Upcharge Express Transportation

[cranbiz]

Backstage at MK, AK and Epcot always has 2 buses at peak times for CM's (MK actually had 3, two for normal cast and one that ran from MO7 to Pluto Park). In non peak times there is one (MK with 1 cast and one management bus) Knowing how security was in just getting the management bus backstage every time from Pluto Park, this is going to be a nightmare with guests. The only way it will work is pre screening all guests prior to boarding the bus like MK security does at Westclock. That takes time. My guess is that there will be 2 dedicated buses for each route one that starts at each park and it will be scheduled for every 30 minutes like the ESPN routes are.

What they will need is one security CM at each bus stop and one CM at the backstage entrance plus, of course, your drivers. It's really not the CM overhead that one would think. The pickup locations chosen are really close to guest areas and it would be tough to get lost. My issue with it is spoiling what Magic still exists by hopper guests going backstage where a child may see a character not completely in costume. The only character you won't ever see outside not in complete costume is the big cheese himself but all others are fair game. Yes, I know tours do backstage frequently but it's limited to guests over 16, this is for all but I guess they can pull the MK fenced bypass route to hide backstage operations.

 

[afan]

Would do this in a heartbeat. We hopped on each our our park days, hit all 4 parks one of them, if you can bypass security it's worth it.

 

[ChipnDale79]

At this point, Disney just might as well start up a GoFundMe page.

Don't give them any ideas......

 

[MermaidMommy]

Backstage at MK, AK and Epcot always has 2 buses at peak times for CM's (MK actually had 3, two for normal cast and one that ran from MO7 to Pluto Park). In non peak times there is one (MK with 1 cast and one management bus) Knowing how security was in just getting the management bus backstage every time from Pluto Park, this is going to be a nightmare with guests. The only way it will work is pre screening all guests prior to boarding the bus like MK security does at Westclock. That takes time. My guess is that there will be 2 dedicated buses for each route one that starts at each park and it will be scheduled for every 30 minutes like the ESPN routes are.

What they will need is one security CM at each bus stop and one CM at the backstage entrance plus, of course, your drivers. It's really not the CM overhead that one would think. The pickup locations chosen are really close to guest areas and it would be tough to get lost. My issue with it is spoiling what Magic still exists by hopper guests going backstage where a child may see a character not completely in costume. The only character you won't ever see outside not in complete costume is the big cheese himself but all others are fair game. Yes, I know tours do backstage frequently but it's limited to guests over 16, this is for all but I guess they can pull the MK fenced bypass route to hide backstage operations.

I don't see why they would need to do a security screening. The guests have already been screened going into the park, and are going directly from one park into the next via Disney transportation. So, there wouldn't seem to be a need for security check at either the departure or arrival park.

While the backstage tours are limited to 16 and up, many young children do go backstage, with VIP tours, dance groups, choirs, etc. I'm sure Disney is experienced in getting them into the parks without ruining the magic.

 

[cranbiz]

In the past, anyone going thru a backstage gate gets screened by the security CM. When I drove thru Pluto Park (MO7) gate (the gate just after the MK bus entrance), I always had to show my CM ID even though I drove thru it 15 minutes earlier with the same bus.

 

[soniam]

I could see this being really convenient over xmas and NYE, but I would rather them just improve the current buses. Haha I shouldn't complain too much though, because they added more POR buses during my upcoming stay. So yeah I still don't know if I would pay for this, especially at $15/day. Since I have an AP, I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the multi-day price yet, even though we always stay onsite. Also, I just tend to limit my park hopping to 2 parks/day usually. Anything more than that just seems like a waste of time in transit. Also, we usually have a car, but I thought it would be worthless between xmas and NYE, so Vee need a bus! (inside family joke)

 

[MermaidMommy]

In the past, anyone going thru a backstage gate gets screened by the security CM. When I drove thru Pluto Park (MO7) gate (the gate just after the MK bus entrance), I always had to show my CM ID even though I drove thru it 15 minutes earlier with the same bus.

Yes, but it's different with the guests. They will have already gone through bag check and metal detectors, and they'll be escorted backstage to the transportation area by a CM. So, no need for security screening from what I can tell. They don't require security screening for VIP tours that take you from one park to another, and this seems similar. (Nor do they do security screening when guests go backstage on a tour.) They'll likely just have CM's at the arrival park there to scan guests' bands.

 

[Dean Marino]

All personal opinion - I'm not necessarily right, no one else is necessarily wrong.

I guess I personally see this in a different way.... What, really, does it offer?

1) Roads are the same - same traffic, same drive time.
2) Same buses....
3) Same "about 30 minute" timing.....
4) Backlot to backlot? BINGO.

I believe this is REALLY an attempt at centralized security. Think "airport" - go through security ONCE at a valid airport? No need to go through Security at every transfer point.

Now - it's not a very GOOD attempt at centralized security.... it's probably what WDW can actually DO until they figure out a real Security perimeter. Not really their fault.... the whole thing is like trying to secure all of New York City . And all of the EXISTING Bus locations have been constructed (at great cost) in areas currently viewed as INSECURE zones .

Really, trying to secure WDW as a whole must be several experts' nightmare . I'm really glad I don't have to get involved .

