In September and October, Walt Disney World plans to run buses directly from Downtown Disney to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.
Walt Disney World long ago eliminated bus service between the Downtown Disney shopping district and its four primary theme parks. That may soon change as website WDWMagic.com reports Disney will test a new route betwen Downtown Disney and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
The test is scheduled to run throughout the months of September and October, 2013.
Disney's reluctance to provide transportation between parks and Downtown Disney is often traced to parking fees. Walt Disney World currently charges $15 per day for parking at its four theme parks. However complimentary parking has always been provided at the Downtown Disney shopping district.
A complimentary shuttle would allow guests to park at Downtown Disney for free and take a short bus ride to their theme park of choice.
In recent years, guests looking to avoid the fees have taken to parking at Downtown Disney, walking to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and then boarding a theme park bus. Guests looking for a means to reach Downtown Disney after concluding their day at a theme park are openly encouraged to utilize the Saratoga Springs bus system.
Perhaps Disney is now looking to provide its patrons with more direct transporation to its shopping and dining district.
Unfortunately WDWMagic.com is reporting that the shuttle service will not begin until 3pm daily, concluding at 1am. Mid-afternoon buses are not likely to impact the flow of early morning Downtown Disney parkers filtering through the Saratoga Springs transportation system.
Disney is in the early stages of a 3-year expansion, converting Downtown Disney into the much larger Disney Springs shopping district. Two multi-level parking garages are included in the development plans for Disney Springs. However, Disney executives have gone on record stating that parking will remain complimentary after the renovations are complete.
