Greetings, Michael, and welcome to planDisney! Your arrival date is almost here, so I'm sure your family is counting the hours until they see the iconic
Walt Disney World Resort sign welcoming them. I always breathe a sigh of happiness when I first spy that sign arching over the highway. You're going to have a magical time. And what will make your visit even more magical is being able to move around the property easily, so let's look at your options.
Once you drive past that welcoming sign, Michael, you can relax because Disney is there to do the driving. All guests are welcome to use any of the
complimentary modes of transportation throughout the resort, from
Disney Bus Service to the
Disney Skyliner. When traveling between
Disney's Hollywood Studios and
Magic Kingdom Park, you would take the complimentary bus service, which will drop you near the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park. I confirmed with a friendly Cast Member that the buses between parks usually start running around 1:45, and they will continue to run until an hour or so after the last theme park closes. At the end of the night, you'd catch a bus back to Disney's Hollywood Studios to retrieve your vehicle.
I have one other option for you to consider, Michael. Once you pay for parking at Disney's Hollywood Studios, you won't have to pay again at any other park that day. So when you're ready to leave Disney's Hollywood Studios, you would drive your vehicle to Magic Kingdom Park, show your receipt, and park there at no additional charge. The advantage is that your car will be waiting for you at the end of the day, and you won't have to return to the first park.
One thing to consider when deciding between driving or taking the bus is that self-parking for Magic Kingdom Park is actually at the Ticket and Transportation Center, so you'd take a ferryboat or monorail to get to the theme park entrance. In comparison, Disney Bus Service would drop you at the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park. I enjoy hopping on the monorail or ferryboat because they are fun attractions themselves, but driving will add an extra step to the process.
I'm excited to try the new
Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This family-style BBQ looks delicious, and diners will see everything from the point of view of Woody's toys. And you know what to do if you hear someone yell, "Andy's coming!" Be. Very. Still. You can check availability at this or any restaurant by clicking the plus sign at the bottom of your home screen in the
My Disney Experience Mobile App and then choosing Check Dining Availability.
Enjoy your time at the Most Magical Place on Earth, Michael, and
please stop by planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine