Treehouse Villas Parking & Transportation

[rentayenta]

No matter what, I can't imagine the THV bus system being any worse than the POR! If I can survive that, I can survive anything.

 

[Sammie]

There will be shuttle service from THV to SSR Springs and also to Grandstand.

The boat will stop at THV and at SSR and DD.

Sounds like chaos to me but maybe it will be ok, I would definitely want a car if staying in the Treehouses.

 

[Doug7856]

There will be shuttle service from THV to SSR Springs and also to Grandstand.

The boat will stop at THV and at SSR and DD.

Sounds like chaos to me but maybe it will be ok, I would definitely want a car if staying in the Treehouses.

Sammie, any idea why they are going to both the Springs and Grandstand?

 

[Sammie]

Sammie, any idea why they are going to both the Springs and Grandstand?

Have no idea unless they think the guests in the tree houses that are closest to grandstand might walk home after being let out on the return trip to SSR instead of waiting on the shuttle.

There was something mentioned about the grandstand drop off will not be all day just part of the day but the time has not been confirmed, I am sure Transportation is still tweaking this and will continue to do so as the villas open.

 

[fla4fun]

I just see having to transfer buses at the end of a long day, lugging a couple of kids along, as a big drawback at staying at the THV. I think I would only stay there if I had my own car to go to and from the parks.

I'm going to be interested in hearing how things actually work out.

In a way, this sounds pretty much like how FW has operated for years - having to catch internal transportation to go to a hub, then external transportation to the parks from the hub. Some people love it, some people hate it to the point they drive their own cars everywhere - but it's worked just fine to get people where they need to go. People have been taking the boat from MK or a bus from Epcot, then catching a FW bus to their cabin/campsite for years - tired kids and all. I think people need to just keep an open mind and see what happens once it's open.

 

[tink too]

When we stayed at SSR in April, The Springs bus stop was always one of the busiest. If the THV internal bus drops more guests off there, that's gonna be one congested bus stop!

I'm sure the powers-that-be will fix any problems once they have a chance to monitor how the bus system is working out.

 

[Doug7856]

When we stayed at SSR in April, The Springs bus stop was always one of the busiest. If the THV internal bus drops more guests off there, that's gonna be one congested bus stop!

I'm sure the powers-that-be will fix any problems once they have a chance to monitor how the bus system is working out.

During any busy time there was standing room only at the Springs stop during our last visit. I'm hoping that with the addition of the THV that Disney Transportation will increase frequency to all of SSR.

 

[lugnut33]

I have been saying this for months and I'll re-iterate it again: IF YOU ARE STAYING AT THE TREE HOUSE VILLAS YOU NEED TO HAVE A CAR!!!! Relying on Disney Transportation will be a foolish idea.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Relying on Disney Transportation will be a foolish idea.

The thing is, it shouldn’t be. A deluxe resort should have a deluxe standard of transportation. The fact that a part of the resort is a logistical challenge to Disney shouldn't change that. While I don't want to see my maintenance fees sky rocket, I just don't think it's acceptable that a better transportation model for the whole SSR resort can't be found.

IMHO, stopping at 7 stops instead of 5 wouldn’t be a big deal if the buses came more frequently (and more reliably).

In a way, this sounds pretty much like how FW has operated for years - having to catch internal transportation to go to a hub, then external transportation to the parks from the hub. Some people love it, some people hate it to the point they drive their own cars everywhere - but it's worked just fine to get people where they need to go. People have been taking the boat from MK or a bus from Epcot, then catching a FW bus to their cabin/campsite for years - tired kids and all. I think people need to just keep an open mind and see what happens once it's open.

I'm not necessarily closed minded. We'll find a way to make whatever is offered work. However, I think there should be a distinction in the level of service (for all services) at a deluxe resort over those at a resort where the average guest is paying $50 - $150 per night for a campsite/hookup. This puts Fort wilderness squarely in the value category. SSR is certainly not a value resort.

The tree house villa section of SSR is also not a “value” alternative within the resort for those who are willing to accept a lower standard for a lower price. If Disney means it to be, perhaps the points charts should reflect that.

 

[lugnut33]

The thing is, it shouldn’t be. A deluxe resort should have a deluxe standard of transportation. The fact that a part of the resort is a logistical challenge to Disney shouldn't change that. While I don't want to see my maintenance fees sky rocket, I just don't think it's acceptable that a better transportation model for the whole SSR resort can't be found.

IMHO, stopping at 7 stops instead of 5 wouldn’t be a big deal if the buses came more frequently (and more reliably).

I'm not necessarily closed minded. We'll find a way to make whatever is offered work. However, I think there should be a distinction in the level of service (for all services) at a deluxe resort over those at a resort where the average guest is paying $50 - $150 per night for a campsite/hookup. This puts Fort wilderness squarely in the value category. SSR is certainly not a value resort.

The tree house villa section of SSR is also not a “value” alternative within the resort for those who are willing to accept a lower standard for a lower price. If Disney means it to be, perhaps the points charts should reflect that.

Good thing you don't work for Jim Lewis!!

Even if the bus service is THV is improved, I still say you're going to want to use a car.

 

[circhead]

The thing is, it shouldn’t be. A deluxe resort should have a deluxe standard of transportation. The fact that a part of the resort is a logistical challenge to Disney shouldn't change that. While I don't want to see my maintenance fees sky rocket, I just don't think it's acceptable that a better transportation model for the whole SSR resort can't be found.

IMHO, stopping at 7 stops instead of 5 wouldn’t be a big deal if the buses came more frequently (and more reliably).

