Shared Bus Service at OKW?

[JVL1018]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
?). We actually enjoy spending our family vacations in WDW and we're quite happy to use our own vehicle to get to and from where we want to be.

Ditto! We take the bus to MK(from BWV) because of the whole parking/tram/monorail thing that I like to avoid, but always drive to AK because the bus service at the Epcot resorts, IMO, is ridiculous. There are way too many people for 1 bus to handle. Last Dec. my mom and I stayed at BCV and we walked down to the YC to catch a bus to MVMCP because 2 buses pulled up to the BC pretty much full and had room for only a handful of people and we weren't bale to get on.
After waiting and waiting, we walked down and got on a bus(had to stand, but I don't mind that).
When staying at the BW, we usualy get off at the Swan/Dolphin and walk back from there.

I'm not saying I mind sharing, but 7 resorts? Split it into 2 routes.

 

[MiaSRN62]

we walked down to the YC to catch a bus to MVMCP because 2 buses pulled up to the BC pretty much full and had room for only a handful of people and we weren't bale to get on.

Funny you should mention MVMCP Vicki. This was actually one of our many unfortunate experiences with the Disney bus situation. This was 1998 and we were staying at Dixie Landings. The bus was over 45 min late picking us up----a full one had just pulled away. We got to the party at the MK over an hour late. We had a wonderful time once we got there, but I thought it was ridiculous that Disney wasn't more prepared to handle the guests that they had sold the MVMCP tix to with getting more busses out there ?!! The rumor was, that the busses were so busy getting non-ticket holders out of the MK that they got so back-logged getting guests in for the party. This was disappointing it wasn't more organized.....
Sorry to get off the topic of a SS and OKW bus route......but if this sort of situation occurred in '98 at Dixie, you could imagine how bad it would be for these two DVC resorts to share a route----unless they got a LOT more busses on the road ?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by JVL1018
I'm not saying I mind sharing, but 7 resorts? Split it into 2 routes.

Disney considers them 5 resorts. And they are split. Swan & Dolphin on one route, and Yacht, Beach, and Boardwalk on another route.

 

[spiceycat]

DVC didn't ask before when they tried to get OKW to share with DI - what stopped them - too many members were complainting - so if it happens again - guess what I am complainting not to here but to DVC - first start with the manager - hey if he has to handle 600 complaints every day from members - no - I can't see them keeping a shared bus route.

BWV and BCV have always shared their bus - I don't know if the management at these places don't listen as well as OKW or what...

I got told that the management of the hotel decided how many buses on each route that they will paid for to that theme park.

when OKW members were asked about adding more buses for EPcot - they say no - before they had voted to added more buses for the MK. I don't remember being asked about Studios or AK.

maybe some other members were?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
I thought it was ridiculous that Disney wasn't more prepared to handle the guests that they had sold the MVMCP tix to with getting more busses out there ?!! The rumor was, that the busses were so busy getting non-ticket holders out of the MK that they got so back-logged getting guests in for the party. This was disappointing it wasn't more organized.....

Granted, things have changed a *LOT* since 1998. We've added about 100 buses to our fleet, and 200 drivers since then. We operate completely different, and in a much more efficient manner.

However, getting back to the topic at hand... You'd be surprised at what goes on behind the scenes... It's not an easy task getting 35,000 people out of the MK, while at the same time getting 15,000 people back IN to the MK... all within a 90 minute time span. However, all things considered, I think the past MVMCP season went well.

As a passenger, the only thing you see is the one stop you're at, and the one bus you get on. What might not see are the masses of people on both ends that we also have to take care of. You may see the bus you get on pass up other stops... but what you might not see are the following buses that clean everything up.

There are a LOT of things that y'all don't see... if you did... you might see things a bit differently.

 

[JVL1018]

Originally posted by Chip 'n Dale Express
Disney considers them 5 resorts. And they are split. Swan & Dolphin on one route, and Yacht, Beach, and Boardwalk on another route.

Ok, even if Disney considereds them only 5, all the buses I have been on going to/coming from BWV stop at the Swan and Dophin as well as YC/BC and BCV.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by JVL1018
Ok, even if Disney considereds them only 5, all the buses I have been on going to/coming from BWV stop at the Swan and Dophin as well as YC/BC and BCV.

