UPDATE PAGE 8 - A very serious issue with WDW...

[WilsonFlyer]

It doesn't defeat the purpose, it allows you to pop in and out of the bubble whenever you want to save money. Nothing wrong with that. And, for those with an independent spirit, having a car is freedom.

However, if you like the buses, by all means use them, it's a good service.

DW and I went for years and never rented a car and used the on-site transportation systems exclusively, to mixed reviews, I might add. We're DVC and we always stay on-site (even before we were DVC).

When our DD was born, we decided we'd better rent a car next time we went. She was 7 months old. We did.

What's my point? I will never be without a car down there again. We've been 6 or 7 times with one now and you're exactly right. It's WONDERFUL to be able to jump outside the bubble whenever you want. I can't believe it took the birth of our DD to make us realize this. It's almost liberating as extreme as that may sound. Try it if you don't believe it.

 

[disney0210]

DW and I went for years and never rented a car and used the on-site transportation systems exclusively, to mixed reviews, I might add. We're DVC and we always stay on-site (even before we were DVC).

When our DD was born, we decided we'd better rent a car next time we went. She was 7 months old. We did.

What's my point? I will never be without a car down there again. We've been 6 or 7 times with one now and you're exactly right. It's WONDERFUL to be able to jump outside the bubble whenever you want. I can't believe it took the birth of our DD to make us realize this. It's almost liberating as extreme as that may sound. Try it if you don't believe it.

Do DVC members get free parking at the parks? How about at the DVC resorts?

 

[culli]

Do DVC members get free parking at the parks? How about at the DVC resorts?

No at the parks yes at the resorts. Annual pass gets you free parking at the parks.

 

[DebbieB]

Do DVC members get free parking at the parks? How about at the DVC resorts?

No at the parks yes at the resorts. Annual pass gets you free parking at the parks.

DVC members get free theme park parking if staying at a WDW resort, including the WDW DVC resorts. DVC members get free valet parking at DVC resorts that have valet (BW, WL, AK, BC), self parking is free at all WDW resorts.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Do DVC members get free parking at the parks? How about at the DVC resorts?

yes- as long as you are staying onsite (not a dvc perk- just a perk for all onsite guests)

 

[goofy4tink]

I have been a huge supporter of the bus system at WDW in the past. But, after my last trip (Sept 25-29), I feel a wee bit differently.
I stayed at the Swan for the first two nights. Pretty much just walked to where I wanted to go...Epcot and DHS. Did take the boat back from DHS though. That worked well. I did have to catch the DTD bus on Friday night. That took a bit of time. Many other buses came before the DTD bus did. Going back to Swan that night was no problem but it was 2:15am!!!

Then...I moved to BCV on Sat. Man....I waited for the DTD bus Sat, at about noontime, for close to 45 mins. I watched as 4 AK buses came and went, as 5 MK buses came and went. It was ridiculous. The bus back to BCV, at 3ish, wasn't too long a wait, only about 15 mins. But, we had two, not just one, rude drivers on that run!!
On Sat night, about 5:30ish, I headed to MK..that bus took close to 25 mins to come along. Due to the immense crowds (what was I thinking heading to MK on a Sat night??), I ate at Cosmic Rays and promptly left the park...about 7:00. I walked over to the CR, and waited for the DTD bus there. Took about 20 mins or so. The return to BCV, from DTD, was fine..only about 10 mins.

Sunday?? Oh man, that was the very best day transportation-wise. Why?? I rode with a friend, in her rental car, with her AAA parking pass. We went to MK, then to DHS, then over to Epcot. You know...I may be renting a car in the future. It was incredibly easy, and fast. It was so nice to not have to stand and wait for a bus to come along.

The buses at WDW can be very hit or miss. Not sure why that is. I"ve had good experiences with them, and had some horror stories. They really do need to do something to even out the system.
Even the DME buses were screwy this time around. I got to the DME bus stop at BC about 30 mins before my appointed time...got a bit nudgy just sitting in my room and housekeeping kept knocking on my door to see when I was leaving!! One bus came up at about 9:45. My pickup time was 10:10. I asked the driver if this was my bus. He said he was the 9:30 bus!!! Another two buses stopped, dropped off guests and headed out. At 10:10, our bus drove up. That driver got out, loudly announced the 10:10 bus was here!!!! Going to MCO!!! He did that at the other two resorts (BW and CBR). It would be nice if all the drivers did that, so guests would know, without a doubt, which bus it was!!

 

[bonybroad]

We were at VWL Sept 10-14.
We had over an hour ( 70 minutes!)wait to leave Epcot.
We also had a 55 monute wait to leave DHS.
At the Epcot stop, everyone in the line got out their cell phones and called the resort. We also made a group trip to the front desk and let them know that this was unacceptable.
We watched bus after bus after bus come for OKW and SSR. Both stops were empty, and the buses just pulled away.
It was very frustrating, but I was still at Disney....

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Uggh! Sorry. This does sound atrocious.

