WL and busses

[Dizzyworld]

Does the WL always share bus service with FW and any other resorts?

Thanks.

 

[Kimberle]

During our trip, we shared with the GF in the am and FW in the pm.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

WL will share with FW -or- GF, depending on route and/or time of day. WL will always be first on, first off. Make sure to read all signs before boarding any bus to ensure that you are boarding the correct bus.

 

[katallo]

When we were there at Easter they we testing a new direct route to the MK. It was great but don't know if it will be continued.

 

[budwmn]

When we stayed at WL, it took us an hour to get to MGM Studios. We first went to FW, then GF. It was awful! This happened on all of our bus rides. I liked the resort, but will never stay there again due to the lousy bus service. AKL may be farther away, but it took half the time to get anywhere!

 

[Dizzyworld]

Budwmn, I agree with you. I was wondering (and hoping) if they had changed the bus service at WL? I felt it was quicker getting places from the AKL. The 2 times we were there, the busses were great. The sharing of the busses at BC/YC is one of the things that bothers me at those resorts too.

 

[kurt41076]

My family just stayed at the WL last week and we were very satisfied with the Bus Service. It included a pickup to the GF for every stop but the MK, which was a direct route. We also picked up once at FW when going to MGM and it did take quite a while. However on the way back to WL the first stop everytime when we boarded the WL/GF bus was our resort. Very fast returning back to the resort and very fast to MK, although we like the boat to MK better and getting our stroller on the boat was easier than folding down the stroller to get it on the Bus.

 

[timandlesley]

When we stayed at WL, it took us an hour to get to MGM Studios. We first went to FW, then GF. It was awful! This happened on all of our bus rides. I liked the resort, but will never stay there again due to the lousy bus service. AKL may be farther away, but it took half the time to get anywhere!

REALLY??? That is awful, were you there at a super busy time? I sure didn't want to spend an hour on the buses. Part of my choice of staying at a deluxe is because I thought the buses would be less crowded then our value stay at POP and hopefully faster. Has anyone had a GOOD bus experience at WL, any advice??
Lesley

 

[budwmn]

REALLY??? That is awful, were you there at a super busy time? I sure didn't want to spend an hour on the buses. Part of my choice of staying at a deluxe is because I thought the buses would be less crowded then our value stay at POP and hopefully faster. Has anyone had a GOOD bus experience at WL, any advice??
Lesley

We were there over a weekend in February. It wasn't peak time, but it was fairly busy. Hope they've improved since our stay, but I'm not willing to chance it.

 

[timandlesley]

We were there over a weekend in February. It wasn't peak time, but it was fairly busy. Hope they've improved since our stay, but I'm not willing to chance it.

Jenny and others,
So how long should I plan on it taking us to get to MGM. I have been reading on other threads it took one hour, which to me is ridiculous. I have to go back during the afternoon so the kids can nap, and we need to make it to MGM one evening so we don't miss the Stars and Motor Cars parade that starts at 5:25, should we leave by 4:00??? That is going to be a tricky day if that is the case, does it really take an hour??
Thanks,
Lesley

 

[jonestavern]

Hi
We stayed at the WL the last week of Feb '05 thru first week of March.
This, incidently, was after the school vacation crush.
The buses, which were frequent, did stop at the GF, but picked up WL first. If we'd been staying at the GF, don't know if I'd be too pleased with standing room only.
The boat to the MK,direct from WL, was our preferred transport. We did get 'stuck' on the boat traveling back one evening--but had front row seats to the fireworks & water parade! Just like Disney to turn lemons into lemonade! For those on a schedule, I'd say check out the water parade time & plan the boat ride back to avoid chewing up another 15 minutes or so. For the rest of us, plan yr boat ride to coincide.
Word to the wise--& those visiting from warmer climes--the ferry return was
absolutely packed. For the time period we went, it was too chilly & breezy for most folks--especially little ones--to ride topside. Sweatshirts,even coats, a must-

Hope this helps-
Jean, of Tavern Fame

 

[#1MMFan]

