Use WDW transportation, or my own?

[candmforever]

We are driving to WDW and would like to use the on site trans. if possible, but I keep hearing things like, "Its a zoo". Is it just easier to jump in my car, drive to the park for the day (we're not hopping) and back to where we want, w/o having to make multiple stops in places we aren't going and waiting on people, ....etc.

We've never used WDW transportation b4, so which do you prefer?

 

[jjan]

It all depends on you. If I had a child in a stroller or a baby I would definitely use my own car. If you are all healthy people that can walk and stand without problems at the end of a park day, then I would do the bus. I love taking the buses mostly because I HATE to drive places that I don't know my way around. Plus, one of my favorite things about DIsney is talking to new people from all over the world. We have met so many neat people this way.... even a 'friend' for my daughter to swim with once we were all back at our hotel. We haven't had any of the negative experiences that I have seen posted here except just having to wait a bit for the buses (worst was 30+ minutes or so... we haven't done a bus after Wishes at MK so that might be totally different). I say, try a day without the car and see what you think. You might love it or you might hate it.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I assume you are staying at a WDW on-site hotel.

For all of the parks except Magic Kingdom, it's a matter of choice. Some people love WDW transport, some hate it.

Magic Kingdom is different. The parking lot is a long way from the Magic Kingdom turnstyles, the bus stop is right outside.

If you drive, you have to park up then wait for a tram to take you to the 'Ticket & Transport Centre' which is on the opposite side of the lake from Magik Kingdom. You then have to either ride the monorail around the lake, or take the ferry boat across it.

Many people prefer to take WDW transport to MK, even if they drive everywhere else.

There are a few exceptions such as the monorail hotels, or the hotels close by Epcot & MGM. If you are staying off site of course and aren't park hopping, you will have to use your car in any case.

Andrew

 

[CleveRocks]

We are driving to WDW and would like to use the on site trans. if possible, but I keep hearing things like, "Its a zoo". Is it just easier to jump in my car, drive to the park for the day (we're not hopping) and back to where we want, w/o having to make multiple stops in places we aren't going and waiting on people, ....etc.

We've never used WDW transportation b4, so which do you prefer?

I agree with jjan (above). To add my own two cents in response to your post:
You won't have to make multiple stops to places you're not going. Each resort has a buses that go to each theme park, as well as to Downtown Disney and the water parks.

I talk better with examples. I don't know where you're staying; let's say it's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Outside AKL, there is a bus stop for MK, one for Epcot, one for MGM, you get the idea. If you're going to MK, wait at the MK bus stop, and the bus will pick you (and everyone else!) up and take you to Magic Kingdom; YOU WON'T MAKE ANY STOPS ON THE WAY!!! Same with the ride back to your resort.

There are a few minor exceptions to that rule. If you're in a moderate, say CBR where I've stayed twice, there are 7 stops within the resort (6 villages and Old Port Royale), but that's truly no big deal, they're all just a few blocks from each other. I assume the value resorts work the same way, but I don't know for sure. All I do know is that you won't have to stop at other resorts and other theme parks until you get to the one you're going to.

The buses do not run on a schedule, so you're not going to have to "wait for people," unless of course you mean waiting for others to board the bus, or waiting if they have to let on or off someone using a wheelchair or an ECV.

The only time I have ever known the buses to be "a zoo" is after Wishes at Magic Kingdom. But then again, you'd have the same zoo waiting for a monorail or ferry to take you back to the parking lot, so you're a zoo animal either way. Leave before it's over (not recommended), or just resign yourself to hang out and be comfortable until the crowds pass (if you've never been to MK after Wishes, just imagine if a sold out baseball or football stadium had only one exit -- that's Main Street about 30 seconds after Wishes ends).

I find using Disney Transport to be very relaxing. I enjoy what I call being in the Disney cocoon. I don't have to know how to get anywhere, or search for a parking spot, OR GET INTO A HOT CAR THAT'S BEEN BAKING IN THE SUN. I let Disney take care of me, and they've never disappointed me! I fully agree with jjan that some of my best times have been talking to other guests on the buses.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

-- Eric

 

[ncbyrne]

We do not like WDW transportation, especially when staying at the Value resorts. The busses were always crowded. Even when I wanted to go back to the room midday from AK....a 20 minute wait for the bus and I had to stand the entire way. I much prefer renting a car.

 

[sotoalf]

We do not like WDW transportation, especially when staying at the Value resorts. The busses were always crowded. Even when I wanted to go back to the room midday from AK....a 20 minute wait for the bus and I had to stand the entire way. I much prefer renting a car.

It also depends on the time of year. You're more likely to stand if you go during a holiday when there's more strain on the Disney transportation system.

 

[candmforever]

I should have mentioned that there will be 4 of us adults, and 2 children (2.5 and 4.5) and we're going the first week in October. That probably changes things a little. I'm thinking we'll use the bus for MK and drive the rest.

Thanks for your input!