Express Transport Ending

[FastPasser.]

Although, I am a little disturbed about the reports of these not ever running in the rain.

I think that we can all attest to the fact that buses do operate in the rain. It had nothing to do with the buses and the rain. CMs are forbidden from being outdoors if there is lightening within a certain distance. No CMs to escort guests, no service to the back stage pick up/drop off locations.

 

[LadyDiznee123]

One of the bus drivers took time to come and sit with us and talk to us about it while we were waiting on other people to join us. He said he really enjoyed it, that to him it was really different than just driving people to resorts. He noted he didnt have high hopes for it because there weren't a lot of people using it, but then again he said he didnt think disney was really marketing it.

Yes! What was up with the Marketing!? I knew about it because I keep my eyes glued to these boards. I just don't believe people knew about it and moreover.. exactly how it worked. I say this because my first thought was "well, we already HAVE bus service to the other parks - whats the point of this?"
I had to really pay attention and READ THOROUGHLY was was being said about it here on the boards. I am staying for 8 days. First day is basically a DS days. So the 29 dollars for 7 days looked like a really well-priced investment for my total 7 days. I think they may just be investing more in the Minnie Vans.

hey... about a week has passed since posted and I see that I am repeating myself.
Apologies to all!

 

[raddisneyfan]

I loved this service and very unhappy that it won't be there next month--this was a great perk even if I did have to pay a bit...would continue to pay for this service if it was offered. I'm so wishing they will change their minds and it will come back--HA!

 

[JARNJ3]

I loved this service and very unhappy that it won't be there next month--this was a great perk even if I did have to pay a bit...would continue to pay for this service if it was offered. I'm so wishing they will change their minds and it will come back--HA!

Same here - I kept telling them it was the best thing they ever thought of! Especially when staying at BLT - I used it as my main transport & often walked back to the resort from MK rather than walking to the front of the other resorts to get the transportation.

I was bummed to see it gone.

 

[jpeterson]

Same here - I kept telling them it was the best thing they ever thought of! Especially when staying at BLT - I used it as my main transport & often walked back to the resort from MK rather than walking to the front of the other resorts to get the transportation.

I was bummed to see it gone.

I used it extensively earlier this month. I was staying at the Boardwalk and would frequently take the last express bus back to Epcot rather than mess around with the resort buses. I was sad to see it go away.

 

[danikoski]

We used the bus in February and loved it. It was great catching the Epcot bus to MK, then taking the MK back to WL. It was a great way to end a day at the parks.

I've also read that part of the reason this may have ended may be construction related. They are starting some big projects at Epcot and MK that appear to directly impact the Express drop off points backstage. So maybe it will come back in some fashion, but it might not be with the same drop off points or until after some construction is wrapped up (which could be awhile).

 

[rstevens333]

The idea that they've ended this due to construction is the most hopeful take I've read yet!

 

[danikoski]

The idea that they've ended this due to construction is the most hopeful take I've read yet!

It'd only be part of the reason. I'm sure the cost point plus number of people using it wasn't gaining Disney a lot of revenue and the weather lightening issues were also problems.

 

[FastPasser.]

I've also read that part of the reason this may have ended may be construction related. They are starting some big projects at Epcot and MK that appear to directly impact the Express drop off points backstage.

The ET buses used the same roadway that the CM shuttles use hundreds of times every day. There's been no changes in the CM shuttle as yet and I wouldn't expect there to be.

 

[danikoski]

The ET buses used the same roadway that the CM shuttles use hundreds of times every day. There's been no changes in the CM shuttle as yet and I wouldn't expect there to be.

Like I said, I'd seen it floated around as another reason. And looking where construction permits are and where drop off/pick up points were, it wouldn't surprise me they wouldn't want more congestion and non cast members back in those areas. Although the lack of revenue was probably the biggest death knell for this service, no doubt.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Although, I am a little disturbed about the reports of these not ever running in the rain. As good of a value as I thought it was, that would disappear if they don't run in the rain...

It's not rain, but lightning. A distinction without much of a difference in practice. It was not reliable -- certainly not in the summer with thunderstorms every day -- that's really the point from my perspective.

We paid $120+ and were able to use it ONCE. Actually, more like $135 as we needed to take a cab as to not be late to a dessert party. Don't see how that could have been sustainable. It makes sense to me to end it for this reason alone.

 

[Bizzie71c]

Ugh. I was so excited to use this in February!!