Final straw with Disney transportation

[sotoalf]

Another option for the OP: arrive at or leave the parks earlier. If you leave at closing time, you are guaranteed a place in a standing-room-only bus.

 

[GranJan]

For what its worth here are my thoughts!

We LOVE the Disney transportation! This may open another can of worms and its not my intent!

My DD uses a wheelchair full time. We enjoy the transportation and make great use of it. For us its great! My DD gets in her chair and remains. We get on the bus and go to the parks. So much easier! By using the bus my DH does not have to take DD in and out and tear the w/c apart to put in a car. DH can carry DD but its not easy by any means and he can not see where he is going when he carries her. This is a safety concern for me, always worrying about them! We are never in a hurry and don't mind waiting for a bus. We learned long ago life is too short to sweat the small stuff! In the grand scheme of things we just want to enjoy our vacation as a family!

I love reading positive comments like yours. I've read way too many negative comments about the buses, trying to decide whether to attempt it with my scooter for the 1st time next May. Just about the time I decide it's better if we just rent a car & probably better if I stay off these boards because sometimes it can be depressing, I come across a post like yours that gives me a better outlook.

 

[TDC Nala]

One wonders why it is an accepted practice to allow standing on a bus in the first place?

As a frequent user of public transportation, it's an accepted practice everywhere I've been. Most public buses are designed to allow for standees. As for the subway around here, they're supposed to be bringing in new cars with some of the seating removed so there will be more room for standees. The buses don't bother me at all, possibly because I am used to public transportation. I've never really understood the whole "no one should be standing on a bus and why don't buses have seat belts" thing.

There's no guarantees that anyone will be offered another person's seat on a public conveyance. Hopefully it will be done for the elderly or disabled but it's sad to say that doesn't always happen, either. I'm not hauling kids or strollers but I'm not sure why it should be expected for a guy to give a seat up to the OP's wife unless she's carrying a kid or something.

I'm female. I am not disabled and I'm not elderly yet. Wouldn't occur to me to expect anyone to give me their seat on the bus just because I'm female, that applies to taking the Disney bus and taking the Metro to work. Anyone who's expecting that will be much happier renting a car.

 

[lylone]

Sometimes the worst thing about the buses are the people who get on and don't have respect for those around them.
My bad bus example was our last night in the World and we get on at POFQ. Ride around POR and on gets a mom, grandparents and two horribly sunburned kids. The little boy was so tired that mom swung him over her shoulder while she was next to me....and out came his lunch all over me. I jumped up and so did others and the mother just stood there letting the kid barf all over the seats. The bus driver stopped and put down so stuff to kill the smell. Asked the mother if she wanted to go back to her stop and she said "are you kidding, we are late meeting my husband at EPCOT". Seriously? If you kid is that sick...I am sure he would rather be in bed with the A/C on. The mother didn't even apologize or say anything to me. So off we went to EPCOT with my barfed on shirt. Good thing I had a tank top under my shirt and I was able to rinse it out in the bathroom some. Another lady followed me and had to wash too....she didn't get splattered but the incident was that gross. It made for a really enjoyable evening dinner!
I don't think it is the buses to blame... its more like the inconsiderate people you encounter!
Got my feet ran over the way back by and over zealous mother with a stroller. I guess she had to make sure she was on the first bus to get back to the hotel!
I was quite over Disney at that point!

 

[Disneylvr]

We started renting a car 10 years ago and have never looked back. Since then we added DD to our family and because of her sensory issues I know the buses will never be an option when she is with us. We just build the car rental cost into our vacation budget.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The irony of suggesting another poster wait (while standing, typically) for the next bus when they complain it's SRO...

That aside... I love the convenience and flexibility of a car while at WDW. The time saved is invaluable. We had to use Disney transportation one evening due to road closures for the Wine & Dine half marathon last weekend. An hour and 16 minutes to get from CBR to Boma for dinner. Following dinner it took us an additional 53 minutes to get from Boma to the MK. Our bus driver got lost on an alternate route. Saw lots of the backstage area of Animal Kingdom. Kinda sorta saw the fireworks at MK while standing on the bus. Meh.

 

[maxiesmom]

The irony of suggesting another poster wait (while standing, typically) for the next bus when they complain it's SRO...

I don't think it really is ironic. I get the feeling most people are worried about the safety of standing on a moving bus, and not just upset about the standing in general.

 

[janabananas]

I am one of those who will wait for the next bus instead of getting on a SRO bus. Due to medical issues, I am not just not able to stand on a moving bus, but I can stand on terra firma, leaning on the rail doing the flamingo dance. There is no irony involved.

