repeated BUS ABUSE ON OUR TRIP THIS PAST WEEK

[sjdisneywedding]

This issue is more likely an individual problem than a WDW policy problem anyway. In their zeal to assist guests, WDW bus drivers may suggest taking the SSR bus (knowing that it is rarely filled at this point in time) when asked "What is the easiest way to get to DD from here" - regardless where "here" may be.

I dont even have much of problem with the use of the bus to transport these folks to and from the parks regardless of who pays for the bus fees, but I do see an issue with them boarding and unboarding right smack dab in SSR. SSR is a resort not one big bus stop

 

[MiaSRN62]

I don't even care if people take the busses it they have tickets or a legitimate right to use them. I do not, however, agree with people parking at DTD to avoid paying to park at MK, AK, DMGMS or EPCOT.

thanks for making your stance clearer.....we're on the same page then.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I'm not sure i'm understanding something. We go to Disney about twice a year, staying on Disney property one out of the two times. We NEVER thought about parking at a resort and taking their transportation over to the parks. Isn't that against the rules? Or technically are you able to?
I always figured that resrot transportation is for those staying at the resort. Am I wrong?

If you are staying onsite the parking fee is included. Resort transportation is for those with tickets OR staying on site. However parking and resort transportation are entirely two different issues however closely related they may seem. If you have a parking pass you can park anywhere Disney doesn't forbid you to otherwise (they'll just wave you in). If you don't have a pass...as in you are staying offsite...they may take down information about your vehicle...then wave you in. But I guess in more crowded seasons you might have to present further proof to get in like a PS.


PS. I first stayed on site in I believe 1992. I think the documentation still read that you needed to be a resort guests to ride but the drivers definitely weren't paying attention to room keys... And in conflict with that the tickets said you had access to resort transportation... I remember trying to show the driver my card...sometimes they'd look sometimes they wouldn't.

 

[Acklander]

I dont even have much of problem with the use of the bus to transport these folks to and from the parks regardless of who pays for the bus fees, but I do see an issue with them boarding and unboarding right smack dab in SSR. SSR is a resort not one big bus stop

Sure SSR is a big bus stop, as are many of the other Disney bus stops. This is just the way Disney has set up their bus system. Either you can get a direct route (from a resort to a park) or you have to find a transfer point (from a resort to another resort). Whenever I've wanted to go from the resort I'm staying at to another resort I've always been directed by CM to go the the park closest to my final destination and use that as the transfer point. For DD that transfer point would be SSR, therefore the CM is correct in telling people to go to SSR if they want to go to DD.
I wouldn't want Disney to start checking ID's and passes, as that would slow down the transportation, and with all the different types of passes, almost everyone would qualify for a ride anyway. For every "full" bus that leaves, it appears that about half are able to get seats and about half have to stand. That's been my experience as well - about half the time I get a seat, about half the time I'm standing. Once a bus is completely full, it takes off, so if anything, having people transfer at SSR probably has the effect of more frequent buses. It works for me. I don't know how Disney divides up the transportation costs - I assume that a percentage comes from ticket sales, a percentage comes from room rates, a percentage is paid by the restaurants and stores, and a percentage from the businesses that have leases at DD. Therefore we all have access to the transportation system, since everyone comes to Disney and ends up spending money someplace. I have no idea how many people park at downtown Disney, walk to SSR bus stop, and then take the bus to one of the theme parks to beat the parking fee, but I bet Disney has a very good idea how many people take advantage by breaking the rules and obviously it's not enough to make changes beyond not being able to take a bus directly from a theme park to DD. When it becomes too big of a problem, they will then deal with it.
Overall, I think Disney does a great job with transportation and personally I think the more people who take advantage of public transportation, the better for all. When visiting during Christmas I love to use the transportation to "resort hop" and see all the decorations at the different resorts. I may not be staying at that resort or spending any money at that resort, so I'm sure many on this board don't think I have any business using the buses, but it's Disney's bus and they have no problem with it and that's good enough for me.

