Wilderness Lodge - Ferry Transportation Issues?

[mrjaws]

Debating whether to stay at the Wilderness Lodge vs. a resort on the monorail (probably the Polynesian). Some people have told us that the ferry to the magic kingdom is quick, but our one experience with it was that it took forever - the first one was filled, the second one finally came, but then made stop at Fort Wilderness. Our experience with the monorail was much better.

Was this a one-off, or is the monorail generally much quicker?

Value season is only $199 at the Wilderness Lodge, but $304 at the Polynesian, so trying to figure out if the transporation makes it worth the difference.

 

[littlestar]

When we were there in July, we had the option of bus transportation to the Magic Kingdom also. Don't know if this is something permanent or not.

 

[disneyholic family]

the boat sometimes takes a long time...
if speed is your requirement, then the boat isn't your best bet...
i find it relaxing myself....but i'm not into speed....

the difference in price is also due to the difference in room size.....
the poly's rooms are much bigger than the WL....
and there's no arguing with the greater convenience of the monorail...
nevertheless i love the WL....but i have to admit that if i could get the GF for only a little bit more, i'd stay there in a heartbeat....but it's not just a little bit more....it's a lot more...
so WL it is for our quickie trip next week for just my daughter and me....

 

[RangerPooh]

I like the ferry service. Sure it might get crowded during peak times (ie: park opening/closing) but it's very relaxing. Depending on the time of day the ferry route will change which means it might go to FW after picking you up at the WL before heading to the MK, or you might have to stop at FW before it gets to the WL, a minor inconvienece but to me it's worth it.

 

[disneyholic family]

I like the ferry service. Sure it might get crowded during peak times (ie: park opening/closing) but it's very relaxing. Depending on the time of day the ferry route will change which means it might go to FW after picking you up at the WL before heading to the MK, or you might have to stop at FW before it gets to the WL, a minor inconvienece but to me it's worth it.

actually for closing they're very efficient...
we stayed for wishes and then zipped out to the ferry dock.....there was a very very very very long line....it was for both WL and FW.....
but standing in line was very pleasant...the CMs kept doing funny stuff with everyone (like making people cheer based on where they were staying, WL or FW).....it was like being in another attraction...
plus they brought the electric water parade by for everyone waiting for the boats to see....so that was also entertaining....
and the boats came in one after the other for loading...
it wasn't bad at all waiting to go back to the resort....

 

[DisneyWisher]

We were there in March and May, both times they had the bus transportation to MK. Most of the time we were the only ones on board. In March we had to wait for the 4th ferry before we could board. It was the bus in the morning from then on out. In May we had just missed the bus but within 5 mins there was another one. It took 3 mins to get to MK. For the price we love WL especially the courtyard view.

 

[Principessa Alba]

You should consider how much you want to get around after the MK closes. For example, we had dinner at the California Grill realized we were going to have to go to the TTC and then take a bus to WL. We took a cab and it was no big deal, just something to consider.

 

[TXBelle]

We stayed at the WL in May and liked it. However, the transportation was the number one reason why we probably will not return. We are spoiled by the monorail. We did not like having to stop at FW on the way or returning from the MK (depending on the time of day). With 5 kids, we just did not have the patience for the boat. We also got stuck at the Contemporary after taking the Magical Gatherings Fireworks cruise. We hiked with 5 kids to the MK and took a bus back to WL. The boat was relaxing, and the kids enjoyed sitting up front, but if you can afford it, I recommend the monorail resorts hands down. Of course, the Poly is our absolute favorite so I may be a little partial.

 

[LoriR]

We just returned from staying at WL and had no problems with the transportation at all. The new MK bus is great! One morning, I went over around 10:00am, by myself, to sign up for a VMK tour and I was the only person on the bus! My family followed at 11:00am and they said there was only one other family on the bus with them. Also, one night after Wishes I found the boat dock a bit crowded so I walked to the bus stop. The other resorts had huge lines waiting for the busses, WL had 6 people in line.

We used the boat also, as we enjoy the ride, and it was never a long wait. One night we got a "free" Wishes cruise on the WL boat! We left right before Wishes started, and watched the fireworks all the way back to the Lodge.

 

[cdrn1]

We were there in May and really enjoyed the boat. We found it to be very relaxing after a day in the park and rarely had more than a couple minutes wait.

