Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Second to the Polynesian in terms of convenience are the Grand Floridian and
Contemporary, also on the Magic Kingdom monorail, but they cost as much as or
more than the Polynesian. Less expensive Disney hotels transport you to the Magic
Kingdom by bus or boat. For reasons described below, this is more efficient than driv-
ing a car.
DRIVING TIME TO THE THEME PARKS FOR VISITORS LODGING OUTSIDE WALT
DISNEY WORLD
For vacationers staying outside Walt Disney World, we've calculated
the approximate commuting time to the major theme parks' parking lots from several
off-World lodging areas. Add a few minutes to our times to pay your parking fee and
to park. Once parked at the Transportation and Ticket Center (Magic Kingdom park-
ing lot), it takes an average of 20-30 more minutes to reach the Magic Kingdom. At
Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom, the lot-to-gate transit time is 10-15 minutes; at
Disney's Hollywood Studios, it's 8-12 minutes. If you haven't purchased your theme
park admission in advance, tack on another 10-20 minutes.
Our
WDW Resorts Chart
shows the commuting time, with no consideration of
getting to and from the parking lot to the turnstiles, to the Disney theme parks from
each hotel listed. Those commuting times represent an average of several test runs.
Your actual time may be shorter or longer depending on many variables.
SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM HOTELS OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Many hotels in the
Walt Disney World area provide shuttle service to the theme parks. They represent a
fairly carefree alternative for getting to and from the parks, letting you off near the
entrance (except for the Magic Kingdom) and saving you the cost of parking. The rub
is that they might not get you there as early as you desire (a critical point if you take
our touring advice) or be available at the time you wish to return to your lodging.
Also, be forewarned that most shuttle services do not add vehicles at park opening or
closing times. In the morning, your biggest problem is that you might not get a seat.
At closing time, however, and sometimes following a hard rain, you can expect a lot
of competition for standing space on the bus. If there's not room for everyone, you
might have to wait 30 minutes to an hour for the next shuttle.
CONVENIENCE, CONVENIENTLY DEFINED
Conceptually, it's easy to grasp that a hotel
thatiscloserismoreconvenientthanonethatisfaraway.Butnothingisthatsimpleat
Walt Disney World, so we'd better tell you exactly what you're in for. If you stay at a
