Disney makes a poor choice

[agotta]

This whole thing doesn't make sense to me. FIRST of all, Disney isn't going to stop ANYONE who wants to visit a resort, even if they are staying of property
1) What if they had ADR's at that resort?
2)There is always the possiblity they will spend money in the gift shop
3)There is also the possibility they may want to stay there in the future

Second of all, even if this doesn't ring true with the OP, if you have MYW ticket that includes PI, you may use the busses to get there. EVEN if the CM's check ID, without scanning the ticket you have no way of knowing what is included. Plus, yet again it comes down to money. You are telling me that they wouldn't spend anymoney at DTD?

Obviously the CM the OP spoke with is incorrect. Op, I hope you are having a great time!

 

[boomhauer]

Obviously the CM the OP spoke with is incorrect. Op, I hope you are having a great time!

I don't think they were really incorrect. I think they misunderstood. I mean, this thread has 7 pages of people who didn't quite understand what was being asked (myself included.)

 

[boomhauer]

When we drove to the Polynesian in September to go to Ohana, it's almost as if they didn't believe us. We were given a parking pass, but had to be out of there within 3 hours, or our car would get towed.

I think it's a question of Disney cracking down on people trying to get around parking where they shouldn't (resorts, DTD) in order to save parking fees at the parks.

 

[DisneyMim]

First I want to say that I have not read all the posts, but it sounds to me like a case of not doing enough "homework" before vacation. If the OP asked questions on this board, for example, they would have known tons more stuff about Disney before going. I know that when people ask me I always tell them that it is best to rent a car if you are staying offsite because it just is so much easier. Heck, we always stay onsite and always rent a car. I wouldn't do it any other way. Yes, everything is spread out. It reminds me of my mother (who will NOT come with us). She thinks that Disney is one big park and everything is in one place. Yes, Disney is HUGE, not to mention the areas around Disney. I remember a number of years ago a friend was mad because Disney didn't have a bus to Universal. HUH?? I tried to explain things to her, but I think she was under the impression that Disney owned the whole state of Florida. LOL!! It's always too bad when you go on vacation and find things out for the first time when you are actually there and supposed to be having fun. Hope things work out better next time.

 

[peter11435]

When we drove to the Polynesian in September to go to Ohana, it's almost as if they didn't believe us. We were given a parking pass, but had to be out of there within 3 hours, or our car would get towed.

I think it's a question of Disney cracking down on people trying to get around parking where they shouldn't (resorts, DTD) in order to save parking fees at the parks.

Exactly, although it is not really about Disney wanting the parking fees, it is really about the resort lots that fill up with non-guests. Many of the MK resorts were so full of non-guests cars that the actual resort guests had nowhere to park.

 

[diddldonna]

We used Lynx buses on our last trip.

Also next time maybe choose a hotel that provides a free shuttle to Dineyworld. I think its unfair to expect Disney to cater for all hotels in the area its just too costly.

Donna

 

[ricktib]

I keep waiting for the OP to chime in with a 'GOTCHA!' or 'APRIL FOOLS!'

Surely one can't expect to be provided transportation from off Disney property. As for within WDW, I don't know what the "official" policy is, but I do know that many of the parking tram announcers point out the WDW buses which they say will take you anywhere on the property. Sounds like an invitation to all park-goers to me.

But regardless, I agree - a little pre-planning and resourcefulness go a LOOOONG way.

 

[umaangel00]

Personally I think all of you that are flaming the OP are being idiots. Give it up. She knew that they would not provide her transportation from her stupid hotel to DTD. What she wanted was to catch a ride from one of the resorts to DTD which she can do. So let's all let this topic die now and leave the OP alone!

Staying onsite is not all that it's cracked up to be. It's overly priced for what you get. Again I am going to be staying in a condo for 1 week for 350 dollars. That same thing would have cost me 500 or more from disney for a hotel room. I honestly do not know why anyone stays onsite when you have much better deals offsite.

