I have had it with SSR and the busses full of people just going to DTD!

[dvc_john]

They should have buses direct from the parks to DtD, at least from mid-to-late afternoon thru park closing.

It's not just those avoiding parking fees who use the SSR buses. A lot of other hotel guests use it too. For example, a lot of people staying at AKL who want to go to DtD will use the SSR bus rather than go all the way to AKL to change buses.

 

[Dean]

They really should provide bus service to and from the parks to DTD especially to take the pressure off the SSR route. Maybe when they move the bus stop to the new central location they will have actual room for a dedicated stop at DTD. There is such a bottleneck there now and bus service to and from the resorts is horrible.

The catch 22 is that people use DD for park parking normally so the suggestion to have some type of charge that kicks in is a good one and the garages could make that possible. As long as it would be feasible to park at DD and use the bus system to get to the parks, I don't see a direct route in the future.

The issue isn't folks riding different busses to get to where they need to be it's that the majority going to DTD from the parks are taking (and being told to take) SSR because a direct route doesn't exist and since they don't run extra busses that puts a big strain on SSR busses and those needing to ride those busses to SSR that are actually staying there

And given the situation, that's likely the best answer. It's just that they need to compensate. If they get enough feedback, they can and likely will add in the extra buses where needed.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

How is this any different than people going to SSR for the purposes of getting to DTD? This suggestion only shifts the burden away from SSR and moves it to the Contemporary.

The Contemporary was just an example. You could go to the Poly, GF. If your at Epcot, BC, BW, etc. Right now all the congestion is put on the SSR buses. Basically, spread the wealth or have direct transportation to DTD and from DTD to the parks.

 

[Andrew015]

The Contemporary was just an example. You could go to the Poly, GF. If your at Epcot, BC, BW, etc. Right now all the congestion is put on the SSR buses. Basically, spread the wealth or have direct transportation to DTD and from DTD to the parks.

I suppose I understand where you are coming from with the notion of "spreading the burden" around to other resorts, but in all actuality, the resorts outside of SSR that would get hit the hardest are Contemporary for the MK crowd and BC/BW for the EPCOT/HS crowd. The majority of folks will always take the quickest, most direct path, and unfortunately these resorts represent the best options for getting to DTD from their respective, nearby parks.

Personally, I have no issue with people staying On-Property using the WDW bus systems how they see fit. These people are paying a premium to stay on property, and one of the perks of paying that premium is being able to use Disney's complimentary transportation system in its entirety.

What I don't understand (and I'm not sure if any of us can answer this) is if the majority of this problem is a result of On-Property guests using the SSR bus system to get to DTD, or if the bulk of the problem is Off-Property folks using DTD as a means of "free parking" followed by a "free" bus trip to the park of their choice via SSR. If it's the former, then I would be in agreement that Disney needs to do one of two things; either ramp up the number of buses servicing SSR, or consider adding a direct route from the parks to DTD.

Again, my hunch is that the majority of the problem is the latter (Off-Property guests getting a free ride), and this, I do have a problem with. Adding additional buses or routes will only assist in worsening the problem, so a different solution would be needed (i.e. paid parking at DTD or some other solution).

 

[dcibrando]

I actually think it's not the majority of people parking for free at DTD but just a combination of on property and off property guests getting on SSR busses because it's the closest direct route to DTD and again, cast members and bus drivers are TELLING folks to do that...I have heard them many times when asked.

The reason believe this is if the folks were parking for free at DTD and riding the SSR busses then they would know how to and where to get on and off the busses when going back which most do not have a clue

 

[hakepb]

I actually think it's not the majority of people parking for free at DTD but just a combination of on property and off property guests getting on SSR busses because it's the closest direct route to DTD and again, cast members and bus drivers are TELLING folks to do that...I have heard them many times when asked.

The reason believe this is if the folks were parking for free at DTD and riding the SSR busses then they would know how to and where to get on and off the busses when going back which most do not have a clue

But, how many of those "free parking" people really know they walked from DTD to SSR? Is there a big "Welcome to SSR" sign when you walk to SSR? I'm thinking once a guest walks up to a bus stop, the see the location sign (like Congress Park) all of the busses that arrive just say their final destination (here's a MK bus). At the park, busses stop at random drop off points, so they might be easily confused and not know how to get back.

 

[dcibrando]

But, how many of those "free parking" people really know they walked from DTD to SSR? Is there a big "Welcome to SSR" sign when you walk to SSR? I'm thinking once a guest walks up to a bus stop, the see the location sign (like Congress Park) all of the busses that arrive just say their final destination (here's a MK bus). At the park, busses stop at random drop off points, so they might be easily confused and not know how to get back.

Well if they don't realize that they are at a resort walking in front of the resort buildings for the bus stop and seeing the signs and maps then they are dumb....then again now that I think about it you may be right for some lol

 

[Andrew015]

I don't think this is "dumb luck". I would hazard a bet that many locals who are "frequent fliers" have figured this little secret out...

