Anyone ever ask ME driver to be first stop?

[goofy4tink]

Actually did the monorail thing a number of years back. I would have never thought to make such a request but read some advice here on the boards to just ask.

So I learned that it never hurts to ask nicely. I really would not want do wrong to others and figured that about one third of the bus would get pixie dusted by also getting off first if the route was reversed. Really do appreciate reading other points of view, and I will not ask.

T

As already noted...there was a monorail accident and the driver was killed..if there had been guests riding up front with him, they also would have been killed. So, no more riding up front.

Here's the issue with the whole 1/3 vs 2/3s idea.....there is seldom an even split of resort guests! I've been on a DME bus and been the only person going to my resort, while almost 75% of the bus were going to one resort, with the other 24% going to the third resort. So, because I'm the only one going to Resort A, I should be moved to the last stop? Or maybe I should be the first stop since I'll be off the bus so quickly, with no bags to get.

Nope, the DME system works just fine the way it is. You may get lucky and be the first stop anyway. What resort are you staying at??

 

[sam_gordon]

The driver usually announces it.

At what point? Once everyone is on the bus I assume.

Here's the situation I'm picturing. A guest new to either DME or staying on site. They get in the appropriate line and are (eventually) told to board the bus. As they're getting on the bus, they see the driver and say "We're staying at AKL, can you drop us off first?" The driver simply says "No, sorry, I can't do that." Guest: "OK, doesn't hurt to ask" and gets on the bus.

To me, that's not rude, that's naive.

Now, if someone like aubriee (don't mean to pick on you, sorry), who knows how things work, asks the same question, then I can see it being considered rude. BUT, anyone else on the bus doesn't know if it's someone who doesn't know the system or someone trying to "game" the system.

 

[msjprincess]

As already noted...there was a monorail accident and the driver was killed..if there had been guests riding up front with him, they also would have been killed. So, no more riding up front.

Here's the issue with the whole 1/3 vs 2/3s idea.....there is seldom an even split of resort guests! I've been on a DME bus and been the only person going to my resort, while almost 75% of the bus were going to one resort, with the other 24% going to the third resort. So, because I'm the only one going to Resort A, I should be moved to the last stop? Or maybe I should be the first stop since I'll be off the bus so quickly, with no bags to get.

Nope, the DME system works just fine the way it is. You may get lucky and be the first stop anyway. What resort are you staying at??

MTE. When we took DME last month the bus was pretty full. We stopped at the YC first and we were the only ones to get off. It then stopped at the BC-BW-CBR.

 

[msjprincess]

At what point? Once everyone is on the bus I assume.

Here's the situation I'm picturing. A guest new to either DME or staying on site. They get in the appropriate line and are (eventually) told to board the bus. As they're getting on the bus, they see the driver and say "We're staying at AKL, can you drop us off first?" The driver simply says "No, sorry, I can't do that." Guest: "OK, doesn't hurt to ask" and gets on the bus.

To me, that's not rude, that's naive.

Now, if someone like aubriee (don't mean to pick on you, sorry), who knows how things work, asks the same question, then I can see it being considered rude. BUT, anyone else on the bus doesn't know if it's someone who doesn't know the system or someone trying to "game" the system.

Yes. Sometimes I've had them say it as soon as we start going. Last month the driver didn't announce the route until right before we made the first stop.

 

[Alesia]

At what point? Once everyone is on the bus I assume.

Here's the situation I'm picturing. A guest new to either DME or staying on site. They get in the appropriate line and are (eventually) told to board the bus. As they're getting on the bus, they see the driver and say "We're staying at AKL, can you drop us off first?" The driver simply says "No, sorry, I can't do that." Guest: "OK, doesn't hurt to ask" and gets on the bus.

To me, that's not rude, that's naive.

Well, to be fair, I didn't say that the OP was rude, just that I would feel rude if I asked.

But I do think that most people, if they stop to think about it, realize on some level that the driver chooses the route that makes the most logistical sense. Maybe people who don't work in a customer-based industry don't think about those things?

