Disappointed with the bus service

[goofy4tink]

I'm right with you and detest the bus service as well. We were at MGM/Hollywood Studios last week and needed to get to DTD. It took 2 hours!!!! First, we were told there was a direct bus. After waiting where a CM told us to, we asked a passing bus and they said there was no direct bus. We had to go to a resort to transfer. Took the boat to the Swan as it was the first stop for the boat. Took the boat 20 mins to get there. A bus pulled in that said Magic Kingdom so we did not get on it. He then switched his sign to DTD and immediately drove away. 15 mins later another DTD bus appeared. We got on it. It stopped at the Dolphin, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, POR, POFQ, Saratoga Springs. I don't remember the exact order but it really did stop at all those resorts!!!! We were 45 minutes late for our ressie at T-Rex but they were still kind enough to seat us. I could have driven to DTD from Tampa quicker than staying in the park. I will be renting a car from now on when I stay in an on site resort.

I'm sorry that you were misinformed, but as you found, there are no buses from any park to DTD. As for the boat ride, when did you start tracking the time??? From the time you got to the dock or when the boat left the dock? It takes 25 mins to go from DHS to Epcot, and that's with three stops inbetween. The ride itself, from DHS to the S/D, should take about 10-13 mins. But, that's not a biggie.
The bus to DTD from the S/D amazes me. I have taken the buses from S/D, BW and YC/BC. I have never, ever stopped at any resort other than those mentioned. YOu must have gotten a real doozy.

As a Disney bus driver, in defense of the OP:

There easily could have been 23 standees. All of the buses except the older RTS's (with the stairs at both doors) are configured to seat around 30 guests, and stand more than that. I'm sure that that many people packed on a bus can be uncomfortable and even scary to someone not used to big city public transit (which, when you come down to it, is exactly what the WDW bus system is.)

As Tara pointed out, there are uncountable potential reasons for buses to be spaced unevenly, causing waits longer that our target service level of every 20 minutes.

Disney has been trying to implement a dynamic scheduling system to adjust for delays on the fly, but they have not yet been successful. The latest I heard was maybe sometime next year.

Welcome to Transportation!!! I love having transportation CMs here. It sure does help get out the right info.



To the OP...be careful about choosing a monorail resort for easy access. Yes, you get easy access to MK but that's about it. You still have to take the monorail (or walk if at the Polynesian) over to the TTC and then transfer to the Epcot line. And getting to DHS, DTD, and AK are no bargains....I have found that as soon as a resort has 'alternative' transportation (boat, monorail or foot) to a park(s), the bus service suffers. This is one reason so many at the deluxes complain about bus service!

The buses, at busy time such as park opening and closing, are always going to be jammed full. There have been times that there has not been room on a bus for one single addtl person. I have never felt unsafe. The buses are designed for standees. If a guest chooses not to stand, they are more then welcome to wait for the next bus to come along..they will be first onboard.
If you do enough research, you will find that the buses run every 20-25 mins, and more often at busier times of day. When you see times 'quoted' someplace, it is usually the actual traveling time...it doesn't include any wait times.

The bus system is not perfect. But, it is quite good at what it does..moving thousands of people around a large area efficiently.

 

[BillSears]

...The morning of our ADR at MK we did do the bus, but again it stopped at other resorts before actually going to MK. That was on our first day and we didn't know that's how the buses ran...

Are you sure about this? I didn't think the Wilderness Lodge bus stopped at other resorts on it's way to the Magic Kingdom. What resorts did it stop at?

 

[clanmcculloch]

I think our next trip we will stay at the Contemporary or the Polynesian for the monorail since 90% of our time is at MK.

If you'll be at MK just about every day, I'd go for the Contemporary. You won't need to rely on ANY transportation as you can easily walk to and from MK.

