Most of us fly, or drive, but anyone ever taken the bus on vacation?

[diznee25]

My husband and I usually fly out to Orlando, but I checked greyhound's website and found out they're WAY cheaper than flying. So we've planned a last minute trip to DisneyWorld and will be taking the bus from Colorado Springs to Orlando. A 46 hour drive there and 46 hours back, not too bad.

Has anyone used the Greyhound bus (or any bus for that matter) for transportation on vacation? What was your experience like? I know it won't be as quick as a plane, but overall was your experience good?

Thanks,
Diznee25

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Greyhound is okay for short state to state hauls... but I'd be a little hesitant for a 46 hour journey. That's an incredibly long amount of time to be stuck in a small coach seat (think airline size, if not smaller). I could be mistaken, but I don't believe Greyhound shows movies on thier coaches, either.

 

[taxi_man696]

Also keep in mind that the Greyhound station in Orlando is Northwest of Downtown. It will require a ride from Greyhound to WDW. Cab fare will be approx. $50 from Greyhound to WDW.

You can, of course improve on the round trip fare if you deal directly with a cabbie and pre-arrange your transportation.

I have no idea who you could talk to though.


if you think of someone I am sure he would accept private message for futher information

 

[hentob]

Would you mind posting how much you are paying for bus fare? I am curious......

Hentob

 

[Dodie]

Also keep in mind the HUNDREDS of stops that bus is going to make between Colorado and Florida. That's part of the 46 hours of course, but I would think it would be very frustrating.

Honestly, I cannot imagine sitting on a bus for 46 hours for any reason! Let us know how it works out.

 

[lsteadman]

When riding Greyhound for trips longer than a day this is what I do.....!

1) Pack light - Bring the essentials and plan to do laundry while you are at WDW.
2) In your carry on have lots of things to occupy your time.
*books and a clip on book light (that overhead light that shines down it to bright and will distribute other neighbors sleeping
*Portable CD player with head phone (lots of batteries)\
*Soft side CD holder (filled with your favorite CD)
*Toothbrush and Toothpaste (during your meal stops you will be greatful to have this
*Travel Pillow (you can get a small one of these a Wal-Mart or Target near you)
*Travel Blanket (not a thick blanket off your bed) a fleece blanket of some sort this bus airconditioning gets really cold
*Soft Side Cooler with Soda (not a huges cooler) just a small enough to handle a few beverages
*BABY WIPES (you can wash your hands with these - can says enough about baby wipes
*Snack and treats (trail mix, granola bars, chocolate for those stressful moments - snacks from the machine can be expensive
*DONT USE THE SAME SIZE CARRY ON YOU WOULD FOR AN AIRPLANE. The Height of the Carry should be half the size of the airplane one or it won't fit in the overhead and you will have to check it.
3) Get luggage tags and keep you check bags tickets where you can find them
4) If you change buses, be very proactive and make sure you bags change buses with you - check and double check again - don't expect Greyhound staff to do that for you.

Remember to note the time the driver state the bus will depart when you stop for your meal breaks....they will leave you if you are not back on the bus.

Also, keep an open mind and don't be mindful of your belongs (i.e. don't leave your purse laying on your seat while you go to the bathroom). Just use common sense and you will be fine! Have a great , safe trip and give us a trip report when you return.

 

[diznee25]

Thank you lsteadman for the wonderful tips! I really appreciate it. However, due to personal issues at home, we've decided to cancel this trip and go next year.

I do appreciate all who posted. By the way, someone wanted to know what the bus fare was. From Colorado Springs to Orlando, we would have paid $180 per adult. ($360 for the two of us.)Overall, this is $200 cheaper than flying.

Anyway, next years trip we plan on driving ourselves. So I'll be posting soon to inquire about driving, gas, stuff like that. Look forward to hearing from you all soon!

Diznee25