Hi
We stayed at the WL the last week of Feb '05 thru first week of March.
This, incidently, was after the school vacation crush.
The buses, which were frequent, did stop at the GF, but picked up WL first. If we'd been staying at the GF, don't know if I'd be too pleased with standing room only.
The boat to the MK,direct from WL, was our preferred transport. We did get 'stuck' on the boat traveling back one evening--but had front row seats to the fireworks & water parade! Just like Disney to turn lemons into lemonade! For those on a schedule, I'd say check out the water parade time & plan the boat ride back to avoid chewing up another 15 minutes or so. For the rest of us, plan yr boat ride to coincide.
Word to the wise--& those visiting from warmer climes--the ferry return was
absolutely packed. For the time period we went, it was too chilly & breezy for most folks--especially little ones--to ride topside. Sweatshirts,even coats, a must-

Hope this helps-
Jean, of Tavern Fame

Totally agree with this post. My experience entirely.

 

[jcemom]

We stayed there in early February and the buses always shared with GF or FW, and even stopped at the Poly AND GF on a couple of trips (to MGM I think both times). It took about 25-35 minutes to get to MGM, Epcot and AK, after getting on the bus. It felt as if I waited forever for buses to come though. I thought the bus service from AKL last year was MUCH better. I actually think it was even faster to get to MK by bus from AKL than it was to get there by boat from WL. The WL is a beautiful resort though, and the boats are nice, as is the proximity to FW.

 

[Minniemom97]

I've never been thrilled by WL transportation, but the lodge itself brings me back for more! On a prior trip, we decided to go to DTD one afternoon...big mistake. We stopped at Polynesian & GF (and somewhere else I think). Took us forever to get there! When we were there the last time (in 2002) we shared with FW.

 

[care403]

My experience with buses to MGM has always been less than desireable. We stayed at GF in December and after 45 minutes of waiting for an MGM bus, we went back to the front desk and complained. The mgr told us that was his 2nd complaint about MGM buses that day and told us to go ahead and get a taxi and bring him the receipt at the end of the day. We're staying at WL in July and I really hope we don't have to deal with this again. MGM is always our first stop for the ToT. Luckily, this time we'll have a rental car, so... If you're concerned about naps and don't have a rental car, I would check at the front desk to see if they have and estimated time to and from MGM, that's the only thing I can think of to do.
And yes, DTD buses have never been great either. I think they all make multiple stops.

I will say that I've never had a problem with the buses at OKW, to any park.

 

[fantavet]

Well if this gives you any hope...I'm staying at the WL in July (my 1st deluxe). I've been reading alot about the travel. I know with the Magical Express Disney has given alot of thought on how to make Express and in-park travel more efficient. I've read articles on various boards and some newspapers about this.

Since ME launches May 5th (I think) it will be interesting to see what changes. I remember the brunt of most of the bus articles was that Disney wanted it's resort guests to have a superior experience in travel in order to drum up more repeat business.

 

[taximomfor4]

My experience getting places from WL on the bus was not super-ideal, but better than my experiences at the AS resorts, lol. In the mornings we did make extra stops, but WL was first and we always got seats (not to be underestimated, in value, lol). BUT....I left DTD 2x before their fireworks, and was THE ONLY person on the bus. I basically had a personal chauffeur, and conversed with them at length, really enjoyed those rides, hehe.


Beth

 

[lomillerin]

If WL buses are so bad, why do people like to stay there so much? We are booked there in June and after reading this I am thinking of switching.
We stayed at AKL in March and the bus service was great. It has direct service, so even though it is a bit further away, it was faster because we didn't have to stop at other resorts.
We also stayed at Pop in Jan. and it also has direct service, so I never thought about all these stops at the others.
The GF is so expensive, you would think they would have better bus service. If I pay 300.00 to 400.00 a night for a standard hotel room, I had better get good bus service.
Does anyone know if Disney has a standard that they are required to meet. I mean if you have to wait a certain amount of time, will they do anything to compensate you?
Or is it just too bad for you, sorry it took a long time, we never guaranteed you fast and effecient service?

 

[jcemom]

After staying at AKL I was disappointed with the bus service at WL. I did enjoy the boats to MK and FW though, and the WL's courtyard is beautiful. The CMs were also very friendly. I think I'm in the minority, but I would choose AKL over WL. Part of that is due to bus service, and the African theming also is just more appealing to me...more exotic I guess.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Just to throw in my two cents in regards to resort versus resort... bus transportation is based out of the theme parks, not the specific resorts... so no one resort will have better transportation than another.