Just Press Go Travel

For the first time in years – I had a car for a Walt Disney World vacation, and this is the first time since I’ve had a child. When talking to clients about transportation options, the question always comes up “Do I need a car?” – and honestly, it’s totally a personal preference.

We have loved having our car for this trip, but at the same time, I am totally fine being car-less at Walt Disney World.

For this trip, we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, which has a reputation for being the furthest hotel from the parks, so I think it worked out that we had a car. We drove to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, which were 9 minutes and 8 minutes from hotel parking lot to each park’s respective toll plaza, which honestly, was so easy! Animal Kingdom is roughly 5 minutes. Magic Kingdom on the other hand is the furthest – and we took Disney transportation for this park.

Side Note 1: Magic Kingdom is the only park that you can’t “park at the entrance.” By that I mean, all other parks allow you to park and walk to the park entrance. Magic Kingdom requires all guests to park at the Walt Disney World Transportation and Ticket Center which will require either taking the Monorail or the Ferry to the park entrance. Depending on what time you arrive, you may also need to take a tram from your parking spot to get in line for the Monorail or Ferry, adding additional effort. Believe me when I say – the bus is worth it this day, or if you want to splurge, a Minnie Van.

Side Note 2: Depending on when you go, it’s also probably easier to take the bus to Disney Springs as opposed to driving as parking can hit capacity, especially on the weekends. Also, you only have to go through security at Disney Springs from the parking lots. Those that arrive via Disney Resort Bus do not have to go through security, which is interesting.

Based on my trip, here’s my pro and con list for having a car at Disney:

Pros:

• Travel on your own schedule
• No need to worry about folding up your stroller/hauling all your stuff to and from the park on Disney transportation
• No waiting for bus
• Free standard parking at the Walt Disney World parks if you are staying onsite at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
• Using the car as storage – i.e. a cooler or souvenirs to avoid carrying around the parks all day
• On average…could be faster to drive, especially if staying at a hotel that only has bus service

Cons

• Terrible drivers
• Traffic
• Parking based on when you arrive – so if you leave for mid-day naps, you’re not necessarily going to get that sweet, close parking spot back unless you upgrade to preferred parking which may mean needing to take a tram from your parking spot up to the park entrance.
• The street signs combined with directions form Google can be a bit misleading

Questions? Comments? Ready to book? Contact me at melanie@simplyperfectvacations.com.