CBR Bus Service

[donnajz]

DD19 is one of the crazy people running down the street when the park opens so we try to get to the parks before park opening to be in front of the crowd. The bus service at CBR has us concerned due to multiple stops and the possibility of buses being full and having to wait for another one. What has been your experience with the bus service at CBR? We don't want to waste time in the morning on the bus and be in the back of the crowd and we also don't want to have to wake up even earlier in order to be in the front of the crowd. Our other option is POP. Thoughts please...

 

[CamoMama]

It only takes about 10 minutes for the loop of CBR. The bus system is run by a computer, and there are no buses dedicated to a specific resort, their route changes every time they end a route. I would get up early and catch the first available bus regardless of what resort I stayed at if I wanted to ensure being near the front of the line at rope drop.

 

[Julie711]

We have never waited more then 15 min for a bus during any of our stays. Like previous post said its about 10 minutes to do the whole loop, but depending on what Island your staying @ you could be close to the last pick up. We always gave ourselves about an 1/2 hour before park openings to be @ the bus stop. The futherst park is MK which is about 15 minutes.

 

[minnie mum]

We've never had a problem with long waits for a bus. When a bus fills up mid way around the loop another bus is dispatched. In fact we've seen the second bus pull up within a couple of minutes. If you are concerned about arriving at the parks well before rope drop then I'd make sure I was at the bus stop at least 45 min. ahead of time.

 

[dansdad]

The last time we were there the resort was just about at capacity and we never had an issue with the bus. Like PP said, even if you are the fist stop to be picked up it will take 10 minutes to make the full loop and be on your way.

We never had a bus going from CBR to any of the parks that had people standing. There were always open seats.

Now you are going to have a full, standing room only, bus if you leave MK or EP right after fireworks/closing time. But that will be for just about every resort.

 

[Redarrow5150]

We were at CBR in December and knew what to expect from the busses based upon the threads. I've stated in other threads that CBR has internal issues with how they operate the busses. I loved the resort but the only way I would stay in the future is if I had a car or rental car. To make a long issue short and to the point this was an actual conversation I had with one of the bus drivers.

Bus Driver: (Talking with hotel employee) Ever since we went to the every 20 minutes the bussing has improved going to the parks.

Me: Excuse me but when is the every 20 minutes?

Bus Driver: (Perplexed look) We leave every 20 minutes.

Me: What good is the every 20 minutes when your customers don't know the 20 minutes?

Now I'm not complaining because like I said I knew the issues people were having at the resort HOWEVER there are issues with the bus system. I don't believe the size of the resort has anything to do with it.

 

[minnie mum]

We were at CBR in December and knew what to expect from the busses based upon the threads. I've stated in other threads that CBR has internal issues with how they operate the busses. I loved the resort but the only way I would stay in the future is if I had a car or rental car. To make a long issue short and to the point this was an actual conversation I had with one of the bus drivers.

Bus Driver: (Talking with hotel employee) Ever since we went to the every 20 minutes the bussing has improved going to the parks.

Me: Excuse me but when is the every 20 minutes?

Bus Driver: (Perplexed look) We leave every 20 minutes.

Me: What good is the every 20 minutes when your customers don't know the 20 minutes?

Now I'm not complaining because like I said I knew the issues people were having at the resort HOWEVER there are issues with the bus system. I don't believe the size of the resort has anything to do with it.

If free bus transportation every 20 minutes is too great an interval for you to wait, then yes, I guess you do have an issue. However your issue would be with ALL WDW bus transportation at EVERY resort, since this is the same throughout WDW, not just at CBR.

 

[henry72]

We always stay at CBR and have never had a problem with the buses. The longest wait was probably about 10 minutes. But many times as a Magic Kingdom bus is leaving a stop, another one comes with in a minute or two. I have even seen two buses for the same destination following each other around the loop.

 

[Redarrow5150]

Sorry but part my paying for a resort is getting the transportation. Not a separate inclusion and don't see how they can't notify customers of when the 20 minutes is...regardless of what resort. It happens too often when you've waited at CBR for a bus and decide to go to another park because of the wait. Like I said putting a system in letting customers know when the next bus arrives at the resorts shouldn't be a problem. Heck I'll wait 20 minutes as long as I KNOW when the bus hits a park.

If free bus transportation every 20 minutes is too great an interval for you to wait, then yes, I guess you do have an issue. However your issue would be with ALL WDW bus transportation at EVERY resort, since this is the same throughout WDW, not just at CBR.