 

[dis_guy]

There is no way I would even try to ask that unless I want the other passengers who are going to the resort that will now be last, to toss me off the bus.

Or under the bus!

 

[TammyC]

So if I take a whole bunch of people from the end of the Toy Story Mania line and we all jump up front to the beginning of the line, cutting in front of everyone who's been waiting, I'm not being rude? I'm just "pixie dusting" all those poor people who were at the end with a long wait ahead of them?

Wow. I do not think that line cutting is a similar comparison. One who cuts a line gets to ride (or be dropped off) before those who have been waiting longer. At DME I was near the front of the line to board as we had been waiting since the previous bus left, but we were third stop to drop off. The people who boarded after us but got off first did not cut, nor would I.

I have never heard a route order announced when on a DME bus. Since I read here that routes are not predetermined - it sounded like the driver might go a-b-c or c-b-a based on his mood for that day. Thus it seemed like making a request for something that has not been decided upon would not be different than requesting a room or table that was not assigned yet. Maybe this does make me naive. If routes were standard, one could actually factor that into their decision about which resort to choose if they knew they would be running on a tight schedule.

Being the third stop last time, I do not think I got grumpy gravel. Hopefully someone else who was trying to make it to a reservation on time did so when they were first off. If I have a cart load of groceries and the person behind me looks like they are just picking up a couple of things while on their lunch hour, I happily let them go first. For our next visit, there was a change in flight times that has cut into our already short park hours and I was hoping for an earlier drop off.

T

 

[Alesia]

I have never heard a route order announced when on a DME bus. Since I read here that routes are not predetermined - it sounded like the driver might go a-b-c or c-b-a based on his mood for that day. Thus it seemed like making a request for something that has not been decided upon would not be different than requesting a room or table that was not assigned yet. Maybe this does make me naive. If routes were standard, one could actually factor that into their decision about which resort to choose if they knew they would be running on a tight schedule.


T

The reason that they don't have a set schedule is because the goal is to get the most people where they need to be as quickly and efficiently as possible. What would be the point of having a bust that goes to AKL, CBR, and POR each time when there are a lot of times when there wouldn't be people going to one or two of those resorts?

Think of it this way:

In any given week, you go to a wide variety of places: the bank, the grocery store, the library, the pharmacy, etc. Say you have 3 errands to run every day and an hour to complete all of them before you have to be at work. Would you choose the order you do them in randomly or would you think about the most efficient order to do them in?

 

[anonymousegirl]

I think logistics come into play as well. The driver knows which stops he will be making and probably loads the luggage according to the order he has determined. If you have bags under the bus, then it would be extremely difficult to change the order of stops as your bags might be buried behind a large number of bags.

 

[sam_gordon]

Well, to be fair, I didn't say that the OP was rude, just that I would feel rude if I asked.

But I do think that most people, if they stop to think about it, realize on some level that the driver chooses the route that makes the most logistical sense. Maybe people who don't work in a customer-based industry don't think about those things?

TRUST me, not everyone is logical.

Also, people may not know the layout of the resorts. They may not realize you go by POFQ to get to AKL (just a wild example).

 

[aubriee]

TRUST me, not everyone is logical.

Also, people may not know the layout of the resorts. They may not realize you go by POFQ to get to AKL (just a wild example).

I hate to keep being argumentative, but I would hope most people would at least take a look at a map of WDW before they leave home, so they would have a idea of the general layout of the resort. Anyone who looks at a map could assume that Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, POFQ, and PORS would be served by the same DME bus and that Saratoga Springs or Old Key West would be dropped off first, followed by POFQ, then PORS. Same thing with AKL. AKL is about as far west as you can go at WDW and since you'd be entering WDW from the east if coming from the airport, it would be logical to assume that AKL would probably always be the last DME stop. Why would a driver drive right past Pop or one of the All Stars and CSR to make AKL the first stop. That would not be logical. Then again as you say, not everyone is logical. Now I could see a driver changing up the route for say the MK or BW area resorts.

