Bus transportation in and around WDW About This Page:

[sixkristy6]

We are staying at AoA in Oct., and I have a few questions about the bus transportation between the parks and the resorts. It will be me, DH, and DD (age 4) traveling to Disney. We are going from Sun.-Sat. 10/14-10/20/12.

I already have ADRs for character breakfasts (CRT, Akershus, Tusker Lodge), so the plan is to get to the parks early. Also, we plan to go to the fireworks at MK and Illusions at Epcot and possibly Fantasmic (dinner package is booked).

How busy are the buses at the end of the evening, after the fireworks, Fantasmic, and Illusions are over? I read that sometimes they "pack people on the buses." I am wondering, how long is the wait to get on the buses once you leave the park and get to the bus stop? Do they run more buses during busier times? (I would assume they do).

We are also going to be bringing a lightweight stroller with us to most of the parks. I know many people do this, so obviously people take them on the buses. Do you bring them right on the bus (or do they go underneath or something?).

[karen63]

The buses are very busy at the end of the evening because a lot of people stay to see the fireworks, IllumiNations, or Fantasmic (depending on which park you're talking about, of course). And they don't sometimes pack people on the buses, they always do at the end of the night. And by that I mean that it will be standing room only. The last time I was there, I was actually pleasantly surprised by the fact that the wait to get on a bus wasn't too bad; if I remember right the longest I waited was 30 minutes at MK.

You can definitely bring your stroller on the bus, but it needs to be folded up before you get on; there's no storage space under the bus. Also, you'll want to make sure you have it folded up before it's your turn to get on the bus so you don't keep other guests waiting.

[jlhill4444]

Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned! I have found that the buses are very busy right after the evening shows, but they do run more at that time than during less busy times. That being said, we try to wait and be one of the last one's out so that we do not have to stand in line too much for the bus.

Also, as for the stroller, yes you take them right on the bus, but they have to be folded. My suggestion is to have them folded and ready to go while standing in line as some can get really impatient waiting while you get organized.

Overall the transportation is what it is, free and it gets you there. There are some things we like to drive to or take a cab to for convenience, but overall the transportation system is efficient, just be prepared to stand on the bus during busy times!

[sixkristy6]

Perfect, thanks!

[mechurchlady]

I stayed at Carribbean Beach Resort that in known for bus packing as in sardines.

1. At each of the 4 main parks there are CMs directing traffic and there to answer questions. Each resort has a designated bus stop. Sometimes you get off at a different area but for AofA it will always be the same spot that you get on. At DTD there are CMs and sherriff deputies who can direct you to the two loading zones for buses. There are tricks like standing at the back and pinning the stroller against the divider or placing it between seats.

2. You get into a line that is the holding pen for your bus. You can keep the kid until it is time to board the stroller. Try to time it so that you do not hold up people while folding the stroller. 5 extra minutes with a kid in a stroller is nice.

3. SARDINES aka TOKYO SUBWAY RUSH HOUR
I have done this for CBR. Most guests will give up a seat for a child to sit or for a parent sit with a small child. I would let people plop folded strollers and bags on my scooter. MOST people on buses are the kind of people who are polite and caring folk who will give up seats to the disabled and little kids. If you feel the bus is too crowded then tell the driver you will wait for another bus. I have a bad disc, knee complaints and am fat but I have never had a problem riding the buses standing up. I look at standing on a bus to being akin to surfing or roller coaster rides. Lean on the turn, brace for stops and starts, and never let go of whatever you are hanging onto.

4. Buses run at least an hour after park closure so no worry about dawdling along in parks. I have never been hurt on a bus from standing up and riding. I am amazed how people rearrange themselves to that short people have a place to hang onto and how they accommodate kids.

As for strollers and a for year old kid: you can park the stroller at Small World then do Peter Pand and Small World then move on down to the Caroussel and other rides. I park my scooter and do several rides before moving on, same with strollers.