Greetings Autumn!
Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I make it my mission to make it to park opening everyday of our vacation. So, of course I think you question is brilliant! Having a car can- at times- make your trip easier, but traveling to the
Magic Kingdom is not one of those times. Here is why: if you take the bus to the Magic Kingdom you will be dropped off not too far from the park entrance. However, when you drive you will actually be parking at the Transportation and Ticket Center. From that point, you will board either the Monorail or Ferry for a memorable journey to the Magic Kingdom. That trip is one of the most memorable moments from our first trip. So, in order to drive to the Magic Kingdom you will have to leave your resort earlier than if you were taking the bus. With all that said, I would plan on being in my car
at least one hour before park opening. In order to be sure and catch the opening show with less stress, I would have my family loaded up 90 minutes before park opening. But then again, I am "rope drop" obsessed!
I hope this helps with your planning. If you have more questions, come on back to the Panel- we love to help!
See ya real soon!
Anne