Help with Bus Schedule to Downtown Disney

[BobH]

I am sending my daughter to OKW with some of her friends. They will be relying on bus transportation. I am not familiar with the bus route to Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island, could someone tell me how often it runs and where the drop off and pick up points are at DD. Does anyone know what time the latest bus back from DD to OKW runs? How about taxi service is it any good? The kids are 21, my concern is that they will get stranded at DD late at night due to unreliable bus service. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[GCM13]

I don't know how late the buses pick up, but I do know that they run after 11:00 pm. I think the stores are open until 11 pm. I imagine that they pick up later at Pleasure Island. The buses have 3 different stops - Market Place, Pleasure Island, and West Side.

 

[CRobin]

Every time we've grabbed an evening bus to PI, the drivers have always announced the last run of the night. Ask if they don't.

Grand Floridian 1994
Yacht Club 1996-1999
Beach Club 2000
Old Key West 2001

 

[spiceycat]

I was told (check with the WDW bus drivers to make sure this is still true) to call security and they would make sure you got back to your hotel (WDW resorts only). Then make sure she has security phone number with her when she leaves. If she has good nightvision there is a path (but it is not lighted) through the golf course.

 

[RobDoc]

The OKW buses to/from DD run every 20 minutes. From OKW, the bus stops at Mktplace, then PI the West Side. It usually lingers a few minutes at the PI stop.If in doubt, your best chance of catching the bus is at the PI stop. The West Side stop is pretty much a stop-and-go area. If you are not right there when the bus arrives- it disappears quickly.
PI closes at 2AM and the last bus to OKW leaves at 2AM also. As mentioned above, if you find yourself stranded at PI, WDW security will assist you. There is a bus information station at the PI bus stop. If you feel that you've waited an unusually long time, check with them about the next bus. Enjoy!

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[dianeschlicht]

Doc,While 20 minutes is the posted time, we have found it to be closer to 35 minutes. We take the pontoon as long as it runs, but I don't think it runs after 10:00 pm. I WOULD NOT take the walkway after dark. It is hard to follow in the dark, and you wouldn't want to fall in the canal!

Disneydiane

 

[RobDoc]

While I have found a few instances where we've waited longer- the 20 minute wait has usually been the norm during our stays at OKW.

Again...if you feel the wait is unusually long- ask at the bus kiosk at PI- they can work some Disney magic at times- if they are aware someone has been waiting. We always use the bus transportation and find it very dependable- if I any questions about service, I always ask for help...and the response is usually very prompt. Don't ever hesitate to question those who can help.

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have found all other bus transportation to be very reliable. I also think the late night buses at DD are probably better than middle of the day. I am sure that has to do with more interest in the area at that time.

Disneydiane

 

[BobH]

Thanks to all - Bob

 

[Caskbill]

Diane, you're correct about the walkway after dark with one exception. If there's a clear sky and a full moon, you can see quite well. After you get away from the lights of DD, it's amazing how well your eyes will adjust. So if anyone happens to be there those few days in a month when the moon is full, it can be a very pleasant, romantic walk back.