Travel time & shortcuts to theme parks?

[cjeong]

Ok, I'm not a commando but I like to be organised and know what I will be in for....

This is my first trip to WDW in January and I have no idea how far everything is away from each other to plan my days...need help please.

We have 3 nights at WL and have really only 2 days to see as much of WDW as possible.

Can anyone give me approx travelling times and best shortcuts from WL to the parks and park to park using WDW transport . My plan is to do MGM & Epcot (Day 1 Wed) & MK & AK (Day 2 Thurs).

Any advice...no matter how small will help heaps!

 

[Kimberle]

I think I would do MK/Epcot and AK/MGM.

From WL, take the boat to MK. When you're done, walk to the monorail, you'll have to change trains at the TTC. You could then spend the rest of the day at Epcot. Just be warned, the bottom part closes earlier than World Showcase. After Illuminations, hop the bus back to WL.

Do AK first because it generally closes around 5 pm. Take the bus from WL, head back and do the Safari first. (It gets crowded and the animals are generally more active during earlier.) I'm not sure what is the best way to get from AK to MGM. I don't think there is a direct bus, but I'm not sure. If not, I'd hop the bus to AKL since it is only a few minutes away. Then take the bus to MGM. If you don't mind spending a few dollars, you could just take a cab. When you're done, just take the bus back to WL.

Just realise with 2 days, you'll only get a small taste of WDW. We go for a week and still don't see everything.

Have a great trip!

 

[manning]

My plan is to do MGM & Epcot (Day 1 Wed) & MK & AK (Day 2 Thurs).

You may want to consider AK/MGM/Epcot and MK/EPCOT.

AK doesn't have fireworks. In fact, except for EPCOT, fireworks in the parks may only be on weekends that time of year. Check the schedules.

AK is considered a half day park at most.

The front part (future world) of EPCOT closes early. The back part (world showcase) closes at 9:00. All the parks in January close early (world showcase the exception).

MGM/EPCOT are connected by boat with stop offs at Board Walk, Beach/Yacht Clubs and the Dolphin. It makes for a rest period going from one to the other.

MK and EPCOT are connected by monorail.

This way you get to see Illuminations (fireworks) twice.

There are not hotel to hotel buses.

WL is not connected to the monorail. There are two monorail routes. The hotel loop, connecting MK with the Contemporary, monorail transfer to EPCOT (the second monorail) Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. There is another track that parallels the hotel loop. that one only has the monorail transfer and MK stations.


You will have to take the bus to AK.

WL to MK. I would recommend the motor launch. It is an open air themed boat. About a ten minute ride. Otherwise you have the bus.


MK to EPCOT. Take the monorails. If you want to, you can take the big (manhatten) ferry from MK to catch the monorail to EPCOT. Help out there, do they still call this the transportation center?

A suggestion. If possible try to get a few more days.

 

[cjeong]

Thanks Kim and Manning.

This trip is going to be full on! I can feel the sweat on my brow already...phew!

We plan to also visit Universal for our other 2 days. We fly in 6th Jan 3.30pm and fly out 11th Jan 4.45pm.

Are the January park hours & fireworks times available yet?

Can anyone suggest, if we really had to cut out a park which would it be? Which park would suit grown teens DD17 & DS16?

Any tips?

 

[Kimberle]

It really depends on what you like to do and see. You should do the MK, that's just the "heart" of Disney.

As for the others, I'd suggest looking at each one and deciding what your tastes are. Do you want more rides, shows, resturants?

I guess if I've never been to WDW and had to choose 2, I'd choose MK and Epcot because they are the oldest. Epcot has Test Track, Mission Space, the World Showcase, Illuminations at night, everynight.

Hours for Jan probably won't be posted until late Oct or November.

 

[manning]

I would say shorten up on AK. Try to hit it early.

EPCOT -- There are two openings. Future World opens first then World Showcase.

Check for early openings at the park. This is available to hotel guests. Each park is assigned an early opening on a certain day. I believe you can get in an hour earlier.

Also as an onsite hotel guest you can use fastpass. You may not need it that time of the year, but it is there if you do.

I don't know if it is sold in Australia, but if it is get this book

The Unofficial Guide® to Walt Disney World® 2005 (Unofficial Guides)

Or get it at Amazon.com


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/s...author=Sehlinger,%2520Bob/103-4747615-7108600


Anything else you need to know?

 

[manning]

Having trouble posting, so if you see alot of duplicates you know why

Take a look at these sites

www.allearsnet.com
www.mousesavers.com

 

[cjeong]

Kim and Manning thanks for your help. I've been on the Disboards everyday for months, and I have always been given great advice from here. Thank you. With older kids we most probably reduce our time at AK.

My brother lives in Hawaii is coming out to Australia in September and he'll be bringing the Unofficial WDW Guide 2005 with him. Can't wait!!