Explain the buses...

[toodles12]

Can someone please explain to me how the buses work? In other words, we wake up in the a.m., have breakfast, then head outside to take a Disney bus from AoA to MK. ...
Is there a certain bus we need to take that only goes to and from AoA/MK? Or does a bus leave AoA and stop at each park until everyone has been dropped off at the park they are going to that morning? Does a bus only come by your resort every so often, or are there buses at the resorts ready to take you where you need to go at any time?

I'm just trying to picture how the mornings will go when we're trying to get to the parks before opening...and will most likely be running out the door 10 minutes later than I'd like, because that always seems to be the case! Lol

So, if we want to get to the rope drop show at MK (on a "slow" day), what time should we plan to leave AoA?

Thanks for your help! Clearly I've never stayed at Disney.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Can someone please explain to me how the buses work? In other words, we wake up in the a.m., have breakfast, then head outside to take a Disney bus from AoA to MK. ...
Is there a certain bus we need to take that only goes to and from AoA/MK? Or does a bus leave AoA and stop at each park until everyone has been dropped off at the park they are going to that morning? Does a bus only come by your resort every so often, or are there buses at the resorts ready to take you where you need to go at any time?

I'm just trying to picture how the mornings will go when we're trying to get to the parks before opening...and will most likely be running out the door 10 minutes later than I'd like, because that always seems to be the case! Lol

So, if we want to get to the rope drop show at MK (on a "slow" day), what time should we plan to leave AoA?

Thanks for your help! Clearly I've never stayed at Disney.

The WDW buses are similar to any public transportation buses in that they have signs on the front and side that indicate their route. I haven't stayed at AoA, or any of the values, so I can't say for sure, but I believe they have different lines at the bus stops for the different parks. But when a bus pulls up, you will see where it's going. It will say Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, etc. The only buses that tend to share routes are DTD and the waterparks. Blizzard Beach is often served by the Animal Kingdom buses and DTD and Typhoon Lagoon often share buses. But their signs will indicate this.

When leaving the parks, each resort has an assigned bus stop. There are boards that tell you which bus stops are for which resorts. Buses usually run every 20 minutes, but buses often will be dispatched more frequently during the busiest transportation times.

To get anywhere using WDW transportation, it's best to allow an hour. To make a rope drop at MK on a 9am opening day, I'd be at the bus stop before 8am.

 

[chalee94]

Is there a certain bus we need to take that only goes to and from AoA/MK?

yes. there will likely be a dedicated bus stop area for MK and the MK bus will say "magic kingdom" across the top-front banner above the windshield.

Does a bus only come by your resort every so often, or are there buses at the resorts ready to take you where you need to go at any time?

typically they come every 15-20 minutes. there is usually waiting involved and it can vary. i'm generally happy with the buses but if you are type-A, it may be easier to just drive yourself (a perk of staying onsite is free parking at the theme parks).

So, if we want to get to the rope drop show at MK (on a "slow" day), what time should we plan to leave AoA?

buses usually start running an hour before park opening, so be out there early and ready to go...

 

[Missytara]

You can find lots of good information about all the types of Disney transportation on the Transportation Board.

Don't forget to do the monorail loop and take the different types of boats as well. It is a wonderful way to get around from place to place.

 

[siskaren]

buses usually start running an hour before park opening, so be out there early and ready to go...

Actually, buses start running at 6:30 am every day.