Resort to Resort Transportation

[Invero]

Okay folks... I'm just curious about something. This is just something that I was thinking of. I'm a transit freak :king: This is what I do for fun, in my spare time... LOL...

I know Resort to Resort transportation is not exaclty convenient, with having to switch here and there, especially with Downtown Disney being congested as it is.

What I am thinking of, is a few designated Resort Loop busses. The busses would run during the evening, on the hour, and cover areas. (They might not run on the :00 mark... but approx once an hour... maybe every 45 mins... there would be set times that the bus would arrive, so that you're not aimlessly waiting)

"Areas" would be the following (might be tweaked)

MK Resorts = FW, WL, Co, Po, GF
Epcot Resorts = Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, Beach, & Boardwalk
DAK Resorts = All Stars, AK Lodge
Studios Resorts = Caribbean, Coronado
DTD Resorts = Port Orleans (RS & FQ), Old Key West


Busses would pick up at the MK Resorts for the Epcot Resorts... and then would go pick up at the Epcot Resorts, and drop off for the MK Resorts. And back and forth. This would provide direct Resort to Resort transportation during peak dinner hours with no transfers. It would require 10 routes... Not sure how many busses, that would depend on frequency, breaks, and demand. Run it from like 5:00pm-11:00pm... This would help out greatly to alleviate congestion from Downtown Disney.

The Downside to this, is that the busses would be on set schedules. So, in the chance that a bus might fill up, not sure how that would work. With actually guest traffic flow data, and proper planning, Im sure it could be worked around and figured out how to divert units to proper locations. Another downside is that the busses would be stopping at all the resorts in its location. For example, MK Resorts, the bus would travel to Fort Wilderness (Settlement Depot), and then onto Wilderness Lodge, then Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. It's really not as bad as one might think... and it does avoid the transfer.

At any rate... Vote on the poll, and give me feedback. Ideas, suggestions, constructive critisizm, whatnot.


DISCLAIMER: I am conducting this poll for my own personal curiosity. My proposed transportation routes are simply an idea that I created. Disney currently has no plans that I know of to do such a thing. Once again, this is just something I am curious about. Results and/or feedback may or may not be passed on to Disney Transport management, if I decide to pitch the idea to the Constant Improvement Process committee.

 

[cymbaldiva]

I'm fine with the way things work now. Not to say that your ideas aren't really good in theory, but in actuallity it's pretty much the needs of the many versus the needs of the few...

The WDW transportation system is pretty easy to deal with once you get used to it! :animwink: Actually I like the TTC - it always reminds me of my first visit to the World!

 

[Big Pooh]

Typically, this is strongly discouraged by Disney. (And is part of the reason the TTC route was eliminated)

Ok...I'll bite. Why does Disney strongly discourage me from catching a bus at DTD? Is it the crowds? How crowded is it at DTD in late Jan?

Cheers:wave:

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

If transport were readily available people may be more inclined to use it for meals etc. Not having to drive would allow them to have a few "hello cheekies" with their meal and not worry about drink driving. Well thats the first thing that crossed this old lushes mind:slurp:

 

[Invero]

Originally posted by Big Pooh
Ok...I'll bite. Why does Disney strongly discourage me from catching a bus at DTD? Is it the crowds? How crowded is it at DTD in late Jan?

Well, the reason is that Disney Transportation is paid for by Disney Resort guests... During peak travel times, the busses can get crowded. Disney would like to make sure the busses remain available for those paying for them, and not have them crowded by those using them to avoid thier already provided transportation.

 

[garyhoov]

Originally posted by Fantasia Boi


Well, the reason is that Disney Transportation is paid for by Disney Resort guests... During peak travel times, the busses can get crowded. Disney would like to make sure the busses remain available for those paying for them, and not have them crowded by those using them to avoid thier already provided transportation.

That is a great idea Tyler:sohappy:

I have never gone from one resort to another (that I can remember) but that is at least partly because there currently isn't such a direct system. We almost always eat at the parks or Downtown Disney (we usually drive to DTD).

A potential concern I would have (and I'm sure you already have some sense for this) would be the traffic flow. If there aren't enough people taking these routes, then the busses may not run frequently enough to make it work. I probably wouldn't take resort to resort transport if it took more than 1/2 hour between busses.

