I believe that onsite guests accessing the parks via Disney transportation always have somewhat of an advantage over those offsite, who aren't allowed in to park until a certain time. We don't do RD, though, so someone else would need to verify.
6:21pm on 1/10/26 by
utang44
We personally find that Disney transportation is one of the biggest benefits of staying onsite. Runs very smoothly and efficiently the majority of the time, especially in the mornings.
6:23pm on 1/10/26 by
utang44
I always find the value resorts to have plentiful and timely bus service. All Stars, Pop, AoA. The last two have the added convenience of the Skyliner to HS and EP.
6:24pm on 1/10/26 by
evamarie320
I love Pop and CBR. The Skyliner to two parks is a game changer.
6:24pm on 1/10/26 by
JenniferB1975
I agree with the above. Cheapest is all stars and they have great bus service. Pop/AOA and CBR would be great during spring break for skyliner to two parks.
6:49pm on 1/10/26 by
popupcamper
I also think all star has a great bus situation esp if you stay in a room equidistant to 2 resorts and can choose which one to take back at night
7:06pm on 1/10/26 by
Gusgus5
We alway RD, and All Stars and Pop are great!!
7:28pm on 1/10/26 by
wdw ocd
This is absolutely fascinating. We've stayed at All Star a few times (with a car) and I've always seen lines for busses and thought that it looked miserable but I'm hearing the opposite. What times do they leave for RD? I thought it was too late?
8:35pm on 1/10/26 by
mbfavreau
Always get to the bus stop 75-90 m8 utes before early entry. If early entry is at 8:30, be at the bus stop at 7am. The buses are allowed in the lots before it opens to cars. They usually start security an hour before early entry.
8:40pm on 1/10/26 by
PrincipalTinker
@utang can you say more about outside guests aren't allowed in ahead of on-site guests? I've never heard of that. Contrary, my ability to drive and park has gotten me ahead of the first busses but has that changed?
8:43pm on 1/10/26 by
mbfavreau
@gusgus Do you mean stay at Music since Movies and Sports are on either side and you could choose those busses and walk over at night?
8:46pm on 1/10/26 by
mbfavreau
I feel you with enjoying the control of driving. I've had luck with "deals" garden wing rooms at contemporary on off season weekday. Even if you just do one night, being able to walk to RD MK and walk home to your room after the fireworks is blissful.
8:48pm on 1/10/26 by
imfluffy
@evamarie The last time we took the Skyliner (to HS) both the line to get on and the trip were pretty long. Has it gotten more efficient?
8:49pm on 1/10/26 by
mbfavreau
See @PT's note above for your answer re: onsite transportation advantage.
8:52pm on 1/10/26 by
utang44
If your previous parking experience had you ahead of the busses, then yes, I believe that has changed.
8:53pm on 1/10/26 by
utang44
@PrincipalTinker "busses are allowed in lots before cars" is DEFINITELY new since I was last there in Jan 2023, in that case. We were always leaving the resort before the first bus and therefore arriving at the gates earlier. Thanks so much for this!
8:55pm on 1/10/26 by
mbfavreau
@mb, we've been keeping a spreadsheet since I think 2021 and it is absolutely the case that first buses beat first cars. Of course you can LEAVE your resort whenever you want but they don't open the parking lot gates whenever you want. First cars are...
9:48pm on 1/10/26 by
popupcamper
...let in 60 minutes before early entry. First buses are let off at the entrance also 60 minutes before early entry. But walking off the bus right next to the entrance gives you an advantage over cars being allowed to drive in at the same time. The cars..
9:50pm on 1/10/26 by
popupcamper
....still have to drive, then park, then walk. First buses beat first cars, and have for the years we've been tracking. Definitely since 2023. But if you like to drive just drive.
9:52pm on 1/10/26 by
popupcamper
First bus leaves the resort 75-90 minutes before early entry.
9:52pm on 1/10/26 by
popupcamper
@mb, are you saying you drove and were the very absolute first people at security? What park was that?
9:55pm on 1/10/26 by
popupcamper
We've driven on our check in day so had EE. Had to hover at car park entrance a few mins before they opened. Were 2nd row at taps at HS- there you're going to be behind the walkers however you arrive tho.
6:15am by
hodg
Offsite obv doesn't have access to rides for the EE 1st half hour. That's the thing that pushed us back onsite. previously you cld RD a non EE park & no disadvantage to being offsite. Now you're always behind the curve at every park.
6:17am by
hodg
When I say RD, I mean we were within the first 20 people at TTC or actual gates depending on the park. Never encountered a situation where the lot wasn't open. We're talking about trips that were not recent, though. 2023/2019/2013.
7:00am by
mbfavreau
And when offsite we went to a park that did not have EE/EMH on that day. We did use it when staying onsite. This advice is super helpful and now makes me question how outdated my "knowledge" is.
7:02am by
mbfavreau
I think 2021 (or 2020) is when they stopped letting you in the parking gates until exactly an hour before. Prior to that it's quite possible you could.
To be fair, the posted guidance for buses might seem like there isn't one at 75-90 min. But there is
7:12am by
TumbleMonkeys
Transportation lines for sure often look bad (and that has a stress value for sure), but if you're on that first bus, you're ahead of the game. I wouldn't rule out Values/bus/SL resorts on the basis of transportation.
7:14am by
TumbleMonkeys
It sounds to me like you enjoy driving so I think maybe you should just drive. Lots of people prefer it. You won't be first but you'll be close enough for horseshoes. Except MK due to the TTC (unless you like the ferry.)
8:36am by
popupcamper
Have stayed at All star Movies numerous times and love it. Cost effective. Never had any issues with bus waits. We always RD and arrived at bus 70-80 prior to opening and never wait longer than 10 for a bus.
8:51am by
Richrosethumper