingdom will drop off and pick up at the Magic Kingdom itself. Park to Park buses, as well as cars and off site shuttles will be at the Transportation & Ticket Center.

As for renting a car, self parking is free at all of the Disney Resorts (Valet is $6), the Disney Theme and Water Parks, and Downtown Disney. From the parking lots, you can either take a courtesy tram or walk into the main gate. For the Magic Kingdom, the main car parking lot is at the Transportation & Ticket Center. From there, you will need to take a Monorail or Ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom. Both will typically take about the same amount of time both in the morning, or the night, regardless of how the line APPEARS.

If you do choose to drive, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE drive responsibly and with common sense. Wear your seat belts (it's the law), obey the speed limit, and remember to follow all traffic signs. Do not attempt to beat out that bus at the yield sign because it's bigger, and it WILL win. Do not attempt to make an illegal u-turn at an intersection, or through a grassy median. We see at least 4 cars per week stuck in the grassy median. You'd be surprised at the amount of crazy tourist drivers out there, and the crazy things that they will do. I'd rather your vacation be memorable because you had a magical time, than because it was the trip you got into an accident.

As for car agencies, I've seen a Budget shuttle at Pop Century, so they can just take you from the Doubletree back to CBR or to a theme park. Pretty much all of the major rental agencies will have a courtesy shuttle that can pick you up or drop you off at the Caribbean Beach.

 

[Siew]

Originally posted by Chip 'n Dale Express
Unfortunetly, it's not feasible to walk from CBR to anything else outside the resort.

The debate on whether to rent a car or use Disney Transport is more of a personal choice than anything else. Our transportation system is quite complex, and very efficient for the amount of people that we move. Crowd and time wise, both are about equal, when you factor everything in. Convenience wise, each has thier own pros and cons.



A few tips for using the bus:

• All strollers *MUST* be folded prior to boarding the bus. This is for safety reasons, as well as being the law.
• All buses are clearly marked as to where they go. A few buses still have the older flip dot signs, but 90% of our buses now have the highly visible orange LED signs that can be read from a far distance. Make sure to read the sign on the bus prior to boarding. Remember, if the sign doesn't say it, chances are it doesn't go there. If you are unsure, feel free to ask the driver.
• If you see your bus coming, get ready! Don't wait until the bus actually stops and opens the doors to break down the stroller and gather up belongings. By doing this, you help expedite the dwell time, and get to the parks faster!
• If you have any questions on Disney Transport, please ask someone in Purple Pants (aka the Bus Drivers). They will be able to give you the most accurate and up to date information. By asking someone who isn't in Transportation, you risk getting bad information, and that's no fun. (The call centers are great for giving out wrong information)
• Buses start running early in the morning. Magic Kingdom service begins at 6:30am, Animal Kingdom and the Studios at 7:00am, and Epcot at 7:30am. If you are going to an early morning breakfast, speak with the driver upon boarding, and there is a chance the driver might be able to take you directly.
• Buses run until a theme park is cleared of all guests. This means you will not be left behind. Typically right after a parade or fireworks will be the busiest time. Buses at that point will run back to back, and lines will move quickly. Typically, things will quiet down after 45-60 minutes after closing.
• Resort buses for the Magic Kingdom will drop off and pick up at the Magic Kingdom itself. Park to Park buses, as well as cars and off site shuttles will be at the Transportation & Ticket Center.

As for renting a car, self parking is free at all of the Disney Resorts (Valet is $6), the Disney Theme and Water Parks, and Downtown Disney. From the parking lots, you can either take a courtesy tram or walk into the main gate. For the Magic Kingdom, the main car parking lot is at the Transportation & Ticket Center. From there, you will need to take a Monorail or Ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom. Both will typically take about the same amount of time both in the morning, or the night, regardless of how the line APPEARS.

If you do choose to drive, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE drive responsibly and with common sense. Wear your seat belts (it's the law), obey the speed limit, and remember to follow all traffic signs. Do not attempt to beat out that bus at the yield sign because it's bigger, and it WILL win. Do not attempt to make an illegal u-turn at an intersection, or through a grassy median. We see at least 4 cars per week stuck in the grassy median. You'd be surprised at the amount of crazy tourist drivers out there, and the crazy things that they will do. I'd rather your vacation be memorable because you had a magical time, than because it was the trip you got into an accident.

