Disney Transportation – Is Boat, Car or Foot Faster
On a trip to Walt Disney World we were heading from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn for dinner at Big River Grille. As we were leaving the conversation turned to the different ways we could get there. Should we take the Friendship boat, go get the car and park at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort or just walk.
We decided to make it a competition and we split up and each person took a different route.
Start time 6:30 PM and we are off….
By Sea
My sister headed for the Friendship boat launch. The boat was not there but it soon arrived at 6:38 pm. We thought she had the edge but it was not to be. There was an incident where the stroller people would not make room for a wheel chair.
The boat left at 6:44 pm and we got a text when my sister realized “Boardwalk is the third stop!“. Yep, the boat would have to make a stop at the Swan and Dolphin and then the Beach and Yacht Club before getting to The Boardwalk.
At 6:51 pm she had not gotten to the Swan and Dolphin yes so we texted her to get off at the Swan and Dolphin and walk over to The Boardwalk.
Arrival: 6:57 pm Travel time: 27 minutes
By Foot
I headed up the walking team dubbed Team Mom. I had the stroller and Mr J and Mr T with me. We headed straight for the walking path between Hollywood Studios and The Boardwalk.
The agreement before we started this competition is you could not run. This was to even the playing field. So I walked at a normal pace with the boys.
We did get stopped at one point over an acorn of all things. Mr J wanted me to stop so he could pick up acorns and I refused. He began to cry and Mr T started screaming for an acorn. Mr T still has limited english so he doesn’t even know what an acorn he. But he has decided he must have one and have it now!
This happened just as we were crossing the boundary of The Boardwalk property. As I am dealing with screaming and crying children I see Joe walking in the parking lot and I know the race really is on. It is going to be close.
Arrival: 6:48 pm Travel time: 18 minutes
By Car
This mode of transportation was the one we were most curious about. We knew that by foot would most likely beat the boat but we were not sure about the car.
This is when he realized it was just two lights to get into the parking lot of The Boardwalk. And on this night he did not have to park in the remote lot and easily got a parking spot close to the building.
Arrival: 6:45 pm Travel time: 15 minutes
So on this night Joe won the race to the Brewery. But if he had missed the tram or had to have parked in the remote lot across the street Team Mom would have easily won.
No matter what we do not think by boat has a chance.
So what did Joe win, a beer flight of course…
Have you ever wondered what transportation option is the best? We would love to hear about your races.
How fun! I’ve often wondered which way would be faster in various situations but never have enough people with me to try it out! I love this! What a fun race and post! We’ll be going to Disney in the next year or so, so this is good to know! 🙂
The boats are definitely a more leisurely approach. We actually take them when we’re at HS and need an afternoon break. LOL Trying to get somewhere fast on those boats . . . well, it just won’t happen! I’m actually surprised the driver won. I would have voted for the walker! Joe hit it just right that day!
We’ve done them all and found that it totally depends on your timing. Usually walking is slowest, but if there is too much traffic then it’ll be fastest!
I have not been down to Disney in such a long time. I think just for the fun of it I would take the boat. If I wanted to win the race I would totally take the tram for sure!.
Oh how I love Disney! I take all three ways of transportation. I am running a race there in 3 weeks!
This is a fun post! I love the boat method, slow and steady wins the race for me! 😉 I’ve only been to Hollywood Studios in Florida and can you believe for only 2 hours, so I’m ready to go back and possibly test these methods out!