 

[Troy08]

We were there in July and used the boat to MK several times. Never had a wait of more then 5 minutes. On a couple of occasions, boar stopped at FW but a couple of other times went straight to MK. I always found the boat very relaxing and a nice way to meet other people. If the boat isn;t for you there is a bus to MK. Resort was 100% full in July and transportation was never an issue. In fact, we all marvelled at how well DW did with the buses considering how crowded the resorts and parks were. Plenty of buses available at end of day after both Wishes and Fantasmic. We were very impressed.

 

[Elk34]

Let's say that the trip from MK to WL takes twice as long by boat as the monorail to the Polynesian does. That is probably an extra 15 minutes each direction for a total extra travel time of 30 minutes a day. But, you would be saving $105 per day for that 30 minutes. So, all other things equal are you willing to "buy" 30 minutes per day of vacation time for $105. It sounds like too much to me.

Also, we stayed at the GF last month and had several times where the monorail was stopped for extended periods of time (5-10) minutes where a boat would have definitely been faster. Plus, I like the decor of WL better than Poly but that is a matter of personal taste.

 

[Tabetha]

We're going to be with my mom at the WL in December, and she uses an electric scooter to get around - I don't recall seeing any on boats. Is it possible to take a scooter on the ferry?

 

[Disfreek]

We just returned from WL today. I will say that the transportation was one reason I never wanted to stay there..... (we have been at CR and @ the Poly) Well, I will admit now I LOVE THE WL and we never had to wait more than 15 minutes @ park closing for the boat.

It was nice & relaxing after a long day @ the park--could easily roll the stroller into the boat & the kids fall asleep....

 

[Nik's Mom]

We really enjoyed the boat ride to MK! I love WL. I'm wondering how the bus trip was to other theme parks?

 

[julfre]

There are signs at the boat dock that say dependent on varying water levels you amy or may not be able to take a scooter on the boat. I did see one on a boat while I was there. He could not drive off the boat(the water level was too low) so he got off and drove it up the bump and onto the dock and got back on.

The boat is fun, but it is slow slow slow. I enjoyed it, but the bus was so much faster. I never waited long for a boat, but by the timethey load it, undock, you go to Ft Wilderness and then dock again, the bus beat the boat by a lot. OVerall transportation at WL except for Epcot was very good. I don;t know why the epcott buses took forever.(once it was 50 minutes from getting to the stop, wating 15 minutes, going to Ft W and waiting there for over 5 minutes then going slowly to epcot) ALl other bus routes seemed very quick.

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

We just returned from our third trip to the WL. I loved now having a choice of the ferry or a bus to MK. It just depended on our mood. If we wanted a relaxing ride and were in no hurry, we took the ferry. But the bus ZIPPED us to MK. We never waited more than a few minutes at the bus stop, and sometimes were were the only ones on the bus. After Wishes we returned by ferry one night and by bus on another. The line for the ferry was somewhat long, and we had to wait for a second boat. It did, however, take us straight to WL before going to FW. The next time we stayed for WISHES we went to the bus stop. The bus was sitting there waiting. After about five minutes it left with only about ten people on it. We were back in our room within minutes of leaving the park.
The slowest trip by far for me was from WL to Downtown Disney!

We've stayed at GF, but not the Polynesian and it IS awesome to be one monorail stop away from the MK. The difference in price between the resorts is usually what sends us back to WL. We love the theming and can do concierge for almost the same price as a regular room at GF.

 

[nanalisa]

If you get on the ferry at WL about 5 min. before Wishes, you can see the whole show in the time it takes to get to FW then then to MK. It's breathtaking. We love the WL and Poly. If you have the money, the monorail beats the ferry/bus every time.

 

[rt2dz]

We stayed at WL the last week of May this year. We had no problem with the boats at all. We loved it because we were pushing a double stroller and could just roll it on (great for when the kids were sleeping in it at night). Never found the wait that long or the boats overly crowded. Can't really compare to a monorail resort, never stayed at one, but the monorails can get very crowded and require waits for the next train too. I don't think transportation alone makes the price difference worth it. Other things added to it could--why I think we're going to be staying at the Poly next year.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

My husband and I both find the ferry relaxing. Also, our kids consider it a ride.