Express Park to Park Bus at WDW

[Deleted]

Skip security!

People online seem OUTRAGED about this but I think it's cool.

www.kennythepirate.com/2016/12/02/express-transportation-services-coming-to-walt-disney-world-for-a-fee/

UPDATED BELOW: In an effort to compete with ride services like Uber and Lyft, Walt Disney World will soon begin testing a new “Express” transportation service for its guests for an additional fee.

 This new “Express” transportation option is said to use shuttle vans or buses that run between theme parks. Buses will pick you up from the locations listed at the bottom of the post.

You’ll be escorted backstage where the bus will pick you up and take you to the next park of your choice. When using this special service, you would not need to check through security a second time, nor stand in line for regular Disney buses. By picking you up and dropping you off backstage, you are supposed to see a faster transfer time to your next park.

 The new Express transportation service will cost $15 per person for a single day use or $24 for a multiple day option. A park hopper ticket will be required to use this service. A family of four would spend $96 for multi-day park-to-park transportation.

I was told the initial test will not involve transportation to the resorts (which is where Uber makes most of its money), but could expand to that option at a later time if the test is deemed successful.

The new Express transportation option is scheduled to begin December 7, 2016 and will be available from 10:00am to park closings.

How does it work?

Express Transportation is a new transportation option that provides Guests with faster access when traveling between our theme parks. After initial entry into a theme park, Guests can board a Disney bus which will take them directly to another theme park. By traveling between backstage location, Guests can spend even more time experiencing the magic inside our theme parks.

How can Guests get Express Transportation?

Guests may add this option at Vacation Planning and Guest Relation locations throughout property as well as at the new Express Transportation kiosks in the four theme parks. For single-day service, Express Transportation can be added onto a Park Hopper ticket for $15 per person. For multi-day service, it is $24 per person.

Where will Express Transportation pick up and drop off Guests?

• Magic Kingdom: near the exit of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland
• Epcot: East of Spaceship Earth o Backstage location
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Adjacent to the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Courtyard
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Near Kilimanjaro Safaris entrance

How often will Guests be picked up and when will it start and stop each day?

Guests will be picked up every 30 minutes. Service will begin each day at 10:00am Service will conclude at park close each night.

Will Guests be in backstage areas by themselves?

No. Whenever stepping into a backstage area, Guests will be escorted by a Guest Relations Cast Member. Similar to the way we currently operate our VIP Tour Services and other experiences, Express Transportation will allow Guests limited access backstage with an escort. This includes no Guest photography in backstage areas.

Is this service available for Cast Members with Main Entrance Passes and Annual Passholders?

Cast Members and Annual Passholders may purchase the $15 single-day option.

What do you think of this new transportation option?

Sharing is caring!

[revolution]

I don't have an issue with this, seems fun. I doubt we would pay for it (and I seem to be a sucker for paying for extras there). Maybe when the kids are older it would be more useful for us. But, if someone wants to pay and use this instead of regular buses, more power to them.

[rainbowchip]

Why are people outraged?

[Deleted]

Dec 2, 2016 11:12:59 GMT -5 rainbowchip said:

Why are people outraged?

Mostly because it costs more money to add on. Comments have ranged from "why can't they just improve the regular busses" to "Disney just wants money" to "if you skip the entrance you won't feel all the magic."  ^o)

[rainbowchip]

Oh. Hahaha! I mean if you don't like it don't pay for it. Right? And Disney does just want to make money. That's not something new.

[lala]

I mean, Disney could & should improve security. It could be streamlined & done more effectively & quickly. I think this is a good service but I don't think it should be extra. And if they are using vans you have a carseat/safety issue.

[alleinesein]

So they are essentially using the old cast member/cp van shuttle to move guests around WDW.

[ilikedonuts]

I'll pass probably but I don't blame them for doing it if people will pay it

I'm curious to see how it will work for us annual pass holders though staying on site. $24 multi day should apply but it doesn't say that yet

[bronxgirl]

Dec 2, 2016 11:20:16 GMT -5 @notquiteblushing said:

Dec 2, 2016 11:12:59 GMT -5 rainbowchip said:

Why are people outraged?

Mostly because it costs more money to add on. Comments have ranged from "why can't they just improve the regular busses" to "Disney just wants money" to "if you skip the entrance you won't feel all the magic." 

People will complain about ANYTHING. When I saw the headline I was concerned that this could impact current bus services, but after reading the article it's fine. It's not like you can't still use the old system. I never park hop, so this doesn't affect me.

[Deleted]

The only thing I'm mad about is that 24.00 multi day service isn't available for AP holders. I can understand capping it at 10 days for 24.00, but AP holders are the people committing to Disney the most. I wonder if this takes off if it will be included in the platinum AP next year.

[Deleted]

Also when you hop, you kinda plan for it. Like I've never been in MK & just decided to go to AK on a whim! I have been in HS & just decided to boat over to Epcot though. I have always thought about the transportation & proximity.

[minniemouse]

I don't really have a problem with this, it sucks going through security 2x.

[ilikedonuts]

Dec 2, 2016 19:22:20 GMT -5 @savestheday said:

Also when you hop, you kinda plan for it. Like I've never been in MK & just decided to go to AK on a whim! I have been in HS & just decided to boat over to Epcot though. I have always thought about the transportation & proximity.

We park hop all the time on a whim. being able to book a 4th fast pass on your phone I think is why we park hop on a whim so much more now,

[Deleted]

Dec 2, 2016 20:54:35 GMT -5 ilikedonuts said:

Dec 2, 2016 19:22:20 GMT -5 @savestheday said:

Also when you hop, you kinda plan for it. Like I've never been in MK & just decided to go to AK on a whim! I have been in HS & just decided to boat over to Epcot though. I have always thought about the transportation & proximity.

We park hop all the time on a whim. being able to book a 4th fast pass on your phone I think is why we park hop on a whim so much more now,

I think this is so family dependent. My kid is a party pooper. He likes his sleep! So we rarely just hop unless its planned in the evening. Sometimes I like to go to AK at like 3 because it gets quiet. Not sure how ROO will play into that.

[daisyfay25]

Lol at "Disney just wants money" complaints. Pretty sure that's always been priority #1 there.

[turkletsmom]

I wouldn't pay for this but I think it's a great idea! If it pulls even a few people off the regular buses then those lines will go faster. If it was free, then it would be mobbed with people and would have crazy wait times defeating the purpose.

And of COURSE Disney only wants to make money-- it's a business! That's the point! LOL!