WL bus transportation worries

[timandlesley]

I have posted in several forums and get varying answers, but after reading a Tripadvisor report from someone who just returned from WL I am really worried about the transportation at WL for our trip in June. Do they run more buses in the summer/busier times? This poster on tripadvisor said they would wait 30-35 minutes for the bus to arrive, then they would be on the bus for awhile, that would make the time to get to MGM about an hour, with two small kids, I can't believe that. We stayed at POP last year and the transportation was wonderful, total of 30 minutes from the time we walked up to the line until we arrived at the gates of the park every time. I worry about CRT ressie's we have and AK 8:00 breakfast we have scheduled. Does anyone have GOOD stories to tell about WL transportation to put my mind at ease?? I really am excited about staying at this hotel, but the negative bus reports are scaring me a bit.
Thanks,
Lesley

 

[gigi1313]

you might get better responses to this question over on the transportation board... remember the boat also goes from WL to MK which should relieve some of your crt worries... good luck!

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

Our November 2003 trip to WL was terrific - never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. We did share a bus with Ft Wilderness most times, but not always.

The boats to MK and CR start running early, around 7:15, so you would have no trouble getting to your CRT ressie.

Disney has a program called Magic On Demand, which dispatches buses quickly to where they are needed, especially at park closing times, but I have also seen it in the morning at various resorts.

Some people just don't like buses, and the times that they give are exaggerated. I traveled with my brothers in June 2002 - 4 families - 2 of the families had no trouble or complaints with the buses - the other 2 complained incessantly - and we were on the very same buses!!!!!

 

[SuBeat]

I think if you asked if anyone had a bad transportation experience at ANY resort you would get a response. Also, people are less likely to post that everything went well.

We have stayed at WL twice (returning in June) and have only had one excessively long wait, 45 minutes for a bus to DTD. FWIW we waited just as long for the DTD bus when staying at CBR as well. Most buses arrived within 10 minutes, but we did usually have to stop at GF or Ft. Wilderness to pick up along the way. IMO it was better to be the first stop with a longer ride, than the second and have nowhere to sit. I believe all the deluxes share with another resort at some time or another, except AKL.

Almost forgot to mention, we made our 8:15 PS at AK with plenty of time to spare. Try not to worry about the buses too much, you're going to love the lodge!

 

[Kimberle]

Lesley, if you do a search, you will find so many posts regarding WL transportation. For the most part, they are very good. You are always going to find someone with a bad experience, for WL and every single resort. It's always that 1 "bad" report that everyone remembers, not the 100 good ones.

For our stay in Sept, we had wonderful transportation. In fact, we found it better than our CR stays.

Enjoy your stay at the lodge. Be sure to check out the WL faq part 5 post, page 1, on the resorts brd for tons of great info and picture.

 

[DANAW]

We returned last night from 11 days at the WL. We found the bus to the MK was much quicker than taking the boat, and having to stop at Ft. Wilderness. We had rented a car, so we only took the bus and boat a few times. We never waited more than 10 min for a bus or boat...maybe we just timed it well. Twice, though we had someone on a wheelchair getting either on or off the bus, and that was very, very time consuming. Other than that, the transportation at the WL was just fine.

 

[timandlesley]

Thank you for your replies, I appreciate it. What times did the boat to CR start running? We have an early morning Chef Mickey's PS and I am hoping to make that. Thanks.

Lesley

 

[Kimberle]

Thank you for your replies, I appreciate it. What times did the boat to CR start running? We have an early morning Chef Mickey's PS and I am hoping to make that. Thanks.

Lesley

This is a very easy PS to make! The Blue Launch runs from 6:45am - 10pm every day. The ride is less than 5 minutes from WL to CR. The boat goes WL/CR/FW (any order). There are generally 2 boats running at a time, 1 clockwise and 1 counterclockwise.

One of the boat drivers is a poster here on the Dis. I can't remember his name right now. I'm sure he'd be able to help you with any more concerns.

 

[timandlesley]

THANK YOU!!!!


Lesley