WDW Transportation Basics

[LKing]

For some, definitely (eg bictoria and Albert’s). For other signature restaurants, officially yes…but is that enforced? Meh, that’s really debatable. For example, there is officially a dress code for California Grill and for the most part, people are dressed nicely. But there have definitely been times where people really should have been turned away (I’m talking nooty shorts, flip flops, and tank tops cut so low I could see underarm hair) if I know we don’t have time to go back to the resort to get changed for dinner, I’ll wear a sun dress that day and DH will wear nice shorts and an aloha shirt (which for pretty much everywhere is perfectly fine with the exception of Victoria and Albert’s).

Perfect. We can manage that. Thank you!

 

[jimmymc]

How close do the buses drop off/load relative to the entrance turnstiles?

The park bus stops are all within a 3-4 minute walk from security.

I've read complaints about lines for buses. Is that just EE and at the end of the day? Are the lines also bad throughout the day?

Long lines are normally only at the end of the day. During the middle of the day, lines aren't too bad, but there can be up to a 20 minute gap between busses. Trying to get a bus to Disney Springs around 4 or 5 pm can also mean a long line

I recently learned that the skyline is at the back of EPCOT. Are there any other modes of transportation that are within the parks?

The Skyliner station is outside of the park, between Epcot and Beach Club resort. Skyliner connects Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and several resorts. Both stations are outside of the parks. The monorail and several boat routes stop at the front entrance to Magic Kingdom. Animal Kingdom only has busses.

Resorts are not directly connected by busses, with some rare exceptions. To get from one resort to the other, you normally go to the park closest to your destination resort and take the bus or other transportation mode there. Getting from the parks directly to Disney Springs also normally requires switching at a resort, but you can take it to Saratoga Springs and walk.

 

[LKing]

Resorts are not directly connected by busses, with some rare exceptions. To get from one resort to the other, you normally go to the park closest to your destination resort and take the bus or other transportation mode there. Getting from the parks directly to Disney Springs also normally requires switching at a resort, but you can take it to Saratoga Springs and walk.

Thank you for your reply. If we have a car and pay for parking at one park, we can drive to another on the same day and not have to pay again. Is that correct? It sounds like that would be faster and easier than taking a bus.

 

[jimmymc]

Thank you for your reply. If we have a car and pay for parking at one park, we can drive to another on the same day and not have to pay again. Is that correct? It sounds like that would be faster and easier than taking a bus.

Correct, just keep your receipt and show it at the second park.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm not sure if I'm missing it, but what resort are you staying at? To me that makes a difference in leaving the park for a meal or not. And what restaurant you are going to.

 

[_19disnA]

For reference, we are staying off site and will be driving in each day. We will have 9 days with no park hoppers.

If driving your car, I am not clear on your other transportation questions. If you don't have park hopper, seems you would drive each day to the park you plan to visit. You won't be able to leave one park to visit another without having park hopper tickets. Only if you want to eat/shop outside the park would you need to leave and use the available Disney transportation which varies by park to go somewhere else. MK railroad is about the only internal park transportation that currently operates as someone previously mentioned. Within the Disney parks, you walk from one place to another to get to the rides/shows/restaurants/shops you want to visit.

On this forum when people discuss Disney 'transportation' it is generally in the context of getting TO a park (or at the end of the day when LEAVING). Disney is HUGE with LOTS of people and I think some expect the transportation to be their own personal valet service which really isn't the case.

 

[Skippyboo]

If you have a dining reservation you can park at the resort with the restaurant that you are eating for a couple hours while you dine. Disney Springs has a ton of restaurants too. There are free parking garages there. They don’t have any buses that go directly from a park to Disney Springs.

 

[LKing]

Sorry for not being more clear. We are Disneyland MK holders who go several times a month. I spend most of my time on the Disneyland side of this website. I read gripes and complaints that people have when comparing DLR and WDW. Of course, often people are venting about one park or glamourizing the other, but it raises concerns for me about how things work at WDW.

We are staying off site (Hyatt Grand Cypress). I will be in Orlando for a conference and then we will do WDW. Since my spouse isn't involved in the conference, we will likely get 8-10 day tickets so my spouse has the option to go to Universal or the WDW parks alone. During the conference, there may be days where my spouse goes to Epcot in the morning, comes back to the hotel and then we both go to EPCOT in the evening. After the conference, we will visit the parks together.

Since we drive to DLR, I wanted to make sure the parking policy was the same that we have in CA - that you can leave a lot, do something else and return to the same or different lot later without having to pay a second time. I understand the limitations of not having park hoppers.

Dining at WDW is different than DL. Maybe is is because we visit the California parks more casually, but the whole dining process at WDW seems intense. Transportation between parks, resorts and Disney Springs is confusing for me. Some people say it is really easy. Others complain about it. That is why I asked if there was a good map or guide to parking. Part of the reason we are staying off site is because of all of the transportation complaints I've read. We figured we would have more control of our day if we just drove in and parked ourselves.

