Disney resort transportation

[jowan]

Just wandered how good/convenient transportation is around disney world? Do you often have long waits? Is it regular? Over crowded?

 

[AlanUK]

In general the transportation is excellent.

There are some exceptions to this when the wait seems too long and each new bus that pulls up at the stop isn't the one you are waiting for. Also there are peak times when the buses are full to bursting, such as at park closing. Equally I would say though that I have sat on a virtually empty bus many many times and in general wait less than 10 minutes.

 

[Goofyish]

As Alan says, the Disney transportation is excellent

Early mornings and at park closing it does get busy. The best thing to do at night is leaving a park at closing is to hang back and wait until all the crowds have gone - you won't get left behind and it's great being in the park with no crowds. Just grab a snack before closing and sit and watch all the people rushing out LOL

The buses do get despatched in response to demand, so during the busy periods more buses are sent to where they are needed.

You do need to allow enough time to get around though, especially is you have booked ADRs or want to get to a park in time for a parade etc.
Allow at least an hour to get from resort to park gates.

 

[Alexander!!!]

Loved all the different transports, although the boat rides can get a little warm when it dawns you they arent air conditioned!

 

[wifey]

OMG have you lot not heard about the improvements they are making to the WDW Transportation System??

The plan is apparently to have the whole network updated so that on the buses there will be a computerised system which will be able to request extra buses from hotels if the bus fills up to save people waiting.
There will also be a system on the buses telling you where you are heading and giving you information about the destination and playing a relevant piece of music before changing to the next location etc.
There will be sensors built into the roads and on the buses so that a central hub can keep track of which locations need buses and which already have buses on the way, if no-one wants a bus at a given location then they will be able to change the destination for the driver and accomodate guests elsewhere.

The monorails have already had changes made to the interiors by removing the central "island" the poles are still in bus it has improved access for disabled guests and those with strollers and you can now get more guests standing in them. We found out about it on another website last month it sounds fantastic but it might not be finalised for full use for a while but hey at least they ar trying to sort them out

 

[irongirlof12]

great use of modern technology

 

[UKDEB]

From what I've read there are mixed reactions to the "improvements" to the bus system. Many people are lamenting the installation of the pre-recorded information which will prevent the more sociable drivers from interacting with the passengers. Also, the computerised system means the buses will only be allowed to follow official routes. As things stand at the moment, drivers can use their initiative to take short cuts and get around any blockages.

 

[wayneg]

I think the majority of people find the transport good, our experience was totally the opposite. We always have a car but The Xmas we stayed onsite Alamo ran out of cars so we had to use Disney transport, It was long waits, overcrowded and ignorant people. I believe it was down to being Xmas and busiest time of year. Glad we only had to do it for 1 day and Alamo got us our car.
Even if we went quietist time of year I would still rent a car as we do more away from Disney as we do in Disney.
I think it also depends if you use public trasport at home also, if you are used to getting buses in UK then you will have no problems with Disney busses, personally have not been on a bus here for 23 years when I was 17 so did not enjoy having to do it.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

We stayed for a few days at Wilderness lodge, but the bus frequency was awful.

Put us off using the busses.

 

[wifey]

wayneg you are right it all depends on what transport you use at home, it can affect how you perceive the WDW transport system. We use public transport all the time so we are used to travelling with everyone else.. be they clean and tidy or otherwise.. it may be better for the environment (not trying to provoke anyone here) but it can be torture on the senses.

I'm used to our local buses being taken off/rerouted/ delayed but that annoys me here just as it will in WDW but at least at home I can walk around to get from A to B and not get stuck like sheep in a pen waiting to go to market

I also think that the drivers provide interesting insights into each park, special dates and facts that not many other people know, it will be a shame to lose that so I hope they don't stop the drivers from talking to the guests when they can

 

[lorapinky]

Personally I found no problem with the transport at WDW!

We were quite suprised how good it was, so don't worry.

I think it depends on luck really whether you have a good run or not?

 

[jowan]

Thanks for all your comments, it's made it easier as we are now planning on a trip in 2009 and with a little bit of luck at the poly. We just hated the thought of waiting around for many long periods with what will be a four year old. (I know it's way in advance but nothing like being prepared! )

 

[Hobbes]

Wow the Poly! Lucky you-the buses won't affect you that much anyway In case you haven't realised you're on the monorail circle for the Mk and you can walk to the TTC for the monorail to Epcot.

 

[jowan]

Wow the Poly! Lucky you-the buses won't affect you that much anyway In case you haven't realised you're on the monorail circle for the Mk and you can walk to the TTC for the monorail to Epcot.

The main reason for planning the poly, we were in debate between the poly and akl but the benefit of the monorail is a too much of a bonus

 

[fizz13]

The Poly had excellent transport I thought. For MK obviously the monorail is right there. For Epcot take the 5 min walk to the TTC and you can get a direct monorail. AK and MGm I never had to wait more than 10 mins. The downer was Downtown Disney, which seemed to take forever and went via Typhoon Lagoon, so it took about 40 mins to get there Next time I think I would just get a taxi, i wasted too much shopping time

 

[Haworthfamily]

Monirails fabulous!

but BUSES! we have had a bad experience with buses from Disney resorts.
Pre DD we went and stayed at Port Orleans, we tried to get on three buses that turned up for MGM and we just couldn't get on.
We complained and they gave us a car and driver to take us directly to the gates! it was brilliant.

And other times we've qued and qued for buses.
Now we always hire a car and park at each park, unless we are eating out in Disney adn fancy a tipple!

 

[Goofyish]

Monirails fabulous!

but BUSES! we have had a bad experience with buses from Disney resorts.
Pre DD we went and stayed at Port Orleans, we tried to get on three buses that turned up for MGM and we just couldn't get on.
We complained and they gave us a car and driver to take us directly to the gates! it was brilliant.

And other times we've qued and qued for buses.
Now we always hire a car and park at each park, unless we are eating out in Disney adn fancy a tipple!

POR does share buses with POFQ. I believe the buses pick up at POFQ first and then go to the main south bus deepo at POR. The bus then goes round to the other 3 POR stops. So, it's best to wait at the main south deepo at POR, because by the time the bus gets to the other deepos they can be full and don't stop!

The last time we stayed at POR it was great because it was when POFQ was closed for re-hab