Bus transportation

[Single_Mom]

Hi everyone!! We will be travelling back to Disney World in October and will be staying at Pop. I really don't want to have to rent a car but when we were there last March and we stayed in Epcot for Illuminations we waited over an hour for the bus and then could barely move because they crammed the busses so full because there was such a line up (we were staying at Pop then too). I was just wondering if anyone had a strategy or idea to get around this because it was a nightmare for my kids and they refuse to do Illuminations again unless we have a plan. Lol

 

[MFMont]

Hi everyone!! We will be travelling back to Disney World in October and will be staying at Pop. I really don't want to have to rent a car but when we were there last March and we stayed in Epcot for Illuminations we waited over an hour for the bus and then could barely move because they crammed the busses so full because there was such a line up (we were staying at Pop then too). I was just wondering if anyone had a strategy or idea to get around this because it was a nightmare for my kids and they refuse to do Illuminations again unless we have a plan. Lol

You could always go over to one of the Epcot resorts and grab a bus to DTD and bus to your hotel from there. The Boardwalk area is nice that time of the night.

 

[lvcourtneyy]

One idea would be to save your shopping for the end of the night and let some of the crowds die down while you shop.


We did Illuminations last trip on an evening EMH night and headed to the character spot after Illuminations at it was empty.

 

[danceintherain]

Hi everyone!! We will be travelling back to Disney World in October and will be staying at Pop. I really don't want to have to rent a car but when we were there last March and we stayed in Epcot for Illuminations we waited over an hour for the bus and then could barely move because they crammed the busses so full because there was such a line up (we were staying at Pop then too). I was just wondering if anyone had a strategy or idea to get around this because it was a nightmare for my kids and they refuse to do Illuminations again unless we have a plan. Lol

The best strategy for avoiding crowded buses is to avoid the crowds. This means either don't stay for Illuminations (leave an hour or 2 before) or hang around in the park for a long time after they're over. They usually keep the shops open for a good 30 minutes after the park "closes" and they won't really try to force you out for a good while. They'll still call a bus over for you, even if you're the last person to leave the park. It might take a while for it to get to you, but it likely won't be crowded.

Alternatively, you could transfer to a different park that's open later (ie with Extra Magic Hours) and catch a bus to your resort from there. This could easily take just as much time or more, but should have lower bus crowds, until that park closes.

 

[bcrook]

You could take a cab for that special night. Walk over to the boardwalk inn and get a ride from there.

Otherwise if you enjoy the evening and linger until the crowds dwindle, you can ride a less crowded bus.

Sometimes, I get to the front of line on the bus and let everyone get on in front of me so that I can be the first family on with the next bus. Then I grab the far corner seats with my family. I will never get on a packed bus.

 

[Sandy Fisher]

For the most part we used the buses. And I wasn't exactly thrilled with the huge crowds at park closing. Even when we lived down there full time and occasionally stayed overnight at the Caribbean just so we could stay for Illuminations and not have the long drive home, I dreaded the wait for buses. C. B. has a lot of people/rooms too. We tended to take our time getting out of the park because we knew there would be a wait.
We also paid attention as the buses were loading and we'd step aside and let others go ahead if it looked as if we'd have to stand in the middle of the aisle. We've done that over the years, but we're both 70 now and that's not much fun. Lots of people are glad to go ahead and get on, saying It's just a SHORT ride to the hotel. Maybe, but I'd rather sit after a long day at the park!!
That's how we handled it. They don't seem to bring the buses as quickly as they used to. And we stood in line longer the last couple years than we ever did before.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Transportation board.

 

[DisneyWisher]

Also check DHS hours that night. If they are open later take the boat over and grab the bus there, even if they close at the same time buses should still be running. Going to Boardwalk and getting a cab also a terrific idea, it'll be the shortest ride so the cost will be low. I google mapped it. It's 2 miles from Boardwalk to Pop, from Epcot to Pop it's 6 miles.

 

[DOOM1001]

I love taking buses at Disney,I agree that waiting for a bus after Illuminations or Wishes is annoying but I'm still on a bus at Disney. As others said you can avoid them by either taking some time at the stores giving time for the crowds to ease off or walking to the Boardwalk after Illuminations and taking a bus to DTD and another one to POP,it's a plan but it will take a while.If you really don't have patience grab a taxi at the front of Epcot or at the Boardwalk.

 

[Single_Mom]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. I was thinking of doing Epcot on an extra magic hours night and leaving before they end but Josh from easywdw says that the lines for everything will be awful and this will also be during the food and wine festival. Does anyone have any experience with the emh during this time?

 

[goofy4tink]

Epcot is going to be nutty late at night during Food and Wine...just the nature of the beast. So, if you really want, stay for IllumiNations on an EMH evening, then leave via the buses.
Or, go on another night and then walk over to the BC and get a cab back to Pop. It's very closeby, and the cab fare won't be much...maybe around $10 or so.
It's the nature of the beast with park closing. Everyone wants to get out of the park at the same time. So.....hang out in the park longer than everyone else. Grab a snack and sit and people watch. Then, about 20-25 mins later, start heading to the exits. The bus lines will be shorter and will be a lot less chaotic. Very nice way to end the day.

 

[maxiesmom]

There are always cabs ready and waiting outside of Epcot, by where the Disney buses load and unload. Just grab one!

Otherwise I would watch Illuminations from between the 2 stores right at the point where Future World joins with the World Showcase, and then hustle out as soon as the fireworks are done. That is what we do, and we are usually on the first bus. You will be packed on, but you won't have to wait too long.

 

[mickey1968]

I just wanted to insert that the Epcot Food & Wine booths close at 9 pm even on EMH nights. I went for the first time last year and was disappointed and surprised by this.

I too am trying to decide whether I want to rent a car this trip. I travel solo but have a tendency to push myself to the limits to where come park closing and having to stand in line for several over-packed buses back to Pop just makes me want to sit down and cry like a little kid. I have been considering upgrading to a moderate resort, but could do the car rental and stay at a value resort for less money.