New Express Transportation: $19/day or $29/week-SERVICE ENDING AUGUST 23RD 2017

[AngiTN]

So like say we are leaving AK which closes at 10:00 and want to make it to MK before it closes at 10:00 with EMH starting at 10:00 what time should we get to the express bus? It really is a pain that they wont run during EMH.

Since they both close at the same time you need to ask on the day you plan to use it. It's possible they will run 1 additional bus. And it's possible they won't. Have a back up plan.
They don't run during EMH because the service it open to anyone with PH passes, or AP, not just on site guests.

 

[maryj11]

How long is the express bus ride from AK to MK?

 

[AngiTN]

Okay, cool, that sounds good. We go every year, but never watched the fireworks from anywhere but around world showcase somewhere. Can you see them from down the way closer to future world?
Also, do they board you right at that 5 min pre-boarding check-in time?

We watched from there one year and it's "okay," but not quite as immersive as being around the lagoon. As to the boarding time, we haven't used it yet, I've just kept up with the info on this thread for when we do. @AngiTN , can you help with the boarding procedure please?

Sorry, I missed this question.
They don't board you right at 5 min. The buses aren't usually there much before that, they are on a pretty tight schedule which is why they leave on time. Exactly when they board sort of depends on how far the walk from the check in point to the bus load point is. So walk you from the check in point to the bus point at whatever time is needed for the bus leave on time. Some take 2 min, some 5. And there may be a line. If you cut it too close and there is a wait to check in you will miss the bus. They don't hold it. So don't cut it closer than 5 min

 

[bluezy]

I'm an idiot. THANK YOU.

No worries. I've been known to be staring straight at something and still ask where it is.

 

[PaintsWithAllTheColors]

How long is the express bus ride from AK to MK?

Seriously depends on traffic but 25 minutes seems reasonable to expect. Might be faster but that should give you enough buffer

 

[jo-jo]

Currently here and 3 out 4 times that I have gone to use this service in the 2.5 days that I have been here, I've been told that it's not running! Not impressed!!!! It wasn't even raining when I went to catch the 1:10 bus from ak to dhs and told it wasn't running due to storms in the area but you can walk to the front of the park & catch the bus!. Took 1.5 hrs to transfer with regular bus and it did nothing but a light sprinkle for 5 min during that time!!!! I used the express service at xmas and loved it! But right now if I get told 1 more time it isn't running I'm going to guest relations and asking for my money back!!!!

How was the rest of your trip? Did you have better luck with the bus service?

 

[Minniekins]

We watched from there one year and it's "okay," but not quite as immersive as being around the lagoon. As to the boarding time, we haven't used it yet, I've just kept up with the info on this thread for when we do....

Thanks for that, sharonabe, appreciate your help! I guess I figured it wouldn't be too great of viewing the farther you get from the area surrounding the lake.

Sorry, I missed this question.
They don't board you right at 5 min. The buses aren't usually there much before that, they are on a pretty tight schedule which is why they leave on time. Exactly when they board sort of depends on how far the walk from the check in point to the bus load point is. So walk you from the check in point to the bus point at whatever time is needed for the bus leave on time. Some take 2 min, some 5. And there may be a line. If you cut it too close and there is a wait to check in you will miss the bus. They don't hold it. So don't cut it closer than 5 min

Thanks for chiming in AngiTN. I guess the tight schedule is good and necessary to keep all running smoothly as it should. I will have an ecv so hopefully that doesn't mess things up or make it difficult to use this service! Will have to be there early enough to be able to check in on time and before they shut the line down. Thanks for your help, reading thru this thread you have quite a handle on all the ins and outs of this express system!

 

[AngiTN]

Thanks for chiming in AngiTN. I guess the tight schedule is good and necessary to keep all running smoothly as it should. I will have an ecv so hopefully that doesn't mess things up or make it difficult to use this service! Will have to be there early enough to be able to check in on time and before they shut the line down. Thanks for your help, reading thru this thread you have quite a handle on all the ins and outs of this express system!

Glad to help. I want the service used as the more it's used, the better chance to continue. It's a great boon to folks who hop, especially those who do short trips and hop. So I help myself and others at the same time

As for your situation, I would say you want to be on the earlier end of the check in times for certain. It will help everyone out. The CM checking you in will need to notify the bus that they have an ECV user. The bus should then already have the ramp down and seat moved and be ready to get on loaded as soon as the escort gets the group back to the bus. At least that's how they've done it the few times we had an ECV user when I was using the Express Bus. This helps them keep that schedule too.

 

[Kaytie]

Asking in case this is still available in September--do you need to pay for children under 3?

No. No ticket, no fare.

 

[mercydisney]

I really hope they continue in Sept. What do you think will change if they continue in Sept.?

 

[AngiTN]

I really hope they continue in Sept. What do you think will change if they continue in Sept.?