 

[joelkfla]

We had to use Disney transportation one evening due to road closures for the Wine & Dine half marathon last weekend. An hour and 16 minutes to get from CBR to Boma for dinner. Following dinner it took us an additional 53 minutes to get from Boma to the MK. Our bus driver got lost on an alternate route. Saw lots of the backstage area of Animal Kingdom. Kinda sorta saw the fireworks at MK while standing on the bus. Meh.

It's not fair to judge the bus transportation by an experience during a foot race.

It's reasonable to complain that Disney did not make adequate provisions for getting it's guests home during the race, but not to extrapolate that night's experience to bus service during normal conditions.

 

[a1tinkfans]

KNOCK IT OFF!!!!!!! Yes, I'm yelling. Man...take it over to the Theme Parks board...enough of this crap going on over there.

First...thanks to scuba for realizing that Disney transport is what it is...public transportation, designed for the masses. You decided to take responsibility for your own family....good for you. Others could take a lesson.
But..it is always accepted practice to stand on a bus. THey are designed to be stood on....much safer than you would think.

So, either keep this polite or I'm gonna shut it down so fast, your heads will spin. I have no power over on Theme Parks, but I do wield the power here.....be advised....

oh my....

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The first leg of the journey (the longest) was during normal bus operations without road closures. An hour and 16 minutes. Unacceptable and, from what I read, all too common.

It's not fair to judge the bus transportation by an experience during a foot race.

It's reasonable to complain that Disney did not make adequate provisions for getting it's guests home during the race, but not to extrapolate that night's experience to bus service during normal conditions.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I don't think it really is ironic. I get the feeling most people are worried about the safety of standing on a moving bus, and not just upset about the standing in general.

From a standing standpoint... it absolutely is!

 

[goofy4tink]

Oh, OK - you were being headed to the Epcot Center Drive exit; yes, that's legal. I thought you might have been trying to get to the Epcot Resorts. I keep my GPS on when driving home from work (just to see how much farther), and it always wants me to go backstage on the road along the Epcot berm, which is off limits even to ordinary cm's.

I'm sure you know this, but if you ever get lost driving, just pull into any resort, or major theme park during the day, and ask the security or parking cm for directions.

Yep, that's exactly what happened. I had to google map to see what the road was. Epcot Center Dr it was. And you know what??? If I had been trying to get to BWV, I still would have missed it. Ah well....looks like I'll just have to take my time and be more observant in a week of so!!!

if we wish to sit on a bus and the line is long, we wait for the next one - whether we sit or stand is our option that way

people (mostly, as tink noted, men in their 20's) will often offer their seat, as both my kids, DH and I do for people that seem to need it more than we do.

side note: it appears a lot of transportation ppl (including the esteemed mod mom ) are going to be at WDW soon. if anyways sees a LG mickey head (it's actually a luggage tag) hanging from a tan or periwinkle baggallini, pls say "hi". we'll be at the BWVs 10/9-18

Look for my LGMH at BWV as well!!! We arrive on the 16th!!

Sometimes the worst thing about the buses are the people who get on and don't have respect for those around them.
My bad bus example was our last night in the World and we get on at POFQ. Ride around POR and on gets a mom, grandparents and two horribly sunburned kids. The little boy was so tired that mom swung him over her shoulder while she was next to me....and out came his lunch all over me. I jumped up and so did others and the mother just stood there letting the kid barf all over the seats. The bus driver stopped and put down so stuff to kill the smell. Asked the mother if she wanted to go back to her stop and she said "are you kidding, we are late meeting my husband at EPCOT". Seriously? If you kid is that sick...I am sure he would rather be in bed with the A/C on. The mother didn't even apologize or say anything to me. So off we went to EPCOT with my barfed on shirt. Good thing I had a tank top under my shirt and I was able to rinse it out in the bathroom some. Another lady followed me and had to wash too....she didn't get splattered but the incident was that gross. It made for a really enjoyable evening dinner!
I don't think it is the buses to blame... its more like the inconsiderate people you encounter!
Got my feet ran over the way back by and over zealous mother with a stroller. I guess she had to make sure she was on the first bus to get back to the hotel!
I was quite over Disney at that point!

OMG....not such a good night for you!!! I will say that I hit that point every trip if it's over a week. I just get tired of the attitudes of other guests...not all of them, but it only takes a few rude, entitled people to make you wish you were home again.

From a standing standpoint... it absolutely is!

