Busing at FW

[Kimbere]

Okay, I need the real-deal on how reliable and quick the busses run at FW to the parks. We will be taking the boat to MK, and are planning on driving ourselves to AK (to save time). Should we plan to drive ourselves to Hollywood Studios, or do the bus thing? I don't want to spend a couple of hours doing the bus, if we can drive ourselves in much less time.

 

[mamaloya]

OK, here goes.

Boat to MK
Bus to Epcot runs more frequently than the others, but we drive.
Bus to DHS is less frequent, but it would take around 30-45 minutes to get there unless you just miss the bus at the loop and depot, then mayber and hour.
Bus to AK, I am not sure.

We drive to AK and DHS.

Keep in mind that if you are in a w/c or have a stroller that driving is much more convenient because you don't have to deal with collapsing the stroller on 2 busses. If you have a w/c or ECV and have a handicap tag, you get to park very close and won't need to take a tram. If you have a stroller, you may have to collapse if you take a tram. If you arrive later in the day, let the attendant know you have a stroller and would like to avoid the tram and see if he will let you find a parking spot closer to the entrance.

Driving will be faster than taking a bus, except to MK. But a lot of people prefer to park their car and let disney do the driving. With no stroller or w/c, I actually would prefer that.

One more thing to think about... You will put more than 100 miles on your vehicle if you drive to each park once. If you drive more than that, you are looking at 200 miles even. For me, that is pricey. Oh, and you don't pay for parking if you are staying at FW. Just make sure you have your permit in your window. Without the parking permit, you will be asked to pay, even with resort ID.

OK, I think I more than answered your question. Too much info huh. Anything else?

 

[2goofycampers]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1726118 Check out this thread for your answers

 

[kc5grw]

If I'm going to be at another park at closing I will drive. I've done the bus thing at closing and it is just crazy. We're usually pretty beat at closing and waiting in line for a really crowded bus just ain't where its at. If we're leaving the park early then we usually take the bus.

 

[Kimbere]

Thanks for the info on the thread. Looks like we will be driving ourselves to the parks, except for MK. Whiny/tired kids + long days of walking = misery on a crowded bus!!

 

[BigDaddyRog]

My 11 and 5 year olds LOVED the buses.....it was like another Disney ride to them. Now the 16 and 18 yr olds werent crazy about them, but thats because they've hit that age where they LOOK for things to complain about, no matter where they are. I dont remember thinking it was cool to hate everything as a teen, I mean, I hated my parents, I hated school, but that was normal....my kids are freaks.

 

[kimluvswdw]

We have been to WDW 13 times and we have always used the busses. We are on vacation so rushing to get here and there is not going to happen. It is a relaxing time and I prefer to hop on an air conditioned bus and let someone drive me around. We used to rush around getting from point A to point B that we didn't have a very good time.

 

[Momof626x3]

We stayed at the cabins in 2005 and my kids were ages 1 1/2, almost 3, and 6. We had my MIL with us so it was one adult per kid. Somehow my "partner" was always the 18 month old and he was NOT a happy bus rider since he was expected to sit still on the bus and not run around . He spent every bus ride trying to beat the tar out of me. I thought those bus rides would never end! I'm happy to say he is now 4 and he also thinks of the bus rides as another "disney ride experience" so I think our next stay at the Fort will be a much more pleasant experience (and less painful). We plan to take the air conditioned buses in August rather than drive.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

I witnessed an unfortunate bus occurance. The bus was really full, it was late, and a couple boarded with two small children on their way back to the resort. Dad stood with the stroller. My DH, DD11 &DD8 gave up their seats (Donnie, are you listening?) for the mom and kids. Mom was clearly struggling. Both kids fought for mom's lap, the baby screamed and the toddler flailed! Meanwhile, dad wedged the stroller so he was merely leaning up against it while he just messed with his Blackberry. Mom asked for a little help here. He motioned to the stroller and went back to his business. I took the baby from mom, which didn't make the baby any happier, but at least allowed mom to control the toddler. By the time they got off the bus, dad was calm, cool, collected~mom was a wreck! My DH wanted to kick the dad as he went past! Now, I'm fond of the busses, but it is people like this dad who make it miserable for others.

 

[Momof626x3]

Wow, that is awful! That was really nice of you to help that poor mom out. During that 2005 trip my DH was partnered with DS6 AND the stroller and my MIL took DS almost 3 (who was good as gold of course). I just sat with the 18 mos old on my lap in a straight jacket type hold, he was quite loud though. I'm sure we were not everyone's favorite people on the bus. Now when I see other parents going through that I give them a lot of sympathy.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

wow...my wife would have had me in pain on the floor if I tried to pull something like that. If she aint happy, Im not allowed to be happy

 

[surferrat]

wow...my wife would have had me in pain on the floor if I tried to pull something like that. If she aint happy, Im not allowed to be happy

I have to agree...My DW would have taken my blackberry and e-mailed me telling me to sleep outside of the camper that night!!!!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

wow...my wife would have had me in pain on the floor if I tried to pull something like that. If she aint happy, Im not allowed to be happy

My wife has a magnet on the refrigerator that says "If momma ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy"

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Wow, that is awful! That was really nice of you to help that poor mom out. During that 2005 trip my DH was partnered with DS6 AND the stroller and my MIL took DS almost 3 (who was good as gold of course). I just sat with the 18 mos old on my lap in a straight jacket type hold, he was quite loud though. I'm sure we were not everyone's favorite people on the bus. Now when I see other parents going through that I give them a lot of sympathy.

Oh sure, kids will be kids~even at Disney World! I don't blame a cranky child for being fussy when they've been out all day in the heat and it's 2 hours past bedtime. It happens. As parents, it's our job to try to console the child. You having an adult for each one was really smart! Wish I'd thought of that before! Believe me. I have vivid memories of one of my daughters causing all the ruckus one time in particular that was really bad! Kids are allowed to be obnoxious. When a parent is obnoxious that is when I've got a problem! That guy will learn that age old lesson you all mentioned about momma being happy. That, or he'll be kicked to the curb!

 

[bxtx]

"If momma ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy"

AMEN to that!

 

[Kimbere]

My wife has a magnet on the refrigerator that says "If momma ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy"

That's for sure!!! My husband is always saying that. Smart man!!

 

[ntsammy5]

That's for sure!!! My husband is always saying that. Smart man!!

Yeah, he's like me, a coward!

 

[BigDaddyRog]

You're not a coward, AL....youve just become comfortable with waking up with all the same parts you went to sleep with.

 

[ntsammy5]

You're not a coward, AL....youve just become comfortable with waking up with all the same parts you went to sleep with.

You've got that right, Rog!

 

[Kimbere]

See....smart men, both of you!!