Just got back and we hated the buses!

[MinnieGi]

We fly, stay on-site and ALWAYS rent a car so we can drive ourselves to the parks!! Not a fan of the buses either especially when you have a stroller and little kids in tow!! Now we usually stay in the Epcot area so we can walk or take the boats to Epcot and DHS, but the other parks, DTD, water parks etc. we drive too!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

It sort of became a joke because on our first night there we went to Epcot and waited 20 min for the bus then the next day we see 3 Epcot buses in 5 min while we wait another 20 min for the bus we need.

Hey, wait a minute!!! You're not happy with the Disney bus system because you didn't have the foresight (or flexibility ) to plan your park visits around the bus frequency? Harumph.

And standing in those awful queue's every night was terrible. The worst was we had to wait for the 4th bus on Sat when we left Magic Kingdom. We were so jealous of those people leaving walking right to their cars!

Most often, buses at park closing run much more frequently. Ideally you didn't actually wait 60+ minutes for this fourth bus? Keep in mind, those people 'walking right to their cars' had to first wait in line for the monorail or ferry, then ride that over to the TTC, then wait in line again for the tram, then ride out to their section, then walk right to their cars anywhere from right by the tram to a quarter mile or more down the row...

Should be a poll question but I wanted to combine it with the rest of this thread.

Which is better:
1. Parents stand next to their seated children,
2. Parents take seats behind their children.

That wasn't goofy4tink's point - read her post again:

Between the adults who refuse to move on back (for some reason they have to stand right next to their spouse and kids, while holding a huge stroller, rather than moving back and making it possible for others to board),

 

[seashoreCM]

You're not happy with the Disney bus system because you didn't have the foresight (or flexibility ) to plan your park visits around the bus frequency?

I can live happily with the Orange Line and Blue (airport) Line (on Boston's MBTA) running but every 15 minutes evenings and weekends if I only knew exactly which 4 out of the 60 minutes each hour the train would arrive.

I have seen at least one system where the time for the next bus was displayed on an electronic sign at the bus stop and I could run into a nearby store and buy a snack.

I have seen the centralized board at Epcot showing ride wait times (for whatever they are worth). Suppose there was, next to that, a display of next bus arrival times for each resort.

(Hong Kong subway)

That wasn't goofy4tink's point - read her post again:

I was making my own point.

The worst wait I had was 1-1/2 hours in the sun for a bus from ASMo to AK in August of 2008.

This one (if not during rush hour amidst crowds and lines) is such a severe aberration as to merit a port mortem (investigation).

 

[goofy4tink]

driving is a part of my life that i am on vacation from. The last thing I want to do in WDW is worry about my stupid rental car. I don't even take my car keys in my pocket. How can you feel like a kid with keys in your pocket

but luckily that option is there for you not to use them I think I might be tempted to rent a car if I had a few kids, but we dont usually wait in ques since we stopped doing all star resorts... the only bad time was epcot to home after illuminations because SO many people use the TTC monorail when we're on our way to BLT.

Sadly, my longest bus waits were at the deluxe resorts. The waits at POP were actually quite good...as usual.

I'm sorry that you didn't have a great time with the buses. Do you ever use a bus system at home? I think that people who don't use public transportation at home often have high expectations for the Disney system.

I ride our RTA system here and waiting is common, full buses are common and trouble with the wheel chair lifts happens. You just have to roll with it.

For some, the cost of renting a car is prohibitive or maybe the actual driving is an issue. I know that I am a horrible driver and rarely drive anywhere outside of my comfort zone. I try to utilize public transportation where ever I go. Some places have better systems than others. I have found that the Disney system does a commendable job when you look at their ridership.

Also, the transportation department is in flux. They are currently looking to hire a VP of transportation and this lack of leadership may have something to do with the problems that people are experiencing.

I haven't seen any difference in the transportation system in years..no better, no worse. So, I can't imagine that the act of getting a VP in there is going to matter too much. They haven't been without one for very long.


