I never had a problem with the buses. I think there are very convient. I do think it is quicker to drive, but not enough to spend extra money on a rental
Its my favorite part of all of the world! (earth and WDW!)
it's great! I JUST WISH IT WENT TO AK AND MGM TOO!!!!! :(
If you pay the high dollars to stay at WDW, then you will have busses all over the place. If you want to save some money and stay at the "Value Resorts" you will not get anywhere on time! 2 Months ago, I stayed at the Port Orleans Resort. We had busses going to and from the resort every 5 minutes. Hardly a wait at all! This past weekend, (October 4-6) We stayed at the All Star Music Resort. We waited for busses from several different places for more than 20 minutes. This happened going from MGM/ Downtown Disney, and Epcot. The lines for Space Mountain and Splash Mountain were shorter than the wait on the busses!
I love the red monorail the best & it looks really cool!!! I can't get enough time to get to the line for some reason.
Its like the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)...only with less cussing... alot cleaner...more reliable and ON TIME!....lol I had no major issues with bus service... I did wind up standing alot....heading back to my resort after a day at the parks....I dont think I ever waited more than 20min for a bus...except on a Satuday night after the Parade and Fireworks at the MK....THAT was a nightmare.
It is amazing to me how a transportation device can capture so many hearts. The monorail is Disney to a tee. It is just a great way to travel.
Every time i come to Disney world the Monorail has to be the first thing i have to ride. It is the best way to get to the magic kingdom and EPCOT. I hope they can built monorai service to MGM and Animal kingdom.
There is no better way to get around from the MK parking lot to MK, or to any of the three resorts that the monorail serves the the other
I'm not sure if many major cities have such an orgainzed, timley bus system as Disney World. It doesn't beat the above the trees view of the monorail, but it gets you where you are going.
The launches offer a nice ride across the lagoon between MK and the monorail resorts. Last time we stayed at the Contemporary, there were times when the launches actually got us back faster than if we had taken the monorail! Overall, a relaxing trip on the water and a good mode of transport to the MK or your monorail resort.
Okay, my take on the bus service varies all the time. There's days when I love it, there's days when I hate it. The main problem that I see is you never know when a bus will come along... it could be minutes or it could be an hour (this does happen on occasion, although not often!). My second gripe is when buses serve more than one resort... makes a trip you don't really want to take (who paid a fortune to visit Disney to ride on a bus we all have at home in our cities?) all that much longer. Third, taking the bus when the parks close can be a nightmare (especially if you have kids who are cranky by the end of a long day) due to long lines and having to stand on the bus. That being said, I think Disney has done an admirable job of handling a huge bus system. Just thinking about the number of people they move daily on the buses is mind-boggling. Also, you can have a ton of fun talking to your bus driver if you're riding during a non-busy time. These people have an amazing wealth of knowledge about the parks and Disney, and some even like to play trivia games with you (I remember a debate with one guy about what Goofy really is). Overall, the buses are necessary evil that Disney does a good job of handling (most of the time).
What better way to get around than zipping on the monorail? I will admit that its not quite as great as it used to be given that it doesn't go to most Disney properties at this point, but its very convenient for those places where it does go. As a guest at one of the monorail resorts, its a ton of fun to the leave the park and wave at all the millions of people (at least it seems like that many:) ) in line for other modes of transport as you go right to the front of the line and hop on the monorail directly to your resort. Its very kid friendly (much more so than standing on a bus after spending hours treking through the parks on your feet) and you can even sit in the front with the driver (if only they still gave out the monorail "wings"... but you can still a "license"). The only way to make the monorail any better would be to build more of it and connect all of Disney with this mode of transport (yes, I know I'm living in a dream world).
Take it to go to MK for the first time ever, or first time this trip!! it is pure magic!! Ask if you can sit up front with the driver for even more magic!!!
These boats are very relaxing!!! i really enjoy them. If you are not staying at a monorail resort, and have some time, here's a relaxing idea...go to the MK, take the monorail over to any of the monorail resorts and look a the shops, grab a drink and enjoy the sites (and dream of the day you can afford to say at a monorail resort)...then take one of these boats back to MK. all of this means an extra special, relaxing vacation!
