HT WDWMagic.com who wrote yesterday about a new Disney job posting that is focused on the long-term development of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts transportation. The full job post can be found here.
A snippet of the posting from Disney Careers
We've written recently about the possible upcoming transportation changes to Walt Disney World. Since then, word has also spread that Disney is considering some sort of automated shuttles.
We love the walk from the Boardwalk to Hollywood Studios
There's no way around the fact that one of the worst parts of Walt Disney World is getting around Walt Disney World. This is reflected directly in resort tiers and pricing, as Deluxe resorts currently offer more transportation options, except Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is the lowest-priced Deluxe resort.
But What About Short-Term?
If there's anything that I don't like about this news, it's that the post focuses very much on "long-term" planning. Long-term planning is essential, and I look forward to improved transit ten years from now, but the bus system is atrocious.
Disney Buses Are "Impressive" But Actually Not
Many people are amazed by Disney's bus system, praising it as a huge operation, which it is. But there are also more hiccups than necessary. For example, I waited midday at Animal Kingdom once 45 minutes (I'm not exaggerating, and I have witnesses) for a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge. There's just absolutely no reason why that should have happened.
Chicago transit isn't perfect, but at least my phone tells me how long I'll be waiting
I'm from Chicago, which has, despite its impressive size and complexity, one of the least impressive public transit systems of global cities. People from smaller American cities may marvel at it, but it doesn't compare to Berlin, London, Singapore, or even the much smaller Munich. That said, I have a much better success rate with Chicago buses. They are predictable and their times are available through a variety of apps.
Disney is Leaving Money on the Table
While #Distwitter may complain about Disney upcharges, they might be missing the forest for the trees. Disney is leaving big money on the table the more the keep people (1) waiting in line for rides (#eliminatestandby) and (2) waiting in line for transportation. If you think Disney doesn't know this, do both an open and a close the same day, and marvel at how much it seems Disney wants to get you to the parks and how little it seems to care to get you from them.