Wilderness Lodge to MK Question

[The Foolish Mortal]

So I just booked a trip that will include our first ever stay at WL. What is the best way to get to MK from there? I assume the bus. But I know the website also lists water service to MK. What's the best way to get there for rope drop?

 

[hakepb]

If best is most pleasant in good weather, then the boat wins hands-down. (If it's raining or <65 degrees, then it may not be ideal open-air boat time)
It's a pretty boat ride, over the water bridge (and busses going to MK) and the CM's piloting the boats are some of the most enjoyable people to chat with.

There are (2) types of boats used, and the smaller ones do not let strollers (or wheelchairs) roll on

 

[CoP Luv]

It might depend on what side of the Lodge you will be staying, IMO.

We stayed right by the boat dock, so it was a quick walk down two flights of stairs, out the door, and down to the dock for the boat. If on the other side, it might be faster to walk to the bus stop. For us, it would have taken about 10 minutes or so to get there from our room to the bus because it took forever for our elevator bank.

You could also take the boat to the CR and walk. We had just missed a MK boat, but a boat to CR was pulling up and empty. We jumped on there, walked over, and got to MK a few minutes after the boat from WL.

We loved to take the boat to/from MK. Such a relaxing and peaceful way to start and end the day.

 

[rer1972]

I cannot recall ever taking the bus from WL to MK. We have always really enjoyed the boat ride, even in cooler weather. However, if it was lightning and raining, I would most definitely prefer the bus.

Since this topic came up, I am wondering what the difference is in how long it takes to do the boat vs. the bus. Would love to know.

 

[MermaidMommy]

I believe the bus is quicker than the boat. We typically take the bus in the mornings when we're rope dropping, and take the boat back at night, when it's more leisurely.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

Since this topic came up, I am wondering what the difference is in how long it takes to do the boat vs. the bus. Would love to know.

I guess this question is implicit in my original post as well. We have ridden the water taxi from MK to the Poly in the past. It was very enjoyable, but not very fast. And the boat did not hold a lot of people. But it sounds like people think this is a good option for MK rope drop if it doesn't take forever to get there

 

[danikoski]

For park opening, or especially for PPO breakfast ADRs, the bus works better. It's quicker and starts running earlier than the boats.
However, the boat is a fabulous way to get to MK, and for just rope drop, may work just fine.

 

[WEDWDW]

When I have the choice between a boat or a bus,the boat wins every time!

Once back home no more opportunity to take a boat somewhere as a mode of transportation.

 

[KrazeeK120]

For park opening, or especially for PPO breakfast ADRs, the bus works better. It's quicker and starts running earlier than the boats.
However, the boat is a fabulous way to get to MK, and for just rope drop, may work just fine.

I was going to say this. We took the bus to MK first in the morning because we headed out before park open. Otherwise, we used the boat. It's one of the best perks of staying at WL.

At the end of the day, USE THE BOAT! I was at MK for the last showing of Wishes on 5/11. I had a peaceful ride home on a half full boat and was back at 9:31. I was internally laughing at the hoards heading to the buses, ferry, or monorail because I'm evil like that.

 

[danikoski]

I was going to say this. We took the bus to MK first in the morning because we headed out before park open. Otherwise, we used the boat. It's one of the best perks of staying at WL.

At the end of the day, USE THE BOAT! I was at MK for the last showing of Wishes on 5/11. I had a peaceful ride home on a half full boat and was back at 9:31. I was internally laughing at the hoards heading to the buses, ferry, or monorail because I'm evil like that.

Yes, the boat is great at the end of the day. Plus, even if you have to wait for the next boat, there's at least benches at the MK to WL boat launch.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

The MK boat sometimes (maybe usually?) doesn't run super early, but the boat to CR does and you can walk over. We've done that for MK PPO ADRs. Plus you can stop at Contemporary Grounds on the walk over, which is one of the better coffee shops on property and not as crowded as the Main Street Starbucks!

Sorry, just a random thought.