what is going on with disney busses???????

[DSNYGRL_JKS2006]

We have been going to WDW for many years. My first trips (back in the 90's), the bus service was fantastic - right on time and not usually crowded. Then we went for our last trip in February, 2009 and it was HORRIBLE. We stayed at AS Movies this trip and normally stay at the Poly - so I was wondering if the bad service was due to staying at a Value resort. This September we are taking a quick weekend trip and staying at the Contemporary. I planned everything we're doing so we could use the Monorail system. We do have one ADR where we'll have to use the busses and I'm very worried.

NO your COMPLETELY correct in what you said.. back in the 90's and even just going back 4-5 years ago, the bus service was always great! Its 2008 and on-ward i've seen a BIG difference and problems.

No don't worry your bus experience wasn't because of staying at a Value.. Ive stayed at the All Stars and the bus service was great.. I mean there is one catch.. it does go to ALL 3 of the AS! *BUT* a bus goes around the Carribean Beach Resort stops.. most of the time the Grand Flo', Contemp and Poly all share a bus too...

but it is gotten BAD! i mean so bad that i was angry.. in Disney.. that never happens.. its just I was always use to what I have grown up with and been through for 20-21 years.. now at 23.. the past 2 yrs have been not good w/some stuff like busses!

 

[Mickeygolf]

I feel really bad for the OP. That shouldn't happen to anyone and fortunately we've never experienced anything like that, so I really feel bad for you.

Put my family in the group who really likes the bus system. We've never been late to a park or ADR due to bus service. But we also get to the bus stops really early. We've had the occasional 30 minute wait for a bus, but that hasn't happened but a handful of times.

Overall, I think the bus system is what it is inteneded to do. Move as many people from point A to B as effeciently as possible with their budget given. I just hope WDW never gets rid of the buses, or my family will be very disappointed.

 

[ArielRae]

I just hope WDW never gets rid of the buses, or my family will be very disappointed.

If they ever get rid of the transportation I think that will stop us from going to disney every year. We don't like having to drive around and getting lost.

 

[rhpools]

Thank goodness I have never had problems with the bus system. I guess we will see if it is worse since last year.

 

[cymbaldiva]

Wow, I'm glad I found this thread before it got buried away in the transportation board ...

Disney bus service leaves quite a bit to be desired these days - I really hope that we can swing a rental for our next trip because I really don't want to have to waste my valuable vacation time waiting for a bus

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The Disney bus system has ALWAYS been hit or miss. Even in the best short wait period scenario, it's typically faster to use a rental car. Yes, even to MK, although people will tell you it's a hassle. A rental car, by way of contrast, is always ready, always a seat/belt, always direct (barring driver error), and always the right temperature. It's also a closet and pantry on wheels.

 

[Jestocost]

A rental car, by way of contrast, is always ready, always a seat/belt, always direct (barring driver error), and always the right temperature. It's also a closet and pantry on wheels.

I've had rental cars get flat tires (wasn't ready then and it cost me an extra $250), come without every seat belt it should have (not a seat belt available), have broken heat or A/C (not the right temperature) and I tend to take wrong turns when driving (the proverbial driver error). I've also had to wait two hours for the car rental agency to come up with a car that I had reserved for the time I arrived.

This isn't to say that Disney transport is better than a rental car or anything else. We've had very good experiences with Disney transport over the years and I've had bad experiences with rental cars, taxis, town cars, you name it. It's really a matter of personal preference in many cases. There are no absolutes when it comes to anything and any form of transportation at WDW or elsewhere. To say that a rental car is always anything isn't any more accurate than to say Disney transport is always bad or always good; none of them are true.

 

[aubriee]

If they ever get rid of the transportation I think that will stop us from going to disney every year. We don't like having to drive around and getting lost.

I agree! Besides can you imagine the traffic congestion if everyone on property had to use a rental car? and most of those people would be looking down at a map trying to figure which way to go=ALOT of traffic accidents.

 

[rgf207]

I just hope WDW never gets rid of the buses, or my family will be very disappointed.

They will never get rid of the buses. They have ME and buses to keep people on property. If they got rid of the buses, people would rent more cars and then it would be much easier for them to go off site to eat/shop go to other theme parks. Disney would lose a lot of revenue.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

The Disney bus system has ALWAYS been hit or miss. Even in the best short wait period scenario, it's typically faster to use a rental car. Yes, even to MK, although people will tell you it's a hassle. A rental car, by way of contrast, is always ready, always a seat/belt, always direct (barring driver error), and always the right temperature. It's also a closet and pantry on wheels.