 

[niteobsrvr]

Originally posted by DisneyWorldGuru

One driver was very rude though, I was at MGM in the cold rain, waiting on the bus after Fantismic was canceled. We went to get on a the guy in front of us was blocking the door. He said the driver said not to let anyone on. He also took his good old time while we were waiting in the rain. [/QUOTE

The reason the driver did not want to let anyone on is because unfortunately some people are rude and inconsiderate and we do not require those folks wear signs that say I'm a idiot in this country.

If the driver allows people to enter the bus while he is assisting a wheelchair guest, often times the guest push right past the driver and the wheelchair guest making it difficult for either the driver to maneuver around the chair or worse yet making it impossible for the chair to maneuver around. The pitfalls of the American "me first, always in a hurry, and can't wait society"

While I will be the first to admit some drivers take their darn good old time about loading wheelchairs, you also have to keep in mind that not all chairs are the same and not all of the occupants of the chairs have the same needs.

Also keep in mind if often rains in Florida, almost daily during the summer because that is our rainy season. Bring an umbrella or a poncho, or buy one in the park. Also keep in mind waiting for another bus if necessary is not a big deal because so long as their is a single guest in the park busses continue to operate.

 

[niteobsrvr]

Hey Tyler,

DO a little research on the Jitney bus services along the New Jersey coast. Its on demand buses basically. However, Disney's solution to this is taxi cabs.

 

[wannabeBelle]

OK Nite I have an observation to make. I live in NYC which is probably the most rushed city in America!! I waited on a bus driver who was assisting a guest with a wheelchair. Not a problem at all. What got to me was that this bus was PACKED and this person got up out of the wheelchair (which takes 3 seats) and went and sat with her family. As she was not a small woman she herself took up two additional seats. Some people are just incredibly rude and she was one of them. If you expect us "normal" people to be courteous to others I expect an equal amount of courtesy back. I wasnt exactly vocal about my disgust but this woman had to be either dense or just downright didnt care that she deprived other people of seats while she single handedly took up 5 on her very own!!

 

[niteobsrvr]

There is no doubt that rudeness goes both ways. My post was not to defend anyone but the bus driver and as I noted that is to be taken with a grain of salt too.

As far as this lady is concerned, the bus driver and her should have had a little more dialogue. The wheel chair must be strapped down only if occupied or if it cannot be folded.

If the wheel chair was able to be folded and the driver took a moment to find out if shee was going to sit in a seat then the whole situation could have been avoided.

If her condition prevented her from climbing stairs, then the wheel chair lift could have been used to assist her in entering the bus.

As a note to any bus drivers out there, your driver training at Disney fails to explain to you one of the more important parts of using the lift.

Any potential passenger may request to use the lift and you must oblige them. This includes people with canes, walkers, or simply powered by their own two feet. You are not permitted by law to determine if the individual is disabled or not. Not all disabilities are visible. Failure to folow this simple rule could land you and the company in a courtroom.

In saying that on a public message board, I expect everyone to act responsibly. Don't request the use of the lift if you dont need it. It is a cumbersome, and sometimes fickle piece of equipment for the driver to operate especially the way they are set up at Disney.

Also as a side note, Strollers are not a justifiable reason to use the lift. All strollers still must be folded and hopefully the children removed from them. (I have seen people fail to remove the child).

However, there are exceptions to this rule beause there are some wheelchairs that are actually medical strollers. The difference is usually quite obvious. In this case the stroller is to be treated as a wheelchair and strapped down on the bus.

LOL, I didn't mean to get so far along in this discussion. However, I hope this helps clear things up for everyone who may have had a question or concern.

If anyone has any further questions i will be more than happy to attempt to answer them regarding transportation and disabilities.

 

[wannabeBelle]

I hope my previous post did not come off that I was in any way objecting to the use of the facilities for the handicapped. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of my Aunts is elderly and does require a wheelchair for Disney as it is just too much otherwise. In Most cases I Applaud the CM's who do an amazing job and the people who are gracious about all the services Disney has to offer them. I just get so MAD when I see people abusing others by being rude and thoughtless.

 

[Married@WDW]

While I think Tyler's ideas are good, I'm inclined to think they won't work. Disney has been looking at new forms of transportation for sometime because there are already too many buses running on property.