 

[MiaSRN62]

PS. I first stayed on site in I believe 1992. I think the documentation still read that you needed to be a resort guests to ride but the drivers definitely weren't paying attention to room keys...

Thanks doubletrouble.....I was wondering how far back that policy went. It was before we started coming to WDW on a regular basis.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Sure SSR is a big bus stop, as are many of the other Disney bus stops. This is just the way Disney has set up their bus system. Either you can get a direct route (from a resort to a park) or you have to find a transfer point (from a resort to another resort). Whenever I've wanted to go from the resort I'm staying at to another resort I've always been directed by CM to go the the park closest to my final destination and use that as the transfer point. For DD that transfer point would be SSR, therefore the CM is correct in telling people to go to SSR if they want to go to DD.

Are you nuts? I dont mean SSr HAS a big bus stop, I mean I dont want it(as in the resort itself) to BE just one big bus stop. The bus unloads here and everybody uses the walkway to walk to DTD.

I wouldn't want Disney to start checking ID's and passes, as that would slow down the transportation, and with all the different types of passes, almost everyone would qualify for a ride anyway.

I dont know if you read the thread but I think everybody already agrees on this.

For every "full" bus that leaves, it appears that about half are able to get seats and about half have to stand. That's been my experience as well - about half the time I get a seat, about half the time I'm standing. Once a bus is completely full, it takes off, so if anything, having people transfer at SSR probably has the effect of more frequent buses.

Exactly, more busses=possibly higher dues. Thats half the point of this thread.

 

[Sammie]

scam everything out of dw as you can....dv is the most exspensive place in the world to vacation...that is why i bought into dvc to save money.

Golfnut1264,If you think Disney is the most expensive place in the world to vacation, you have not traveled very far. Many places are much more expensive than DW.

Doubletrouble is right at one time only Disney resort guests were allowed to ride the transportation to a resort. That is why the multi day pass says unlimited use of Disney transportation. However it does not say unlimited use of Resort Transportation. They used to run buses from parks to the TTC and Downtown Disney. Then Disney decided there was money to be made by getting guests to the resorts to shop and dine.

As to how does anyone know if people are parking at DD to avoid the parks fee to park. Because they are there before the shops at DD even open and while waiting for the early bus at SSR you see them walking over from DD. They have not been there to shop, as the shops are not even open yet. So yes they are off site guests, they drove over and parked there to ride the SSR bus.

It used to happen also at other resorts but guardshacks stopped alot of it, except for the determined ones that make up some fake story. The only way I see to control it, is a sidewalk guardshack that monitors foot traffic and ID's. To me this would be a good issue for safety too. Due to the large amount of traffic near DD, I think SSR ought to be a fenced and gated community. With the 2 drive in guardshacks and then a sidewalk gate that requires a Disney ID. Some would sneak through but not many. But these things cost money.

 

[Pluto4Pres]

...She was blatantly abusing the bus system and felt entitled to complain about it too no less! So she was then yelling to her husband to call a cab! Then another guest tells her a DTD bus will be there within 20 minutes since she just missed it (I was screaming in my head 'no don't encourage her!!")

I take from the OP's comment here that allthough the quickest way from SSR to DTD is to use the walkway, there still is bus service form SSR to DTD. This kinda makes me see things in a different light. This means that SSR is just a much a legitimate bus transfer point for DTD as any Disney resort on the transportation system. If I accept this statement then there is no problem whatsoever with the bus system.

The problem here is the walkway. That is where the extra measures should be taken to control (or at least cut down on) the scammers. A manned gate from morning to early afternoon might discourage most of them. But, who would pay for that? What time do most of the shops open at DTD? Maybe the parking lot should be closed until 10 or 11am? Or close the part of the lot that is closest to the SSR walkway until that time or later?