I disagree.

We always rent cars at WDW.

A few years ago, during a stay at BC, we were waiting for a bus to the MK. We thought we would try the MK bus since everyone said it was easier than a rental car. We weren't convinced...but decided to give it a try. Well, we had been out there for 45 minutes (we checked our watches when we arrived) and when the MK bus finally arrived....it was completely full from the Swan, Dolphin and YC....standing room only. We were not close enough to the front of the line to even squeeze in to stand. So we were going to wait for another bus.

We had made friends during our wait and decided we had wasted enough time. Off we went to our cute little convertible with another couple.

We arrived at the MK, into the park - double checked for reservations later in the day at Tony's (adding our new friends), hung out with Chip & Dale and had our pictures taken......only then did we notice some of the people from, the bus line. We went over to say hello.....they had just arrived.

So much for the speed pass on the Disney bus system.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

To all of those who have had unsatisfactory experiences with WDW buses, I really suggest sending a note to Disney using the following addresses. Again, if we want these things to change for the better, they need to be told about it by many people.

Disney Complaints and Comments:

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

Disney Guest Relations - 407-824-4321

 

[crashbb]

I disagree.

We always rent cars at WDW.

A few years ago, during a stay at BC, we were waiting for a bus to the MK. We thought we would try the MK bus since everyone said it was easier than a rental car. We weren't convinced...but decided to give it a try. Well, we had been out there for 45 minutes (we checked our watches when we arrived) and when the MK bus finally arrived....it was completely full from the Swan, Dolphin and YC....standing room only. We were not close enough to the front of the line to even squeeze in to stand. So we were going to wait for another bus.

We had made friends during our wait and decided we had wasted enough time. Off we went to our cute little convertible with another couple.

We arrived at the MK, into the park - double checked for reservations later in the day at Tony's (adding our new friends), hung out with Chip & Dale and had our pictures taken......only then did we notice some of the people from, the bus line. We went over to say hello.....they had just arrived.

So much for the speed pass on the Disney bus system.

Ummm...so what part of:

Even in the best short wait period scenario, it's typically faster to use a rental car. Yes, even to MK, although people will tell you it's a hassle.

do you disagree with?

The last time I went to WDW was in late 2006 (so before the bulk of bussing complaints), but I must say that I never had a huge problem with them in any of my stays (values, mods, and deluxes). The 2006 trip I had a rental car (I had been in Tampa for a conference and drove over to WDW for a couple of days), but still mainly just took the bus from YC.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Ummm...so what part of:



do you disagree with?

The last time I went to WDW was in late 2006 (so before the bulk of bussing complaints), but I must say that I never had a huge problem with them in any of my stays (values, mods, and deluxes). The 2006 trip I had a rental car (I had been in Tampa for a conference and drove over to WDW for a couple of days), but still mainly just took the bus from YC.

One big factor for us is we simply do not prefer the MOOO factor of Disney busses. Yes, we have been on the busses when they were not filled...but far more often when we were one of the sardines.

No thanks.

But the good news.....we will be leaving two seats on the bus for others to use.


I WILL say.....last visit I used an ECV because of an ankle injury. We rode the ferry to and from the MK after driving to the TTC. What a FABULOUS way to visit the MK. Great pictures on the way over and back!

 

[crashbb]

One big factor for us is we simply do not prefer the MOOO factor of Disney busses. Yes, we have been on the busses when they were not filled...but far more often when we were one of the sardines.

No thanks.

But the good news.....we will be leaving two seats on the bus for others to use.

I see. What confused me was the post you originally quoted (that you said you disagreed with) was saying that rental cars were faster and less hassle than the buses, which you appear to agree (not disagree) with. I think maybe you just quoted the wrong post.

 

[seashoreCM]

To all of those who have had unsatisfactory experiences with WDW buses, I really suggest sending a note to Disney using the following addresses. (snip)

Or how about bringing it up right away, or maybe a few hours later, at a Guest Relations or Guest Services booth when you go by one?

In really egregious cases, such as first bus never comes (known as a missed trip), second bus is full, and you're waiting for an hour, Disney really should still honor your restaurant reservation (ADR) in order of actual ADR party arrivals.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Are the odds of a Disney Bus getting a flat tire higher or lower than those of a rental car? I would argue they are higher by virtue of the miles driven per day, but for the sake of this thread I will call it even. Having AAA will eliminate the cost (thgouh not the time) of temporary tire replacement.