 

[NewEnglander]

I'm right with you and detest the bus service as well. We were at MGM/Hollywood Studios last week and needed to get to DTD. It took 2 hours!!!! First, we were told there was a direct bus. After waiting where a CM told us to, we asked a passing bus and they said there was no direct bus. We had to go to a resort to transfer. Took the boat to the Swan as it was the first stop for the boat. Took the boat 20 mins to get there. A bus pulled in that said Magic Kingdom so we did not get on it. He then switched his sign to DTD and immediately drove away. 15 mins later another DTD bus appeared. We got on it. It stopped at the Dolphin, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, POR, POFQ, Saratoga Springs. I don't remember the exact order but it really did stop at all those resorts!!!! We were 45 minutes late for our ressie at T-Rex but they were still kind enough to seat us. I could have driven to DTD from Tampa quicker than staying in the park. I will be renting a car from now on when I stay in an on site resort.

That's an amazing story.
Did the bus make all the stops at POR and SSR?

 

[ccgirl]

That's an amazing story.
Did the bus make all the stops at POR and SSR?

No, it only made one stop at each. This was the only bus ride I had been on that stopped at so many resorts. Not sure if another bus was out of service or what. Of course, it was the one time I had to get to a dining reservation as well. All other buses the BW only shared with the Swan/Dolphin and BC/YC so I don't know what happened. In any event, this was only the second time I stayed on property and the second time I was disappointed in the bus service. I should point out that out of the 3 times we took the bus this trip, this was the only negative experience. It was just sooo negative that I think we will actually take the autotrain next time and bring our car.

 

[mamamac]

Are you sure about this? I didn't think the Wilderness Lodge bus stopped at other resorts on it's way to the Magic Kingdom. What resorts did it stop at?

We stopped at Ft. Wilderness and then the Grand Floridian. And yes I am sure because I was on the bus.

 

[BillSears]

We stopped at Ft. Wilderness and then the Grand Floridian. And yes I am sure because I was on the bus.

Sorry for doubting you. I do believe it happened to you.

Traditionally the Grand Floridian and Fort Wilderness do not have bus service to the Magic Kingdom, they use the monorail and the boat. So there must have been some strange things going on with the bus service for that trip.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort/transportation/

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/transportation/

 

[pooch]

DD swears that this is - the bus you want is never the next to show up at the bus stop.

On our Sept trip she insists we will get on whatever bus shows up first and if that means 7 day at AK, so be it!!!!

Actually we have never had huge issues with WDW transportation. As was said earlier, they do a remarkable job of moving thousands of people everyday. I love not having to drive and we are relaxed and flexible. We don't mind standing and, if we're too tired, we wait. We always stay til they throw us out and, since we know how jammed the busses are at close, we stroll, shop, people watch, generally take our time. If you're in a hurry, the busses are definitely NOT for you! But we are rarely in a hurry so they work fine for us.

 

[tink&pan]

Now we know. It is funny though that when you have always had your car you swear all you ever see are the Disney buses, but when you don't have your car it seems as if the buses aren't there.[/QUOTE]


LOL mamamac! We've taken our car many times and are surprised that at every turn there are what seems a congo line of buses. This trip we'll be totally depending upon the WDW transportation system and I'm already suffering private auto withdrawal! Now that our DD is older I figure if we can mange the "T" in Boston, we can certainly handle WDW's crowded buses. Being from the northeast "over stuffed" buses and trains is the norm here. Always folks swaying on the bar as we move along lickety split. We always offer our seat up to a mom or child...(and I'm a mom!) we have our train legs!
My ADR does say allow up to 1.5hrs when using their transportation....I'm giving myself at least 2.5 ....maybe more after the first attempt Glad it didn't dampen your spirit!

tink

 

[cranbiz]

I just got to ask what times were these.

The WL bus to and from MK only goes to MK unless it is really early in the morning. In the mornings, it may go to the Poly or the GF but again, that would be some sort of special and would most likely be a breakfast bus. I have been known to detour to the TTC from WL if asked very nicely and the guests were OK with the stop. I can't remember a time where I took a bus from WL to GF and the Fort to MK. It's just not a logical route from WL. From DTD very late at night (after midnight) you will find a Fort, WL, GF bus on a regular basis. Stops at the Fort first, then WL and finishes at the GF.

