Walt Disney World is trying something new, and it is something that could prove to be quite controversial. For the first time, there will be bus service from Downtown Disney to one of the Disney Parks, and back again. This is going to be done as part of a limited time test.
The test is expected to run throughout September and October 2013, and the service will run from 3:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Bus service will pick up at the stop for Disney West Side and go directly to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Return service will also be provided to that same stop from Animal Kingdom.
In the past, direct bus service hasn’t been provided to Downtown Disney from the parks as it would be a way for guests to actually not have to pay parking fees. This also was a problem though as other guests would have to make bus transfers from a park to a resort and then another bus to DTD, and vice versa.
It will be interesting to see just well this works.
Interesting. I wonder if this means that Disney plans to start charging for parking at DTD once the garage is built and the conversion to Disney Springs is complete? That might remove the “controversy,” but I can’t imagine they’d charge the same price (now $15/day, I think) that they charge for parking at the parks. $15 for parking at DTD seems excessive, so I guess some people might still choose to park there for the lesser price and take a bus to a park…
Disney has said it will continue to be free, but things do change. I’ve spoken to some Imagineers and charges for the parking garages could come, but it is still in discussion.
Essentially…anything not confirmed by official Disney announcement is subject to change and considered to be rumor.
And parking for the parks was just recently raised to $16.
It is a bit inconvenient to have to hub back to a resort for DTD. Not hugely since it’s not my favorite area, but a bit.