Just back, transportation thoughts

[Candlelady]

Just back from a 5 night stay. I was a little afraid of transportation problems, but the only problem I had was my fault. The buses were plentiful and 99.9% of the drivers were great. Witnessed a few people complaining, but those were the touring commando's and if they were a minute off schedule, went ballistic . Many seemed to think there should be a bus waiting specifically for them. I giggled when one person complained about all the money they are spending that there should be a bus available at all stops at all parks and resorts all the time. They should never have to wait more than 5 minutes This is the same person who literally shoved a mother with two small children out of the way to get on the bus first. What a jerk!

One evening there were two families and myself going to the Contemporary at 8:15pm. from POR. Since there was no one else on the MK bus, he swung into the CR just for us instead of dropping us off at the extremely crowded MK station.(MK just closed at 8) Two thumbs up for the drivers at Disney. I think they do a great job. I, for one, appreciate the difficult job they have.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Glad to hear you had no problems with Transportation this past week. I didn't get Port Orleans routes very often, but from what I could tell the one morning I staged out of there, it was a bit on the busy side.

Thank you for your compliments... we work hard to earn it.

Speaking of which... I gotta get rid of this DISboard addiction, I'm late for work! LOL

 

[Candlelady]

Glad to give you wonderful CM's the compliment. I can only imagine the amount of difficult people you encounter each and every day. I always make sure I say hello when entering a bus and thank you for the ride - have a great day when exiting.

I think many guests forget that without the CM's, their magical vacation would not be so magical.

 

[inkkognito]

For some reason, your story reminded me of a humorous "bus incident" on our last trip. We were waiting for a bus from Downtown Disney to AKL, along with a few other people. It was the evening, so I think we were all half asleep. The bus pulled up, we boarded, and drove, drove, drove...till we ended up at CBR!!! I think it was a CBR bus that pulled into the wrong stop...if it said that on his marquee, none of us were conscious enough to notice. Thankfully there were no "schedule commandos" on the bus, just people heading 'home" to bed. We all thought it was funny! The poor, confused driver drove us to the correct hotel.
But speaking of the demanding people, one day we were waiting for our bus at Typhoon Lagoon (I think we were staying at Port Orleans), and as we pulled away, a woman ran up and pounded on the doors. The bus driver stopped and opened up, and she proceeded to read him the riot act because she had been waiting for a bus to Coronado and none was to be found! I don't know why she thought it was his fault...I felt so sorry for him. But he was good natured and just took it in stride. Overall, I think the bus drivers do a great job, and the majority are such a friendly bunch.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by inkkognito
For some reason, your story reminded me of a humorous "bus incident" on our last trip. We were waiting for a bus from Downtown Disney to AKL, along with a few other people. It was the evening, so I think we were all half asleep. The bus pulled up, we boarded, and drove, drove, drove...till we ended up at CBR!!! I think it was a CBR bus that pulled into the wrong stop...if it said that on his marquee, none of us were conscious enough to notice. Thankfully there were no "schedule commandos" on the bus, just people heading 'home" to bed. We all thought it was funny! The poor, confused driver drove us to the correct hotel.

Another possibility... and this has happened to me a few times... we get so stuck in a route... One day I happened to be driving the AK Lodge run all day... and then randomly, I got assigned an All Star run... and so I'm driving, off in la la land (But still paying attention to the road of course), and I take the AK Lodge exit... and then I realize... WHOOPS! Thankfully, it was just a small family on board, they got a good laugh out of it... and I got to show them the AK Lodge as I turned around... lol We're all human... we too take a wrong turn every so often. Of course, some times it's intentional.

When I'm driving the Coronado Springs route... everyone is so used to the bus going in the Main entrance... however, I zoom right on by the main entrance, and use the Auxiliary entrance. It's easier, and quicker, I think... However, I always hear a few whispers, "Did we get on the wrong bus? He just passed Coronado... Maybe he's lost?"

Also, when going to CBR... most drivers will get off World Drive at Buena Vista Drive, and sit through all the traffic at the Studios entrance and whatnot... I zip right on by, and take the Osceola Parkway exit, and then head down Victory Lane to the Auxiliary Entrance (Jamaica side)... it bypasses all the lights and traffic... however, guests always think I'm lost.

Originally posted by inkkognito
But speaking of the demanding people, one day we were waiting for our bus at Typhoon Lagoon (I think we were staying at Port Orleans), and as we pulled away, a woman ran up and pounded on the doors. The bus driver stopped and opened up, and she proceeded to read him the riot act because she had been waiting for a bus to Coronado and none was to be found! I don't know why she thought it was his fault...I felt so sorry for him. But he was good natured and just took it in stride.

We're just so used to being yelled at, it kind of bounces off some days. I understand that folks may be frustrated, but they should have some common sense enough to know that I'm not the one to blame... But, I just happen to be the first CM they see, and it all just bursts out.

 

[jennymouse]

I thought the All Stars buses were fantastic last year. Tyler, I know the drivers get some grief but I think they get alot of compliments too. Last year, I was always so glad to see the bus a couple times I said "I could kiss you!" when I boarded. I never did of course, but I hope the driver get as many thanks & compliments as they do complaints.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by jennymouse
I thought the All Stars buses were fantastic last year. Tyler, I know the drivers get some grief but I think they get alot of compliments too. Last year, I was always so glad to see the bus a couple times I said "I could kiss you!" when I boarded. I never did of course, but I hope the driver get as many thanks & compliments as they do complaints.

That's what makes my job so great... I get a LOT of compliments from my guests... there have been times when I've packed a bus with 72 guests... all crabby because it's late, they're tired, and they didnt want to stand... but at the end of the ride, they're all laughing, cheering, applauding, and whatnot because they had the best bus ride of thier life. I've recieved many, many Guest Service Fanatic awards*, the pristigious What Would Walt Do? award, as well as countless guests telling me what a great CM I am. Does this inflate my ego? You bet! LOL... but it also makes me strive even harder, to be even better than the best. To top my last acomplishment. So far, so good!


*=GSF are given by other CMs, or mostly Management. Unfortunetly because they never get to see any of the great things I do... they're kinda rare. But, it's all good, because it means more coming directly from the guests.

 

[Candlelady]

Tyler,
Please tell me you are the singing driver I had last January!! I forget where we were, but I remember it was late and the bus didn't have an inch of standing room left. The driver started singing, 'The wheels on the bus go round and round', and everyone joined in. We had the best trip. Everyone got off laughing, smiling and humming the tune. I was hoping I'd get him again this trip, but didn't. We had a blast and it was the best magic bus trip ever!!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

LOL, nope... that was another one of our many Magical drivers... We have a LOT of drivers who do all sorts of various things to entertain y'all... I do a comedy routine (ala Jungle Cruise style), some sing, some do trivia, all sorts of things...

 

[bobcat]

Candlelady I had that bus driver last summer and he was so much fun! It was too funny seeing the adults singing wheels on the bus and the kids laughing at us.