Something needs to change with bus transportation at Saratoga Springs because of DTD

[DebbieB]

Offer buses to and from DTD to the themeparks. Nothing to get on the bus, but you have to pay or scan your KTTW to get off the bus.

What if you came to a park on an offsite bus, wanted to hop a bus to DTD to shop or have a meal and then go back to the park and get your offsite bus back? You would be stuck paying and you didn't park.

 

[Miffy2003]

I agree with what is being suggested.

I doubt many people who are genuinely visiting DTD to shop or eat never spend anything - so it would seem a (relatively) simple undertaking to impose a parking charge which got fully refunded if you spend at least the amount of the parking ticket.

Call it $14 to park - and showing the ticket in a shop or restaurant results in a credit of $14 to your food / shopping.

Personally, I can't imagine a time when I've visited DTD and not spent $14

 

[TisBit]

There are simple solutions, as already mentioned 3-4 hrs free, then charge the amount that it costs to park at the theme parks for over that time (unless validated with purchases of X amount, etc).

Honestly, one of the issues you have with restricting access to the bus system is that your theme park tickets give you access to Disney Transportation...and in my opinion rightfully so. I am an SSR owner and frequently stay there, while people do use the bus system I don't think it is in such numbers to really impact it...no more than at other resorts that people use their transportation.

Having theme park to DTD busses will help, but people also complain about the guests at DTD hotels using SSR....again theme park tickets are supposed to give access to this transportation, so Disney would have to change the rules if they wanted to stop this practice and I am not sure if that would be a good rule to change.

The other problem with requiring ID's of any sort is that you still have Disney's overall lack of enforcement (look at EMH) and it will dely busses even more. Regardless of how simple it is, checking ID's will delay boarding and the system...further compounding the problems.

 

[DVCSAMNH]

Late last Wednesday afternoon, my daughter and I got on the Studios bus at the Grandstand to see the Osborne Lights. The bus was about 2/3 full. We went through all the other SSR bus stops. We didn't pick up a single soul and nobody got off. It was a really strange trip through SSR. I don't think that has ever happened before. Starting at The Carousel we followed a Downtown Disney bus in and out of the bus stops.

When we got to Congress Park, the bus driver made an announcement that those going to DD had two options. They could either jump on the bus in front of us or take the walkway to the right. Everybody on the bus but the two of us got off!!! Now granted, I have no way of knowing how many of those folks were actually staying in Congress Park but I did see the majority jump on that bus. A handful or so headed towards the walkway.

The bus driver turned around and looked at us and started laughing. Basically wondering if it was anything he said. We had a nice quiet private bus ride to the Studios as nobody joined us at the Springs.

 

[SSRFred]

I completely disagree with paying for parking at Downtown Disney. It's bad for commerce and I don't want to see DtD get hurt.

The solution lies within the problem. If the problem is unauthorized bus use, then restrict the resort AND DtD buses. I would install readers on the buses. No KTTW card, no access. For ADR's, talk to the guard.

Disney loves to analyze information. Readers on the actual buses would allow for greater efficiency. Better efficiency is better for the riders.

 

[Chuck S]

I completely disagree with paying for parking at Downtown Disney. It's bad for commerce and I don't want to see DtD get hurt.

The solution lies within the problem. If the problem is unauthorized bus use, then restrict the resort AND DtD buses. I would install readers on the buses. No KTTW card, no access. For ADR's, talk to the guard.

Disney loves to analyze information. Readers on the actual buses would allow for greater efficiency. Better efficiency is better for the riders.

And increased costs, as well as a few extra seconds to board while scanning the KTTW. If this were to work, the reader would not only need to read the card, it would likely transmit/receive data wirelessly to collect data for Disney...which would require bandwidth and a clear signal...likely requiring a receiver at each bus stop...a cost likely born through a dues increase via increased transportation costs.

It seems parking fees would not only solve the parking problem at DtD (many time we've found no parking available there) but could generate income at no additional transportation costs for the resorts.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I completely disagree with paying for parking at Downtown Disney. It's bad for commerce and I don't want to see DtD get hurt.