I'm not necessarily closed minded. We'll find a way to make whatever is offered work. However, I think there should be a distinction in the level of service (for all services) at a deluxe resort over those at a resort where the average guest is paying $50 - $150 per night for a campsite/hookup. This puts Fort wilderness squarely in the value category. SSR is certainly not a value resort.

The tree house villa section of SSR is also not a “value” alternative within the resort for those who are willing to accept a lower standard for a lower price. If Disney means it to be, perhaps the points charts should reflect that.

I stayed at FW for years - in one of the trailers. I was paying more for a night there then SSR guests are paying for a studio. The price of the Wilderness homes is comparable to a 1 bdrm DVC room. I chose to stay here when my kids were young because cars are not permitted to drive around the campgrounds - so I felt my children were a little safer. I feel that categorizing FW as a value resort is unfair to the resort and is demeaning to the people that stay there. I will stay at FW in a home when my grandchildren are walking but not yet old enough to keep an eye out for traffic.

With your reasoning I should be relegated to inferior bus service because of my choice of resort even though the money I'll be paying will be equal to or more than a DVC stay. Thanks!

 

[CMOORE185]

I have been saying this for months and I'll re-iterate it again: IF YOU ARE STAYING AT THE TREE HOUSE VILLAS YOU NEED TO HAVE A CAR!!!! Relying on Disney Transportation will be a foolish idea.

I think it is a bit premature to say not having a car at THV is a foolish idea. Lets see how transportation works first.

 

[lugnut33]

I think it is a bit premature to say not having a car at THV is a foolish idea. Lets see how transportation works first.

I just honestly believe with the layout of the THV if you don't have a car you'll be setting yourself up for a lot of frustration. Here's what runs through my head (and yes, I am defintely pro-car at WDW):

With car: Walk down stairway of villa, jump in car and head directly to park. Done!!!! Coming back from park I'll jump in car, park right in front of villa, walk up stairs and enjoy a cold frost one (root beer of course). Done!!

Without car: Ok, which bus stop do I need to head to first. Am I close enough to just walk over to the SSR bus stop? I don't know, it's kinda hot today and I don't feel like getting all sweating before even getting on the bus, so maybe I'll take the shuttle from THV to SSR. Let's see, left or right to the nearest shuttle...... oh right it is. La di da, I'm walking to the pickup area.... there's nobody in the pool, maybe I should have done that instead as I'm sweating my butt off already. Oh, there it is and there's nobody around, I bet I just missed it <facepalm>. Well, the scenery sure is nice here, I love all the trees, too bad they weren't blocking the sun. Maybe that cloud in the sky will block it for minute. Pavement sure is hot here in Florida. Where's that shuttle?? Am I waiting in the right spot? Ohhhh, I hear a motor, this has to be it (minivan full of kids goes driving by). Darn it, I'm not sure I'll make my 5:05 Fantasmic dinner ressie. Not to worry, I still have 2 hours.... but it always makes me waiting for these busses. Ohhh, look at that an aardvark. Where is the darn shuttle? Oh, here it comes, I knew it would be here eventually.

I could keep going on and on because up to this point I have not even made it to SSR to transfer. The whole above scenario does NOT appeal to me and I've rode enough of the DTS to know it's not for me, especially when staying at the THV.

 

[disney junky]

Ok am the only one that thinks that light fixture in the tub/shower is dangerous, is water from the shower not going to get into that? I have never seen a hanging fixture on the back wall of a tub/shower.

Also I think if they bus everyone from there to the SSR, that is just ridiculous, who makes these decisions.

Where are you seeing these pictures?

 

[tink too]

IF YOU ARE STAYING AT THE TREE HOUSE VILLAS YOU NEED TO HAVE A CAR!!!! Relying on Disney Transportation will be a foolish idea.

Obviously, ite depends what guests plans are whilst staying in the THV - we met some folks who go to WDW regularly but don't do the parks anymore.

Even if the bus service is THV is improved, I still say you're going to want to use a car.

I know it's kind of a strange concept for some - but I actually enjoy walking!

Especially at WDW - it's my favourite way to neutralize those lo-calorie treats I so much enjoy while on vacation.

 

[Doug7856]

I suspect we will use Disney Transportation at the THV for several reasons: we like to walk, we buy into the whole 'green' idea that it's a good idea to park your car and use 'mass transit', and I'm on vacation and don't feel like driving with a bunch of other people on vacation. There have been times Disney Transportation is not the fastest, but on average it's a good part of the vacation package.

 

[sanbornangel]

Is that based on actual observations since the soft opening started, or on the conflicting reports folks were getting when talking to Member Services?

Member Services.
Well, I just booked for April 25 -May 1st. I am so excited. My sons and their families (in the service, one in North Carolina, one in Arkansas) will be driving to meet us there. We are in western NY so we will be flying. I am thinking we may take the cars for dinner at other resorts and will take DTS to the parks. I am looking forward to the whole family staying together. We are very rarely all together so I am just ecstatic that Disney has the Treehouse Villas. We will deal with anything that comes our way and keep a positive outlook. It is, afterall, the happiest place on earth

 

[Sammie]

Where are you seeing these pictures?

the photo was posted in another thread on this forum with photos of THV, I was wrong about the light fixture; it was a reflection in the glass surrounding the tub/shower area of the vanity lights.

 

[rentayenta]

I know it's kind of a strange concept for some - but I actually enjoy walking!

Especially at WDW - it's my favourite way to neutralize those lo-calorie treats I so much enjoy while on vacation.

You are speaking my language!

 

[tink too]

You are speaking my language!

I know, who would have guessed that WALKING to/from Goofy's Candy Co. in DTD would mean that I could eat those wonderful, sugartastic, creations totally guilt-free!