Where did I find this WDW Transportation calculator?

[jamstew]

It's really a shame, isn't it? It seems like this wouldn't be an especially difficult thing to do properly and would be a valuable planning tool.

 

[jamstew]

That is the issue I have with it. Why would anyone recommend a service that can't be relied upon.

I don't know of a web site out there that's always accurate, and when I recommend one, it's with a disclaimer to the effect that either (1) I know there are errors, or (2) I can't swear to its accuracy. People rely on allears for menus, many of which are out of date. People rely on TGM even though the sample DHS touring plan omits Toy Story Mania and many of the articles haven't been updated in years; people rely on wikipedia despite the fact that anyone can edit an entry...I'm just sayin'

 

[Sgstuckey]

Is there a place to go to get accurate maps/bus routes? Does DW print something like that? I know I could ask here, but I am wondering what one does when he/she is at DW and decides to go somewhere on a whim? (If that is possible! )

 

[Lewisc]

Deb is happy when people scan and email updated menus. The updated menus are generally posted within a few days.

A number of us have emailed OLP. They don't seem interested in making corrections. They do add new resorts and update names (Disney Hollywood Studios). They give the impression the site is current but make little or no effort in keeping the routes current. It's possible the IPhone app is updated, my comments are directed to the online wizard.

There is a difference between a site that's not always accurate and a site that knowingly continues to post inaccurate information.

I don't know of a web site out there that's always accurate, and when I recommend one, it's with a disclaimer to the effect that either (1) I know there are errors, or (2) I can't swear to its accuracy. People rely on allears for menus, many of which are out of date. People rely on TGM even though the sample DHS touring plan omits Toy Story Mania and many of the articles haven't been updated in years; people rely on wikipedia despite the fact that anyone can edit an entry...I'm just sayin'

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't know of a web site out there that's always accurate, and when I recommend one, it's with a disclaimer to the effect that either (1) I know there are errors, or (2) I can't swear to its accuracy. People rely on allears for menus, many of which are out of date.

Ah but the difference - in addition to what Lewisc pointed out, that allears does update regularly - is that they inform the reader, if not specifically of the possibility of inaccuracy, at least the month the menu was posted. Most of us can deduce that a menu from November 2008 should be relied on only as a general idea, while one from January 2010 has a pretty good shot at being accurate in both pricing and offerings.

A comparable claim can't be made on behalf of the OLP matrix.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Is there a place to go to get accurate maps/bus routes? Does DW print something like that? I know I could ask here, but I am wondering what one does when he/she is at DW and decides to go somewhere on a whim? (If that is possible! )

No, there isn't; no, they don't; and, um, ask? I mean, if you're at a theme park when the whim strikes you, just ask at Guest Relations. Ditto for Downtown Disney. At your resort, head to Lobby Concierge or the Front Desk - or Bell Services/Luggage Assistance.

 

[Alesia]

Ah but the difference - in addition to what Lewisc pointed out, that allears does update regularly - is that they inform the reader, if not specifically of the possibility of inaccuracy, at least the month the menu was posted. Most of us can deduce that a menu from November 2008 should be relied on only as a general idea, while one from January 2010 has a pretty good shot at being accurate in both pricing and offerings.

A comparable claim can't be made on behalf of the OLP matrix.

Yet another difference:

If I get to a restaurant and find that what I was going to order is no longer on the menu, I'll just order something else. No harm done.

On the other hand, if I'm sitting there waiting on a bus that will never come, I'm going to be seriously miffed once I figure out that I recieved bad info.

 

[jamstew]

Okay, I promise never, ever again to even mention that the site exists, geez. Everybody happy now? Apparently, the fact that it worked perfectly for me in 2007 was blind luck. I'm done here.

To the pp that asked if Disney furnished some kind of transportation guide -- they do, and you should get one in your check-in packet if you're staying onsite. IIRC, it doesn't tell you how long it takes, just how to get there.

 

[Lewisc]

Okay, I promise never, ever again to even mention that the site exists, geez. Everybody happy now? Apparently, the fact that it worked perfectly for me in 2007 was blind luck. I'm done here.

Pretty much luck.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've emailed them with corrections that have been made. The site also specifically says that times are estimated travel times and don't include getting to the transportation or waiting times.

Most people don't much care about the time spent...they just want accurate info as to how to get from point A to point B. The actual time is a plus.

I'm one of the people who's e-mailed the OLP site folks and advised them of the incorrect and/or plain incorrect information. I supplied specifics. They've never acted upon them.

I just checked again just now. For example, it is a FACT that there's no such thing as a direct bus between any of the monorail resorts to Epcot. Inexplicably, they advised that to get from Polynesian to Epcot you can take a boat from Poly to Grand Floridian and then a bus from GF to Epcot.

There are a few problems with this. One is that there is no bus from GF to Epcot. The other is that Poly is adjacent to the Transportation & Ticket Center, and anyone who's ever stepped foot on Polynesian Resort soil knows that the very easiest way to get from Poly to Epcot is to walk to the adjacent TTC and then take a direct monorail from TTC to Epcot.

So it's not like I enjoy complaining. I tried to help by pointing out a few errors. But it fell on deaf ears. So here I am, trying to HELP my fellow Disney vacationers by advising them against using a tool that often gives very very poor information.

I feel badly for people who choose to rely on that outdated site and then end up wasting time and maybe even missing meal reservations and things because of the very bad info supplied.

As have I. And I never heard back about anything.

I understand, and I'm really not trying to be contentious. I was just pointing out that I have been successful in having them change an erroneous entry, and that they do have some accurate information. I'm not suggesting that anyone rely on it. It has been helpful to me in a couple of situations where I was traveling a route that I wasn't familiar with.

Okay, I promise never, ever again to even mention that the site exists, geez. Everybody happy now? Apparently, the fact that it worked perfectly for me in 2007 was blind luck. I'm done here.

To the pp that asked if Disney furnished some kind of transportation guide -- they do, and you should get one in your check-in packet if you're staying onsite. IIRC, it doesn't tell you how long it takes, just how to get there.

Disney truly doesn't give you much of anything transportation wise when you ask. It makes me crazy. If someone is staying at BW and they want to get to WL, the info given is really convoluted. It serves to confuse those who really don't know how the system works. And it is those guests who really need very specific advice. I have seen sites that are pretty complex....they have all destinations across the top, and it repeats going down one side. You put your finger on where you want to go, and draw it down to the line that has where you want to go at the end...and you will get the most effective way to get there. I just can't remember where I've seen that. It would be nice if Disney put something like that in the checkin packets.

I'm glad you got good info from that site. And I'm sure others have as well. But if only 25% of the people get bad advice, that's too many for me. A site that knowingly keeps up bad advice is worse than no site. It allows for a false sense of security. And then guests end up wasting a huge amount of time and miss ADRs or at the very least, get hugely frustrated.

 

[Lewisc]

As have I. And I never heard back about anything.

I got back a reply thanking me for the information and telling me they would make the corrections. That was years ago.

The site owner must be a sadist. They keep adding the new resorts and update the name of the Studios so people think the site is kept current.

 

[jamstew]

Most people don't much care about the time spent...they just want accurate info as to how to get from point A to point B. The actual time is a plus.

The OP indicated that time was important, which is the only reason I mentioned the distinction.

Like you, I really wish Disney would publish something to help people out on this. Even if you understand the system, you'll occasionally need to know something that either you've forgotten or you've never done before.