There is absolutely no way to compare Disney transportation with public transit. I don't use public transport..hate it. In fact, the best public system I've used was in London...had no problem with that at all. But Boston??? Don't get me started. Same with NYC....convoluted to say the least.
Those are constant running systems....not like Disney at all. It's not as if there are buses running continual loops between the resorts and the same park.....POR to MK, and then back to POR again, back to MK. It just doesn't work that way. Disney does a good job of getting people where they need to go. But the system isn't perfect. If someone doesn't want to wait more than 5 mins or so, or wants to get to a different resort without mulitple transfers,then a rental car is going to be the best option for them.
It seems that many times, on these boards, that when someone states a personal preferance, those that make other choices get defensive...they almost think that if someone wants to rent a car, they are now calling those who use the buses stupid. And that goes the other way as well....why would someone rent a car, and go to all that expense, when the buses work very well. No one system is going to be perfect for every guest. Period.

 

[ford91exploder]

Ah the MBTA aka the 'T' run into the ground by political appointees where on the RED line you can stop in a tunnel unexpectedly and wait for 5 minutes up to several hours with only the announcements. "We are waiting for traffic ahead of us, There is a medical emergency at X, Police Activity at Y or There is a disabled train at Z" with no ETA. The T supposedly has a policy if the Bus/Train is more than 30 minutes late they will refund your fare, Never happens.

In the AM at the deluxe resorts there is always a dispatcher but they generally disappear around noontime I'd like to see them all day as part of my Disney magic is 'NO CAR!!!'

I think part of the reason for the relatively poor bus service at the Deluxe resorts is that Disney assumes that the presumably more affluent customers will have/rent a car.

Where the budget minded are much more likely NOT to have a car so the primary 'perk' provided at the Value resorts is GREAT bus service - Also budget minded international holiday travelers esp the dreaded BTG's stay at the values and they can't drive in the US or the Brit's who stay 3 weeks and who want to spend time and money at the parks and
not on lodging.

Esp at Hollywood studios watch the bus queue at the POP resorts there is a bus arriving and departing as it fills and another immediately takes it's place

 

[kaytieeldr]

The T supposedly has a policy if the Bus/Train is more than 30 minutes late they will refund your fare, Never happens.

Respectfully, this is wrong. It DOES happen. The passenger needs to be very specific, and of course former MBTA management* needs to confirm the claim. Yes, I've gotten refunds

*All state transportation departments now combined into one, therefore future results unknown

 

[MaumeeMom]

Comments in red.

Sadly, my longest bus waits were at the deluxe resorts. The waits at POP were actually quite good...as usual.

I haven't seen any difference in the transportation system in years..no better, no worse. So, I can't imagine that the act of getting a VP in there is going to matter too much. They haven't been without one for very long.

A new VP may clean house and implement higher standards as often happens when a new boss is hired. Improving the system will most likely be top priority for the new person.

There is absolutely no way to compare Disney transportation with public transit. I don't use public transport..hate it. In fact, the best public system I've used was in London...had no problem with that at all. But Boston??? Don't get me started. Same with NYC....convoluted to say the least.
Those are constant running systems....not like Disney at all.

I don't really see the difference. Disney doesn't run constantly? Most RTA's don't run 24 hour systems, especially in this economy. Disney has schedules, peek times, set destinations, maintenance issues, employment contracts, union issues, etc. The only difference is that they don't get public funding that I know of (they may get grants) and the fare is paid as part of your ticket/resort cost instead of at point of entry/embarkation. Also, I believe that Disney is a member of various Public Transportation organizations such as APTA. I have a close friend in the business (he actually was contacted to try for this job but didn't because his wife didn't want to move so far away from family). They are head hunting from the Public sector.