Morning operations are run out of the Studios. These are MOD routes, and are subject to demand. If demand is light, they very well might do all 5 stops. However, if demand warrants, they will alter the routes, and send a bus to S/D, another to Y/B, and a 3rd to BW. It all depends on current demand, and maximizing unit efficiency. Our morning MOD dispatchers typically have at least 10+ years experience with Disney Transport... they know what they're doing, I assure you.

Afternoon and evening operations are Flex'ed out of each theme park.

MK is separated to S/D and Y/B/BW. This is because MK typically has a higher demand than other theme parks.

DAK afternoon routes have all 5 together. DAK has a much lower demand than the MK. However, there are plans to test alternate afternoon routes.

Downtown Disney currently runs all 5 during the day, and then during the peak evening hours, they separate the Boardwalk from the mix. Current plans are in the mix to change the routing for the Epcot Resort DTD buses.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Granted, things have changed a *LOT* since 1998. We've added about 100 buses to our fleet, and 200 drivers since then. We operate completely different, and in a much more efficient manner.

Tyler, I'm sure alot has changed since '98......but I've had some less-than-satisfactory experiences post '98 as well. I just happened to bring this one up because Vicki mentioned MVMCP and I thought it was an important event for Disney to make sure guests got to on-time since we had all paid extra to attend ? That's all.

You'd be surprised at what goes on behind the scenes... It's not an easy task getting 35,000 people out of the MK, while at the same time getting 15,000 people back IN to the MK... all within a 90 minute time span. However, all things considered, I think the past MVMCP season went well.

Tyler, I'm not dissin' any of the Disney bus drivers. They can have a tough job. I always think they try and do the best they can with what the Disney budget and policies allow them. I am quite certain, as with behind-the-scenes at any job, that it is a big task at hand. I'm glad to hear Disney is trying to make it more efficient than in the past, as I'm sure it can be very stressful for all you drivers who have to listen to the grumblings of guests. I've witnessed guests taking it out on the drivers (something we've never done). I put my complaints in writing to Disney Guest Relations or administration. I hope Disney continues to improve on transportation issues.

 

[DeeP]

DVC didn't ask before when they tried to get OKW to share with DI - what stopped them - too many members were complainting - so if it happens again - guess what I am complainting not to here but to DVC - first start with the manager - hey if he has to handle 600 complaints every day from members - no - I can't see them keeping a shared bus route.

This is very interesting to know, maybe it is time for BCV, BWV and WLV members to start complaining also. Why should some DVC resorts have to share transportation and other DVC resorts have their own buses? Especially when taking into account the fact that BCV, BWV & WLV have a much higher % of guests who do not have cars at the resort and rely on the bus transportation and members also pay higher dues at these DVC resorts which most likely translates into higher fees being paid for transportation.

BWV and BCV have always shared their bus - I don't know if the management at these places don't listen as well as OKW or what...

I think it is because the members at BWV and BCV have not really complained forcefully thinking this is the way it was and there was nothing we could do about it.
I will be contacting DVC tomorrow regarding this and will encourage any other members at BWV, BCV & WLV that I know to do the same.

 

[JVL1018]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62



Tyler, I'm not dissin' any of the Disney bus drivers. They can have a tough job. I always think they try and do the best they can with what the Disney budget and policies allow them. I am quite certain, as with behind-the-scenes at any job, that it is a big task at hand. I'm glad to hear Disney is trying to make it more efficient than in the past, as I'm sure it can be very stressful for all you drivers who have to listen to the grumblings of guests. I've witnessed guests taking it out on the drivers (something we've never done). I put my complaints in writing to Disney Guest Relations or administration. I hope Disney continues to improve on transportation issues.

Agreed, I have NEVER said anything to the bus drivers, nor is this issue anything that has ruined my vacation in the slightest. It's just something that is irksome to me at that particular moment, forgotten until the survey comes, and something that I wish would change.
Tyler thank you for your behind the scenes info.
Is it something that changes with the various seasons(low attendance etc) becuase I am 100% sure that we have stopped at all 5 resorts, just as I am sure it was a bus to/from MK because that's the only place we take the buses. WE usually go in October. I can see if the attendance is low, trying to conserve. Doesn't mean I like it, but I understand it.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by JVL1018
Tyler thank you for your behind the scenes info.
Is it something that changes with the various seasons(low attendance etc) becuase I am 100% sure that we have stopped at all 5 resorts, just as I am sure it was a bus to/from MK because that's the only place we take the buses. WE usually go in October. I can see if the attendance is low, trying to conserve. Doesn't mean I like it, but I understand it.