Saying all of that, I did get a weird route once where I was dropped off first at POFQ, then the driver said he was going to PORS, then Ft Wilderness, then Wilderness Lodge. At first I thought that was an odd combo, as always before when I had stayed at POFQ the first stop was always OKW or Saratoga Springs, then POFQ, then PORS. However, when I looked at a map it did sortof make sense, if there was no one wanting to go to OKW or SS at that time and they needed to fill the bus. I can see where people could get really mad if that bus had driven right past POFQ and PORS, just because someone on the bus had asked to be dropped off at WL first.

 

[sam_gordon]

I hate to keep being argumentative, but I would hope most people would at least take a look at a map of WDW before they leave home, so they would have a idea of the general layout of the resort. Anyone who looks at a map could assume that Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, POFQ, and PORS would be served by the same DME bus and that Saratoga Springs or Old Key West would be dropped off first, followed by POFQ, then PORS. Same thing with AKL. AKL is about as far west as you can go at WDW and since you'd be entering WDW from the east if coming from the airport, it would be logical to assume that AKL would probably always be the last DME stop. Why would a driver drive right past Pop or one of the All Stars and CSR to make AKL the first stop. That would not be logical. Then again as you say, not everyone is logical. Now I could see a driver changing up the route for say the MK or BW area resorts.

Saying all of that, I did get a weird route once where I was dropped off first at POFQ, then the driver said he was going to PORS, then Ft Wilderness, then Wilderness Lodge. At first I thought that was an odd combo, as always before when I had stayed at POFQ the first stop was always OKW or Saratoga Springs, then POFQ, then PORS. However, when I looked at a map it did sortof make sense, if there was no one wanting to go to OKW or SS at that time and they needed to fill the bus. I can see where people could get really mad if that bus had driven right past POFQ and PORS, just because someone on the bus had asked to be dropped off at WL first.

You're fine. I just wonder how many people look at a map, see where they are staying in regards to other nearby resorts. If someone is staying at POFQ, they might see (& notice) PORS, but not notice SS & OKW.

Also, they've probably looked at a map early on in planning, but don't remember details when they're boarding the DME bus.

And just a reminder, all I'm "arguing" is whether it should be considered 'rude' to ask to be the first stop. I'd rather assume the guest is naive or ignorant of the layout of the resorts than that they are rude.

 

[Alesia]

And just a reminder, all I'm "arguing" is whether it should be considered 'rude' to ask to be the first stop. I'd rather assume the guest is naive or ignorant of the layout of the resorts than that they are rude.

That depends on whether the guest knows if they should be asking or not.

When you work in a customer-based industry, the last thing you want to do is tell a customer "No," so it is frustrating to have a customer ask you for something that you cannot do. I wish people would think about that instead of automatically falling back on "It never hurts to ask."

 

[aubriee]

And just a reminder, all I'm "arguing" is whether it should be considered 'rude' to ask to be the first stop. I'd rather assume the guest is naive or ignorant of the layout of the resorts than that they are rude.

OK, if they haven't been down there very often I'd be willing to give them the benefit of the doubt too. However, if they've been down there several times, know the layout of the resorts, and then ask to be the first stop I'd have to go with rude and entitled.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

I just can't buy the naive excuse! I'm sorry, whether you know the layout or not, whether you understand the system or not, whether you have an early ADR you're trying to catch, whether your flight got changed and you're now later than you wanted to be, it's still rude.

You get on a bus with 50(?) other people and think, "Hey, I really want to start my vacation earlier, so I think I should be the first dropped off." How is that not feeling entitled? I'm sorry, but every single person on that bus would like to be the first dropped off. Do you really think anyone's sitting back saying, "Oh, it's okay, please, let everyone else go first. I'll just sit back and ride the bus as long as possible"?

This just falls under it would never even occur to me to ask such a question.