 

[Sherri]

Rather then a person that would get a salary, why don't the bus drivers just ask to see the resort key upon entering the bus. Or if it is also free for Ap holders then they could show that. That just seems like an inexpensive way to handle it if it is a problem. I would have no problem showing my room key everytime I boarded a bus if it meant in the end it was less crowded from people who are not staying at the resort.
Also, I feel like with the prices as high as they are for passes, they should have free parking.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

Rather then a person that would get a salary, why don't the bus drivers just ask to see the resort key upon entering the bus. Or if it is also free for Ap holders then they could show that. That just seems like an inexpensive way to handle it if it is a problem. I would have no problem showing my room key everytime I boarded a bus if it meant in the end it was less crowded from people who are not staying at the resort.
Also, I feel like with the prices as high as they are for passes, they should have free parking.

Room key = inconvenience = slower bus loading = longer time to get to destination = less time to spend your $ with Disney. Not to flame, but it has been established that the busses are for anyone staying onsite OR have a park pass.

Free parking?? Disney isn't going to give up that revenue stream.

The only real solutions, IMHO, are: Put a guard shack at the walkway to discourage cheapskates from parking at DTD and walking over to SSR. And starting in the late afternoon/early evening (after the DVC sales center closes at SSR), run busses FROM the parks TO DTD. Maybe they could run busses FROM DTD TO the TTC (or parks after park closing hours) so guests leaving DTD can get back to their cars.

 

[Sherri]

Now would believe that a person would start out using their tickets late afternoon if they are so cheap, just to take the bus after the sales office closes? I would think they would want to get their moneys worth from their passes and start out early morning. Do alot of people take advantage of this at DTD? Couldn't someone park at the Boardwalk and walk over to epcot or MGM and take the monorail to the MK? I'm just thinking that would be quicker for them. Oh by the way, we have 10 more days until our trip, and since we are snow bound today, it can't come quick enough!

 

[cruise-o-matic]

Resort parking is a different situation since parking at the resorts is more restrictive with guard shacks and parking passes. Not to say that some don't try and abuse resort parking anyway, a la "I have a PS for breakfast at ...." and park in the resort lot all day.

The parking at DTD is free and unrestricted. Disney's response to cheapskates parking at DTD to avoid parking fees is to not run busses directly to the parks. With the proximity of SSR to DTD, the bus-to-bus transfer hassle has been removed.

I think the biggest gripe is the fact that the CM's are now recommending the SSR bus as the best way to DTD, instead of the "official" route of "take bus to any resort then another bus to DTD". So instead of evening out the DTD traffic amongst all the resort busses, the burden of transporting DTDers has shifted to SSR.

I'm not advocating a write in campaign, but if you experieince this problem personally, I would recommend letting the CM's know right away. It's not like they don't like us as it is.....

 

[tjkraz]

I think the biggest gripe is the fact that the CM's are now recommending the SSR bus as the best way to DTD, instead of the "official" route of "take bus to any resort then another bus to DTD". So instead of evening out the DTD traffic amongst all the resort busses, the burden of transporting DTDers has shifted to SSR.

The funny thing is that I don't think CMs are necessarily giving people the best advice. An ignorant guest dropped at the CP bus stop would have a lot of trouble trying to find the walking path. Once you know where you are going, getting from the bus stop to the Marketplace is still about a 12-15 minute walk. If you go the other direction toward the West Side you have a longer walk and risk getting lost on the golf cart paths. People trying to reach Pleasure Island easily have a 30 minute walk ahead of them.

I think people would be much better off just taking the dual bus trips.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

If I wanted to go to DTD after MK closing, knowing what I know now, I'd do the following: 1) Check the SSR queue. Too full? If so 2) Look for a resort bus queue where I can load immediately. If it is AKL, so be it. If the bus queues are too full, then 3) Walk to the CR and catch the DTD bus from there.

I agree......I may have to change my thinking above but I'm one of those people who hates standing still, even if it may take me a few minutes longer to get to my destination.

 

[nowellsl]

I would definately go to another resort before SSR, that way you get taken directly to DTD and wouldn't have to walk from SSR.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Hi! Sorry I didn't read ALL the posts! Don't know if any of my thoughts were brought up yet. Sorry if they were already and shot down! Lol!

