Using Uber as method of transportation

[Monacoplc]

Hi everyone!

We are staying at AK Jambo House from Dec. 23rd until Jan. 10th. We are wondering if we should rent a car or just use Uber. I know the resort has a shuttle to and from WD parks but I heart the shuttle is a hassle to use and is usually always packed by the time it reaches Jambo house.

It is not my first time to Disney.... I visited way too many times but it's our first time staying at Jambo House where the Monorail isn't available. It will be my kids first trip to WDW though and they are 4 and 5 years old.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated

Marcela

 

[Deb & Bill]

It's going to be a busy time in Orlando anyway. Which may make it a bit tougher to get an Uber promptly. It's true the theme park buses stop at KV before they stop at JH, but when we stayed at JH in Sept, when the KV bus was totally full, they sent an empty bus to JH to pick up guests. When we've stayed at KV, I don't recall the buses filling at KV except for one time when there was an accident on the way from the MK and buses were being rerouted around the accident. I think being on a Disney bus will make it more likely you will get into a park versus and non-Disney transport that might get stuck in the traffic going to and from the theme parks, especially 12/24 through 1/2 and 1/5-8 the marathon races are running. The cars might be lined up for miles getting into the theme parks because of the holiday and the marathon.

Stick with Disney transportation to start. If you think you can do better with a rental, you can rent one onsite at the Car Care Center, at the Hilton near Disney Springs and at the Swan/Dolphin (I think those are the three locations) .

 

[Monacoplc]

Thanks! I think that's what we are planning to do on the first day and try the bus out. Do you know if buses allow or have space for a double stroller? Some of the forums I read said you could get dropped off by Uber just outside MK at the road intersection across from the Contemporary so from there is a 5 min. walk and Uber doesn't have to go into the resort and we can avoid traffic that way but for the 24th we will try the bus since I know it will be a packed day.

Also what's the best time to leave in the morning?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks! I think that's what we are planning to do on the first day and try the bus out. Do you know if buses allow or have space for a double stroller? Some of the forums I read said you could get dropped off by Uber just outside MK at the road intersection across from the Contemporary so from there is a 5 min. walk and Uber doesn't have to go into the resort and we can avoid traffic that way but for the 24th we will try the bus since I know it will be a packed day.

Also what's the best time to leave in the morning?

You'll have to fold up your stroller when you get on the bus. I've seen lots of double strollers folded up on the buses. You just have to hold them.

As for Uber, my gut tells me they will be slammed with people trying to get to the airport, to stores, to churches, etc. It may take a while to even get one.

The parks are going to be mobbed during Christmas week, so you'll want to get there early. Otherwise, the park may be closed to any new guests if you try to go later in the morning. I'd plan on getting to the park at least a half hour before opening or at least on the bus a half hour before opening if you want to avoid any mobs at all.

 

[gzmtlock]

We were at WDW from Dec 26-Jan 3 a couple years ago. The parks were definitely packed, and I agree with the recommendation that the earlier you arrive, the better (we often got to the gate about 30 min before park opening). In our experience, we did not have any issues with parks closing. MK may have closed on Dec 31; I don't clearly remember as we avoided it that day, anyway. No other parks ever closed due to reaching capacity. But they were definitely crowded, especially around the middle of the day.

This year, we're headed to the Dark Side (Universal). So clearly being at WDW during Christmas week did not scare us off of theme parks that week.

 

[Lynne M]

You can try Uber, but the entire Central Florida area is completely slammed with crowds and traffic that week. It's the single busiest week of the year in the region. I honestly don't know if they've got the capacity to handle the sheer volume of people wanting rides.

The good thing is, if Uber doesn't work out for you, you've still got the buses.

 

[Mousetopia]

Cars create their own hassle. Go was Disney transportation and supplement with Uber as needed over in general is awesome

 

[katt789]

I say just use Disney transportation.... I stayed at Jambo a few years back and we never had problems with busses being super full or overcrowded, they'll certainly be full though!
-Uber drivers sometimes have hard times finding entrances to the parks, or a proper area to drop you off, gps's regularly lead cars to the cast entrance for Epcot for example
-If you Uber to MK, you still have to go through the whole TTC, ferry/monorail thing (or attempt the Contemp & walk but that gets tricky)
-Add in the busier time of year or heavier traffic and the rates for your uber ride may go insane!

 

[AngiTN]

Thanks! I think that's what we are planning to do on the first day and try the bus out. Do you know if buses allow or have space for a double stroller? Some of the forums I read said you could get dropped off by Uber just outside MK at the road intersection across from the Contemporary so from there is a 5 min. walk and Uber doesn't have to go into the resort and we can avoid traffic that way but for the 24th we will try the bus since I know it will be a packed day.

Also what's the best time to leave in the morning?

Do not count on a driver dropping you on the side of the road. Very much against the rules and if a grumpy enough guard saw it they could find they are no longer welcome to drive around Disney

We have never had a problem with being dropped at the CR but we do not go that week (for good reason). You can always get to TTC and ferry or Monorail.

And so you know, since you mention a stroller, kids 4 and under will need to be in a car seat. Uber drivers have 1, it costs extra and only some drivers offer them. If needs to be party of your request when you get a car

 

[AngiTN]

The parks are going to be mobbed during Christmas week, so you'll want to get there early. Otherwise, the park may be closed to any new guests if you try to go later in the morning. I'd plan on getting to the park at least a half hour before opening or at least on the bus a half hour before opening if you want to avoid any mobs at all.

Mk hasn't closed to on site guests in close to 10 years. And most believe with the addition of new fantasy land it will never reach that level of closure again. Of site guests walking up for one day tickets may well be turned away but not any one on site

As for transportation time, we leave 60 min before we want to arrive. Not before the park opening time. Remember, most days the parks open early, as in they start to let guests in the turnstiles early. They will hold you in the gates till opening though, so keep that in mind when planning arrival times