Is this a real bus rule?

[Rinx]

This happened about two weeks ago. My travelling party (3 people) was staying at OKW with no car. We travelled via bus to DAKL for Boma dinner from DAK. We finished dinner after 9 and decided to grab the DHS bus (since it was the first to come) in order to get a bus to OKW. As we stepped on, the bus driver (very young lady, probably the youngest bus drive I've ever met) asked why are you going to Hollywood Studios? I replied to get a bus to OKW. She said that since the park was closed she could only take us if our car was parked there, otherwise we have to go to Disney Springs.

If I'm ignorant, I apologize but have never had anyone ask me that. Maybe it's new? Maybe she was new? Is it a rule other drivers just don't care to enforce?

 

[DisneyFanatic12]

This happened about two weeks ago. My travelling party (3 people) was staying at OKW with no car. We travelled via bus to DAKL for Boma dinner from DAK. We finished dinner after 9 and decided to grab the DHS bus (since it was the first to come) in order to get a bus to OKW. As we stepped on, the bus driver (very young lady, probably the youngest bus drive I've ever met) asked why are you going to Hollywood Studios? I replied to get a bus to OKW. She said that since the park was closed she could only take us if our car was parked there, otherwise we have to go to Disney Springs.

If I'm ignorant, I apologize but have never had anyone ask me that. Maybe it's new? Maybe she was new? Is it a rule other drivers just don't care to enforce?

I don’t think that would be a rule as much as they cannot guarantee that a bus would show up to HS by the time you got there. Disney Springs busses run the latest of all the routes most days, and Disney Springs was probably the next bus scheduled to arrive.

The “rule” I suppose is to not transport a guest to a station that might not have a bus. Granted, the busses usually run at least 90 minutes following park close (and they’ll usually send a transportation method to pick you up whenever you exit).

My best guess is that she poorly explained that she didn’t want to send you to a station without a bus or a station with a large line because the park just closed. I don’t think it’s an official rule, but perhaps it is.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

DHS can clear surprisingly fast - once I was going from the boardwalk back to Pop Century (before skyliner was built) so I took the friendship boat. The boat driver said he thought the busses would be cleared by the time we got there but he’d let me ride if I wanted to.

Sure enough… all busses were gone! Had to call an Uber. This was like 90 minutes after park close (I think he had the last boat which was scheduled to leave exactly at 90 minutes).

I don’t think it’s a “rule” so much as the bus driver didn’t want you to get stranded at DHS.

 

[monorail81]

Back in the day, that was the rule for folks at the TTC coming from the MK trying to head to Epcot. If the park cleared, the only folks we would take were those who had cars parked at Epcot because the busses shut down and the International Gateway closed. Everyone else we sent to Springs for a bus.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

I'm not sure it's a hard-and-fast "rule" posted anywhere but rather it's policy that buses don't take guests to closed parks. For reasons noted by others -- the guest could end up stranded. It's highly possible you might have gotten to DHS and waited for an OKW bus that wasn't coming. Going to DS to transfer has always been the recommendation at night.

 

[threvester]

This happened about two weeks ago. My travelling party (3 people) was staying at OKW with no car. We travelled via bus to DAKL for Boma dinner from DAK. We finished dinner after 9 and decided to grab the DHS bus (since it was the first to come) in order to get a bus to OKW. As we stepped on, the bus driver (very young lady, probably the youngest bus drive I've ever met) asked why are you going to Hollywood Studios? I replied to get a bus to OKW. She said that since the park was closed she could only take us if our car was parked there, otherwise we have to go to Disney Springs.

If I'm ignorant, I apologize but have never had anyone ask me that. Maybe it's new? Maybe she was new? Is it a rule other drivers just don't care to enforce?

it has happened to me at DAKL more than once over the years. They always tell me I have to wait for the Springs bus. Maybe I should eat dinner at a normal time.

 

[Goofyernmost]

it has happened to me at DAKL more than once over the years. They always tell me I have to wait for the Springs bus. Maybe I should eat dinner at a normal time.

Or someplace else! It seems strange that they would accept reservations that might not give a reasonable way to get back to your overpriced resort. Or at the very least, the restaurant, should brief their customer about the situation before it gets to the difficult part. You know, something like... You know, if you don't try to catch the bus that leaves at (whatever time) it will be quite the hassle to get back to your room. Of course, that would mostly be those that have finished their dinner and are just relaxing and not paying any attention to the time.