It's not as if there are buses running continual loops between the resorts and the same park.....POR to MK, and then back to POR again, back to MK. It just doesn't work that way. Disney does a good job of getting people where they need to go. But the system isn't perfect. If someone doesn't want to wait more than 5 mins or so, or wants to get to a different resort without mulitple transfers,then a rental car is going to be the best option for them.
It seems that many times, on these boards, that when someone states a personal preferance, those that make other choices get defensive...they almost think that if someone wants to rent a car, they are now calling those who use the buses stupid.

I don't recall anyone using the word "stupid" and most have been very respectful while discussing the pros and cons of the bus system.

And that goes the other way as well....why would someone rent a car, and go to all that expense, when the buses work very well. No one system is going to be perfect for every guest. Period.

You are absolutely right, every guest is different with different needs, different tolerance levels and different spending habits or priorities.

Just for kicks, here is the job posting for the VP of Transportation. I'm really surprised that they want a minimum of a BA and not a Masters. I bet there will be changes when this person is hired.

Vice President, Walt Disney World Transportation

We are seeking a dynamic transportation executive to lead the end-to-end Walt Disney World Resort Transportation business, inclusive of Guest Operations, Maintenance and Safety for all modes of transportation including monorails, buses, and watercraft. The Vice President will lead Cast Members who transport millions of Guests annually to our four theme parks; two water parks; twenty-three themed hotels; and numerous shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation venues across the 47 square miles of resort property. The leader will be integral to the development of the transportation master plan to meet current and future growth needs while focusing on the safety, reliability, maintenance, , and operational standards. The leader will play a critical role in creating and aligning sustainable strategies for transportation safety, reliability and quality Guest experiences, environmental initiatives and compliance with all legal and regulatory standards related to Transportation. The Vice President, Transportation will report to the Vice President, Reedy Creek Energy Services, Telecommunications and Transportation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
(These are the minimum qualifications you need to be considered for the job.)
* Bachelors degree in Business, Engineering or equivalent
* Minimum 10 years of executive level mass transportation experience with transit and train experience strongly preferred
* Demonstrated strong leadership skills with ability to define clear vision and motivate others to achieve goals
* Demonstrated experience as an inspirational, hands on leader who can integrate diverse perspectives into an operational plan to effectively get teams to partner in an integrated fashion toward a common goal
* Proven integrator who uses synergistic approach to problem solving, analysis, metrics and prevention
* Proven ability to build strategic alliances/relationships and effectively perform in a matrix organization
* Demonstrated ability to manage and integrate Guest, Cast and business goals to achieve positive outcomes
* Demonstrated skills in effective budget and scheduling management
* Proven decision maker with ability to work under pressure
* Proven innovator with the ability to implement
* Proactive and assertive communicator who can interface effectively at all levels of the organization and influence business results through persuasion, negotiation and personal presence
* Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment with minimal direction
* Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
* Proven Leadership experience in large union workplace environments

 

[Poohbug]

Sorry OP that you had a hard time with the buses. At least now you know that a rental will better suit your needs in the future. They do have rental counters that are very convenient to WDW if you want to use ME and still get a rental car.

I have used the buses many, many times and it does seem like it is getting worse. I don't know if the buses are actually worse or I am getting more impatient with age.

I do expect to wait for the buses but what really bothered me during our last trip was the constant standing. We rarely got to sit on a bus-at any time of morning or night. I was very busy during the bus rides keeping the kids and myself upright until we got off. DH and I had no problems splitting up but if it was just me then I was not moving to the back of the bus and leaving the kids on those rare chances that one of the kids got a seat. Not the end of the world but just a pain to deal with.

We ended up using the car much of the time. Never had a problem parking and ended up close enough to walk to the entrance. The walk was not any longer than the walk to the bus stop. The kids actually wanted to ride the tram.

Get a car next time and I think you will be much happier.

 

[jodifla]

Totally agree with you, OP. We use the buses very sparingly. Having a car with us is key! And SO MUCH MORE CONVENIENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We only use the buses for the MK.

 

[Kaler131]

I also HATE the busses....I just have had too many bad experiences lately with rude guests, etc. I will always rent a car on future trips. I have had such a better experience with driving myself vs. using the busses! I DO love ME though and will continue to use that service and then just rent on Disney property.