Taxis can be convenient (thought expensive), but I always mention to the concierge/valet desk that I need a Taxi to go to "blank." On many occassion, one of the valets jumps in a hotel van and takes us -- he gets a nice tip and we get a comfy Disney ride as opposed to a "stranger" in a cab. That's why I love Wilderness Lodge so much -- we've probably gotten rides from them three or four times.

We've just learned to plan out days so we can get where we want to. Example: MK during the day, bus to Coronado for dinner, then bus to shopping at DTD, then bus back to hotel. We plan most of our days this way so we get to eat in all our favorite restaurants and do fireworks/shopping, etc. at night.

 

[westie]

Finally, the voice of reason. Thanks Married@. Hello! If your gonna be late, gotta be there in a NY minute, catch a cab!! There are plenty of cab jockies out there that will "wisk" you to your destination quick enough to make you love the bus.

Lets here it for the last bus of the night from PI! Kongaloosh and how dry I am.(hick!) Hey bus driver!? How u like me now?!

My apologeze if you've been a CM during this.

 

[Invero]

Originally posted by wannabeBelle
OK Nite I have an observation to make. I live in NYC which is probably the most rushed city in America!! I waited on a bus driver who was assisting a guest with a wheelchair. Not a problem at all. What got to me was that this bus was PACKED and this person got up out of the wheelchair (which takes 3 seats) and went and sat with her family. As she was not a small woman she herself took up two additional seats. Some people are just incredibly rude and she was one of them. If you expect us "normal" people to be courteous to others I expect an equal amount of courtesy back. I wasnt exactly vocal about my disgust but this woman had to be either dense or just downright didnt care that she deprived other people of seats while she single handedly took up 5 on her very own!!

Not to take sides or anything.... however, I will say this. Most of the rented electric scooters do not provide safe places to strap them down. As such, for safety reasons, I do offer those guests a chance to sit in a regular seat.

 

[DisneyWorldGuru]

I understand that some are rude and would push past the driver, but the bus was "standing room only". It would have been pointless to try it. People had to get up to let the guest in the wheelchair be straped down. I just wanted to get out of the rain. I know what FL weather and rain is like, I once lived in FL. I did have a Mickey rain coat and was wearing it. I was just mad because the bus driver had no consideration for the people standing out in the rain (there was only 3 of us). Trust me this guy took a ton of time. NOt only did he help the guest, he walked back to his seat, buckled his seat belt and filled out paper work before he let us on.

-Brent

 

[cymbaldiva]

Originally posted by wannabeBelle
I hope my previous post did not come off that I was in any way objecting to the use of the facilities for the handicapped. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of my Aunts is elderly and does require a wheelchair for Disney as it is just too much otherwise. In Most cases I Applaud the CM's who do an amazing job and the people who are gracious about all the services Disney has to offer them. I just get so MAD when I see people abusing others by being rude and thoughtless.

Very well put Belle! I totally agree with you!

 

[wdwjmp239]

Originally posted by jmarc63
Tyler

First you know my feeling on the busses. But the busses are her to stay for a while at least.

Anyway. you plan has merit. The only thing I want to bring up is the original concept for the TTC. wasn't all transpotation supposed to interchange there?

Maybe there shold be a "TTC" in each area and an express bus route to each "TTC" with the most popular stops having Point-to-Point busses or Express busses to thoes points. Either way there probably be waiting for busses at some times. Just a thought

Maybe there can be a monorail going from resort to resort

:lol:

 

[Invero]

Originally posted by ntn_haqqer


Maybe there can be a monorail going from resort to resort

:lol:

Not gonna touch that with a 10ft pole.

 

[wdwjmp239]

Originally posted by Fantasia Boi


Not gonna touch that with a 10ft pole.

I was kidding. On more serious note, I think it would be a good idea to have R2R Transportation. It's pretty frustrating when you want to have breakfast at The Contemporary Resort and you're staying at The All-Star Music Resort. You have to grab a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then take the monorail to the contemporary. It's pretty sad when you have to take your own personal car from All Star Music to Contemporary just for breakfast. =)

 

[Invero]

We do have Breakfast busses that will take you there directly. They run from 7am-8am.

 

[wdwjmp239]

Originally posted by Fantasia Boi
We do have Breakfast busses that will take you there directly. They run from 7am-8am.

I didn't know that!