 

[Pix E. Dust]

Or someplace else! It seems strange that they would accept reservations that might not give a reasonable way to get back to your overpriced resort. Or at the very least, the restaurant, should brief their customer about the situation before it gets to the difficult part. You know, something like... You know, if you don't try to catch the bus that leaves at (whatever time) it will be quite the hassle to get back to your room. Of course, that would mostly be those that have finished their dinner and are just relaxing and not paying any attention to the time.

It's not hard to get back to your room though. You just need to go through DS. I'm sure that they aren't going to put the onus on restaurant staff to deal with customer transportation.

 

[Goofyernmost]

It's not hard to get back to your room though. You just need to go through DS. I'm sure that they aren't going to put the onus on restaurant staff to deal with customer transportation.

They don't have to deal with it, just post it on the menu letting people know when the last regular bus leaves and what to do if you have to leave later. Or is that to simple to work? Personally, it would be something important that I would like to know because at the end of a "Disney" day I am usually exhausted and the thought of having to go to Disney Springs to get a ride back would be a deal killer for me. Others mileage may vary. And yet another reason why I always had a vehicle that I used to go everywhere in WDW. No bus. No problem.

 

[Pix E. Dust]

They don't have to deal with it, just post it on the menu letting people know when the last regular bus leaves and what to do if you have to leave later. Or is that to simple to work? Personally, it would be something important that I would like to know because at the end of a "Disney" day I am usually exhausted and the thought of having to go to Disney Springs to get a ride back would be a deal killer for me. Others mileage may vary. And yet another reason why I always had a vehicle that I used to go everywhere in WDW. No bus. No problem.

I think it's a pretty minor issue that affects a small number of guests. Most guests are not eating dinner after park close. The other issue is that transportation advice would change depending on where the guests were staying and the various park hours for that day.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

AKL is the worst since Springs is literally the opposite side of the resort.

I’ll also mention Springs closes pretty early now - I’ve had to take an Uber back after watching yeehaw Bob at the port.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I think it's a pretty minor issue that affects a small number of guests. Most guests are not eating dinner after park close. The other issue is that transportation advice would change depending on where the guests were staying and the various park hours for that day.

I understand that Disney doesn't always care what happens to their guests, but all buses have schedules. It wouldn't work without that. There aren't that many destinations as a whole. There are a lot of buses, but a limited number of resorts. It would be a simple thing to just post the intended schedule and then it's up to the guest to opt for what they decide to do. having been in that business for years I can tell you that it is in writing exactly when the last bus to wherever is scheduled to leave whatever destination one needs in the bus routes of WDW. The manager only has to post last buses not the entire bus schedule.

 

[Pix E. Dust]

I understand that Disney doesn't always care what happens to their guests, but all buses have schedules. It wouldn't work without that. There aren't that many destinations as a whole. There are a lot of buses, but a limited number of resorts. It would be a simple thing to just post the intended schedule and then it's up to the guest to opt for what they decide to do. having been in that business for years I can tell you that it is in writing exactly when the last bus to wherever is scheduled to leave whatever destination one needs in the bus routes of WDW. The manager only has to post last buses not the entire bus schedule.

You are suggesting that they post all of that on a menu?

 

[Goofyernmost]

You are suggesting that they post all of that on a menu?

It really isn't that much, it is just the resorts and DS and the time of the last bus of the day. Each restaurant would be responsible for posting the times relevant to their location. More of an insert in the menus for later in the day. I think you think I'm talking about the entire daily bus schedule, I'm am not even implying that. It's not that big a deal, but it sure would be helpful to a lot of people.

 

[nickys]

It really isn't that much, it is just the resorts and DS and the time of the last bus of the day. Each restaurant would be responsible for posting the times relevant to their location. More of an insert in the menus for later in the day. I think you think I'm talking about the entire daily bus schedule. It's not that big a deal, but it sure would be helpful to a lot of people.

I don’t think restaurant managers have access to update the menus directly in the app and website.
Plus the bus schedule will change depending on when the parks close.
There is no easy way to keep the info current.
If you choose to done at a resort that you’re not staying at, the onus is on you to figure out how to get back to your own accommodation. That goes for staying onsite as well as offsite. Just as if you were dining in London, New York or Rio.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I don’t think restaurant managers have access to update the menus directly in the app and website.
Plus the bus schedule will change depending on when the parks close.
There is no easy way to keep the info current.
If you choose to done at a resort that you’re not staying at, the onus is on you to figure out how to get back to your own accommodation. That goes for staying onsite as well as offsite. Just as if you were dining in London, New York or Rio.