It's also the responsibility of the renter to examine the car BEFORE leaving the rental facility... this eliminates not having enough seatbelts or suffering the indignity of having to roll down the windows to get cooler or warmer. Sure, it takes an extra 5 minutes to check everything but it can save you from the bad experiences you've detailed below. I've never rented a car in Orlando that A) I had to wait for and B) had more than 1000 miles on it. Perhaps you should choose a more reliable car rental agency? Cheaper isn't always better...

I've had rental cars get flat tires (wasn't ready then and it cost me an extra $250), come without every seat belt it should have (not a seat belt available), have broken heat or A/C (not the right temperature) and I tend to take wrong turns when driving (the proverbial driver error). I've also had to wait two hours for the car rental agency to come up with a car that I had reserved for the time I arrived.

This isn't to say that Disney transport is better than a rental car or anything else. We've had very good experiences with Disney transport over the years and I've had bad experiences with rental cars, taxis, town cars, you name it. It's really a matter of personal preference in many cases. There are no absolutes when it comes to anything and any form of transportation at WDW or elsewhere. To say that a rental car is always anything isn't any more accurate than to say Disney transport is always bad or always good; none of them are true.

 

[maxiesmom]

No don't worry your bus experience wasn't because of staying at a Value.. Ive stayed at the All Stars and the bus service was great.. I mean there is one catch.. it does go to ALL 3 of the AS! *BUT* a bus goes around the Carribean Beach Resort stops.. most of the time the Grand Flo', Contemp and Poly all share a bus too...

Your info on the Value busses isn't quite right. The All Star Resorts sometimes share a bus, but not always. In fact, during my 2 All Star stays last year each resort had their own bus more often than they shared.

But I do think that the bus service at the Deluxe resorts is no better. And in my experience, usually worse, than the bus service at the Value resorts. I timed a trip from the Beach Club to the Magic Kingdom, and it was 45 minutes. Don't know if the driver was just taking the scenic route, but it was a long time to ride around Disney property.

 

[Jestocost]

Perhaps you should choose a more reliable car rental agency? Cheaper isn't always better...

Thanks. This is very helpful advice for those of us who clearly need such assistance from a superior being; even one who doesn't know jack about the situation.

It was Hertz, by the way, through my #1 Gold status, and I did check the seat belts before we left the lot. Then I had to wait until they could locate another car that met my needs, which apparently was not easy at LAX. I do have AAA, but the last time I checked they don't reimburse you for rental car damages when you have waived the overpriced rental car insurance, and the tire was destroyed, not just punctured.

My point, as I stated, wasn't about one form of transport being better than another. They are different and there are different preferences. I was simply refuting a simplistic statement that a rental car was "always" all that and trying to provide a more balanced view of the situation. If you would rather feel "right," that's you prerogative.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Are the odds of a Disney Bus getting a flat tire higher or lower than those of a rental car? I would argue they are higher by virtue of the miles driven per day, but for the sake of this thread I will call it even.

I would say lower; I would expect that the Disney buses are checked for basic mechanical issues daily, before being put on the road. Rental cars are only checked while/when they're in the agencies' possessions. Yes, I know, anyone can run over a nail or hit a pothole wrong, but overall, it would seem reasonable that buses would have a lower occurrence.

this eliminates not having enough seatbelts or suffering the indignity of having to roll down the windows to get cooler or warmer

I dunno... adjusting a car's windows for comfortable ventilation may be an inconvenience, but indignity?

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I guess gold status isn't everything it's cracked up to be, either. Your worst-case-scenario notwithstanding... tossing anecdotal and improbable (though not impossible as you've made abundantly clear ) evidence into a discussion regarding the advantages of having a rental car over using buses borders on ridiculous. Most people understand that nothing in life, including car rentals, is guaranteed.

To wit, there's no guarantee any of us we'll be here tomorrow yet we're still posting and planning as if we will. And, guarantee or not, life is too short to take board posts so personally. Have a nice day!

Thanks. This is very helpful advice for those of us who clearly need such assistance from a superior being; even one who doesn't know jack about the situation.

It was Hertz, by the way, through my #1 Gold status, and I did check the seat belts before we left the lot. Then I had to wait until they could locate another car that met my needs, which apparently was not easy at LAX. I do have AAA, but the last time I checked they don't reimburse you for rental car damages when you have waived the overpriced rental car insurance, and the tire was destroyed, not just punctured.

My point, as I stated, wasn't about one form of transport being better than another. They are different and there are different preferences. I was simply refuting a simplistic statement that a rental car was "always" all that and trying to provide a more balanced view of the situation. If you would rather feel "right," that's you prerogative.