Don't you sleep????

 

[JanB]

So, for those of you who choose to drive vs use the buses...any hints or advice to keep me from making a bigger fool of myself than usual???

We live in the Atlanta area, are close enough to drive rather than fly, and prefer to get around with our own car once we are there. We are comfortable with Atlanta traffic, so WDW traffic doesn't bother us. I don't like to use the words "never" and "always" --- but I'll say that we very seldom use the WDW buses; I can't recall the last time that we did.

I fully realize that many drivers have come to rely on GPS. It is my opinion that the Road Signs are your friend when driving WDW. Some drivers are naturally sign-readers. Some are not. If you are not, it would be helpful to try to pay attention to road signs when driving WDW.

As CANDLZ mentioned, when driving to a WDW resort, you need to know what park/resort area your destination resort is designated to be. For example, Coronado Springs is in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area. Port Orleans is in the Downtown Disney Resort Area. You will see directions to the Resort Area on the road signs. As you get closer to whichever resort area (or park), then you will see more detailed signage --- meaning that you won't see "Coronado Springs Resort" on a sign until you are to the Animal Kingdom Resort Area.

This map shows each Resort Area and what is included in each area:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/propertymap.htm

When driving to one of the parks, once you enter the parking lot, there will be parking CMs that will direct you all the way to a parking spot; just follow their directions. If you need to park in the handicapped parking area, be sure that your hangtag is visible.

If you've never ridden the Parking Lot Tram to the front gate, then you will get to do that!

If you make a wrong turn when driving around, there are always u-turn exits at the park entrances and at the main entrance of each resort. You can turn in, ask the attendant for directions, and immediately exit without fully entering the parking lot.

Usually, even if you get in the wrong lane or make a wrong turn, you will likely soon see signs that will route you back to the park or resort area where you want to be. So really there's no reason to stress or worry --- even if you do something "wrong" you can get back on track pretty easily.

Read the signs! And relax and enjoy.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

So, for those of you who choose to drive vs use the buses...any hints or advice to keep me from making a bigger fool of myself than usual???

I can't remember if there is a specifc sign for the Epcot Resorts but when my family and I enter through the Walt Disney World gates coming off 536 we always get off at the exit sign for Downtown Disney and then turn left when going to the Boardwalk Inn. In August 2010 when we first stayed there and were driving back one night we put their address in our navigation system and that's the exact way it told us to go, so now when driving that way we always remember how to get back there.

 

[bumbershoot]

It is my opinion that the Road Signs are your friend when driving WDW. Some drivers are naturally sign-readers. Some are not. If you are not, it would be helpful to try to pay attention to road signs when driving WDW.

As CANDLZ mentioned, when driving to a WDW resort, you need to know what park/resort area your destination resort is designated to be. For example, Coronado Springs is in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area. Port Orleans is in the Downtown Disney Resort Area. You will see directions to the Resort Area on the road signs. As you get closer to whichever resort area (or park), then you will see more detailed signage --- meaning that you won't see "Coronado Springs Resort" on a sign until you are to the Animal Kingdom Resort Area.

This map shows each Resort Area and what is included in each area:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/propertymap.htm

When driving to one of the parks, once you enter the parking lot, there will be parking CMs that will direct you all the way to a parking spot; just follow their directions. If you need to park in the handicapped parking area, be sure that your hangtag is visible.

If you've never ridden the Parking Lot Tram to the front gate, then you will get to do that!

If you make a wrong turn when driving around, there are always u-turn exits at the park entrances and at the main entrance of each resort. You can turn in, ask the attendant for directions, and immediately exit without fully entering the parking lot.

Usually, even if you get in the wrong lane or make a wrong turn, you will likely soon see signs that will route you back to the park or resort area where you want to be. So really there's no reason to stress or worry --- even if you do something "wrong" you can get back on track pretty easily.

Read the signs! And relax and enjoy.

Yes yes yes and more yesses to all of that!

I've gotten a very handy little map from concierge at OKW; I bet they have them at all the resorts. It gives a nice overview. But YES, the important part is to know the general area that you're heading to, and watch the signs. I often read them out loud, just to make sure I'm reading it right.

 

[goofy4tink]

We live in the Atlanta area, are close enough to drive rather than fly, and prefer to get around with our own car once we are there. We are comfortable with Atlanta traffic, so WDW traffic doesn't bother us. I don't like to use the words "never" and "always" --- but I'll say that we very seldom use the WDW buses; I can't recall the last time that we did.