Again, I realize that they aren't going to update the menu's. They could include an adjustable schedule for those that are in danger of missing that last ride. I wouldn't take much extra (the amount they charge for food at any Disney Restaurant can more than cover that expense) even if it just a sandwich board on the way in.

These are guests that paid and arm and a leg for an ounce of meat and a few leaves of lettuce. That would mean that if I were able to get a reservation late in the evening and after dishing out $100.00 or more for dinner to find out that I, unexpectedly, have to fend for myself to get back to my room, do you think I would ever go to that restaurant again? I'm not that forgiving and it would take so little to warn people of the possibility of unanticipated acid reflux after the meal. Some folks are willing to be a door mat, I am not one of those! I would think that those high priced, half brains would be able to see what a PR nightmare that can be, especially if the guests are not experienced travelers.

I disagree about there not being an easy way. It isn't an all day thing it is only put into action at the late night times and only involves a few guests, but it is not an inability it is more of a, don't give a damn about the possibility of their customers feeling stranded and involve extra effort on the guests part and massive laziness on the part of the management. It's not that much work to set up and make happen.

 

[Ayla]

Again, I realize that they aren't going to update the menu's. They could include an adjustable schedule for those that are in danger of missing that last ride. I wouldn't take much extra (the amount they charge for food at any Disney Restaurant can more than cover that expense) even if it just a sandwich board on the way in.

These are guests that paid and arm and a leg for an ounce of meat and a few leaves of lettuce. That would mean that if I were able to get a reservation late in the evening and after dishing out $100.00 or more for dinner to find out that I, unexpectedly, have to fend for myself to get back to my room, do you think I would ever go to that restaurant again? I'm not that forgiving and it would take so little to warn people of the possibility of unanticipated acid reflux after the meal. Some folks are willing to be a door mat, I am not one of those! I would think that those high priced, half brains would be able to see what a PR nightmare that can be, especially if the guests are not experienced travelers.

I disagree about there not being an easy way. It isn't an all day thing it is only put into action at the late night times and only involves a few guests, but it is not an inability it is more of a, don't give a damn about the possibility of their customers feeling stranded and involve extra effort on the guests part and massive laziness on the part of the management. It's not that much work to set up and make happen.

If someone is unable to figure out how to get themselves or their party back to their accommodations (or wherever they want to go), they are not mature/responsible enough to travel outside their hometown.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

I disagree about there not being an easy way.

Sure there is an easy way. You are massively overthinking it. Disney Springs buses run until 12:30am. That's why DS is recommended as the transfer for getting back to one's resort at night. The restaurants don't need to post bus times. Who is eating "dinner" that late? Other options include Minnie Van, Uber/Lyft or taxi. The front desk will be happy to help if a guest needs more assistance.

 

[Pix E. Dust]

Again, I realize that they aren't going to update the menu's. They could include an adjustable schedule for those that are in danger of missing that last ride. I wouldn't take much extra (the amount they charge for food at any Disney Restaurant can more than cover that expense) even if it just a sandwich board on the way in.

These are guests that paid and arm and a leg for an ounce of meat and a few leaves of lettuce. That would mean that if I were able to get a reservation late in the evening and after dishing out $100.00 or more for dinner to find out that I, unexpectedly, have to fend for myself to get back to my room, do you think I would ever go to that restaurant again? I'm not that forgiving and it would take so little to warn people of the possibility of unanticipated acid reflux after the meal. Some folks are willing to be a door mat, I am not one of those! I would think that those high priced, half brains would be able to see what a PR nightmare that can be, especially if the guests are not experienced travelers.

I disagree about there not being an easy way. It isn't an all day thing it is only put into action at the late night times and only involves a few guests, but it is not an inability it is more of a, don't give a damn about the possibility of their customers feeling stranded and involve extra effort on the guests part and massive laziness on the part of the management. It's not that much work to set up and make happen.

I have never in my life gone to a restaurant where they have felt it necessary to explain to guests how to get home. I am sure that if you have concerns and inquire, they would be happy to help.

But to suggest that every day they change their menu to include that day's closing schedule seems a bit much.

Again, guests could just take a bus to DS and not be stranded.

 

[Goofyernmost]

If someone is unable to figure out how to get themselves or their party back to their accommodations (or wherever they want to go), they are not mature/responsible enough to travel outside their hometown.

Yup, that is exactly what Disney Co. thinks. And sadly, they keep getting away with it.