We ALWAYS have a car at WDW. I only take the buses to the MK. We like to get around the resort too much on our own time to wait for their transportation.

I agree...sitting around waiting for a bus is like wasted time!

We're with you!

 

[bsusanmb]

Years ago we used to take buses, until we got to know all of the routes and the "lay of the land"....but we always say, what is your time worth to you?
We have rented a car for the last 8 years. Those buses just aren't reliable enough.

Sorry you had a bad experience.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

I have been a huge supporter of the bus system at WDW in the past. But, after my last trip (Sept 25-29), I feel a wee bit differently.

Maybe it was karma.

We've taken three DVC trips in the last 12 months and we've never had a problem with the buses (BWV and BCV).

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I have also never had a consistent bus problem. I have had a long wait here or there (especially mid-day) but I love the simplicity and ease of the bus system. The best bus service I have ever had was my last trip at AKV.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

While there this past week I noticed as I laid by the pool at the Paddock location at SSR it was quiet and the biggest noise what the buses stopping at the near by stop. What caused me to stop and take notice was there were not many buses stopping at that buses stop.
Glad we rented a car. We did however take one Epcot bus and we too had ADR at Boma and thought we were going to miss it because we waited along time for the bus to AKL.

 

[disneyfan2kids]

DVC actually called me late last week - but a crazy weekend prevented me from returning their call until yesterday.

Anyway - a representative called me and let me know that they DID get my email...they DO take these things seriously...and they actually even researched the times/dates that I gave them and agreed that the system broke down several times during my trip and that my waits were unacceptable. They promised that they DO relate these things to the Powers that be and that the bus system is a huge issue these days and they are doing everything possible on their end to relay the concerns of guests.

The MAIN thing she said is that we NEED to ABSOLUTELY report these issues because if we don't beat down their door...the issues are not addressed.

If nothing else - she seemed genuinely apologetic and thoroughly honest about the issue.

I'm glad I called....if even one bus on my next trip is on time.... I'll feel that I helped the cause a bit

 

[kimberh]

DVC actually called me late last week - but a crazy weekend prevented me from returning their call until yesterday.

Anyway - a representative called me and let me know that they DID get my email...they DO take these things seriously...and they actually even researched the times/dates that I gave them and agreed that the system broke down several times during my trip and that my waits were unacceptable. They promised that they DO relate these things to the Powers that be and that the bus system is a huge issue these days and they are doing everything possible on their end to relay the concerns of guests.

The MAIN thing she said is that we NEED to ABSOLUTELY report these issues because if we don't beat down their door...the issues are not addressed.

If nothing else - she seemed genuinely apologetic and thoroughly honest about the issue.

I'm glad I called....if even one bus on my next trip is on time.... I'll feel that I helped the cause a bit

I am so glad to hear that Disney takes this seriouly. I sure hope it all gets works out shortly. Many families really depend on the bus system for their transportation.

 

[thelionqueen]

We actually enjoy taking the busses once in awhile on our trips, but always rent a car.

A few years back, some very wise person on the DIS did a "Time Cost" analysis of what the wasted time waiting for busses actually costs guests. I've looked and cannot find the thread, but I remember distinctly that on our trip, waiting an average (this is a low average mind you) of 30 minutes per transportation was equal to over $800 for our average trips.

He equated the total cost of the trip (including airfare, park tix, resort etc), then broke that down daily and then hourly. And the one thing I remember him posting, which has stuck with me ever since, is that when you're on vacation, time really is money, and however you can best budget your time, the more enjoyment and value you get out of it.

We also don't like to be kept "captive" by Disney which is why we rent a car. We can head over to the supermarket and load up on fresh fruits and dairy instead of the expensive and "not so healthy" options at the resort. We can dine off property and get much more for much less. We also make a stop at the Super Wal-Mart and load up on bottled water, beer, toiletries (so we dont have to pack them) and Halloween decorations. So the money we spend on a rental car (this trip Minivan for 12 days @ $416.00) is more than absorbed by the money and time we save. Also, if you pay for valet at any Disney resort, that slip is good for the rest of the day at ALL Disney resorts! This saves us an INCREDIBLE amount of time and walking when resort hopping, dining & shopping

On the flip side, when we have taken Disney Transportation (bus & boat) we made sure that we were "lounging" and enjoyed the ride. Just my .02

 

[bobbiwoz]

DVC actually called me late last week - but a crazy weekend prevented me from returning their call until yesterday.

Anyway - a representative called me and let me know that they DID get my email...they DO take these things seriously...and they actually even researched the times/dates that I gave them and agreed that the system broke down several times during my trip and that my waits were unacceptable. They promised that they DO relate these things to the Powers that be and that the bus system is a huge issue these days and they are doing everything possible on their end to relay the concerns of guests.

The MAIN thing she said is that we NEED to ABSOLUTELY report these issues because if we don't beat down their door...the issues are not addressed.