 

[jacksg@l]

The last time we were there the resort was just about at capacity and we never had an issue with the bus. Like PP said, even if you are the fist stop to be picked up it will take 10 minutes to make the full loop and be on your way.

We never had a bus going from CBR to any of the parks that had people standing. There were always open seats.

Now you are going to have a full, standing room only, bus if you leave MK or EP right after fireworks/closing time. But that will be for just about every resort.

I second this, and we stayed in June.

 

[minnie mum]

Sorry but part my paying for a resort is getting the transportation. Not a separate inclusion and don't see how they can't notify customers of when the 20 minutes is...regardless of what resort. It happens too often when you've waited at CBR for a bus and decide to go to another park because of the wait. Like I said putting a system in letting customers know when the next bus arrives at the resorts shouldn't be a problem. Heck I'll wait 20 minutes as long as I KNOW when the bus hits a park.

But here's the thing: they aren't on a fixed schedule: CBR to MK @ 8:00, 8:20, 8:40 etc. The buses come MORE frequently for certain parks at certain times (like early morning for that day's EMH park), more frequently if a particular bus has filled to capacity, more frequently when a particular park is closing. But they won't come less frequently than every 20 min (barring unforseen circumstances). Now perhapes this is just me loving WDW, but I think this is much better service than having them stick to just one bus every 20 min on a fixed schedule, no matter what the demand.

I really can't understand your issue. If being at a specific place at a specific time is SO important to you, even on vacation, then you will need a car and a stop watch. Otherwise, build in a 20 min. buffer and just relax. There is a reason why guests are cautioned to build in extra time for their transportation estimates if relying on Disney transportation. This isn't exactly new. Nor is it specific to any particular resort.

 

[Redarrow5150]

My issue is the inconsistencies of the busses. What's not to understand? Going through all the resort threads it's the most common and biggest issue with this resort. Do other resorts at times have issues with transportation? Of course but CBR threads spend more time on this than other resorts and believe criticism is warranted. Like I said I like the resort but the only way I would stay here again is if we have car.

But here's the thing: they aren't on a fixed schedule: CBR to MK @ 8:00, 8:20, 8:40 etc. The buses come MORE frequently for certain parks at certain times (like early morning for that day's EMH park), more frequently if a particular bus has filled to capacity, more frequently when a particular park is closing. But they won't come less frequently than every 20 min (barring unforseen circumstances). Now perhapes this is just me loving WDW, but I think this is much better service than having them stick to just one bus every 20 min on a fixed schedule, no matter what the demand.

I really can't understand your issue. If being at a specific place at a specific time is SO important to you, even on vacation, then you will need a car and a stop watch. Otherwise, build in a 20 min. buffer and just relax. There is a reason why guests are cautioned to build in extra time for their transportation estimates if relying on Disney transportation. This isn't exactly new. Nor is it specific to any particular resort.

 

[I Love Pluto]

We go to CBR or Pop each spring break - and each summer. The parks are crowded at these times (teacher schedule) - BUT - we have NEVER had issues with buses. They come within a reasonable time period (15 minutes or so).

I feel that the issues with buses come from those who live in the suburbs, and get everywhere by car. If that is what you need, then rent a car to fit YOUR lifestyle. We often do this because this fits our lifestyle.

No one can expect a Disney bus to appear just as they enter the bus line. When we do not take our car, I expect to WAIT for a bus - the same way I would if I were at home. Scheduled buses come late at home, they'll probably come late at Disney. Traffic adjusts drive times.

If a person needs a ride NOW - I suggest taking your own car, taking a taxi, or renting a car for immediate access. Then we can be our own boss, not relying on mass transportation.

 

[tinkerbell313]

We have never had an issue with busses at CBR, POFQ or AKL. We have stayed at all three and have only used Disney transport. I cant compare each resort as they are three different resorts (that would be comparing apples to oranges).

We found the busses at CBR to be very efficient. We never had to wait more then 10 minutes and the busses were only packed when we left the parks at closing (but that is to be expected).

 

[CamoMama]

My issue is the inconsistencies of the busses. What's not to understand? Going through all the resort threads it's the most common and biggest issue with this resort. Do other resorts at times have issues with transportation? Of course but CBR threads spend more time on this than other resorts and believe criticism is warranted. Like I said I like the resort but the only way I would stay here again is if we have car.

