shared bus por / porfq

[drewswife]

I understand that the 2 resorst share a bus and PORFQ gets pickup up/dropped off first.

In the mornings during the busiest time are the buses always full by the time they get to POR?

 

[carmiedog]

We were always on an early bus so I can't comment about the busiest morning times. However, we were there end of April, and only ONCE the entire trip did the POFQ bus not go to POR. It was around 4:00 on our arrival day and we were heading to the MK - the quicker bus ride was a great way to start off our trip!

 

[MouseyMin]

There are 5 bus stops in total, 1 at FQ and 4 at Riverside. During "rush hour" (mornings), I noticed that the busses went from FQ to Riverside South Depot, then straight to the park. The other 3 stops must have had a separate bus. During non-rush hour, the busses made all 5 stops. Coming back from the parks, all stops were made, starting with FQ, then Riverside.

 

[Allison]

We were at POFQ over Christmas break. During the morning, we rarely stopped at POR. If we did, it was just the first stop. So, at least during that time of day during the busy season they are running separate buses.

 

[ILVPOOH]

We stayed at POFQ the end of August. The bus would pick us up first and then go to POR. The bus was almost filled so only a few POR people would get a seat. That is one reason I wouldn't want to stay at POR.

 

[skipperkim]

I went in Sept last year during free dining, and the MK did not stop at POR at all. The buses for both resorts queue in the parking lot at POFQ by building 7. If a bus gets full the CM at POFQ justs radios for a bus to go to POR. But this only happens in the morning.

 

[Coconuts]

We stayed at POR 11/07 and only twice in a week's time were the buses filled and had to leave without picking anyone up at POR main stop. This was at prime pick up time in the morning and another bus arrived right behind it. Generally the bus service was ok; we never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus, but usually they were very crowded and we had to stand up more times than not. That even includes my 6 and 4 year olds, whom I was afraid would go flying down the aisle when the bus stopped, and for me who was 6 months pregnant. Most people wouldn't give up their seats to anyone. Hope this helps.

 

[maxiesmom]

We stayed at POR 11/07 and only twice in a week's time were the buses filled and had to leave without picking anyone up at POR main stop. This was at prime pick up time in the morning and another bus arrived right behind it. Generally the bus service was ok; we never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus, but usually they were very crowded and we had to stand up more times than not. That even includes my 6 and 4 year olds, whom I was afraid would go flying down the aisle when the bus stopped, and for me who was 6 months pregnant. Most people wouldn't give up their seats to anyone. Hope this helps.

We must have run into much nicer people in October. My mom had a knee-brace on, and each and every time the bus was standing-room only, someone offered her a seat.

I know that this is easy to say but hard to do. But if you feel that your personal safety is put at risk when you board a bus, then don't board. Go grab a taxi, wait for another bus, or go rent a car. They have an on-site rental place on the Boardwalk. Don't rely on total strangers for your well-being, take care of yourself.

My mom was fortunate that people gave up their seats for her, but we were not worried about her standing, she would have been ok. And I actually did give renting a car some thought before our vacation, and if it would have turned into a problem, I would have gotten one. We never got on a bus with the expectation that someone would give her a seat. We were just grateful when they did.

 

[karemore]

We were there in April and the bus always went to POR. (early am) The POR people usually were standing, but people were good about giving seats to children, moms with little ones etc. I had people offer to hold my stroller for me too.

 

[Coconuts]

We must have run into much nicer people in October. My mom had a knee-brace on, and each and every time the bus was standing-room only, someone offered her a seat.

I know that this is easy to say but hard to do. But if you feel that your personal safety is put at risk when you board a bus, then don't board. Go grab a taxi, wait for another bus, or go rent a car. They have an on-site rental place on the Boardwalk. Don't rely on total strangers for your well-being, take care of yourself.

My mom was fortunate that people gave up their seats for her, but we were not worried about her standing, she would have been ok. And I actually did give renting a car some thought before our vacation, and if it would have turned into a problem, I would have gotten one. We never got on a bus with the expectation that someone would give her a seat. We were just grateful when they did.

Good to know about the onsite rental car place, but I never expected that anyone had to give up their seat. I guess I just get frustrated with people when they aren't as courteous as I treat other people. I tend to be too nice to people and I'm surprised when they aren't as nice back. Unfortunately this will tend to happen at places like WDW where the crowds and heat don't bring out the best in everyone. In general though most people in WDW get infected with the Disney spirit and are great, especially CM's. Sorry to get off the subject, I'm off my soapbox now.

 

[SmallWorld71]

If you are going to the park 1st thing in the morning (for rope drop) POR and POFQ have their own buses. The ones at POR start at WEST Depot and then work their way around to the SOUTH Depot as the last stop. Often, they are pretty full by the time they get to the SOUTH Depot (the one by the food court) and we thought at first that it was from POFQ guests but that is not true. On our 3rd day we got smart and got on at WEST Depot and always had an empty bus and our pick of seats. Once the parks are up and running, the 2 resorts share buses, but if you are going for park opening, just avoid the main bus stop and you won't have a problem. F.Y.I. South is the 1st stop once the parks are open because then it comes from POFQ 1st. Confused yet.

 

[drewswife]

If you are going to the park 1st thing in the morning (for rope drop) POR and POFQ have their own buses. The ones at POR start at WEST Depot and then work their way around to the SOUTH Depot as the last stop. Often, they are pretty full by the time they get to the SOUTH Depot (the one by the food court) and we thought at first that it was from POFQ guests but that is not true. On our 3rd day we got smart and got on at WEST Depot and always had an empty bus and our pick of seats. Once the parks are up and running, the 2 resorts share buses, but if you are going for park opening, just avoid the main bus stop and you won't have a problem. F.Y.I. South is the 1st stop once the parks are open because then it comes from POFQ 1st. Confused yet.

Thank you - everything I have read says that the South Depot is first and that was where we were going to go - now i am going to the West Depot!!

 

[SmallWorld71]

Thank you - everything I have read says that the South Depot is first and that was where we were going to go - now i am going to the West Depot!!

If you are crazy, get there for rope drop people like us, then WEST is definitely the way to go in the AM. The confusion sets in because once the parks are up and running and taking people back to their resorts, the loop goes like this Theme park, POFQ, South, West, North, East, back to the park. So, naturally everyone thinks South is always first and that all those guests are from POFQ. We did too until one day we were to tired to walk to South and got on at West which was right by our room. Lo and behold, up pulls an empty bus and we got on with 4 other people. Of course, the downside to all this is that the food court is by the South Depot. Which is a pain if you want to go there first. We usually ate breakfast in our room, so it wasn't a problem for us. Have fun and may the bus gods be with you whatever stop you are at.