 

[SanFranciscan]

I realize that mass transit can be very unpleasant so I am not being dismissive of those who do not like the buses. I have had limited experience with Disney buses, and my husband and I were the only passengers on one in October 2007 before we were joined by a couple of people in Disney uniforms so there was plenty of room. Riding public transit daily here in San Francisco and being shoved by people who see that I have got no where to move to make room for those determined to get in a vehicle that they can see is filled to capacity, has me looking for a job that I can walk to just to avoid the repeated fare increases to put up such conditions.

But in Disney's defense, the couple of days that I did ride the buses to shop and eat at some of the resorts the buses were very clean. There was no smell of urine. The seats were cushioned. There was nobody ranting vulgarities on the buses at enemies only they could see. Nobody was threatening to kick anybody else's butt. Other than the buses being a little overly air conditioned, it was a very pleasant ride. Disney guests can be as drunk, mentally ill, or sadistic as anyone else; but Disney manages to keep huge crowds with often unrealistic expectations from becoming out-of-control mobs. They do all of this without charging a fare. I think that is pretty good.

We can all do our part to keep people from waiting for multiple buses that are full. I see right here how many people pushing their way onto the streetcar hard enough to crush another passenger's internal organs could fit comfortably if they were not carrying backpacks big enough to survive for three weeks alone in the alps or strollers about as large as a grocery store cart.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just for kicks, here is the job posting for the VP of Transportation. I'm really surprised that they want a minimum of a BA and not a Masters. I bet there will be changes when this person is hired.

Respectfully disagree that this education-level requirement will change. Simply having a higher degree does not necessarily make one more qualified. All those other 'minimum' requirements come into play as well. The candidate appears to need a LOT of job-related experience; education can only count for so much.

 

[aubriee]

Yep..that's my thought as well. But I can't tell you how many times adults said...'Just move by me. I need to stay with my family.' But it was a bit difficult to get past with all the stuff he had with him. I can't imagine what they thought was going to happen if dad was at the back of the bus and mom was in the front with the kids...perhaps mom (or dad) was too dopey to get off at the right place?

Totally off topic here, but this reminds me of a story I've told on here before. Several years ago I walked into the ladies restroom across from the Rose and Crown in Epcot, to find a bunch of irate ladies and an Arab man yelling at each other. The man's reason for being in the ladies room was that his wife and daughter 'did not speak English' so he had to be in there with them.

 

[disfan07]

And we've always had the opposite experience....19 trips and we have never had issues with the buses.

Weve had good experiences at the values, the mods and the deluxe.

We rented a car once and that was because we were going to UCF for a tour. We used the car for EPCOT the first day and it was a PITA. We decided to return the car the next day after the UCF tour. We figured why waste our money on something that is going to sit in the parking lot for 6 more days.


To each their own but we've done buses with strollers (singles and doubles), infants, toddlers and older kids and during every season at Disney and I feel that the people who find the buses so terrible either 1)dont have the patience needed to use that mode of transportation and/or 2) cant relax enough to go with the flow

 

[Uncleromulus]

Wouldn't even think of using a Disney bus to go anywhere..we ALWAYS use our car.
Our typical first day at WDW: Arrive and check in. Head to DD to pick up our AP and TIW cards. Shop at the Disney store. Head to lunch, sometimes at ESPN, sometimes at the Sand Trap (or anywhere else for that matter). Head to Fantasia gardens for a game of mini golf. Back to OKW for a quick swim, change, then out to dinner at California Grill. Then back to OKW.
Just try that using Disney transportation!!!!

 

[sotoalf]

You can't just walk to your car from the MK. Even day guests have to take the ferry boat or monorail back to their cars.

The best way to avoid the chaos at park closing is to either leave thirty to forty minutes before or wait an hour afterward.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would never use my own car at Disney World, because I wouldn't want to deal with that hassle.

