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Mother, Son, Giraffe, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom, Savannah
  • On Jan 23, 2010
    Michelle from GA 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.

    We have a 20 month old and will be staying at the All star movies in the 1st wk of March. Is it more time efficient to take our own car to the parks so we can get there and back quicker for naps at the hotel? Or is it better to take the shuttles??

    Hi Michelle!

    I almost always have a car with me when traveling to Walt Disney World, and I almost always use it -- the only exception is when it doesn't make any sense; for example it's faster to walk to Epcot from the Beach Club and Boardwalk resorts than to drive to Epcot. 

    In my opinion, It is much faster to use a car than Disney Transportation to get everywhere you need to go with the possible exception of the Magic Kingdom. First of all, if you're at a Magic Kingdom resort then it's faster to take the monorail or if you're staying at the Wilderness Lodge, the boat between it and the park.  If you're staying anywhere else, and you mention All-Star Movies, then I think it is variable; sometimes you can get to the Magic Kingdom faster by taking your own car while at other times, it will be faster to take Disney Transportation. The reason is when you park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot, you are still pretty far from the Magic Kingdom. You first have to walk or take a tram to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Once there, you board a monorail or a ferry for the Magic Kingdom. However, if you took a Disney bus from your resort hotel then the bus basically drops you off right in front of the theme park -- skipping the Transportation and Ticket Center.

    Some guests who have cars at Walt Disney World don't want to use them. They like the idea of letting Disney do all of the driving. That can be very relaxing. However, in your case, I suggest driving because it is very quick to drive on property. When taking Disney Transportation, I usually plan on it taking 45 minutes to get where I need to go; that includes waiting for the bus in the first place, so sometimes I'm lucky and the trip is much faster... but I plan on 45 minutes. Again, the only possible exception is the Magic Kingdom; when visiting that park, I suggest doing what sounds easier and more relaxing to you!

    Have a magical vacation!
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Meet the Panelist: Bernie, Maryland

I am an engineer with NASA with prior Air Force service. My wife and I have two boys, ages 13 and 8. At home, I'm known as the "Disney Guy" and I've enjoyed helping guests plan their Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland vacations. Learn More About Bernie

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