Now the bus from the Fort will go the Grand Floridian as a normal run from DTD and AK. The WL bus from EPCOT and Studios does the Fort after WL and then on to the park.

Unless you were on some kind of special like Rainforest or HDDR, the EPCOT resorts buses never go to POR or SSR from anywhere. You weren't on the ME bus instead of a regular Disney bus?

Even those specials (Rainforest or HDDR) don't usually have that resort combo but with it is a possibility.

I just have never seen that combo of resorts from a DTD bus, ever. I'm sure Magicbus can confirm that too. He will correct me if I'm wrong.

Hey, we're not perfect but we do try to do things logically.

 

[joelkfla]

I just got to ask what times were these.

The WL bus to and from MK only goes to MK unless it is really early in the morning. In the mornings, it may go to the Poly or the GF but again, that would be some sort of special and would most likely be a breakfast bus. I have been known to detour to the TTC from WL if asked very nicely and the guests were OK with the stop. I can't remember a time where I took a bus from WL to GF and the Fort to MK. It's just not a logical route from WL. From DTD very late at night (after midnight) you will find a Fort, WL, GF bus on a regular basis. Stops at the Fort first, then WL and finishes at the GF.

The poster said it was for morning ADR at MK. I'm thinking probably an MK breakfast bus from another resort, that picked them up when it dropped guests at WL. But it is strange to go to FtW after WL; maybe he cut thru the back way.

I just have never seen that combo of resorts from a DTD bus, ever. I'm sure Magicbus can confirm that too. He will correct me if I'm wrong.

This is a bit far-fetched, but if DHS had been closed for over an hour, maybe it was a cleanup bus by a DTD floater who put up DTD on the marquee to pick up guests bound for DTD that happened to be waiting at his drop-offs. Anything is possible.

For you non-Disney bus drivers out there (this is getting technical), when a park has nearly emptied out, the last few guests going to resorts in the same general area may be grouped together on a single bus. A floater is a driver who is based at one location (DTD) but on loan to another (DHS); after DHS was empty, he would return to DTD.

 

[dacky041208]

Hey, we're not perfect but we do try to do things logically.

I know there are plenty of complaints about the busses at WDW, but I just wanted to say thanks to you, Magicbus, Joelkfla, and the other drivers. We don't even consider renting a car while at WDW. The busses aren't perfect, but we think you all do a great job. Thanks

 

[dburg30]

I know there are plenty of complaints about the busses at WDW, but I just wanted to say thanks to you, Magicbus, Joelkfla, and the other drivers. We don't even consider renting a car while at WDW. The busses aren't perfect, but we think you all do a great job. Thanks

I agree!!! As long as the letters "DTD" arent involved I find it usually fairly 'quick'. Now, once DTD is involved, all bets are off LOL. It's just how the buses have to run and the traffic just always seems to make any bus trip there seem eternal.

 

[pooch]

I know there are plenty of complaints about the busses at WDW, but I just wanted to say thanks to you, Magicbus, Joelkfla, and the other drivers. We don't even consider renting a car while at WDW. The busses aren't perfect, but we think you all do a great job. Thanks

we love you drivers, oh yes we do
we love you drivers and we'll be true
when you're not driving us, we're blue
oh drivers we love you!!

 

[goofy4tink]

I agree!!! As long as the letters "DTD" arent involved I find it usually fairly 'quick'. Now, once DTD is involved, all bets are off LOL. It's just how the buses have to run and the traffic just always seems to make any bus trip there seem eternal.

RIght there with ya!!! The first time I drove myself to DTD, from BW, I was astounded to see how close it really was. It sure did make future bus rides to DTD miserable.

we love you drivers, oh yes we do
we love you drivers and we'll be true
when you're not driving us, we're blue
oh drivers we love you!!

I think we have a transportation board official song!!!

