On
Feb 7, 2012
Amanda from LA
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
“
I am booked in the Animal Kingdom Lodge for 03/12. I was also offered Saratoga Springs for around the same cost. I did some research and found some complaints of travel times to and from parks at over an hour at AKL. Can i expect this at either park?”
Hi, Amanda!
The bus system at the Walt Disney World Resort is, like all mass transit systems, reasonably reliable -- but subject to all sorts of unknowns and contingencies (the weather, for example, which can be notoriously fickle in Central Florida, and crowd levels).
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, in particular, tends to feel the brunt of some of these rare variables because of its distance from the Parks; in order to maintain a peaceful environment for the animals, the property was constructed in a quiet part of the sprawling Disney property.
While circumstances do certainly arise that can force additional time to transport, on the whole, the response to the travel time has been positive. On AllEarsNet.com. for example, a fan site unaffiliated with Disney, I found comments like, "I would absolutely recommend the AKL's
transportation, the only long bus ride we had was to Downtown Disney," "We never waited long for the buses," and "Buses ran pretty well, only one long wait for Magic Kingdom."
Mixed reviews do abound, but I'd have to say the majority are positive.
Saratoga Springs Resort, due to its location, is less likely to have these issues. However, it, too, is subject to the same contingencies as the other Resorts, and Disney makes no guarantees as to the wait times or travel times you'll experience at any of the Resorts.
There are, of course, other ways to get around property; taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, and rental cars do a brisk business. In truth, we bring a car to property and rarely make use of Disney transportation. For our family, the sacrifice of the bus system is worth the independence of a vehicle on-site and available at our convenience.
Have a wonderful trip; you're sure to love either of the Resorts!
See you later, celebrator,
-Deborah B.