What are Robin Hood buses?

[cap396]

Just curious... I've seen several WDW resort buses labeled "Robin Hood" (instead of the name of the destination). What are those buses for? I asked a bus driver today but didn't get an answer.

 

[mitsukoshi samurai]

Sorry Out of service

 

[Alesia]

Buses that are out of service are given character names

 

[joelkfla]

Every time the software on "the boxes" is updated, they choose a new character for "Not in Service". If they're down to Robin Hood, they must be running out characters.

 

[Mary Bland]

We are staying at The Grand Floridian right now. We wanted to check out the Boardwalk because we have never seen it. We made our way there then tonight we were trying to figure out how to get back. A Magic Kingdom bus came along and asked us where we were going. He said he would take us back to our hotel instead. He was very nice. I noticed he changed the sign to “Robin Hood.” I thought maybe it was code for helping someone out. BTW my husband is a paraplegic in a wheelchair.

 

[seashoreCM]

Before scheduled bus service starting at 6:30 AM, buses with character names on the destination signs ran prior to an hour before park opening to bring guests to early park breakfasts. Occasionally they would add a stop at a nearby resort e.g. Magic Kingdom trips going to Grand Floridian or other nearby breakfast location upon request.

Character names were used then for any bus not on a regular guest route. For better or worse it avoided having buses running with "Out Of Service" as a destination and guests inside visible through the windows.