 

[Miffy]

Sorry for not being more clear. We are Disneyland MK holders who go several times a month. I spend most of my time on the Disneyland side of this website. I read gripes and complaints that people have when comparing DLR and WDW. Of course, often people are venting about one park or glamourizing the other, but it raises concerns for me about how things work at WDW.

We are staying off site (Hyatt Grand Cypress). I will be in Orlando for a conference and then we will do WDW. Since my spouse isn't involved in the conference, we will likely get 8-10 day tickets so my spouse has the option to go to Universal or the WDW parks alone. During the conference, there may be days where my spouse goes to Epcot in the morning, comes back to the hotel and then we both go to EPCOT in the evening. After the conference, we will visit the parks together.

Since we drive to DLR, I wanted to make sure the parking policy was the same that we have in CA - that you can leave a lot, do something else and return to the same or different lot later without having to pay a second time. I understand the limitations of not having park hoppers.

Dining at WDW is different than DL. Maybe is is because we visit the California parks more casually, but the whole dining process at WDW seems intense. Transportation between parks, resorts and Disney Springs is confusing for me. Some people say it is really easy. Others complain about it. That is why I asked if there was a good map or guide to parking. Part of the reason we are staying off site is because of all of the transportation complaints I've read. We figured we would have more control of our day if we just drove in and parked ourselves.

Actually, despite what you've read, transportation's much easier if you stay on-site at WDW. WDW purposely made the on-site transportation easy so people would stay in the bubble. As a bubble-stayer myself, I have to say that it works. I never have a car at WDW and I don't miss it at all. If I don't feel like waiting for a bus or whatever, I just take a rideshare. But lately the bus system has been working extremely well, at least in my experience.

But to each their own. You may think waiting 15 minutes for a bus is no fun.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have stayed off site before. With a rental car. And what you need to take into account is the size of the Disney World area. It isn't as simple as a 2 mile drive down an uncrowded road. Especially if your spouse plans on hitting the parks without you. It is so much easier to stay on site and walk to a bus/boat/monorail/or skyliner and get to where you need to go. I sure wouldn't want to drive alone, unsure of where I was going in Orlando, and deal with getting to the parks.

 

[Skippyboo]

Universal is probably more closer to DL in layout. The 2 Universal parks are next to each other with in the same security bubble. There are massive parking garages at Citywalk where you go through security and then walk over to stores and restaurants outside the parks.

WDW is the size of SF and is spread out. The transportation system is geared to the onsite guest. Each of the 20+ hotels are going to have a way to get to the 4 parks and Disney Springs either by boat, bus, monorail or Skyliner. You also get free parking at the parks if you’re onsite instead of having to pay for parking each day at the parks.

I normally drive to WDW from where I live so I have my car with me. It normally stays in the onsite hotel parking lot unless I go to the waterpark or DS.

There’s signs around WDW directing where to go but it’s easy to miss a turn somewhere or be in the wrong lane and can’t move over if you’re not familiar with the area. Also I4 is normally a parking lot outside of Disney no matter the time of day.

 

[CarolynFH]

Since we drive to DLR, I wanted to make sure the parking policy was the same that we have in CA - that you can leave a lot, do something else and return to the same or different lot later without having to pay a second time. I understand the limitations of not having park hoppers.

Yes, you can leave a parking lot at a park, go do something else, and return to a parking lot at any WDW park without paying the fee again. Just show your receipt from the first lot at any subsequent parking lot entry booth. As also mentioned above, parking in the Disney Springs garages is free for everyone, but there’s no transportation to the parks from there, only to the resorts.

We stay offsite almost as much as onsite. The roadways are well marked, as long as you know basically where you’re going, e.g. to the MK area or the Epcot area, etc., and as you get closer you’ll see signs to more specific locations such as resorts. Unfortunately the MDE Get Directions function seems to use Disney transportation only and doesn’t show driving routes (I just tried a couple of routes). Sorry.

 

[LKing]

I have stayed off site before. With a rental car. And what you need to take into account is the size of the Disney World area. It isn't as simple as a 2 mile drive down an uncrowded road. Especially if your spouse plans on hitting the parks without you. It is so much easier to stay on site and walk to a bus/boat/monorail/or skyliner and get to where you need to go. I sure wouldn't want to drive alone, unsure of where I was going in Orlando, and deal with getting to the parks.

I need to stay at the conference hotel for the first few days. My accommodations are paid for and my spouse stays with me for free so it would be a waste to book a Disney hotel for those days. My spouse is very capable of using Apple Maps as a guide.

Another important piece of information might be that we live in Los Angeles. We don't have two miles of uncrowded roads anywhere!

 

[maxiesmom]

I need to stay at the conference hotel for the first few days. My accommodations are paid for and my spouse stays with me for free so it would be a waste to book a Disney hotel for those days. My spouse is very capable of using Apple Car Play as a guide.

Another important piece of information might be that we live in Los Angeles. We don't have two miles of uncrowded roads anywhere!