 

[phamton]

My point was, the shuttle that runs here at Nick does NOT go to DTD.....I called and spoke to someone at the Disney transportation system, was told that even if I took the monorail over to a Disney resort bus that goes to DTD, I could not go because I was not staying on Disney property. No, I do not expect a Disney bus to come over to the Nick hotel and pick up my family and I and take us to DTD. I was hoping that if I were to make my way to one of their buses that go to DTD, we could go. That is not the case according to the Disney employee with whom I spoke to on the phone. Because of the explanation that one of the first posters posted, I am now contemplating just taking a taxi. When things are told in a different perspective, it can make a world of difference. Thanks to all.

Also edited to add that I purchased hopper tickets from the WDW website, and this did not make a difference to the CM. Thanks.

Some of the posters have missed this. The OP was asking how to get to Downtown Disney once she was on Disney property. Her hotel doen't have a shuttle that goes to DTD.

 

[boomhauer]

I honestly do not know why anyone stays onsite when you have much better deals offsite.

Have you ever stayed onsite?

I would bet good money you haven't. If you have, you wouldn't make a remark like that. If you have, clearly, you didn't take advantage of the perks granted to onsite guests.

 

[umaangel00]

I have stayed onsite. It is not that great. Yeah you have disney transportation but who cares.

 

[boomhauer]

I have stayed onsite. It is not that great. Yeah you have disney transportation but who cares.

Apparently, the OP would have cared.

-You get Extra Magic Hours.
-You get guarenteed admission when the parks close to capacity.
-You don't have to worry about driving. If you do, you get free parking.
-You get the Disney atmosphere.

Apparently, this doesn't mean anything to you. That's fine. First 2 times I went, I stayed offsite. Third time, I stayed onsite. I can't possibly fathom ever staying offsite again.

As far as who cares about Disney Transportation - Ask any parent who travels with little children which they prefer:

1.Leaving the Magic Kingdom, taking the monorail to the TTC, taking a shuttle to the parking lot, finding their car, fighting traffic leaving the park, and driving back to their hotel.

or

2.Leaving the Magic Kingdom, getting on a bus right outside the entrance, and being back at your resort in 10 minutes.

 

[TheWog]

Personally I think all of you that are flaming the OP are being idiots. Give it up. She knew that they would not provide her transportation from her stupid hotel to DTD. What she wanted was to catch a ride from one of the resorts to DTD which she can do. So let's all let this topic die now and leave the OP alone!

Staying onsite is not all that it's cracked up to be. It's overly priced for what you get. Again I am going to be staying in a condo for 1 week for 350 dollars. That same thing would have cost me 500 or more from disney for a hotel room. I honestly do not know why anyone stays onsite when you have much better deals offsite.

I think "stupid hotel" sounds like a flame in itself and maybe a vacation is not all about getting a deal, but having an experience. I am taking my family next year and we are staying onsite and are looking forward to everything that brings with it. My son is what this vacation is about to me and my wife, not saving $150.00.

 

[laura001]

Personally I think all of you that are flaming the OP are being idiots. Give it up. She knew that they would not provide her transportation from her stupid hotel to DTD. What she wanted was to catch a ride from one of the resorts to DTD which she can do. So let's all let this topic die now and leave the OP alone!

Staying onsite is not all that it's cracked up to be. It's overly priced for what you get. Again I am going to be staying in a condo for 1 week for 350 dollars. That same thing would have cost me 500 or more from disney for a hotel room. I honestly do not know why anyone stays onsite when you have much better deals offsite.

Wow! I can attest to the fact that staying offsite is a crazy thing to do. I have stayed offsite on many visits, but will NEVER do it again, even if it means that I don't get to go to Disney. The benefits have been listed by many, but the most important one is just the feeling of living and being Disney for your time there. Nothing can compare! My DH who really only went to Disney because he knew how much the kids and I loved it, finally on our last trip (a repeat stay on Disney property) did he finally experience the true joy of being on property and the Disney experience. So much so that he has given me carte blanche for our Anniversary trip in a few years, his only stipulation..."Disney Property all the way!"

 

[cleo]

The OP's question has been answered. Because of the turn this is taking we are locking it and we wish the OP a continued enjoyable holiday.

If you would like to discuss transportation issues and options further, please feel free to visit the Transportation Board.