The solution lies within the problem. If the problem is unauthorized bus use, then restrict the resort AND DtD buses. I would install readers on the buses. No KTTW card, no access. For ADR's, talk to the guard.

Disney loves to analyze information. Readers on the actual buses would allow for greater efficiency. Better efficiency is better for the riders.

It isn't "unauthorized" bus usage though. If they have a park pass, they are authorized to ride all Disney transportation.

 

[SSRFred]

And increased costs, as well as a few extra seconds to board while scanning the KTTW. If this were to work, the reader would not only need to read the card, it would likely transmit/receive data wirelessly to collect data for Disney...which would require bandwidth and a clear signal...likely requiring a receiver at each bus stop...a cost likely born through a dues increase via increased transportation costs.

It seems parking fees would not only solve the parking problem at DtD (many time we've found no parking available there) but could generate income at no additional transportation costs for the resorts.

I've seen first hand what parking fees do to commercial property when other alternatives are available. People will shop less at DtD and the "profit" will be lost. The buses already have communication systems built in. This would been an upgrade. NYC buses do this already and they move alot of people.
As for the cost, it is substantial. Not sure if they could use the existing readers that the survey people use. Regardless, Disney would be very happy if the buses were filled regularly at a higher capacity. One less bus, one less driver, buses there when you need them etc. I'd rather have one less bus to pay for than have one more empty bus to pay for.

It isn't "unauthorized" bus usage though. If they have a park pass, they are authorized to ride all Disney transportation.

I'd limit resort buses and DtD buses to resort guests only. Park to Park buses would be available for the park hoppers.

 

[Chuck S]

I've seen first hand what parking fees do to commercial property when other alternatives are available. People will shop less at DtD and the "profit" will be lost. The buses already have communication systems built in. This would been an upgrade. NYC buses do this already and they move alot of people.
As for the cost, it is substantial. Not sure if they could use the existing readers that the survey people use. Regardless, Disney would be very happy if the buses were filled regularly at a higher capacity. One less bus, one less driver, buses there when you need them etc. I'd rather have one less bus to pay for than have one more empty bus to pay for.

I'd limit resort buses and DtD buses to resort guests only. Park to Park buses would be available for the park hoppers.

But remember, many of the product are not easily available elsewhere, and the restaurant could easily validate a parking pass. Also consider LOST business from full parking lots because poeple are parking and goping to the parks. We drive to WDW, and we drive to DtD because we have a wheelchair lift in the car. During our last trip, we could not find a parking spot and drove offsite to dine a least twice. On another occasion, the lots were almost full, but there weren't that many people at DtD in the middle of the day.

And again, Disney WANTS people visiting the resort restaurants, whether or not they are onsite guests, that is why the transportation is open to all with a park pass.

 

[Tamar]

Well, what if you you needed a KTTW card to get ON a bus at SSR at any stop other than the stop closest to the SSR restaurants? Would that cut down on people parking in the DTD lots to avoid the theme park parking fees?

 

[TisBit]

I've seen first hand what parking fees do to commercial property when other alternatives are available. People will shop less at DtD and the "profit" will be lost. The buses already have communication systems built in. This would been an upgrade. NYC buses do this already and they move alot of people.
As for the cost, it is substantial. Not sure if they could use the existing readers that the survey people use. Regardless, Disney would be very happy if the buses were filled regularly at a higher capacity. One less bus, one less driver, buses there when you need them etc. I'd rather have one less bus to pay for than have one more empty bus to pay for.

I'd limit resort buses and DtD buses to resort guests only. Park to Park buses would be available for the park hoppers.

I think the big difference is that most people think that there should be paid parking over an extended time frame without validation. In another words, most guests would not need to pay. Yes, there would be a cost to disney to install ticket machines, etc at the DTD and honestly I just don't think WDW sees this as a problem.

