[fearless1123]

I will be staying at the Hilton at WDW for a few days and I was wondering if anyone has used the "Downtown Disney Private Bus System"?
The hotel info says it runs "approx" every 1/2 hour and they drop you off farther away from the gate so there is more walking.

Has anyone used this system and what was your experience with it?

Are there any better options?

Thanks!

[Dana]

I have never heard of anyone using this, so I have no opinion to offer. I have read reviews in books etc and the reivews aren't that glowing. Inconsistant service is usually what I read. Have you considered renting a car? Isn't that hotel close to the DTD bus stop? You could also walk over there and just hop one of the park buses that way if it's close. Sorry I coudln't be of more help with this. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this hotel, so please give us a report when you get back. I have never been in it and am curious.

[fearless1123]

Originally Posted by Dana

Isn't that hotel close to the DTD bus stop? You could also walk over there and just hop one of the park buses that way if it's close. Sorry I coudln't be of more help with this. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this hotel, so please give us a report when you get back. I have never been in it and am curious.

It is very close to DTD BUT are you sure the bus drivers won't pick me as the first one to ask for proof that I am staying on Disney property, embarass me in front of the whole bus full of people and kick me off while everyone claps?? I usually stay on property but I couldn't get 2 of the nights I wanted so am staying at the Hilton (free, using points) then moving on to the Swan (bus legal).
I will let you know what it was like!

[BuzzLightyear]

It was ages ago when we stayed off site and used that bus system.
I remember always being dropped off at the TTC for MK or Epcot. Not sure where they'd drop you off for the other parks.

[Cincy]

We did it several years ago and hated it. We have stayed on site ever since that trip. There are several stops for the hotels, it took forever, we always stood (even with 2 small children) and vowed we would never do it again. I would rent a car if it was me.

As for going over to DTD to catch a bus, you can do this, but you would have to take a bus to one of the Resorts and then transfer to a bus to the park you want. This is by design, so that you won't do it.

[fearless1123]

Originally Posted by Cincy

We did it several years ago and hated it. We have stayed on site ever since that trip. There are several stops for the hotels, it took forever, we always stood (even with 2 small children) and vowed we would never do it again. I would rent a car if it was me.

As for going over to DTD to catch a bus, you can do this, but you would have to take a bus to one of the Resorts and then transfer to a bus to the park you want. This is by design, so that you won't do it.

I will report this to my hubby and we will definitely rethink our plans because there is no way he could handle that! It would ruin our vacation for sure - thanks for the information!

(we lived in Cincy for 8 years and had 2 of our children there - loved the city - our local grocery store in the Cleveland area carries Skyline Chili and Graeter's now so we don't make it down as often as we used to)

[Cincy]

I would not turn down a stay at the Hilton, but my patience could not stand to do the bus system again. Since you are only at the Hilton for 2 days, I would look at a rental car if you are not driving down. Well worth the cost and it would make it easier to transfer to the Swan. Not to mention making a food stop at the Grocery store.

As for the drop off points, At the MK we were dropped off at the TTC not at the resort drop off point at the front of the MK. We still had to take the Monorail or the boat to get to the MK. At the other parks we were dropped off at specific Bus Stop (A numbered bus parking spot) about 100 yards from where the resort bus stopped.

Glad to hear about the Skyline and Graters. We moved away for 5 years and had to have care packages sent to us until we could move back.

[fearless1123]

I called the Swan and the 2 days I needed were not only available but I also got the AAA discount rate + an upgrade so now we don't have to transfer hotels mid-trip (which I vowed I would never do again) and we don't have to experience the Private Bus System - Thank You God!

Now we are able to continue the tradition of having our first meal at ESPN on arrival. The place is almost empty at lunch because most people are at the parks and it is nice to decompress with a little glass of wine after the stresses of travel. Ahhh, I can hardly wait -

Thank you for the advice - I knew I could count on my friends at DC, who are always ready to help a fellow devotee of the "happiest place on Earth".

[Cincy]

That is good news. The Swan is a great hotel

[Dana]

Originally Posted by fearless1123

It is very close to DTD BUT are you sure the bus drivers won't pick me as the first one to ask for proof that I am staying on Disney property, embarass me in front of the whole bus full of people and kick me off while everyone claps?? I usually stay on property but I couldn't get 2 of the nights I wanted so am staying at the Hilton (free, using points) then moving on to the Swan (bus legal).
I will let you know what it was like!

I didn't even think of that....I am slipping. I had it in my head that you were allowed to use those buses...this stomach virus I have had for days on end must be making me insane. Glad to see you changed resorts. I have heard some great reviews of the Swan.