The boats are very relaxing!! Esp. if you get to people the only people,or one of few families/people on the boats, sit back relax and enjoy the magical land you are in!!!
I have been to Walt Disney World four times in the past 3 years. On my last visit (may 20-25 2002) I took the bus for the first time. I thougly enjoyed it!!! The seats are not "cushioned" like how you would normally think of cushioned seats but they are VERY comfortable...it's very easy to go to sleep in them:-) The buses are a great way of traveling thoughout Disney World. Esp. if you are staying off property and don't want to waste gas...or are planning to go from one park to another and back to the orginal park:-)
The bus transporation could be better. It is very easy to get on the bus and go resort to park or park to park. It is great so you don't have to worry about driving.
Good way to get from Epoct to hotels and MGM. Altough if in a hurry you stop evrywhere firt and then to park...good way to cool off and relax though
Not a big bus person but these are a pretty good way to get around, especially if you catch them at the right times. Only problem is if you have a stoller and the bus is crowded
From WL to MK, its the way to go and get back with no hassles
You are not at Disney until you get on the Monorail...and hear them say "Please stand clear of the doors"..in Spanish!
The monorail is the coolest thing in the world, It is one of the reasons that I love staying at the Grand Floridian and Polynesian.
Buses are second only to the monorail system. People complain about buses all the time, but i think they do a good job considering how many people they move around each day. Nothing like standing with 75 other sweaty people packed like sardines. Great way to meet people.
The ferry boats are a great way to escape the long lines for all transportation at the ticket and transportation center. Usually the ferry boats can have long lines but so can the monorails. I think the ferry boats are a more relaxing way to start of your day to the magic kingdom. They are a great way to just sit and check out your surroundings. Ferry boats are also much bigger then the monorails and can carry more, on the other hand they are slower then the monorails. All transportation to the magic kingdom has its ups and downs, ride the ferry boats.
The coolest mode of transportation, there is something special about the monorail. When you see one, you know you're at Disney. I always make a point to ride it, even if I'm not using it to get somewhere.
The Ferry Boat takes you from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom.
Primarily, the only ferry I've taken has been the one to/from the Magic Kingdom. Every time I ride it, I feel very relaxed and at ease with the world, especially when sitting in the front, enjoying the warm (sometimes downright hot) Florida sunshine. It's a beautiful ride around the lake and the wait for it to arrive isn't bad at all. Usually when passing another ferry going in the opposite direction you're greeted with a toot from the horn and from friendly waves of its riders. It's a very enjoyable ride.
Disney's bus transportation is second to their monorail as far as the best way to get around the World goes. You get friendly drivers, are able to get from here to there fairly quickly, and since I was small I noticed a distinctive scent to the buses that always brings a smile when I catch a whiff of it somewhere. It reminds me of Disney. The only downfall is that the wait time for the buses varies from one place to another. Sometimes it's about 10-15 minutes, and other times it may be as long as 20-30 minutes. All in all, though, a good way to get around.
The Friendship Cruisers are a great way to take a shortcut from Future World to the main parts of World Showcase. I have never taken them to MGM so not sure about that part, but the Epcot portion was very enjoyable and relaxing. Staff was very friendly.
I have had very good experiences with Disney buses. Although they can get crowded first thing in the morning and right when the park closes, but that should be expected and when this happens, passengers are usually quite friendly and makes the experience better. Buses are a must for moderate & value resorts and they work quite well. They will get you to where you need to go, fast and easy.
The Disney Monorail is the best type of transportation. There is little or no wait for the Monorail.
99% of the time the bus drives at WDW are awesome! They usually are very friendly, interact with guests, and drive great. The occasional bad driver does ruin the good drivers image though. But in the end you have to remember your being bused and driving is not going to be perfect, especially in WDW where guests driving their own cars don't pay attention to often!