But you are familiar with your roads I'm guessing. And apple car play is ok but it is still trying to navigate unfamiliar roads full of retirees and tourists. I get you have a paid for resort. But if you want simple on site beats off by miles.

 

[Mikey15]

But you are familiar with your roads I'm guessing. And apple car play is ok but it is still trying to navigate unfamiliar roads full of retirees and tourists. I get you have a paid for resort. But if you want simple on site beats off by miles.

The people who are uncomfortable driving in a place they’re not used to driving, and the people who “I don’t want to drive while I’m on vacation” are well-represented around these parts, for sure. I won’t diminish their positions or their desires, but I will say that offsite or on, driving yourself is a great way to get around Disney World. If it wasn’t, rideshare wouldn’t have gained the foothold there that it has.

Yes, Disney does cover its onsite guests in being able to get around on ‘free’ transportation (as they should for the price of accommodations). But for anything other than parks or Disney Springs, such as resort dining, it is very often simpler and quicker to drive yourself if you have a car.

Getting to Boma from Wilderness Lodge, for example, sure you could bus to AK and change buses. By the time you wait for the first bus and get off to find the stop for the second, you could have driven to AKL and parked.

If I spent the day at AK but scored a Space 220 Lounge reservation at Epcot for dinner, sure there’s a park hopper bus. But bringing the car with me is pretty close in total time, with no waiting around for a bus to come.

If you’re at Hollywood and have reservations for Beaches and Cream, then sure, walk, boat, or Skyliner. I do get the notion of Disney transportation as part of the entertainment experience, and we make it a point to find a reason to Skyliner or boat or Monorail somewhere each trip. It’s really the bus experience that I’d happily avoid.

Understanding exception for anyone needing an ECV. That’s another area where Disney’s transportation can be really convenient.

 

[LKing]

The people who are uncomfortable driving in a place they’re not used to driving, and the people who “I don’t want to drive while I’m on vacation” are well-represented around these parts, for sure. I won’t diminish their positions or their desires, but I will say that offsite or on, driving yourself is a great way to get around Disney World. If it wasn’t, rideshare wouldn’t have gained the foothold there that it has.

Yes, Disney does cover its onsite guests in being able to get around on ‘free’ transportation (as they should for the price of accommodations). But for anything other than parks or Disney Springs, such as resort dining, it is very often simpler and quicker to drive yourself if you have a car.

Getting to Boma from Wilderness Lodge, for example, sure you could bus to AK and change buses. By the time you wait for the first bus and get off to find the stop for the second, you could have driven to AKL and parked.

If I spent the day at AK but scored a Space 220 Lounge reservation at Epcot for dinner, sure there’s a park hopper bus. But bringing the car with me is pretty close in total time, with no waiting around for a bus to come.

If you’re at Hollywood and have reservations for Beaches and Cream, then sure, walk, boat, or Skyliner. I do get the notion of Disney transportation as part of the entertainment experience, and we make it a point to find a reason to Skyliner or boat or Monorail somewhere each trip. It’s really the bus experience that I’d happily avoid.

Understanding exception for anyone needing an ECV. That’s another area where Disney’s transportation can be really convenient.

Thank you! A similar post on the Disneyland forum is what led me to ask my original question. I don't need a map, but more of an idea of what is involved in getting from point A to point B. When is it easier to take WDW transportation and when is it easier to drive?
You know how Google Maps has the time it takes via car, bus, bike, walking, etc? Does WDW have something like that? Or should I just use Google Maps?

 

[CarolynFH]

Thank you! A similar post on the Disneyland forum is what led me to ask my original question. I don't need a map, but more of an idea of what is involved in getting from point A to point B. When is it easier to take WDW transportation and when is it easier to drive?
You know how Google Maps has the time it takes via car, bus, bike, walking, etc? Does WDW have something like that? Or should I just use Google Maps?

If we’re using Disney transportation, I use MDE. It does include estimated time.

If we’re driving, yep, I use Google Maps!

 

[LKing]

If we’re using Disney transportation, I use MDE. It does include estimated time.

If we’re driving, yep, I use Google Maps!

Thanks. For planning purposes, I think MDE only works if I am in the park. Is that correct?

 

[maxiesmom]

Thank you! A similar post on the Disneyland forum is what led me to ask my original question. I don't need a map, but more of an idea of what is involved in getting from point A to point B. When is it easier to take WDW transportation and when is it easier to drive?
You know how Google Maps has the time it takes via car, bus, bike, walking, etc? Does WDW have something like that? Or should I just use Google Maps?

If you already know specifics, you would get great answers on this forum.

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks. For planning purposes, I think MDE only works if I am in the park. Is that correct?

No, you can use it now. Tap the magnifying glass at bottom to search for a destination. Or tap the upside down teardrop to bring up the map, then tap Filter on the left and the dropdown box in the center to find your destination. Then you can tap Get Directions and enter your starting point.