Go out, start hot car and wait for it to cool down. Try to figure out where the heck I am driving to. Park car, hike to the tram, wait for tram to show up, try not to get trampled getting a seat on the tram, then hang on for dear life. Bail out, then walk to the front of the park. When leaving for the night, repeat, but add in fighting with the rest of the mob of cars leaving the parking lot at the end of the night.

isn't it kind of funny how what is convenient is all in how you look at it.

 

[simzac]

I love threads like this one as I figure this one complaint will free up some room on the buses in the future when we travel to WDW.

 

[greg126]

On our last trip (early Dec) we found the bus system as something to be tolerated for the sake of not having the expense and hassles of driving ourselves. Driving yourself is not all sweetness and light but depending on who and how many and what you're hauling it could work better. What jumped out at me were time/capacity issues with ECV and monster stroller loading. I'm pretty sure Disney is doing real close to the best it can with what it has. Without major significant additional investment/expenditure I don't see anything other than marginal improvements possible.

At any rate, with just the 2 of us at POP the few hundred we saved on a car rental was well spent at some nice restaurants. Still unless there are deals as good as this years Armed Forces Salute we'll be back at SOG next time with what we have found to be a completely relaxing bus and efficient bus service the only downside being a limited AK/HS schedule. Plus we'll have the additional flexibility (for a price) of a car since we have to get to SOG somehow and it doesn't do ME.

 

[ConnieB]

This was our second trip to WDW and on our first trip last year we drove but this time we flew and took the ME and obviously the Disney transportation system.

We did not like taking the buses around at all! Granted we have 2 little kids, a bag and a double umbrella stroller but I couldn't get over how much time is spent waiting. My DH and I both thought driving was 1000x better. At least half of the time we had to wait the full 20 min to get the bus at our resort, at least half of the time we were standing trying to manage the 2 kids (except the rare times people gave up their seats). It sort of became a joke because on our first night there we went to Epcot and waited 20 min for the bus then the next day we see 3 Epcot buses in 5 min while we wait another 20 min for the bus we need. DH and I were just laughing and shaking our heads by the end of the week mouthing "this sucks" to each other on the bus.

One of the days our bus pulled up and it was really full and we barely got on and there was a family there with someone in a wheelchair and the driver told him he couldn't fit them on and he was sorry. The mother got upset and said they had been waiting a half an hour and this was the 2nd bus that was full. He said all he could do was put in a call for another bus. I felt really bad for them!

And standing in those awful queue's every night was terrible. The worst was we had to wait for the 4th bus on Sat when we left Magic Kingdom. We were so jealous of those people leaving walking right to their cars! And then one night we went from Animal Kingdom to the Lodge to have dinner at Boma so leaving we had to take a bus back to the park to catch the bus back to our resort and it took us literally 55 minutes (I timed it).

DH swears that the next time we fly we will be renting a car and he doesn't care about the cost. All that lost time in waiting is worth the cost. On our plane ride home DH and I were trying to figure out the lost time we spent waiting. About 15-20 every morning. Only one morning did we get a bus in the first 5 minutes. At least 15 min at the best to up to an hour at the worst at night. And then the two times we had to do transfers from resort/parks, etc...It literally was hours and hours of time that could have been spent at the parks, exploring our resort or sleeping! And I didn't count the time on the buses. It was just so easy taking our own car. And on our last trip we opted not to wait for the trams the one time we could have taken it and just walked. At least I feel like I'm making progress and not just standing and waiting, relying on someone else.

Anyway.....I know that when our kids are older or even if there is a time DH and I go ourselves it might not be that bad but I always hear people saying how great the buses are and we just didn't have a good experience.

Almost forgot to add - had no issues with the Magical Express...

We have always had a car, but have attempted to do the bus thing a few times and hated it. There are so many great deals on rental cars, and you're spending a fortune on this vacation already, wasting that much time waiting for a bus isn't worth it for us. Now...if only they'd have fast passes for the buses, lol.