I fully realize that many drivers have come to rely on GPS. It is my opinion that the Road Signs are your friend when driving WDW. Some drivers are naturally sign-readers. Some are not. If you are not, it would be helpful to try to pay attention to road signs when driving WDW.

As CANDLZ mentioned, when driving to a WDW resort, you need to know what park/resort area your destination resort is designated to be. For example, Coronado Springs is in the Animal Kingdom Resort Area. Port Orleans is in the Downtown Disney Resort Area. You will see directions to the Resort Area on the road signs. As you get closer to whichever resort area (or park), then you will see more detailed signage --- meaning that you won't see "Coronado Springs Resort" on a sign until you are to the Animal Kingdom Resort Area.

This map shows each Resort Area and what is included in each area:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/propertymap.htm

When driving to one of the parks, once you enter the parking lot, there will be parking CMs that will direct you all the way to a parking spot; just follow their directions. If you need to park in the handicapped parking area, be sure that your hangtag is visible.

If you've never ridden the Parking Lot Tram to the front gate, then you will get to do that!

If you make a wrong turn when driving around, there are always u-turn exits at the park entrances and at the main entrance of each resort. You can turn in, ask the attendant for directions, and immediately exit without fully entering the parking lot.

Usually, even if you get in the wrong lane or make a wrong turn, you will likely soon see signs that will route you back to the park or resort area where you want to be. So really there's no reason to stress or worry --- even if you do something "wrong" you can get back on track pretty easily.

Read the signs! And relax and enjoy.

The really funny thing is that when my dad and step-mom drove up from Pompano Beach to visit us the day after Thanksgiving, at BWV, it took them 5 hrs!!! It's normally about 3...Dad had driven it many times but had usually just gone directly to MK. So, when he tried to find BW, he kept getting lost. He would see a sign for Epcot, and think that was what he was looking for since I had told him to look for the signs that said 'Epcot Resorts'. He would ask for directions and he ended up at DHS...asked there, and ended up back at Epcot!! He is deaf so getting the directions correct was up to my step-mom, who gets lost in her own backyard!!!

I've driven it before but not as extensively as I plan to in a week. GPS is over-rated at WDW I think. I know the area well enough that I shouldn't have any huge issues.

I can't remember if there is a specifc sign for the Epcot Resorts but when my family and I enter through the Walt Disney World gates coming off 536 we always get off at the exit sign for Downtown Disney and then turn left when going to the Boardwalk Inn. In August 2010 when we first stayed there and were driving back one night we put their address in our navigation system and that's the exact way it told us to go, so now when driving that way we always remember how to get back there.

BW is the one resort, besides Pop, that I have no trouble getting to for some reason. We'll see how it goes in a week.

 

[JanB]

I can't remember if there is a specifc sign for the Epcot Resorts but when my family and I enter through the Walt Disney World gates coming off 536 we always get off at the exit sign for Downtown Disney and then turn left when going to the Boardwalk Inn. In August 2010 when we first stayed there and were driving back one night we put their address in our navigation system and that's the exact way it told us to go, so now when driving that way we always remember how to get back there.

This is a good point, CR Resort Fan. It does remind me that we have found that the WDW signage does not always send you to your destination in the shortest way possible. Sometimes you definitely feel like you are taking a long way around. We have come to the conclusion that the sign directions are also attempting to spread the traffic out and to avoid overly-congested areas , like Downtown Disney. As you drive more frequently, you may find some routes that you like better than the signs direct.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

The bus transportation certainly isn't for everyone. On our last trip, it was a hassle dealing with trying to hold onto four young children, two strollers, and park bags all while sometimes having to stand and hold on for dear life In spite of those hurdles, we reminded ourselves that it was a complimentary bus service and that we chose that in order to save $$ by not renting a minivan. For what it is, I think the bus transportation is efficient considering all the people that rely on it. It is not perfect, but we were happy it was an available service and during our 8 day trip there was only one occasion where we had to wait more than 20 minutes for a bus.

 

[sharadoc]

We like driving everywhere except MK, but we will take buses if it's off-hours, not opening or closing. My DD likes the bus - it's like an attraction for her LOL. I agree that it's a personal choice. Just like driving or flying to WDW in the first place.

Regarding driving around WDW, always remember to get a resort map at Bell Services to drive around and have an active "navigator" in the passenger seat. The signs always send you the way that can handle the most traffic, but if you follow a map you can find many shorter, easier routes.

And I want to mention my 100% support of Goofy4Tink's pre-emptive strike. We really are a great bunch here who want to help each other and only good-natured discussion is welcome!