Here goes:

Does anybody know how the DVC resorts actually pay for their share of the bus transportation? If it is actually based on usage and the actual number of buses servicing the resort, then I guess there might be an argument on non-DVC members using OUR buses and increasing our dues. I was under the impression, and feel free to correct if I am proven wrong, that DVC pays WDW or other entity to use the entire WDW bus system. I assumed that the dues for transportation are based on either the # of rooms at the resort or the # of possible occupants or some other calculation regardless if anybody at the DVC resort actually uses the buses. If so, it would be a "fixed cost" based on that calculation and it wouldn't matter about the actual usage demand. We would pay the same amount of dues whether WDW decided SSR needed only one bus per hour or if it needed 15 buses per hour.

Many people complain and are upset that non-DVCers get to use our DVC buses. I don't think that we actually own or pay for those specific buses. My impression is that all the individual DVC resorts "buy into" or pay the WDW transportation company to use the ENTIRE WDW transportation system. So, based on my theory, there really are no DVC and non-DVC buses; they are all WDW buses that are assigned to various resorts and locations based on usage patterns. So, I don't think we have exclusive rights to our DVC buses. We have only paid dues to have our DVC resorts INCLUDED in the WDW bus system. Anyone with a multiple day ticket or any WDW resort guest has paid to use the entire WDW transportation system.

Now, I have no idea how the boats figure into my "theory!" Lol! I have a feeling that our member dues actually do pick up the costs of the boats maybe with some subsidies elsewhere.

I agree that I would be uncomfortable in terms of security with the unrestricted access of people walking over from DTD to SSR especially at night. Instead of a manned guard shack, what about a gate that would require a valid SSR room key for access?

I understand DVD would want people to be able to walk over to check SSR out. Maybe they could have posted open house hours where the access gate would be kept unlocked. Or there could be a buzzer on the gate connected to the either the sales office or the front desk so that they can buzz open the gate during sale office hours.

Well here are my 2 cents. Even if many people may have already given up or lost interest in this LOOOOONNNG thread!!!

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I agree that I would be uncomfortable in terms of security with the unrestricted access of people walking over from DTD to SSR especially at night. Instead of a manned guard shack, what about a gate that would require a valid SSR room key for access?

I understand DVD would want people to be able to walk over to check SSR out. Maybe they could have posted open house hours where the access gate would be kept unlocked. Or there could be a buzzer on the gate connected to the either the sales office or the front desk so that they can buzz open the gate during sale office hours.
:

I agree with this part, Ive been saying all along I think is the best way to go.
Wouldnt even have to be an access gate for only SSR guests, all on site guests could pass through, since i doubt they would be using DTD and SSR busses to get to the parks since they can drive right to the parks and they have their own busses to DTD. Meaning they would truly have legit reasons to be there.

I dont think the walkway needs to be open to off site guests at all during the day. if they want to see SSR that badly, then they can drive in and tell the guard that or if they dont have a car then figure out some bus route when you are at the parks lik every single other person does when they want to visit one of the other resorts

 

[Greysword]

The gate with card access is a good idea as long as it is accessible to anyone with a current resort ID and/or Annual Pass.

These groups of people are the least likely to park at DTD just to skip the parking charge, since they have free parking anyway at the theme park lots. That means they would have a legitimate reason for being at SSR (the spa, shopping, enjoying the grounds, etc). Other WDW resort guests can take their hotel bus directly to DTD and the Annual Pass holders get special treatment anyway

This would also allow those visiting DTD to shop and enjoy the day with the mouse and have a place to park.