 

[maxiesmom]

I hate to keep being argumentative, but I would hope most people would at least take a look at a map of WDW before they leave home, so they would have a idea of the general layout of the resort. Anyone who looks at a map could assume that Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, POFQ, and PORS would be served by the same DME bus and that Saratoga Springs or Old Key West would be dropped off first, followed by POFQ, then PORS. Same thing with AKL. AKL is about as far west as you can go at WDW and since you'd be entering WDW from the east if coming from the airport, it would be logical to assume that AKL would probably always be the last DME stop. Why would a driver drive right past Pop or one of the All Stars and CSR to make AKL the first stop. That would not be logical. Then again as you say, not everyone is logical. Now I could see a driver changing up the route for say the MK or BW area resorts.

Unfortunately the stops are not always logical. I've been on DME where the stops were in order CSR, AKL, the the All Stars. I think it has to do with not crossing over the main road a bunch of times.

I've also been on DME where POFQ was the first stop.

 

[Alesia]

Unfortunately the stops are not always logical. I've been on DME where the stops were in order CSR, AKL, the the All Stars. I think it has to do with not crossing over the main road a bunch of times.

It is logical. Just because you aren't privy to the factors that go into making the decision doesn't mean that the driver just chooses randomly based on his mood or whatever.

I think that cuts to the heart of the matter - asking the driver to be dropped off first is rude because it assumes that the driver is not a professional who makes his decisions based on what works best.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have never stopped at PORS or FQ when heading to SSR! I have stopped at them when going to BW though! The run to Pop has also varied....Pop, CBR, AKL or AKL, CBR, Pop. Or they add in AoA now.
CSR has popped up on some runs to AKL and Kidani.
The routes are very fluid. But that's not to say that the driver decides which one he wants to go to first. They know the most logical route and what order the resorts are scheduled for.
I know people argue all the time that GF should be first since it's the 'flagship' resort. But, the buses can't make the turn to get back to the Polynesian. So, the Polynesian has to come first!

If a guest finds themselves with less time than they originally thought they had, then they can always take a car service one way. That car service can take them directly to their destination...doesn't matter where it is.

 

[sam_gordon]

OK, if they haven't been down there very often I'd be willing to give them the benefit of the doubt too. However, if they've been down there several times, know the layout of the resorts, and then ask to be the first stop I'd have to go with rude and entitled.

I'll agree with you. BUT, if you're behind this person who's asking the question, how do you know if they are naive or if they're trying to game the system? I'm guessing you don't. So why not assume the best instead of the worst?

That depends on whether the guest knows if they should be asking or not.

When you work in a customer-based industry, the last thing you want to do is tell a customer "No," so it is frustrating to have a customer ask you for something that you cannot do. I wish people would think about that instead of automatically falling back on "It never hurts to ask."

But there are times (in general, not just at Disney) the customer can get pixie dust because granting the request IS in the power of the employee. Or should people just assume their requests will never be granted, so they shouldn't ask?

I just can't buy the naive excuse! I'm sorry, whether you know the layout or not, whether you understand the system or not, whether you have an early ADR you're trying to catch, whether your flight got changed and you're now later than you wanted to be, it's still rude.

You get on a bus with 50(?) other people and think, "Hey, I really want to start my vacation earlier, so I think I should be the first dropped off." How is that not feeling entitled? I'm sorry, but every single person on that bus would like to be the first dropped off. Do you really think anyone's sitting back saying, "Oh, it's okay, please, let everyone else go first. I'll just sit back and ride the bus as long as possible"?

This just falls under it would never even occur to me to ask such a question.

The bolded is again where I'm assuming the best in people. If they TRULY think they should be the first dropped off, yes, that's a feeling of entitlement. But if they're thinking "hey, someone has to be dropped off first, I wonder if it could be me", I don't have a problem with the request. If the driver says "no" though, they should let it drop, not complain (even under their breath) and simply say "ok, thanks".

 

[Alesia]

But there are times (in general, not just at Disney) the customer can get pixie dust because granting the request IS in the power of the employee. Or should people just assume their requests will never be granted, so they shouldn't ask?

But this isn't one of those situations. DME drivers need to take a lot of factors into consideration: gas efficiency, safety, time, etc. There really isn't room for pixie dust. You have to remember that they are always running on a pretty tight schedule.