 

[dcibrando]

I don't think this is "dumb luck". I would hazard a bet that many locals who are "frequent fliers" have figured this little secret out...

Some may but I honestly don't think the majority know what they are doing because they sure seem lost....it's just they are told and know that SSR is across from DTD and presented with no direct option from the parks there so this is where they go filling up the SSR busses in the afternoon and evening more than others.

#1 - they should stop telling people to ride the SSR busses

#2 - they should have a bus route from the parks to DTD

#3 - because of #2 and some may park at the theme parks but want to travel to DTD and then back they may have to offer a bus from DTD back to the parks...but they wouldn't have to

 

[rseeb]

We only go in the off season and have never had an issue with the buses being full, actually many times last stay we were the only one on the bus. I can imagine it gets crowded for the summer months and when they have special events on property. Buses are always a sore point with some so that is why i look for different forms of travel to get to certain locations. SSR will be offering 3 know so hopefully that will provide some relief during peak season, as long as everyone does not take the bus (a big resort).

 

[supersnoop]

The Contemporary was just an example. You could go to the Poly, GF. If your at Epcot, BC, BW, etc. Right now all the congestion is put on the SSR buses. Basically, spread the wealth or have direct transportation to DTD and from DTD to the parks.

I think the Contemporary is a good example because you can walk there, and then catch a bus to DTD. Then, the only bus you'd be "crowding" would be from there to DTD. You wouldn't be crowding a Park->Resort bus then.

 

[Geomom]

I believe the OP, I just can't understand 'why' you'd take the SSR bus unless you're coming from AK or HS--it's so much easier to just walk from MK to the Contemporary to take a bus direct to DTD or walk out the IG at Epcot over to the Beach Club and take the bus direct to DTD. We did both those routes on our last trip. We were staying at VGF and did parks 2 mornings/afternoons and DTD 2 evenings. We didn't ask CM's how to get to DTD, so no idea 'what' they would have suggested!

Disney really should have some park to park AND park to DTD buses--I completely understand not having DTD to a park due to the free parking at DTD.

 

[Geomom]

#2 - they should have a bus route from the parks to DTD

#3 - because of #2 and some may park at the theme parks but want to travel to DTD and then back they may have to offer a bus from DTD back to the parks...but they wouldn't have to

They could offer a 'late bus' back to the parks from DTD--maybe starting at 8 or 9PM. 'Return service starts at ___ PM.' Not too many people coming INTO the parks at that hour, so they wouldn't really need to worry about the DTD free parking.

 

[dwelty]

I am not one who agrees with the statement "this will only get worse when Disney Springs is finished"

I think this issue exists because parking is such a nightmare right now at DTD with all of the construction and once the parking garage opens and the new bus stop is operating, bus traffic at SSR will return to normal.

 

[dcibrando]

I am not one who agrees with the statement "this will only get worse when Disney Springs is finished" I think this issue exists because parking is such a nightmare right now at DTD with all of the construction and once the parking garage opens and the new bus stop is operating, bus traffic at SSR will return to normal.

you are suggesting people are going to the theme parks (for DTD) and in some cases paying to park to avoid free parking at DTD (although it is a mess) when the issue is people already at the parks in the afternoon and evening just looking for a way there.

Disney Springs will bring more people to it and they will look for a bus ride there and if they are being told SSR or they know it's the most direct route then even more than now will take it and it'll become and even bigger mess than it is now.

We have been coming to SSR for several years now and each time it is worse than the previous

 

[Disneyholic]

Disney really should have some park to park AND park to DTD buses--I completely understand not having DTD to a park due to the free parking at DTD.

Disney DOES have park to park busses for the parks that aren't connected by monorail or boat. They used to have DTD to park to DTD busses years ago but people who didn't want to pay to park at the parks were parking at DTD and taking up free spaces there and taking the bus to the parks and back. Disney stopped the busses to stop them from doing this. The ones using the busses to SST to get to & from DTD have just figured another way around it.

 

[Minniesgal]

I suppose I understand where you are coming from with the notion of "spreading the burden" around to other resorts, but in all actuality, the resorts outside of SSR that would get hit the hardest are Contemporary for the MK crowd and BC/BW for the EPCOT/HS crowd. The majority of folks will always take the quickest, most direct path, and unfortunately these resorts represent the best options for getting to DTD from their respective, nearby parks.

Personally, I have no issue with people staying On-Property using the WDW bus systems how they see fit. These people are paying a premium to stay on property, and one of the perks of paying that premium is being able to use Disney's complimentary transportation system in its entirety.

What I don't understand (and I'm not sure if any of us can answer this) is if the majority of this problem is a result of On-Property guests using the SSR bus system to get to DTD, or if the bulk of the problem is Off-Property folks using DTD as a means of "free parking" followed by a "free" bus trip to the park of their choice via SSR. If it's the former, then I would be in agreement that Disney needs to do one of two things; either ramp up the number of buses servicing SSR, or consider adding a direct route from the parks to DTD.