October and January are typically two of our slowest months, so yes, for afternoon Flex, chances are they will be combined. The reason for this is that the typical demand does not warrant separate buses... They may or may not split them for park exits... depending on in-park counts.

Morning 8-11am MOD operations still run the same, in that if demand warrants, they can alter routes.

 

[InstImpres]

I am begining to wonder why people are getting their feathers so ruffled on something that I am surprised a moderator hasn't moved to the debate board. The issue of SS transportation is as much speculation as is the opening price.

Tyler - Thanks for dropping in here. I'll be on the lookout or you next week, do you have a standard route?

JMHO
Sandy

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by InstImpres
Tyler - Thanks for dropping in here. I'll be on the lookout or you next week, do you have a standard route?

I'm here, there, and everywhere!

 

[jodifla]

I've been going to Disney World for 30 years now, before they even needed buses! And the thing about ANY mass transit is that sometimes it's inconvenient, and sometimes you have to wait! Why do you think we're a country of car drivers? Because we don't care for waiting, of course.

It's clear from Tyler's posts that Disney tries to keep up to date with the crowd flow to best accommodate everyone and keep their costs in line (they are still a business), but I dare anyone to name any mass transportation where waiting and sometimes crowded buses/subway cars/trains aren't part of the equation. It's not a Disney thing, it's a mass transit thing.

Now all that being said, I normally drive my car all over Disney, since I'm not big on waiting thing, and my toddler son is even less so (also, I love to drive). But when I choose to take the bus, I factor in that some things will just be out of my control, and I try to just enjoy the ride.

 

[MiaSRN62]

This is very interesting to know, maybe it is time for BCV, BWV and WLV members to start complaining also. Why should some DVC resorts have to share transportation and other DVC resorts have their own buses? Especially when taking into account the fact that BCV, BWV & WLV have a much higher % of guests who do not have cars at the resort

I don't know....I always have a tough time finding a spot to park at all the DVC resorts, so as far as cars go, I think more Members use them not just OKW. We bring our car to all of the resorts we stay at. But besides that issue, I think a big point is that the other DVC resorts only have 1 bus stop or am I wrong about this ? OKW has 5 stops and it's a very large resort. Sharing with SS, which will also have about 5-6, is where the big difference comes in imho. I agree with you to a certain degree DeeP, in that I wish no resort had to share, but OKW's situation, having so many stops scattered throughout winding roadways makes a significant impact on the time it will take to actually arrive in the parks and return to the resort when combined with sharing SS's similar set-up. If OKW and SS only had 1 bus stop apiece, the sharing wouldn't concern me as much.

 

[DeeP]

I think a big point is that the other DVC resorts only have 1 bus stop or am I wrong about this ? OKW has 5 stops and it's a very large resort.

BCV, BWV or WLV have one stop for that resort but when you count the stops for the other resorts on the combined bus run you are up to 5 stops for the YC/BC/BCV/BWI/BWV/S/D run and WLV also has multiple stops when you count all the other resorts on the combined bus run.
I am glad a previous poster stated that by members complaining to DVC regarding OKW sharing buses with DI that this practice was stopped. I plan on doing the same thing tomorrow regarding the other DVC resorts and bus transportation. I have spoken to other DVC members tonight that own at either BWV, BCV or WLV and I shared this story with them, they will also be calling DVC tomorrow to complain followed up by a letter via snail mail and they will tell other members, who will tell others etc. Matter of fact, one of the members is at BCV right now and she just called me and we spoke of this, they are planning to also contact DVC tomorrow and are also planning to talk to other members that are presently staying at BCV, so I am sure there will be more members voicing their displeasure.
If complaining by OKW members worked in stopping shared bus routes, DVC members owning at the other resorts should also have their displeasure recognized and hopefully changes made.

 

[PamOKW]

I think it is an overstatement to say that OKW members complaining caused them to stop the bus. Members opinons are taken into account but they are not the sole factor that determines how DVC/WDW run the buses.

However, I think it is important to let DVC know whenever there is something you wish to comment on. If they don't hear it, they can't consider it. Maybe this will give them a push to look into other options for the Epcot resort buses. They may propose adding an additional bus at an additional expense as they did with OKW several years back.

If someone from each resort wants to post the cost for Transportation on the dues statement we can get an idea if we are paying similar amounts. For 2003, OKW's Transportation cost is $2,750838 (a 3% increase over 2002).