I personally suspect that this is an experiment - being run in parallel with current Security Gate segmentation (MK).

The good news? Where is anyone that buys into this NOT? They are NOT at the existing Security gates . Thus, reducing the current Security Gate Crush. A little.

We won't be buying into this - we're holding out for "WDW PRE" (when they figure it out). But we are thankful for everyone ELSE that buys in, and reduces current "Security Crush" by even a minor amount .

Again, All personal opinion - I'm not necessarily right, no one else is necessarily wrong.

 

[manning]

It never ends.....

The upsells at checkout are going to be ridiculous.

Would you like to add dessert party?
Would you like to add exclusive m&G?
Would you like to add extra magic hours?
Would you like to add Memory Maker?
Would you like a cabana?
Dining plan?
Express transportation?

When did WDW become Ruby Tuesday or Applebee's?

Would you like to add express rest room stops. The selling pitch...no more hopping on one foot

 

[MJ6987]

The only time I would pay for this if is I wanted to do a "4 Parks in One Day" challenge.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

In the past, anyone going thru a backstage gate gets screened by the security CM. When I drove thru Pluto Park (MO7) gate (the gate just after the MK bus entrance), I always had to show my CM ID even though I drove thru it 15 minutes earlier with the same bus.

I used to waive Visa's, college ids, Krispy Kreme donut of the month club cards, scout badges...anything with a blue color scheme to get through

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It's hard to properly explain my belief that all of these repackages and sells..."after hours magic" being first and foremost...dessert upsells inside the Halloween upsells being another...

Really erodes the value and the core ambience of what a Disney trip should feel like...

Hell, now they are using the employees drop points to sell people a few minutes here or there in "timesavings"

...the answer to this "horrid" crowding is more attractions, guest areas and a better point to point transportation system...but that's apparently the lost ark on Wall Street.

Keep "drinking the sand"

 

[beer dave]

I would probably have taken advantage of it but I have an AP and it looks like we only get the $15 one day one, the $24 multi-day might have made it worth it but not $15 per day.

Exactly. Even if it was 24 per stay-- but if I uber twice a day in a 4 day stay, with 4 people, the price is about even. They go anywhere you want and pick up is much quicker than 30 minutes, not to mention the private vehicle. And what happens when the bus comes at 30 minutes and they can't fit everyone waiting?

 

[loves to dive]

Exactly. Even if it was 24 per stay-- but if I uber twice a day in a 4 day stay, with 4 people, the price is about even. They go anywhere you want and pick up is much quicker than 30 minutes, not to mention the private vehicle. And what happens when the bus comes at 30 minutes and they can't fit everyone waiting?

The only advantage over Uber would be skipping the whole security lines issue. That was my thinking on it since I don't really mind using regular Disney transport.

 

[beer dave]

The only advantage over Uber would be skipping the whole security lines issue. That was my thinking on it since I don't really mind using regular Disney transport.

Yeah the security skip would be good. We started ubering when we were at jelly rolls late and got a ride from BW to BLT for 8$......and pick up in 5 minutes or less.

 

[hippiechicken]

I'm excited to use this during my Christmas/New Years trip, but my daughter has an AP, so I hope it works for both of us...
Otherwise, I'll have to meet her there...

 

[MermaidMommy]

I'm excited to use this during my Christmas/New Years trip, but my daughter has an AP, so I hope it works for both of us...
Otherwise, I'll have to meet her there...

AP's can purchase the $24 multi day option, but, as of now, it's limited to 7 days for them.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Reading through the discussion about cabanas and now transportation, the thought occurs about a different benefit. The cooperation with the disabled community would be greatly improved by each of these two additions. Reducing number of ECVs and sensory overload situations by offering accommodations could pay off in reduced liabilities versus cost savings in staffing, or whatever. Pay a little now to avoid some type of ADA lawsuit later because someone did not find a "quiet" park...

You know I can totally see your viewpoint on this. However, in regards to disabilities they would not market it that way. The negative PR they would get from saying "hey you have some sort of disabililty so you can now pay extra to have different transportation"...yeah can't see that happening;an individual can opt to take the new transportation but they wouldn't market it in the disability sense.

I can't see how it would help with those with sensory problems unless they devote one entire bus to those with disabilities because otherwise you'll have a bus full of other people who paid for it which would negate the perceived benefit. And in all honesty to your last statement with all the compassion I really have I don't think it is even possible for any place like a theme park to have a quiet park so while we can say someone could sue in our sue-happy world it's not something that would at least in my mind be found to be a legit suit.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

$15 for a single day IMO is priced too high in relative to $24 for multi-day tickets. I am not a fan of all these add ons either. This one well I could see it for those who don't want to use things like Uber/taxis,etc but also don't want to deal with the potential waiting they would do and would prefer to use at least something familar with Disney's transportation. Like others have said in all honesty the benefit I see here is skipping security and yes perhaps seeing those "behind the scenes" stuff. But I'm under no illusion that if actually does well $24 will quickly rise and so likely will the $15 unless that doesn't sell well at all.

 

[Baby Groot]

This isn't worth it for me but I see how some would like it. I don't think I would like to see behind the scenes either.