We have to ride them at least once on our infrequent trips to WDW. It's always a thrill on the MK to TTC direct line to ride straight through the Contemporary lobby. That never grows old. When possible, ask for a seat up with the driver.
I love using these boats to get to the MK hotels. Much more fun and scenic than the buses, or even the monorails. Service is always personable.
All the buses ran smoothly, except for the MK. We stayed at the Pop Century, so we had to walk the farthest. We decided to drive next time for the MK. It gets ugly at closing time. People pushing, passing others. We waited over an hour for a bus. And we even sat at a bench for 20 minutes! And watch out if you're standing! Some drivers don't know how to use their brakes properly, and can sling you to the ground, so hold on tight!
The friendships are too slow of a way to get people from there resorts to Epcot or The Studios, it is not an efficient way to get around. to get from Epcot to The Studios takes over a half an hour, which shoud take 10 Min tops.
If you're a tourist (as opposed to local) and not planning on going anywhere but WDW while in Orlando, then taking the buses are the way to go for us. WDW buses are as efficient as any city bus system. Keep in mind, this doesn't mean that you won't have to wait for the bus to show up, and the length of time it takes to get to your destination will be longer than if you take your own car due to possible multiple bus stops, and the fact that buses just plain drive slower than cars. I'm always surprised at how WDW guests seem to think that because this is WDW that somehow the bus system should be different than your local city buses. They complain that they have to get off one bus and transfer to another to get to their destination. Yes I agree that is inconvenient, but again, anyone who has ever taken a city bus will know this is pretty common. Anyway, I'll take the waiting anyday compared to the stress of driving myself, bothering with road maps, making sure I turn into the right parking lot, etc. I'm a tourist, so I'm not that familiar with the roads. So I have to wait for the next bus because I didn't get on the first one. That's OK so long as I'm not driving. After all, I'm on my vacation!
An Exciting way to get around! The WDW Monorail is an Exciting way to get around, and if you ask and are lucky, you can sit up front with the driver!