Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
STAYING IN OR OUT OF THE WORLD: WEIGHING THE
PROS AND CONS
1. COST
If cost is your primary consideration, you'll lodge much less expensively out-
side Walt Disney World.
2. EASE OF ACCESS
Even if you stay in Disney World, you're dependent on some
mode of transportation. It may be less stressful to use the Disney transportation sys-
tem, but with the exception of commuting to the Magic Kingdom, the fastest, most
efficient, and most flexible way to get around is usually a car. If you're at Epcot, for
example, and want to take the kids back to Disney's Contemporary Resort for a nap,
forget the monorail. You'll get back much faster by car.
A reader from Raynham, Massachusetts, who stayed at the Caribbean Beach Re-
sort writes:
Even though the resort is on the Disney bus line, I recommend renting a car
if it fits one's budget. The buses don't go directly to many destinations, and
often you have to switch buses. Getting a bus back to the hotel after a hard
day can mean a long wait in line
.
A Havertown, Pennsylvania, dad concurs regarding bus service:
WDW bus transportation is quite inefficient. When traveling from the
BoardWalk to anywhere else, we had to pick up other passengers at the
Swan, Dolphin, and Yacht and Beach Clubs before heading off to the parks.
Same story upon return
.
Although it's only for the use and benefit of Disney guests, the Disney transporta-
tionsystemisnonethelesspublic,andusersmustexpectinconveniences:conveyances
that arrive and depart on their schedule, not yours; the occasional need to transfer;
multiple stops; time lost loading and unloading passengers; and, generally, the chal-
lenge of understanding and using a large, complex transportation network.
3. YOUNG CHILDREN
Although the hassle of commuting to most non-Disney hotels
is only slightly (if at all) greater than that of commuting to Disney hotels, a definite
peace of mind results from staying in the World. Regardless of where you stay, make
sure you get your young children back to the hotel for a nap each day.
