Any Info about the ART system?

[2grlsmom]

Hi! This is my first time posting on this site, although I have spent many hours reading all this invaluable information before our first trip ever to DL in a few weeks. Thanks to everyone for sharing such wonderful info! I am wondering if anyone has anything to share about the ART system? We are using this as our mode of transportation while in DLR and I am hoping it was not a bad choice. Any advice for schedules, hours of operation, length or trips from Portofino Inn,ease of taking strollers on/off, or tips would be greatly appreciated? THANKS!

 

[Mom2micayla]

Welcome to Dis!

We've used the ART a few times. I checked their website http://www.rideart.org/ and it looks like the Portofino is the first stop on route D. That's definitely an advantage. Often the buses will get full after just the first or second stop. So if you get on further down the line you may have to wait for a second (or third or fourth...) bus to come before there is room for you. We've always been one of the first stops at the places we've stayed at. I always felt so bad for the stops further down the line when little kids are so excited to go to DLR but can't get on the bus. Talk about broken hearted.

Anyway, the system runs ever 20 minutes IIRC. Seems like it starts an hour before the parks open and goes until an hour or two after it closes. They will make an announcement on the bus as far as their hours and when the driver takes his/her lunch break.

Strollers can be a bit of a pain on the ART. You'll need to have it emptied and completely collapsed before you get on the bus. There is a space in the back that we used to put our stroller (a double). If on our return there was enough room we'd just put it on the bench beside us.

All in all the ART is a good way to get between your hotel and DLR. It's pretty consistantly on time and not too expensive.