I'm not sold on a service change. The CM made comment to that before and then they made signs to indicate the times are even more secure than they were when they didn't publish them.
I can't say that I feel all that confident the CM at these posts know much in the way of the future beyond what their work schedules show.

If anything, I can hope they'll offer up some additional choices for length of stay or longer choices for AP holders (like they have for summer) or a way to add it at time you book PH tickets.

 

[shoreward]

If anything, I can hope they'll offer up some additional choices for length of stay or longer choices for AP holders (like they have for summer) or a way to add it at time you book PH tickets.

It's currently not very cost effective for fewer number of days. I believe they could increase ridership by offering an option for three or four days, instead of just one or seven days.

 

[Minniekins]

As for your situation, I would say you want to be on the earlier end of the check in times for certain. It will help everyone out. The CM checking you in will need to notify the bus that they have an ECV user. The bus should then already have the ramp down and seat moved and be ready to get on loaded as soon as the escort gets the group back to the bus. At least that's how they've done it the few times we had an ECV user when I was using the Express Bus. This helps them keep that schedule too.

Thanks again! Hopefully it all goes smoothly, don't want people getting upset thinking I'm gonna mess with express transport! I'm sure some would like ecv's not allowed on the express transport thinking it will be slower.

 

[AngiTN]

Thanks again! Hopefully it all goes smoothly, don't want people getting upset thinking I'm gonna mess with express transport! I'm sure some would like ecv's not allowed on the express transport thinking it will be slower.

No, no, no! ECV users are welcome without question. Any guest who thinks otherwise is a poopy head! The staff is more than happy to have you there. It's actually better all the way around since they can get the bus ready while the group walks back and no one really ends up waiting any longer than the time it takes the ECV to wheel on and get secured. Less time than usual.

 

[mercydisney]

I'm not sold on a service change. The CM made comment to that before and then they made signs to indicate the times are even more secure than they were when they didn't publish them.
I can't say that I feel all that confident the CM at these posts know much in the way of the future beyond what their work schedules show.

If anything, I can hope they'll offer up some additional choices for length of stay or longer choices for AP holders (like they have for summer) or a way to add it at time you book PH tickets.

These options would be great. I just hope they do not increase the price.
Thank You

 

[yulilin3]

if this has already been posted I apologize. It appears that they now post the bus service times for each park. I'm assuming they have this at each park. Here is AK one

 

[ah10is]

How was the rest of your trip? Did you have better luck with the bus service?

Well....I was on the bus from HS to MK on Monday and it started raining so we had to be dropped off where the regular buses drop and go through security...grrr. Yesterday, my last day worked well....it didn't rain! Did 4 parks in one day. So pretty much...if it rains it doesn't run! So I highly suggest looking at what the weather will be like for the week before purchasing the service.

 

[laurabelle]

Well....I was on the bus from HS to MK on Monday and it started raining so we had to be dropped off where the regular buses drop and go through security...grrr. Yesterday, my last day worked well....it didn't rain! Did 4 parks in one day. So pretty much...if it rains it doesn't run! So I highly suggest looking at what the weather will be like for the week before purchasing the service.

Ugh, that's frustrating. Well, that's out for my August trip.

 

[jo-jo]

Well....I was on the bus from HS to MK on Monday and it started raining so we had to be dropped off where the regular buses drop and go through security...grrr. Yesterday, my last day worked well....it didn't rain! Did 4 parks in one day. So pretty much...if it rains it doesn't run! So I highly suggest looking at what the weather will be like for the week before purchasing the service.

Thanks for coming back with more information.

I'm guessing since there was a drought, the rain issue didn't come up much the first 6 months. It sounds like the last 4 weeks, it's rain almost every day.

Again, was it just rain or storming?

 

[ThistleMae]

One thing to remember, this is the first summer they've operated the bus so it is a learning curve for everyone. Doesn't excuse their not making it clear, or stating that it runs rain or shine, they must fix that statement ASAP. But I am not surprised they are working through the kinks related to summer rain.


The AK bus stop has moved from the original location near the Safari. If you make it to the Safari you've passed the current check point. It's at Tusker House check in. Or next to it. They share the same covered area, across from the bathroom's in Africa. The actual bus loading area is not near the check in point. You will walk down the path to the Lion King theater and out a side employee entrance to a back stage area. The buses pick up in the same parking lot that the Safari vehicles are stored in

There are 2 ways in to Pandora. Main entrance is first left past Tree of Life, past Pizzafari and Tiffins/Nomad Lounge.
Other way is past Lion King Theater. This would be considered by most as "the back way" in. Sometimes, when things are really crowded, this is exit only. This has not happened very often after the 2nd day of operation. If it is exit only they have large signs posted.
If we arrive to AK through the main entrance we take the main entrance in to Pandora. When we arrive to AK via the Express Bus we take the entrance in from Africa as it's just on the other side of the Lion King theater.

Thank you Angi, you are always so helpful! A true mousekateer!