I must say that the monorails are great rides in themselves. The queue time is usually average and okay, but sometimes they really push the limit on how much guests can wait. The service is very average. Monorail loaders/greeters/etc never smile. They are always cold and sterile. They merely slide the gates open and with a sarcastic frown they tell us to haul into the vehicles. The monorails are themed to the min, and sometimes are very bad show when they haven't been rehab in a while. Compared to other monorails, Walt Disney World's are among the worst. The experience on a monorail inspite of all that is really good. - The WeirdOne
I think the Walt Disney World busses are good in terms of what they do, and that is transport. But, being themed busses, they get a D from me. The Tokyo busses are full of Hidden Mickeys and are very well themed and are great in everything, but the Walt Disney World ones are just redressed city busses. Bad show, IMHO. - The WeirdOne
One cannot call it a WDW vacation until you have travelled on the monorail. Although in terms of the entire property, the monorail is quite unpractically... it is great for the Deluxe resorts and hopping from MK to Epcot. Great for kids, especially the front.
Once they expand the Monorail to include MGM and AK It will be even better... But for now it's definitely the best way to travel in WDW
The monorail is a great transportation method for disney guests. It offers an easy way to escape parking and trams but then again you must use the ticket and transportation center first which can be a hassle. Always remember to ask for the front seat which can seat up to 4 comfortably, and after your done ask the driver for a monorail liscense. The liscense states that your officially a co-pilot for the monorail!
IF YOU ARE NOT IN A HURRY THIS IS A NICE WAY TO GET TO MK. SINCE IT ONLY SERVES THE THREE ORIGINAL HOTELS AND THE WILDERNESS IT'S USUALLY NOT AS CROWED. BUT THE LIMITED BOATS MAY MAKE THE WAIT TIMES AT THE DOCK SEEM LONG.
IF YOUR HOTEL IS ON ITS ROUTE, IT'S A GREAT WAY TO AVOID THE CROWDS FROM MGM AND EPCOT COUNTRIES.ONCE WHEN COMING BACK FROM MGM WE HAD A CAPTIAN THAT TOLD JOKES THE WHOLE WAY.
A GOOD WAY OR JUST AN OPTION TO GET FROM MK TO WILDERNESS LODGE. IF YOU ARE AT MK AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE WILDERNEESS LODGE THIS IS A SCENIC ROUTE
A TYPICAL DISNEY WAY TO GET EVERYBODY EXICITED ABOUT ENTERING MK.ITS A RELAXING START TO A HECTIC DAY. ENJOY THE VIEW OF THE THREE ORGINAL HOTELS AND WILDERNESS LODGE.ALL IN ALL WHILE PART OF TRANSPORTATION ITS A GREAT RIDE.
THERE IS SOMETHING DISNEY MAGICAL ABOUT THIS TRANSPORTATION THAT WHILE IT PROVIDES A BASIC SERVICE TO MK- EPCOT AND THE TRANSPORTATION CENTER IT SEEMS TO BE ENJOYED AS AN ATTRACTION OF IT'S OWN.IF YOU STAY AT ONE OF THE THREE HOTELS ON ITS ROUTE YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF SPENDING AND ENJOYING THE TIME RIDING, TRY TO GET ON AS THE FIREWORKS AT MK GO OFF. OR WHEN LOADING ASK TO RIDE UP FRONT WITH THE OPERATOR.
its the best way to get around the wdw resort
NEVER SURE WHEN THEY WOULD SHOW??
with the amazing capabilities of monorails, why dont we see more of them in america? the best way to get around, and sometimes even fun
hey , they could work out a better bus schedule but , at night its good if u get the bus to urself , the driver will put the lights out and he'll even elt ya sleep i nthe alst row of the bus
Even when I'm not in one of the parks, I get a lot of enjoyment simply in riding around on the monorail. It's a major part of the Disney magic for me and I try and ride on each track as often as I can. Sure, each car happens to have a strong smell of body odor, but it doesn't necessarily effect my enjoying the ride. It's very relaxing and enjoyable simply to ride as it circles Future World in Epcot or rides around from the TTC to the Polynesian to the Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom. It's the best type of Disney transporation.
You get a nice view of the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan, and Dolphin resorts on these boats. However, you could still get a nice view of those resorts were the boats to move a little faster. Also, docking/unloading/loading is painfully slow. Boardwalk and Y&B guests will likely find it faster to walk to Epcot; Swan & Dolphin guests will likely find it faster to walk to Disney/MGM Studios.