 

[eliza61]

I have to say that I was NOT impressed with the bus service between the parks and the resorts. Maybe I didn't research it enough, but I thought the app that I bought on the iPhone would be accurate about transportation times. It told me it would take 22 minutes to get from WL to Epcot. They don't tell you that the buses run every 20-25 minutes, they don't tell you that they will stop at the Grand Floridian, and they don't tell you that they will pack you in there! How can that be safe? I understand a few people standing, but having 23 people standing when all the seats are taken, plus several strollers, how can you tell me that is safe? There were kids that were standing because some adults would not get up. Maybe I am just a safety freak, but I would think Disney would address it. They obviously needed more buses. By the third day we had figured it out to just take the boat to either MK or Contemporary and get on the monorail. Also at WL, the boat for MK did not start till 30 minutes prior to the park opening. We were never told that until after we waited 20 minutes at the dock. Again, I had no idea. There were several other folks that voiced their frustration about the buses too. I think our next trip we will stay at the Contemporary or the Polynesian for the monorail since 90% of our time is at MK.

LOL, don't take buses much do you?
Not sure why you felt 23 people standing is unsafe? buses are designed to have a maximum number of people stand. Not being snarky but that's why buses have those long metal poles running the length of them. they're there for people to hold onto.
Where do you live where the buses only let 5-10 people stand?

Sorry, I'm going with previous posters & Disney on this one, 20 min wait is the normal time for busses and that's pretty good.
How long did you wait for the monorail. they are not continous either.

 

[Pembo]

Now we know. It is funny though that when you have always had your car you swear all you ever see are the Disney buses, but when you don't have your car it seems as if the buses aren't there.

Had to smile at this comment...I agree and when you are waiting for a certain bus, it always seems that every OTHER bus comes first.

Bus service isn't perfect but it is one way to get around.

 

[ccgirl]

I just got to ask what times were these.

The WL bus to and from MK only goes to MK unless it is really early in the morning. In the mornings, it may go to the Poly or the GF but again, that would be some sort of special and would most likely be a breakfast bus. I have been known to detour to the TTC from WL if asked very nicely and the guests were OK with the stop. I can't remember a time where I took a bus from WL to GF and the Fort to MK. It's just not a logical route from WL. From DTD very late at night (after midnight) you will find a Fort, WL, GF bus on a regular basis. Stops at the Fort first, then WL and finishes at the GF.

Now the bus from the Fort will go the Grand Floridian as a normal run from DTD and AK. The WL bus from EPCOT and Studios does the Fort after WL and then on to the park.

Unless you were on some kind of special like Rainforest or HDDR, the EPCOT resorts buses never go to POR or SSR from anywhere. You weren't on the ME bus instead of a regular Disney bus?

Even those specials (Rainforest or HDDR) don't usually have that resort combo but with it is a possibility.

I just have never seen that combo of resorts from a DTD bus, ever. I'm sure Magicbus can confirm that too. He will correct me if I'm wrong.

Hey, we're not perfect but we do try to do things logically.

Believe me...it did stop at those resorts, I was on there. It didn't seem logical to me either. I did hear on the radio there were a couple of buses out. This was on Wed, May 5th. Our dining ressie was for 6:45. We began leaving MGM/HS at 4:00. The boat was there so we hopped on not realizing it was going to wait 10 mins before leaving. I forget what time we actually got the DTD bus at the Swan. As i said, this was the one bad bus experience this trip. The rest were fine. All drivers were very nice. Thanks to the tips on this thread I learned some more efficient ways to travel via Disney transportation. As I said, it is just not for me. I will be renting a car from now on.

 

[koho]

I am with the OP. The buses are over crowed and I can kind of see why. They are just trying to get everyone transported the quickest way possible. However, in today world that may lead to legal problems.

The buses maybe designed to hold 30 people standing, but they did not take into count stroller and other items. Just look at how may people were injured in the last bus crash at EPCOT.

Now just picture what would happen to a full bus that is involved in a rollover. I am willing to bet that if a bus holds say a total of 60 people and the bus is full and involved in a roll over. Then over half of those people would be seriously hurt or even killed. (there are no safety restraints for passengers)

 

[NewEnglander]

Now just picture what would happen to a full bus that is involved in a rollover.)

A rollover, wow.
How many times has that happened in the history of WDW?
I'm thinking none.