Busses.

[piratechick]

Can off duty CMs ride these same busses to the parks and TTC? I ask because we are planning to visit our son, who is doing Fall. We may not get a rental car because rates are VERY high right now. Instead, we could meet him on his day off at the TTC, for example, and go from there. Would that work?

Is there any way for CMs without cars to get to Downtown Disney?

Thanks!

Yes, cps who just want to visit the parks are allow to ride the bus. You don't have to be working that day to be allow to ride the bus.

 

[DisSisters]

I know most roles, since they are either in the parks, hotels, or downtown Disney, are relatively easy to figure out where you would go for work each day but does anyone know where transportation starts out? I suppose it would vary based on whether I work boats or monorail but it is something I have been curious about.

My roommate who worked in monorails usually started at the Transporation and Ticket Center. I'm not sure about boats. Also, Disney will make sure to let you know exactly where to go so you won't be lost

 

[MaryPoppins86]

do the buses run 24 hours? or are there specific times for when they start operating in the morning and when they stop in the night?

 

[DisSisters]

do the buses run 24 hours? or are there specific times for when they start operating in the morning and when they stop in the night?

During Fall 08, only the A Bus (Magic Kingdom bus) was 24 hours. The other buses have specific times they start and stop. However, in some rare occasions you might have to be at work before your bus starts operating. When I was a lifeguard, we have monthly trainings and I just would call bus company and they would have a van pick us lifeguards up early.

 

[KNR]

There is a printed bus schedule. They are available in the clubhouses (I had at least 3 with me, one on my person and 2 in my room). And if you lose it, there is another copy at the bus stop (at least there is at Chatham, not sure about Vista).

The buses have interesting schedules. Some run once an hour (like the Walmart bus). Some run twice an hour (like the AK and DHS buses). Others run several times an hour (like the MK bus). Make sure you are at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the printed time that the bus is supposed to leave (I always got there 10 minutes early), because the buses sometimes left early.

The bus stops will either be backstage or in the front of the park. The MK bus does both (it first stops at the TTC, and then again back of the MK at Westclock). The Epcot bus drops off backstage, by the Cast Services building. The AK bus drops off in the front of the park, by the CM parking lot/guest parking lots. And the DHS bus drops off in the front, with all the other buses.

-----------------------
If one misses a bus from Chatham to AK, and the next bus comes an hour later, is it possible to take another bus and transfer buses to a bus going to that park. Are there other alternatives to waiting for the next bus and being an hour late?

 

[BabyPiglet]

-----------------------
If one misses a bus from Chatham to AK, and the next bus comes an hour later, is it possible to take another bus and transfer buses to a bus going to that park. Are there other alternatives to waiting for the next bus and being an hour late?

Now obviously I do not know from experience, but I heard there is a number you can call to request a bus or see if the bus is on its way.

 

[DisSisters]

-----------------------
If one misses a bus from Chatham to AK, and the next bus comes an hour later, is it possible to take another bus and transfer buses to a bus going to that park. Are there other alternatives to waiting for the next bus and being an hour late?

Yes, there are some alternatives but it really depends on the bus route you are taking. For example I took the E Bus which ran from Chatham then Commons then Vista the HS. So if I missed the bus at Chatham. I could find another bus that went to Vista next and beat my bus to Vista and get on the E bus there. I don't know if this makes sense but it worked for me somedays.
Also, the Disney Resort Buses are only for resort guest, so you can only use the American Coach buses (cp bus company).

 

[piratechick]

-----------------------
If one misses a bus from Chatham to AK, and the next bus comes an hour later, is it possible to take another bus and transfer buses to a bus going to that park. Are there other alternatives to waiting for the next bus and being an hour late?

Technically, the AK bus comes every half hour. What do you mean by transferring buses, from cp bus to cp bus or from cp bus to Disney bus? If you mean taking a different bus to another complex then catching the AK bus there, than that won't work for two reasons. One being that Chatham is mainly the last bus stop (including the AK bus) for many buses before heading out to the parks and if you try to take a different bus to another complex to catch your bus there, it would be too late. If you mean catching a cp bus and going to a park/resort and than catch the AK bus, it would still take too long. I worked in AK and I miss the bus a few times. I would have to wait (I tried both options above, and it didn't work) for the next bus and hope I get there in time. Sometimes, I would get there with 5-10 minutes remaining until I have to clock in (I had to run to the bikes and speed ride there), other times I would be too late. So, make sure you be very careful in not missing the bus. Make sure to make friends who have a car because if anything happens, you can always ask them for a ride.

 

[piratechick]

Yes, there are some alternatives but it really depends on the bus route you are taking. For example I took the E Bus which ran from Chatham then Commons then Vista the HS. So if I missed the bus at Chatham. I could find another bus that went to Vista next and beat my bus to Vista and get on the E bus there. I don't know if this makes sense but it worked for me somedays.
Also, the Disney Resort Buses are only for resort guest, so you can only use the American Coach buses (cp bus company).

Actually, you are allow to ride the Disney Resort buses, even if you are in your uniform. I rode them a few times especially when I stayed with my family in the resort and had to take them for work (I went in my uniform). I know a lot of CMs who used a Resort bus for transportation to there park/resort (the public bus systems only take them to certain parks). I'd even know a few managers who used them. They might say not to use them but in reality they really don't mind because they know how hard it is to get transportation especially if you don't have a car. The only reason they say not to used them is because they won't become too crowded.