I also venture to guess that most of these guests are not necessarily parking at DTD, but coming from the DTD hotels and paying for parking at DTD won't solve this either. Requiring the KTTW will also require them to stop advertising that your park admission grants you access to the transportation system. The real solution is just increasing bus service to SSR, which they had been doing for awhile.

 

[sjs314]

I did not have time to read the entire thread due to making my stuffing for the bird, but years ago 1989 & 1990 when we stayed at the Travelodge one of the official hotels near DTD which was then Disney Villiage MarketPlace, in order to use the hotels bus transportation you had to show your hotel ID because people would walk over from the MarketPlace to the hotels to try to use the buses to get to the theme parks .

Seems to me that would be a simple solution now if Disney would begin that practice on the DTD buses and SSR buses. It is a slight inconvience to have to show your resort ID before boarding but at least it would address the overcrowding of those buses and limit use to resort guests who are paying for the priviledge of the bus transportation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...The real solution is just increasing bus service to SSR, which they had been doing for awhile.

And charge the extra cost to the DTD hotels.

 

[Chuck S]

And charge the extra cost to the DTD hotels.

Not sure they could really do that, as the DtD hotels already pay for a contracted by service.

And how could SSR actually bill another hotel for a dues line item? And if Disney Transportation did the billing to an unserved hotel, I'm sure it could be challenged in court.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Not sure they could really do that, as the DtD hotels already pay for a contracted by service.

And how could SSR actually bill another hotel for a dues line item? And if Disney Transportation did the billing to an unserved hotel, I'm sure it could be challenged in court.

Just part of the cost of doing business and getting the name as a DTD Hotel.

 

[TDC Nala]

Well, what if you you needed a KTTW card to get ON a bus at SSR at any stop other than the stop closest to the SSR restaurants? Would that cut down on people parking in the DTD lots to avoid the theme park parking fees?

The bus transportation is slow as it is. Extra time would be needed as the bus driver checks each passenger's card. SSR has five or six stops, too.

Besides that, according to Disney's own information it is not required that you be a resort guest to use the buses, just that you have a park ticket.

I also don't see how paid parking at DTD impedes commerce if validation is available. Commerce at DTD is more impeded by those who use the DTD lots as free parking for the theme parks. Of course it would only stop those who use cars.

 

[SSRFred]

I did not have time to read the entire thread due to making my stuffing for the bird, but years ago 1989 & 1990 when we stayed at the Travelodge one of the official hotels near DTD which was then Disney Villiage MarketPlace, in order to use the hotels bus transportation you had to show your hotel ID because people would walk over from the MarketPlace to the hotels to try to use the buses to get to the theme parks .

Seems to me that would be a simple solution now if Disney would begin that practice on the DTD buses and SSR buses. It is a slight inconvience to have to show your resort ID before boarding but at least it would address the overcrowding of those buses and limit use to resort guests who are paying for the priviledge of the bus transportation.

This is an efficient and effective solution. It works for SAB.

 

[Chuck S]

This is an efficient and effective solution. It works for SAB.

But, again, any multiday park ticket entitles the guest to use the entire WDW transportation system without restriction.

 

[spiceycat]

part of the problem is Disney CM and bus drivers - when asked which bus to ride - they say SSR.

even with the sign out saying POR - they were still telling people SSR.

get that to stop - get the excess send to a WDW resort - POR - and there would be less.

my problem is that CM are not being completely honest. Yes SSR is the closest to DD. but certainly not to MK and EPcot...

believe me before SSR - it was OKW - not and repeat not Disney Institute - whiich was next door.

 

[CarolMN]

I do not believe Disney sees this (use of SSR resort buses to get to DD) as a problem.

Those SSR owners who do, need to make that known to DVC management.

If I were paying SSR dues, I would ask DVC management if the Disney merchants or Disney itself were paying for a portion of the SSR bus service. If not, that would be a problem. Owners should not pay for transportation between the parks and DD unless it is a very minimal phenomenon. Perhaps it really is minimal - we have only anecdotal evidence that it is a problem.