WL to MK by boat

[DisneyDmbNut]

Originally posted by John Dobbertin
I don't mean to be "nasty." We have spent about five months at WDW in the past five years. We have not been there during-or-since the hurricanes, and I do feel for all the folks in Florida for their suffering. My point regarding WDW "budget cuts" has to do with WDW's every-year increase in everything they charge for (during times of very mild inflation) while reducing a very important transportation function -- the boats from MK to WL & FWL. We were last at WDW in January-February. The MK-WL-FWL boat service was very inconsistent for the entire five weeks we were there. It was especially inconsistent following Wishes. I was really disturbed when I talked with WDW Transport folks (supervisor on telephone) to be told the reason for the reduction in the service was "budget cuts." There was no further explanation.

Funny, I ws there last February and didn't have any transportation problems. I had heard rumors of problems before I went with regards to the bus service, but when I was there, it was perfect..I never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus.
As far as being told that budget cuts were the reason for the transportation problem, I have a hard time believing that this CM didn't make numerous appologies to you also. I can't understand why you wouldn't accept the answer "Budget Cuts"...that seems pretty clear and self expanatory to me.
As far as the rate increases...I really haven't seen them other than normal inflation..I have noticed that the discounts are HEAVY now...actually since 9/11 the rates have been pretty great. Maybe not rack rates, but a few years ago theyonly had Fl Resindent discounts...now they have "Anyone" discounts.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Originally posted by John Dobbertin
Reality check here. Travel with family -- 3 children ages 10-7-5. You've been at MK as early as possible taking advantage of "magic-hour." Took mid-day break. Back for evening excitement. Post-fireworks - everyone exhausted. Now start thinking about walking to CR, thru CR to wait on boat dock (assuming you're WDW vet & know where this is) or taking ferry to TTC & walking in heavy crowds to bus area (again assuming you're WDW vet & know how to find these cutting across heavy exiting traffic w 3 exhausted kids in tow). Now wait for WL bus. Hassle factor huge. Problem here is w WDW boat transport. Often not enough service at peaks to handle crowds. We have pursued this with WDW transport and told: Budget cuts.

Sorry John, I though your little assuming remarks directed toward me were very condescending, you inferred that because you have stayed at WDW so much that noone else has any valid information to share.

In fact the only Resorts that has a bus route to TTC is the one that runs between WL, Ft. Wilderness Campground to the TTC this is an offical alternative route to these two resorts for people with special needs. I have used each of the different routes going to and from the Magic Kingdom and none have ever taken an hour and a half.

Originally posted by John Dobbertin
I think we have attempted every way possible of exiting Wishes to the WL short of taking the Monorail or Ferry to the TTC and finding our way through the woods to the WL. When we say "the boats are the only option" we meant IOP the only "sensible" option. IOE nothing is faster than the MK-WL boat even with long-long waits. Everyone here may take issue with that, but that's been our experience. Why WDW can't provide better MK-WL-FWL boat service following Wishes is beyond us. IOP the boats are very inconsistent following Wishes. And to be told by WDW the reason is "budget cuts" is really unacceptable.

I'm sure you do have knowledge on WL and the transportation system...for your next trip you may note that the bus to and from WL, Ft. Wilderness & TTC is about 15 minutes round trip. The bus stops is "Bus Stop #1" at the Lodge and you don't have to find your way through the woods to the WL, the bus stop area is paved, and there are lights and other people around returning from MGM, EPCOT, ect,ect.

I don't mean this to sound like you aren't helpfull with your post or remarks because we all have knowledge to share, but if you have never tried all the other routes don't say they aren't sensible. Just say, you don't choose to take the other routes for your family due to your "Exhaustion Factor."

As for me personally being a WDW Vet, that wouldn't be for me to decide. I do know I try and share the knowledge I have learned from visiting WDW for over 33 years, and some have thanked me for the tips I have passed on. But there are many things I can't help with because I have yet to experience everything at WDW, but like I said I have only been visiting 33 years.