WDW Newbie: AKL to GF ADR to MK and Back!

[bethy]

Hi, we are WDW newbies but are seasoned travelers and Disney fans. I am ironing the final little details of our upcoming visit. We are staying at AKL and will have a rental car. On our first day we have an ADR in the morning at 1900 Park Fare and then we plan to spend the day at MK.

I am thinking of driving to the GF and parking there for the day and taking a boat or the monorail to and from the MK. Can I do that? Park at the GF for the day? Does it make sense? What am I missing? I will have my hands full with three kids on my own while my DH is at a conference. I plan to use one umbrella stroller for my 4yo. We will pack light for the day.

Thanks for any input you might have! We are DVC members in California, but are paying cash on this trip if that matters for parking fees . .

 

[kaytieeldr]

You can Valet Park all day, for $20 or so plus tip.
You can park at the TTC all day at no charge, take the monorail to GF then MK.

 

[goofy4tink]

If you drive, you should just drive to the TTC, park, take the monorail to the GF and then over to the MK.
Self-parking at a resort that you aren't staying at is limited to the time you are actually at that resort. So, parking there while eating is fine, parking there while at MK is not. Self-parking at the GF is yucky in any case...it's a distance from the resort (one of the things I just don't like at the GF). Much easier to just park at the TTC.

 

[Alesia]

Parking at the GF is certainly no more convenient than parking at the TTC and it's going to cost you an extra $25 for the valet fee and tip.

 

[bethy]

Thank you! I need to look at a map and get a good feel for where the TTC is, then. As resort guests we could also use the bus system - would that be even better? I just figured that since there wasn't resort to resort bus service that using my car would be better. Especially at the end of the night. We plan to stay at the MK till midnight for EMH.

I'm also considering using a taxi.

I wouldn't mind paying the valet fee if that made a big difference. Our time at WDW is very short and so I want to make the most of it. And I have very spirited children and am on my own for this portion of the trip. Thanks!

 

[minnie mum]

Here's a Google satellite view of the lagoon, with the TTC, resorts and MK identified. : https://www.google.ca/maps/@28.4079249,-81.5818412,17z/data=!3m1!1e3

3 rambunctious kids plus a folded stroller on a bus is too much for me. I'd either drive to the TTC and use the monorail to get to the GF or pay to valet park at the GF for the day. Paying for a taxi one way would be one thing. Paying for one both ways is too rich for me.