Bus Transportation

[Andrew015]

Hey Gang

From what I've been hearing, bus transportation has been scaled back at WDW. (I don't want to alarm anyone by saying this.... since I've started college, my family hasn't been down there since summer of 01' ) I am curious to know what kind of changes have been made to the routes. How much of a hassel is it to use the bussing system? From what I can recall from my last trip, things were fairly efficient, and I don't remember having to wait more than 15 minutes for a white twinkie to come by and scoop me up.

I suppose this could be in the transportation forum, but I mainly use the busses from the resorts, so I figured I could keep it on the resort board. Plus I like you guys better over here anyways

 

[jimmiej]

Bus transportation seemed normal back in June-didn't notice any differences.

 

[Andrew015]

I'm glad to hear that.

I don't know for sure what, if any changes have been made. I just read in a few other posts about how disney has cut back on bus transportation, and this just kind of shocked me. I didn't think they had much room to cut back in that department. I guess you have to take some of the scuttlebut you hear with a grain of salt.

Anyways, glad to hear you didn't notice any difference.

 

[sbelyo]

Everything seemed normal to me during our last stay in Dec 03. 15min was maybe the longest we ever had to wait.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I haven't heard that. Last time I stayed onsite, July of 2002, the busses were quick and easy to use. Last time I went, Feb 2004, I stayed offsite w/ PHPs and rented a car, but there were always busses running it seemed.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by Andrew015
From what I've been hearing, bus transportation has been scaled back at WDW.

QUITE THE OPPOSITE!

In fact, contrary to popular belief, transportation never recieved the substantial cutbacks that have been rumored to have taken place. In fact, over the past few years, we've added 71 buses, bringing the total to nearly 265 buses in our fleet. Plus, we also have 44 more on the way, with options out for more. We've also hired over 300 additional drivers in the past year and a half, with another 100 or more on the way, if not more. Routes have been reorganized and split to be more efficient. New dispatching technology has been implemented to further enhance the "Magic On Demand."

I've been with Disney Transport since 2000 (even during my 9 month escape to resort life, I maintained very close contacts), and I can tell you, things are on the upswing.


All that said and done, one must still understand that no matter what, during peak times, you must expect crowds. During a park exit, there will be lines. And every so often, yes, there will be a glitch. However, rest assured, Disney REALIZES this, and does whatever possible to minimize any delays. During park exits, buses are staged, and boom boom boom, off they go. We work VERY hard to be as efficient as possible.

 

[old lost boy]

The only thing I noticed is TTC isn't much of a transportation center anymore. If we were going to another hotel for supper we would take the bus from WL to TTC. Not anymore. Downtown Disney is the evening transportation hub.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by old lost boy
The only thing I noticed is TTC isn't much of a transportation center anymore. If we were going to another hotel for supper we would take the bus from WL to TTC. Not anymore. Downtown Disney is the evening transportation hub.

At one time, the resort buses stopped there. However, now that the resort buses are directly at the MK, there is no need. For transfer points, open theme parks are the best bet, however, when they are closed, DTD is the option. All guide maps refer to DTD as the official transfer point for simplicities sake.

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Andrew015
Hey Gang

From what I've been hearing, bus transportation has been scaled back at WDW. (I don't want to alarm anyone by saying this.... since I've started college, my family hasn't been down there since summer of 01' ) I am curious to know what kind of changes have been made to the routes. How much of a hassel is it to use the bussing system? From what I can recall from my last trip, things were fairly efficient, and I don't remember having to wait more than 15 minutes for a white twinkie to come by and scoop me up.

I suppose this could be in the transportation forum, but I mainly use the busses from the resorts, so I figured I could keep it on the resort board. Plus I like you guys better over here anyways

Since 2001 we have been to WDW six times staying on property and using bus transportation on each trip. The bus system is great. We have never waited more then 15mins for any bus. They tell you that the buses run about every 20mins and that is what we have found them to do.

 

[Andrew015]

Chip n Dale express....

Thank you very much for the great insight!!

I feel much better talking to an expert than listening to the poor scuttlebut from unreliable sources.

Thanks for the clarification, and for putting my fears to rest. Next time I'm down there, I hope to catch a ride from ya!

 

[Annette_VA]

We were just there - Sept 15-22 @ BC. We did the boat to MGM & walked to Epcot. Unfortunately, we had no choice but buses for AK & MK. For both of those, we had to wait an hour for a bus. We scrapped our 2nd AK day so we wouldn't have to fight the bus battle.

Very disappointing.