Again, my hunch is that the majority of the problem is the latter (Off-Property guests getting a free ride), and this, I do have a problem with. Adding additional buses or routes will only assist in worsening the problem, so a different solution would be needed (i.e. paid parking at DTD or some other solution).

I dunno DTD i very busy at night with people shopping eating or just milling. We often go there after parks for a Ghirardelli and many others may also be going there as a destination not just as parking.

 

[zavandor]

DVC recently increased BLT MF because more DVCers were using the Contemporary resort amenities, so DVC members have to pay a bigger share of the Contemporary operational costs.
Now, if more people staying outside use the SSR transportation system, SSR MF should be lowered to compensate. If WDW lets everyone to use the transportation system good for them, but I don't think I should pay for it.
Adding more busses to componsate for more people using the SSR busses would work only if Disney pays for them and dues are not increased.

Paid parking at DTD could not fix the problem: people who paid for parking at a park will not want to pay again for parking at DTD, so they might take the SSR bus to go there and another one to go back to the park and take the car!

The only solution would be to check MB for people staying at SSR, a dining reservation or a DVC member staying on points (for pool hopping). No one else should be allowed.

 

[Dean]

DVC recently increased BLT MF because more DVCers were using the Contemporary resort amenities, so DVC members have to pay a bigger share of the Contemporary operational costs.
Now, if more people staying outside use the SSR transportation system, SSR MF should be lowered to compensate. If WDW lets everyone to use the transportation system good for them, but I don't think I should pay for it.
Adding more busses to componsate for more people using the SSR busses would work only if Disney pays for them and dues are not increased.

Paid parking at DTD could not fix the problem: people who paid for parking at a park will not want to pay again for parking at DTD, so they might take the SSR bus to go there and another one to go back to the park and take the car!

The only solution would be to check MB for people staying at SSR, a dining reservation or a DVC member staying on points (for pool hopping). No one else should be allowed.

If they changed the % mix for BLT dues it was likely a planned move as the resort sold out. It's one of the ways of keeping BLT dues low during sales and increasing them later and in reality it's accurate that some adjustment over time is needed. IIRC the way DVC has allocated shared expenses like transportation is based on the % of people who actually use each area. However, when the BCV vs BWV issues was being addressed, it wasn't clear if they used actual current numbers or a historical general formula based on the average usage of such accommodations. It would make sense that BLT would have a higher % for the same number of villas compared to the CR because of the extra person designed into the 1 & 2 BR villas. It seems clear to me, and did at onset, that BLT dues were artificially low This could happen at VWL as well with the refurbishment changes though it's not likely to be enough not notice there. The bottom line is that the usage should drive the calculations no matter where it takes the dues.

My assumption for temporary fixes related to the DS construction would be that Disney would simply provide it for no additional cost. My guess is that any long term changes will be born by the members at SSR unless they can successfully negotiate otherwise based on non DVC related usage that's out of line to the other resorts. This is an area where the members could control their own destiny if they offer enough volume of concern.

Disney has a dilemma for Disney Springs related to this issue but it's the same issue they faced previously where their solution was to remove bus routes to make it more difficult to park at SSR for park use. Now, at least before the construction, it was common to see people parking at SSR and walking over to SSR as well as taking the bus to other resorts and transferring. The free parking for a time but charge for longer as was mentioned at DL would be a great option. My guess is Disney doesn't want to do anything currently to give people a negative opinion of Disney Springs so if we see anything it'll likely be a few years before we do. With the parking decks it may actually be worse, we'll see.

 

[Tony Toon]

We stayed at SSR for the first time in July and were most impressed with the bus system. In the 10 days we wee there we only once waited more than 5 minutes to or from the parks and only once weren't able to get a seat. We visited the parks every day. In previous years we have visited DTD several times and parked. This year the building works/parking situation stopped us driving and we walked from SSR on the occasions we wanted to go. Fine as residents. I wasn't aware of a problem caused by other park guests piggy backing DTD. I think the problems described are exacerbated this year by the lack of parking at DTD, encouraging guests to find other means of getting there. I don't think that a great number of guests park for free (no factual basis- just a gut feeling -there will be some) and then head on to the parks. It adds considerably to the length of time it takes you to get to and from your chosen park. (find a space/get to the bus stop & wait for a bus to a resort or walk to SSR/get another bus to a park then the same in reverse) and would turn an already tiring day into a nightmare- especially with children in tow. However Disney adding direct buses would add to the people freeloading if you like as they would then have a direct route. I think the idea of time limited free parking is fine and if charges were to be made then free parking for on site guests/AP holders as well as car park hopping with your paid daily parking (as happens now) would surely be fair for all. Hopefully the opening of the new multi storey car parks at Disney Springs will bring it all back in to perspective.

Mrs TT