My thoughts on those who purchase MYW tickets (so you know my standing on this): Yes, they have the right to use Disney transportation. I do feel those who are not staying on property (or obviously are not investing in an AP) do not deserve to use the transportation system until they are actually ON Disney property (ie parked in a theme park or resort parking lot). The spirit of the MYW access to Disney transportation is so that Park Hoppers may easily and safely move from one them park, restaurant, or event to another and this is after they have paid for access to the WDW grounds (as WDW resort guests and AP holders have already done). There is a reason Disney does not have regular bus service to the DTD hotels, DTD proper nor any other resort outside of the WDW area. If non-Disney hotel/Resort offers shuttle service to the parks, then that should be used exclusively to gain access. If the hotel/resort does not, then pay to park. We all have a choice, and one of the main ammenities for paying a higher premium to stay on Disney property is the use of their transportation system. If a family is not staying on property, then they need to get onto property before their MYW ticket permits transportation, and I have an issue with DTD being used as that conduit.

Now, I have a follow-up question on the gate idea. Would restricted gate access be simply one way (DTD to SSR) or would a key card be required in both directions? Should our active DVC member cards permit access to the SSR grounds as well? What about the Swan and Dolphin room keys? I toured SSR, but I did not get to see the magical bridge How would you think such an access point be restricted (how should a gate be built)?


Thank you for listening!

 

[sarhenty]

The gate with card access is a good idea as long as it is accessible to anyone with a current resort ID and/or Annual Pass.

These groups of people are the least likely to park at DTD just to skip the parking charge, since they have free parking anyway at the theme park lots. That means they would have a legitimate reason for being at SSR (the spa, shopping, enjoying the grounds, etc). Other WDW resort guests can take their hotel bus directly to DTD and the Annual Pass holders get special treatment anyway

This would also allow those visiting DTD to shop and enjoy the day with the mouse and have a place to park.

My thoughts on those who purchase MYW tickets (so you know my standing on this): Yes, they have the right to use Disney transportation. I do feel those who are not staying on property (or obviously are not investing in an AP) do not deserve to use the transportation system until they are actually ON Disney property (ie parked in a theme park or resort parking lot). The spirit of the MYW access to Disney transportation is so that Park Hoppers may easily and safely move from one them park, restaurant, or event to another and this is after they have paid for access to the WDW grounds (as WDW resort guests and AP holders have already done). There is a reason Disney does not have regular bus service to the DTD hotels, DTD proper nor any other resort outside of the WDW area. If non-Disney hotel/Resort offers shuttle service to the parks, then that should be used exclusively to gain access. If the hotel/resort does not, then pay to park. We all have a choice, and one of the main ammenities for paying a higher premium to stay on Disney property is the use of their transportation system. If a family is not staying on property, then they need to get onto property before their MYW ticket permits transportation, and I have an issue with DTD being used as that conduit.

Now, I have a follow-up question on the gate idea. Would restricted gate access be simply one way (DTD to SSR) or would a key card be required in both directions? Should our active DVC member cards permit access to the SSR grounds as well? What about the Swan and Dolphin room keys? I toured SSR, but I did not get to see the magical bridge How would you think such an access point be restricted (how should a gate be built)?


Thank you for listening!

Well said, that pretty much sums it up, NICELY!

I wonder if there is a map that shows where that "magical bridge" is? Maybe the SSR map?

 

[Deb & Bill]

The gate with card access is a good idea as long as it is accessible to anyone with a current resort ID and/or Annual Pass.

...Now, I have a follow-up question on the gate idea. Would restricted gate access be simply one way (DTD to SSR) or would a key card be required in both directions? Should our active DVC member cards permit access to the SSR grounds as well? What about the Swan and Dolphin room keys? I toured SSR, but I did not get to see the magical bridge How would you think such an access point be restricted (how should a gate be built)?


Thank you for listening!

I think I may have been one of the originals who recommended a gate about 900 posters ago. It was my suggestion to gate it so that it required a SSR room ID to open the gate. Why should AP or other resort guests be allowed to wander freely around the SSR grounds? If they want to enter the grounds they should arrive through the front gate, either in a car or on a bus.

But, like VB, I foresee people standing around waiting for someone with the required room ID card to open the gate and they wander in/out after them. I don't think any other resort allows you to wander around the property without appropriate access - oops, take that back, you can wander over to the Polynesian from the TTC, plus over to the GF and back by the path. Maybe they need some gates on those paths as well.