Is the bus THAT bad?

[OFF TO WDW!]

Hello all,

Question.We have the opportunity to go to WDW in November. We realize that if we stay at Port Orleans (riverside) we would have to basically use the bus to MK.
Our other option is the Polynsesian. Not a hard decision right?

Catch is if we do the Poly, it would be for only 5 nights. If we do Port Orleans, we can do eight nights.


I wouldn't think a 25 minute bus ride(from what I am told) is bad, but doing the monorail would be fun and convenient.

Has anyone done both and Please give some insight in helping our family make this decision!

Thanks

 

[denman007]

Not much compares to the monorail from Poly, but the buses are fine. 25 mins sounds high for POR to MK, but maybe if the bus makes a lot of pickups.

I would do the 8 days at POR over the 5 at Poly.

 

[BlondeAlligator]

I have done both many, many times. I think that the buses are the worst at peak times...you said November, but your dates might make all the difference. If you will be there during Thanksgiving week, then I would pick the POLY, hands down. After dealing with the crowds all day, you can't beat the monorail. If you will be there before or after that week, then the buses shouldn't be that bad, although if your timing is unlucky you might find yourself waiting 20-25 minutes for a bus ride that will last 25 more minutes.

If money is not a factor, I would do the Poly in either case...it is one of my favorites, the rooms are newly redone & huge, it has the best atmosphere, and, of course, the monorail!

 

[denman007]

IMO, no resort bus situation is worth making a vacation 3 days shorter.

 

[PADISFAM]

3 more days is WAAAY better than the monorail. No Contest IMO!

 

[jwfla422]

ALSO keep in mind that in addition to the 25 min is the time you'll be waiting on the bus and depending on what time of the day it is, you could wait as long as 30 minutes until the bus actually comes especially if you just missed it and it's and off peak time of the day. This seems to be a common occurrence with us no matter where we stay.

Just keep in mind that you will lose some time waiting and traveling on the buses but not 3 full days so if you want that extra time go for the moderate...just be prepared to wait and sometimes you might get lucky and not have to wait too long.

 

[trivial]

I agree; go for the longer visit. We had no issues taking the buses, other than a few long waits (but we had some very short ones as well).

 

[WOODY13]

I would do the five nights at The Poly. Don't get me wrong I like POR I just think at least for me the resort is a big factor in having a good and relaxing time on vacation. If I had a car I would consider POR but for me I don't like to depend on the buses. The Poly also has the boat to MK and the TTC is walking distance from there if you want to go to EPCOT. No flames please but for me 5-6 nights is enough time at WDW. I would rather go for 5 nights and come back more often.

 

[OFF TO WDW!]

Thanks all!

 

[Aliceacc]

I don't want to hijack your thread, but this may help with your planning:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715551

Also: could you compromise? Either do a split stay (3 days in 1, 3 in the other) or consider another less expensive deluxe resort? Maybe the Contemporary if, as I suspect, you're a family of 5, or the Wilderness Lodge (no monorail, but a boat instead of bus) if you're a family of 4.

Or could you stay at POR and rent a car?

 

[MickeyNicki]

No the bus isnt that bad but here is a tip.

We have stayed 3 time at the POR and loved it, we drive our car over to the main lobby area and catch the bus there. It is so much quicker and alot more buses seem to come by. When we first stayed there we would walk to our bus stop and it would take forever to get a bus...they would be full when they made it our way. One time we waited 45 minutes for a bus to MK...called the transportation place using the phone at the bus stop and they said buses were on the way but it took forever.

So from now on we drive to the main lobby, eat breakfast, stash the mugs in the car, catch the bus to the park. When we come back we grab the mugs and get a nightcap.

BTW, we do this at CBR too and it works great!

 

[nikki'smom]

The buses are hit or miss. You decide.

POR Buses
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1411881
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1438767
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1526053

 

[sassyat30]

No, the buses at POR are *not* that bad.

It never took us more than 15 mins to get to any of the parks...and we never waited more than 15 mins for a particular bus to come.

And the depot by the lobby of POR is the last pick up...so if you intend to get on there, you might be waiting awhile for a bus that has room.

I was so stressed out about the bus situation at POR (from reading all the complaints here) I almost changed our reservation. I'm so glad I didn't! POR was gorgeous and we loved it...and I'm returning in Sept!

Don't let other people's criticisms ruin your vacation, like I almost did.

I'd definitely go for the three extra days!

 

[mickey&minniealways]

I have never stayed at POR and the Poly is great. But meal options there can be a little more expensive then a modorate. No counter service. That being said we usually stay at OKW so we deal with the buses there all the time. Only once did we have to wait more then 10 for a bus. The long bus waits are more likely to happen at the end of the day when you are leaving the parks. How long the bus ride back to your resort seems really depends on the CM driveing the bus. It seems the ones working OKW are the most entertaining. They either have wonderful stories or when the bus is somewhat full will start playing games with the passengers. They like to get everyone involve. This has been our experience anyway. We are not DVC members. We usually rent. It works out to be more affordable, at least for us anyway.

 

[snyderla]

3 more days at WDW beats Poly every time IMO. That's why I've never stayed there and have been to WDW 19 times. I plan to stay there someday, but for now I prefer longer stays and can't afford both. I've stayed at POR and it is beautiful!

 

[lilyv]

One of the funniest/saddest things I saw last summer at Disney was this: Mom, Dad, 2 little ones, maybe 4 and 6 or 7? Dad ranting, waited for bus, oh, maybe 5 minutes...red faced...blustering. Mom and kids, just fine. Kids were excited about the bus, Mom ignored Mr. Agitated, and just talk to the kids about the great day they were going to have. We all got on, and the kids chose their seats, loved the posters on the walls...they were just, happy...the bus was just another Disney experience for them.
(This was at POR, by the way.)

 

[maxiesmom]

I have stayed at and love both the Poly and POR. I say go for the 8 day trip. The busses at POR are not that bad! Certainly not so bad that I would consider cutting my vacation by 3 days to avoid them! Our bus stop was the East Depot, and there is only one more stop, the South Depot, and you are on your way to the parks. Epcot is only a 6 minute ride away!

POR is a gorgeous resort. There are lots of lovely tree-lined paths, the pool area is wonderful, and it truly feels like a peaceful escape from the parks.

Do the 8 days at POR. You won't regret it!

 

[ntsammy5]

IMO, no resort bus situation is worth making a vacation 3 days shorter.

That's a good answer. Never stayed at the Poly but several times at CR and been to POR & values. The buses are fine - don't worry about them.

 

[mommykds]

Always go with the longer trip!

The buses can be a pain but not so much that I would lose 3 days at the World. Enjoy!!

 

[acourtwdw]

If you stay at Poly, you will still need to take the buses to go to DTD, AK and DHS. The monorail is for MK and TTC (which you can walk to from the Poly) with the switch to the EP monorail. Depending on the time of day, all 3 MK resorts share buses to some areas of WDW anyway. I say go for the 8 days at POR. We were there for 3 days in Feb and we didn't have issues with the buses. Have a great trip whatever you deceide to do.