Getting around Disney World using its modes of transportation might sometimes feel like it requires certification of its own. Knowing all the ins and outs of when to take the bus, the ferryboat, the monorail, or even when it’s most advantageous to call for a Minnie Van, can feel like it’s all too much to someone who’s not as well versed.
©Disney
Now imagine being the bus drivers of these buses shuttling folks to and from the Disney World hotels, parks, and Disney Springs. If you’ve ever asked yourself what else they might want to tell you, we’ve come up with a list that might help spark a conversation or two on your next trip!
We bet there are tons of things that Disney World bus drivers would like to tell folks who board their buses day in and day out. Most of which probably are short and sweet, but we’re pretty confident that there are a few they wouldn’t mind the masses knowing.
The bus is here!
If you’re planning a Disney World Vacation soon that might involve you spending some time on a bus to and from your destinations during your vacation, there are a few things we think you outta know in advance.
They Hear It ALL!
It’s true — the good, bad, and the ugly. They’re silently celebrating along with you as you look fondly over the pictures you just took or recount your plans as you arrive for the day. They’re also probably blaming the heat and exhaustion for the massive blow-up between your family as you were boarding and trying to fit everyone inside.
©Disney
That also means they’ve heard about all the strange, unusual, and typically TMI things you probably wouldn’t just come right out and tell a public stranger. But don’t worry, they’re not here to judge — but what you’ve just verbalized might make them want to chuckle to themselves a bit.
Your Stroller Might Not Make It
They see you strategizing, turning, and yanking on that stroller that JUST won’t budge. And believe us when we say, they’re pretty good at spotting this a mile away by now. Your bus driver probably won’t say much in the way to add to your frustrations of getting the stroller to fit long enough to lug it up the short steps and turn to move it just enough out of the way, but if they do — heed their sage advice!
Crowds boarding the bus at the TTC
They’ve been around long enough to pick up a few tips and tricks along the way that could help salvage your sanity and save you unnecessary trouble throughout the remainder of your visit.
You Probably Should Have Thought That Souvenir Purchase Through First
You know that super cute balloon you just HAD to get for your little one? Is it still just as cute when it’s bopping you in the face on the bus? Trust us when we say there are a few souvenirs they’re going to wish you’d thought on just a little bit harder before purchasing!
Disney World balloons
This goes for lots of things, though! Light-up spinning toys, pesky floating balloons, and those ever-cherished musical bubble wands (you know, the kind that starts the song ALL over again when you let go of the button and press it again), are all purchases that (if asked) your bus driver could have a few tips for stowing until you reached your destination, or advised you to wait until your last day to purchase.
You Might Not Always Know What’s Closest… & That’s OK
This might not apply to everyone — but it’s definitely an “if you know, you KNOW” situation. Sometimes, Disney World hotels are just so large, that your arriving bus may make several stops around your hotel. Trust us when we say we’ve been here before and we were SOOOO tempted to step off, get out of the crowded bus, and start our trek back to our room, BUT, we’re telling you there’s nothing wrong with waiting for something closer.
A Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villa
It’s tempting to think you’re “close enough” or just be so exhausted you want to get your walk over with and misjudge the distance. Our best advice here is to ask your bus driver about which stop is closest to your building, shortening your walk back to your room for the evening.
No, They Can’t Just Stop Right Here For You
Ok seriously — this shouldn’t even be a thing but it’s something we hear asked of Disney World bus drivers ALL THE TIME! The short answer is no, they can’t just drop you off at a destination of your choice that’s different from its intended destination.
Crowded bus
Disney World bus drivers are given specific instructions to only depart and arrive at their predetermined destinations. So while it’s very close to the hotel where your dining reservation is located, they HAVE to drop you off at the intended Disney World park at the designated bus station.
Is The Bus Really Your Best Choice?
You might think you know your way around Disney World, but there’s a chance you might not know it as well as you thought you did.
Skyliner
If you were to ask your bus driver, they might tell you that based on your destination, you’ll make better time taking a different mode of transportation like the monorail, skyliner, or boat.
General Courtesy Rules
It should go without saying, but when at Disney World, there are TONS of folks who let general courtesy fall to the wayside.
Everyone on?
If you’re boarding a Disney World bus, it’s always understood that everyone should continue to follow Disney World rules, regulations, policies, and transportation guidelines for health and safety. Allowing your kids to run amuck up and down the aisleway isn’t a great idea, let alone while the bus is in motion. And, while it’s not a rule, it’s still a nice gesture to offer your seat if you’re in good health to those who might appreciate it more like the elderly, disabled, and those who are pregnant or with smaller (probably sleeping) children in their arms. It’s typically not as safe for these folks to be standing while on the buses, and will score you big brownie points with your bus driver if the situation ever calls for a quick switcheroo!
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Don’t forget – move all the way to the back to let more people onto the bus. Nobody wants to wait for the next bus.
We actually had a bus driver go above and beyond for us during our 2017 trip. We had an early morning reservation at O’hana. We allowed an hour to get to a park then catch a bus to the Polynesian. When we got to the park and he asked about our plans for the day, we told him. He got a very concerned look on his face and said “you’ll never make it in time”. He then asked us to just sit back down and give him a minute. He got on his radio and spoke to someone? After a minute or two, he said “hold on, here we go”. He then drove us directly to the Polynesian! What a great experience, great customer service, and what a great way to sprinkle pixy dust! We sang his praises to the resort manager at the Poly, at our resort AKL, and called Disney and sang them to every and anybody that would listen! Great memories!
We haven’t taken the buses much at all for many years, but when we did, I can say that being polite, kind, and well behaved on the buses can yield a wealth of information and as much help as they are able to give you. Be NICE and ASK your bus driver about what your’re trying to accomplish, if it’s a reasonable situation to do so. If it’s 110 degrees and crowds galore, they may not have much help to offer. But if the crowds are light, and you’re on your best behavior, these are absolutely cast members who have seen it all and they can be amazingly helpful.
Love Disney Bus Drivers!! So kind and resourceful. Some extremely funny and make that tired ride back fun. I usually see people’s kindness more on the buses. Giving up seats, holding strangers stroller. At the end of the long summer day, everybody smoothed up, hot, sweaty, tired. The light go out and it’s so quiet. Always tell them thank you!
It’s disappointed how many people put their backpack on a seat and don’t move it so somebody else can sit down.
And remember to say thanks