If nothing else - she seemed genuinely apologetic and thoroughly honest about the issue.

I'm glad I called....if even one bus on my next trip is on time.... I'll feel that I helped the cause a bit

Thank you for your efforts. I'm sorry you had such a frustrating time with the busses.

Bobbi

 

[disneyokw]

This year the buses have been the worst we have ever seen them. On Sept. 13th my mom and I had 5:30 dinner reservations at Spoodles (Boardwalk). We were staying at Old Key West so we decided that at 3 pm take the bus to Downtown Disney and simply transfer to the Boardwalk bus. Not much problem getting to DTD but the bus for Boardwalk was over a one hour wait. Then we stopped at Typhoon Lagoon. There was a huge traffic there. It took over 1/2 hour just to get out. Then we stopped at every resort on that line: Dolphin, Swan, Beach Club, Yaht Club and then the Boardwalk. We FINALLY got there at 6 pm. Luckily they seated us. But that means it took us 3 hours from OKW to Boardwalk. Now why in the world is the Dolphin and Swan sharing the buses with the others? Disney owns the property but not the resorts. Unfortunately we are sure it will not improve but then we try to remember it is cheaper than renting a car.

 

[kimberh]

We actually enjoy taking the busses once in awhile on our trips, but always rent a car.

A few years back, some very wise person on the DIS did a "Time Cost" analysis of what the wasted time waiting for busses actually costs guests. I've looked and cannot find the thread, but I remember distinctly that on our trip, waiting an average (this is a low average mind you) of 30 minutes per transportation was equal to over $800 for our average trips.

He equated the total cost of the trip (including airfare, park tix, resort etc), then broke that down daily and then hourly. And the one thing I remember him posting, which has stuck with me ever since, is that when you're on vacation, time really is money, and however you can best budget your time, the more enjoyment and value you get out of it.

We also don't like to be kept "captive" by Disney which is why we rent a car. We can head over to the supermarket and load up on fresh fruits and dairy instead of the expensive and "not so healthy" options at the resort. We can dine off property and get much more for much less. We also make a stop at the Super Wal-Mart and load up on bottled water, beer, toiletries (so we dont have to pack them) and Halloween decorations. So the money we spend on a rental car (this trip Minivan for 12 days @ $416.00) is more than absorbed by the money and time we save. Also, if you pay for valet at any Disney resort, that slip is good for the rest of the day at ALL Disney resorts! This saves us an INCREDIBLE amount of time and walking when resort hopping, dining & shopping

On the flip side, when we have taken Disney Transportation (bus & boat) we made sure that we were "lounging" and enjoyed the ride. Just my .02

What a great post! Last May at AKV's...We had one bad morning with Bus Transportation. It was almost 1 hour, give or take a few minutes. I really was to the point of getting very Antsy. It is hard to watch 3 buses for one park to come by, while you patiently wait for your forgotten bus. Time is Money on Vacation. I do become a different person on vacation, I call it "The Disney Frame of Mind," That morning, I felt myself losing my Vacation Mode. We did ask another Bus Driver to call and see what the problem was...Finally a bus did arrive. I am guilty of not reporting this to DVC. I promise that from now on, I will!

 

[Mississippian]

We actually enjoy taking the busses once in awhile on our trips, but always rent a car.

A few years back, some very wise person on the DIS did a "Time Cost" analysis of what the wasted time waiting for busses actually costs guests. I've looked and cannot find the thread, but I remember distinctly that on our trip, waiting an average (this is a low average mind you) of 30 minutes per transportation was equal to over $800 for our average trips.

He equated the total cost of the trip (including airfare, park tix, resort etc), then broke that down daily and then hourly. And the one thing I remember him posting, which has stuck with me ever since, is that when you're on vacation, time really is money, and however you can best budget your time, the more enjoyment and value you get out of it.

We also don't like to be kept "captive" by Disney which is why we rent a car. We can head over to the supermarket and load up on fresh fruits and dairy instead of the expensive and "not so healthy" options at the resort. We can dine off property and get much more for much less. We also make a stop at the Super Wal-Mart and load up on bottled water, beer, toiletries (so we dont have to pack them) and Halloween decorations. So the money we spend on a rental car (this trip Minivan for 12 days @ $416.00) is more than absorbed by the money and time we save. Also, if you pay for valet at any Disney resort, that slip is good for the rest of the day at ALL Disney resorts! This saves us an INCREDIBLE amount of time and walking when resort hopping, dining & shopping

On the flip side, when we have taken Disney Transportation (bus & boat) we made sure that we were "lounging" and enjoyed the ride. Just my .02

Of course, at Bay Lake Tower you won't have to wait for a bus to get to the MK or EPCOT. I wish the Disney people would realize that if they would build the resorts in a reasonable location they could get rid of half the buses.

 

[1LuckyMom]

Our thoughts exactly! We had lots of bus issues when staying at the All Stars in 1997 and 1999. One stay at Contemporary and we were hooked!! Can't wait for BLT to be finished