With the introduction of Magic On Demand, and Flex Dispatch, bus transportation is now at an all time high for efficiency. With MOD, busses are dispatched in the morning by a Demand basis. If a bus fills up, another bus is sent in to continue where the other one left of. The result is Magic in Motion! Flex Dispatch allows for better utilization of busses. Instead of staying on route, and having an extra 10 minutes... we take those 10 minutes, and use them by assigning a new route every time they come into the dispatch area. This allows for all busses to remain on time. If a bus goes out of order, the system is not affected.
The monorail is the best way to get around.
There is no better way to travel around the World. (Or at least nothing else is quite as fun.) The monorail system @ WDW is great fun. There's just something special about riding the "beam" around WDW. When loading ask if you can ride up front, can't beat that view!!
This is a clear example of how Walt wanted to awe his Guests. There's no other sensation for those who see the monorail approaching for the first time, and when you move into the Contemporary Resort, for example. If it's your first time in WDW, you should definately get to the gates in one of these, especially to EPCOT. Otherwise, avoid it during opening and closing times.
This is sometimes the most fun part of going to Disney World. The monorail it just so much fun to ride. If you're going to MK directly from the TTC, you will ride through the Contemporary Resort on your way to the Magic Kingdom. This is a fun and fast way to get to MK and the other resorts that are along the route. Make sure you ride the Monorail at least once
Although slow, the ferries are specially great at night, when it's time to leave the Kingdom. People tend to look for the monorails, but it doesn't mean you won't see some lines. But Seven Seas Lagoon sure is beautiful at night, and the trip is worth it.
Sure, the monorails may be more magical, but the buses will sure get you there. They may be crowded at times, but if you happen to get a truly Disney driver like our very own WDWMagic Tyler, that wait may be worth your while.
This is an alternative way of getting to and from the Magic Kingdom. The lines are generally less crowded for the ferry than the monorail. It takes just as long to get to MK using the Ferry. It is a great way to arrive to MK in the morning, you can see The Train Station and the Castle as you pull up to the MK.
The Friendship cruises are an attraction in and of themselves. The slow ride allows a good chance to rest, unwind and see the scenery.
Well it not really an attraction but the drivers at WDW do thier best to make every minute of your stay fun. Some of the bus drivers know how to make the trip fun with trivia and games. That really helps pass the time away. Plus they'll help you out if you need help getting somewhere. We took the Magic Kingdom bus to Polynesian one time for breakfast (a side trip to save us time). We were very grateful for that. They're also great with guests who need special assistance with wheelchairs. Two thumbs up to all the drivers out there that make the ride to anywhere FUN!
The bus services at Disney are often overlooked, but are ,in fact, the lifeline of most of the resort guests on property. The bus system starts running a few hours before the parks open, and run until all parks are empty. They are able to plan for large crowds after major night-time shows with additional buses, as well as additional buses in the morning to get people to the parks quickly. The bus drivers are very knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to help with bits of advice or tips for an easier day in WDW. Remember to thank your bus driver if you ever ride a Disney Bus...they have a hard job, and do it extrememly well!
I think that Disney's bus transportation is good. The only time the waits are really long is at park closing. Some bus rides can be more enjoyable and kid friendly than others, it all depends on the driver. My biggest complaint about the bussing at WDW is that at every park Port Orleans Resort is the very last bus stop, that's a lot of walking! LOL I know that someone has to be last, but at every park!? Give the poor PO people a break and let them be second to last once. ;-) LOL
The buses arent really themed, but to be fair - it's hard to theme a bus, but disney do a fairly good job, with the colours. The disney buses are, in my experience, fairly reliable and they get you where you want to go. The only downside is that sometimes they get crowded and you have to wait for another one.
Where available, the monorail is an excellent means of travel. It is fast, clean and efficient. Some people actually refer to it as a ride. The monorail is special because its not ordinary, like the buses are, it is something that is not normally present in everyday life. The monorail is narrated as you pass by certain things, which means your short journey will not be boring. If you get a chance, then ride the monorail!