Hello Couponing to Disney readers! My name is Carrie, and I’m back here today to answer some frequently asked questions about Walt Disney World! I work with Destinations in Florida as a travel agent, and one of my favorite aspects of my job is helping people plan their vacations. Part of planning a Disney vacation involves some smaller details, like how to get around while you’re visiting the Orlando area. I love traveling, especially to Disney, and now I get to help families make magical memories with their own travel! Part of a magical Disney experience is making sure you are where you need to be, to enjoy every moment of your trip We’ve been traveling with our children since our oldest {twin boys} were four. Now the boys are 10, and our daughter is 4….and when I am planning our Disney trips, I need to account for how long it takes to get everywhere so our family can maximize our time and not miss out on anything!
So, today I am going to share with you some FAQs about getting around the Disney parks.
FAQ #1: I am staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. I have a dining reservation for 8 am at Crystal Palace {located at the Magic Kingdom}. What time do I need to leave my resort, and how do I get to Magic Kingdom?
To get from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort to Magic Kingdom for your 8 am reservation, you will need to leave your resort no later than 7:15. This will give you enough time to get to the Magic Kingdom, disembark the bus, checked in for your breakfast, and even get some fabulous pictures along Main Street USA while the park is empty! With an early reservation, it is a good idea to either arrange for a taxi, or drive yourself to Magic Kingdom {you get free parking as a resort guest}. Buses start running an hour before park opening, but to be on the safe side, I suggest taking a cab or driving yourself.
FAQ #2: Our family would like to spend one day at Universal Orlando, but we are staying at Disney Resort. How do we get to Universal?
Universal Orlando offers a 1 Day Park to Park ticket option. This is available for advance purchase, and will allow entry to BOTH Universal Parks {Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure}. It includes round trip transfer from Disney resorts to Universal Parks. You do need to purchase it in advance, and the cost for these is approximately $148 for adults.
FAQ #3: I want to visit multiple parks during my stay at Walt Disney World. But, our family also likes to take a break at our resort in the afternoons. Which resorts do you recommend?
Staying at ANY of the Disney resorts in the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT area are great options for this scenario. Along Disney’s Boardwalk, you will find the following resorts: Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. These three resorts allow you to walk to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In the Magic Kingdom area, you will find the following resorts on the monorail: Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is also located in this area, and you can take a water taxi to the Magic Kingdom.
FAQ #4: Do I need a stroller for my child at Walt Disney World?
Stroller vs. no stroller can be a hard decision. That is, of course, is up to you and your child’s personality. If there is one piece of advice I can give you, consider renting a stroller from an outside company, such as Kingdom Strollers or Orlando Stroller Rentals. Both of these companies will rent very comfortable, easy to use, clean strollers to you. These are easier to get around the parks than the Disney strollers. They deliver it right to your resort, and pick it up for you. We have brought our own stroller, and we’ve rented from one of these companies. Both were great! I highly recommend a stroller with a good sun shade, and one that reclines if your child might be falling asleep. As much as I think it would be awesome to go back and nap at the resort, it doesn’t always happen. When the little one falls asleep, we tour attractions with the older boys that their little sister can’t enjoy.
FAQ #5: What is the best way to get from my resort to another?
Let’s say you’re staying at Coronado Springs, and you want to visit Wilderness Lodge to see the beautiful Christmas decorations. You will need to take the Disney bus, from Coronado Springs to Magic Kingdom. Disembark the bus at Magic Kingdom. Then, as you exit the bus, and start walking toward Magic Kingdom, you’ll see the boat launch to Wilderness Lodge, on your left. You will take the boat from Magic Kingdom over to Wilderness Lodge. To get from one resort to another, there is no direct transportation. You either need to take a bus to the park in that vicinity, or to Downtown Disney, and board the resort bus from there.
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Let the Dream Team help you plan!
michelle says
Hey Kristin-
I just wanted to you and your readers know that Disney has changed their policy on stroller locks. We recently visited Disneyland and Disney has been cutting too many locks off park benches ect… so they only allow small locks or a stroller lock. Nothing larger (we were using a bike lock, NOT locking it to anything as thats the policy, but we were not allowed to bring in the park) It is a new policy. Still disappointed as nothing had stated such on their site. I would care to much except the stroller we brought was pricey, thankfully it was safe all day. Thank you for all the great posts!!