What you don't seem to understand is that the buses don't "belong" to CBR. There is a fixed number of buses for the entire WDW property, not for each resort hotel. Every time a bus finishes a route it is assigned a completely new and different route. A bus that just did the trip from CBR to MK may now go to Pop and then to AK. It's run by a computer system, based on demand. If you're having issues with buses at CBR it's likely that that day the other resorts are having issues as well, you just can't tell because you're not at the other resorts. And again, as a pp stated, it's not a set schedule. Because the buses are assigned different routes after they finish the previous one, a new bus may show up 5 minutes after the last one left; they try to make it so you never have to wait longer than 20 minutes, but often the wait is much less. It's a freaking vacation, not basic training for goodness sakes, trying to pin every thing down to exact times is just silly. Take a deep breath and relax and enjoy the scenery while you wait. Play word games with your kids, look out for wildlife around the stop, whatever keeps you occupied.

 

[Redarrow5150]

What you seem not to understand is (IMO) there's issues with busses. I NEVER said it was basic training and it's YOU that seems that I can't relax on a vacation. I've indicated that there's inconsistency with the busses and that's my experience. I suggest you read the title of this thread and I'm giving my experiences and opinions about what happened to me.

What you don't seem to understand is that the buses don't "belong" to CBR. There is a fixed number of buses for the entire WDW property, not for each resort hotel. Every time a bus finishes a route it is assigned a completely new and different route. A bus that just did the trip from CBR to MK may now go to Pop and then to AK. It's run by a computer system, based on demand. If you're having issues with buses at CBR it's likely that that day the other resorts are having issues as well, you just can't tell because you're not at the other resorts. And again, as a pp stated, it's not a set schedule. Because the buses are assigned different routes after they finish the previous one, a new bus may show up 5 minutes after the last one left; they try to make it so you never have to wait longer than 20 minutes, but often the wait is much less. It's a freaking vacation, not basic training for goodness sakes, trying to pin every thing down to exact times is just silly. Take a deep breath and relax and enjoy the scenery while you wait. Play word games with your kids, look out for wildlife around the stop, whatever keeps you occupied.

 

[CamoMama]

I did read the title of the thread. And I'm going to reiterate. There is no such thing as CBR bus service. It is WDW bus service, there are no buses dedicated to any one resort. They all share buses.

Seriously, relax. it's been explained to you several times and you still don't get it. There will occasionally be issues with buses at any resort, it's not just CBR. And yes, it's part of what we pay for as WDW resort guests, but the fact that you don't know exactly when the bus will show up every day is not an error on the part of WDW. Your expectations are unrealistic. Do you wait more than 20 minutes? If not then you are receiving exactly what is offered and have no reason to complain. Especially so vehemently and offensively to the people who are trying to give you information. I doubt you even read my actual response about how the bus system works.

 

[Redarrow5150]

You're the one telling me to relax when your hypeventilating about the busses. Holy cow chill. I was giving MY experience with the bus service. How are my expectations unrealistic when you don't know when the busses come? I do get it so quit trying to think I'm some freaking 2nd grader with how you are responding to my posts. As a matter of fact I'm done with you as you are trying to highjack this thread. Goodbye and have a great life.

I did read the title of the thread. And I'm going to reiterate. There is no such thing as CBR bus service. It is WDW bus service, there are no buses dedicated to any one resort. They all share buses.

Seriously, relax. it's been explained to you several times and you still don't get it. There will occasionally be issues with buses at any resort, it's not just CBR. And yes, it's part of what we pay for as WDW resort guests, but the fact that you don't know exactly when the bus will show up every day is not an error on the part of WDW. Your expectations are unrealistic. Do you wait more than 20 minutes? If not then you are receiving exactly what is offered and have no reason to complain. Especially so vehemently and offensively to the people who are trying to give you information. I doubt you even read my actual response about how the bus system works.

 

[lisam427]

It only takes about 10 minutes for the loop of CBR. The bus system is run by a computer, and there are no buses dedicated to a specific resort, their route changes every time they end a route. I would get up early and catch the first available bus regardless of what resort I stayed at if I wanted to ensure being near the front of the line at rope drop.

anyone know what time the busses start?

 

[minnie mum]

anyone know what time the busses start?

At the risk of having Redarrow jump down my throat if I'm off by a few minutes (or the bus is) the first bus of the morning is usually the one that is running for the pre-opening breakfasts in the park or EMH. I think this is around 7 am. But since this can vary from day to day (again, SO sorry Redarrow) it's best to just ask at the concierge desk the night before.