As for car agencies, I've seen a Budget shuttle at Pop Century, so they can just take you from the Doubletree back to CBR or to a theme park. Pretty much all of the major rental agencies will have a courtesy shuttle that can pick you up or drop you off at the Caribbean Beach.

Thanks for taking pain to provide such detailed info. I understand that we can take the monorail from Ecopt to MK..is that a better route?


P/s: Special thanks to Mulanmom too...

 

[jimmiej]

5. Generally, how long does it take from CBR to the 4 theme parks and vice versa...i mean including waiting time for bus, ride time and walking time.

According to The Unofficial Guide to WDW, here are the commuting times from CBR:

to MK by car 26-47 minutes, 13-40 by Disney trans.

to Epcot by car 13-23, Disney 12-45

to MGM by car 10-19, Disney 6-33

to AK by car 15-18, Disney 15-46

Typhoon Lagoon by car 4-7, Disney 7-39

Blizzard Beach by car 10-13, Disney 23-54

Downtown Disney by car 5-8, Disney 9-43



This is best case scenario vs. waiting on a bus, catching all the red lights, etc.

 

[Siew]

Originally posted by Siew
Thanks for taking pain to provide such detailed info. I understand that we can take the monorail from Ecopt to MK..is that a better route?


P/s: Special thanks to Mulanmom too...

Can someone advise about parking at Ecopt and then taking the monorail to MK...how is this option compared to taking bus to MK or driving to TTC and then take monorail/boat to MK?

 

[MulanMom]

You're welcome, Siew!

As for the option of parking at Epcot and taking the monorail, I think it's more of a hassle. The main reason is that you have to change monorails. There is one that is the MK-Epcot loop and the other is TTC-MK. To go from the MK to Epcot via monorail is relatively easy because of the way the TTC station is situated... once you get off the MK monorail you walk directly across the platform to the Epcot one. However, to do the reverse, you have to depart the Epcot one, go down a long ramp, then go up the ramp for the MK one, along with everyone who parked at the MK parking lots, and get on the monorail. IMHO, you'd be better off taking the bus to MK, or drive direct to the MK parking lot.

HTH!

 

[crisi]

No, you don't want to park at Epcot and then catch the monorail to MGM. Assuming you rent a car....

You'll drive from CBR to Epcot.

You'll walk (not a short walk) from the parking lot to the monorail - including a long ramp up hill.

You'll wait for the monorail.

You'll get off the monorail (after a nice 10 minute ride) at TTC, then you'll transfer to another monorail (you may wait for that) for another short ride.

And you'll be at the MK gates.

If you rent a car and drive to the MK:

You will drive to the MK and take a Tram to the TTC, where you will catch a monorail or ferry to the MK.

If you take the bus from CBR...

Your will walk to the bus stop - and the bus will drop you off at the MK gates.


You need to get a concept in your head of the distances involved. I believe WDW is 51 square miles - which doesn't include the DTD resort hotel area where Doubletree is. Very little of it (with the exception of the MGM/Epcot/BW/Y&BC/S&D area) is set up for foot traffic. There are few sidewalks outside of the parks. The roads are highways. BTW, I personally (and I may be the only one) find Disney roads very confusing (I'm a fan of the Disney transportation system or taxis).

 

[Siew]

I heard that passengers at TTC will be held back till just before 9am for monorail heading for MK. Is this correct? Understand this is to facilate the EMH for WDW resort guests?

Is it true and also advisable to avoid a EMH park as it is usually extremely crowded?

Thanks.

 

[MulanMom]

I don't know about people being held back at the TTC. A few years ago, when I stayed off property and had an early PS for CRT in MK, they allowed my family through the turnstile at TTC. Don't know if we boarded the resort monorail or if they had the express running. I've heard of them holding back at 8am, but I don't think they would hold back until 9am.

Opinions vary on EMH. Personally, I think the MK EMH is useful if you have young children and get there early! The park will usually become more crowded later in the AM, but by then you can already have a lot done. With the way rides load at Fantasyland, it's best to get Dumbo, Peter Pan and the Pooh ride done early. If you can't get there on an EMH day, then get there as early as possible on a regular hour day. You'll be amazed at how much you'll accomplish in that first hour!

HTH!