Why do some of the buses say "Stitch" on them?

[MELSMICE]

A friend's son just returned from WDW & was wondering why some of the transportaton buses say "Stitch" on them instead of the location where they are going.

Anyone know?

 

[grimley1968]

I believe one of the character breakfasts (probably in the Poly at 'Ohana) is themed for Stitch, though I could be wrong. Those buses could have been headed for that breakfast, as WDW provides transportation to special events like this.

 

[Brian Noble]

When I was there in February, several buses had "Aristocats". I got several different stories from the bus drivers. The most plausible was that such buses were out of service, but Disney being Disney, they didn't want to shout "WE AREN'T PICKING YOU UP" at the guests, so they used Aristocats as "code".

I'd guess "Stitch" is similar.

 

[disney4us2002]

A couple of times "Stitch" picked us up and took us to Pop. I have no idea why but was happy to see any bus by that time, lol. We also got picked up several times by Mears buses rather than Disney buses and couldn't figure out why that was either. Often the Disney buses were lined up in the parking lot as if the drivers were on break or switching shifts or something.

 

[seashoreCM]

Disney contracts with Mears for extra buses from time to time. I suspect that if crowds did not turn out that heavy, then those contracted Mears buses and drivers that could not be cancelled for a refund will remain in service while surplus Disney buses get parked and some Disney drivers' hours rearranged.

Destinations such as "Stich" or "Aristocats" are used for special trips including what look like regular trips between parks and resorts, notably where the bus will stop at a busy platform to drop off, continue with people aboard, but not accept any new boardings.

Your Magical Express bus might not have "Magical Express" in big letters on the side. Plain white buses and "Disney Cruise Lines" buses are sometimes seen doing DME runs. So when ready to go home, verify that each bus pulling in is not yours before going back to the bench and sitting down. Do not just get into a bus or car or van, even one from Mears, unless you are sure it is yours. When I think of one I'll post a suggested question to ask (better if it is not a yes/no question) to find out whether that towncar was the one you booked or that bus was your DME trip back to the airport.

 

[Bobo912]

When we were there last May didn't see any Stitch buses, but we did see several buses with "Remy"

 

[clkelley]

The character names are code for Not in Service, or training, or not on a regular route, or anything like that. For example, late in the evening, like at Epcot closing, buses will be going from Epcot to the resorts, but not back to Epcot, or not picking up passengers as they drop off.

 

[grumpy as needed]

A friend's son just returned from WDW & was wondering why some of the transportaton buses say "Stitch" on them instead of the location where they are going.

Anyone know?

The bus that says "Stitch" on it was actually the 626th bus that Disney put into service.

Isn't that awesome?

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Character named buses have nothing to do with character breakfasts or meals. Disney does not provide resort to resort transportation (other than on the monorail loop). The Stitch bus was a cast member bus being used for either training or another purpose. It had nothing to do with guests being brought somewhere.

 

[grimley1968]

Character named buses have nothing to do with character breakfasts or meals. Disney does not provide resort to resort transportation (other than on the monorail loop). The Stitch bus was a cast member bus being used for either training or another purpose. It had nothing to do with guests being brought somewhere.

I think the purpose of those buses named "Stitch" has been settled by others previously, and I was proved wrong.

However, your statement that "Disney does not provide resort to resort transportation (other than on the monorail loop)" isn't quite complete. Keep in mind the Friendship boats that connect all resorts on the canal between EPCOT and DHS. Also Disney does provide some resort to resort transportation via bus for planned events. Two examples I know of offhand are Hoop De Doo (there are buses to take people back to resorts from FW after the show if MK has been closed for an hour or more) and the 'Ohana character breakfast (at least bringing people to the Poly). I've seen these buses come to the Poly in the morning while waiting for buses to go elsewhere.

It's true that there is no "regular" resort to resort bus transportation, but as I've shown, there are some exceptions in cases where park transportation may not be running at the times of planned events at certain resorts.