I’ve never used ART but I’m still sad to see it go. Did everyone know about this and I’m the last one to know?
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I just saw if on a Five Fires YouTube video today.
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The service is definitely not what it used to be. They are trying, and the bus drivers are doing their best. But it’s one bus per route, so during mid day, it could take upwards of 40 minutes to catch the bus.
I know they cut EVE and FRAN recently. The app could have used a huge update, they’re no longer adding tickets to the app, but instead the drivers have to check your receipt for a valid fare.
It’s a big mess, and instead of cleaning it up, they’re just letting it rot until it dies 
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I read it yesterday and was pretty surprised. Although I had made plans to drive after reading so many reviews lately of unreliability. It is going to leave a whole lot of people without transportation to the parks. Hopefully hotels and Disney will do something. Maybe similar to Disney Springs hotels. But, there is not much time before it’s done. Imagine the congestion if everyone has to walk or drive! And the loss of accessibility!
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Wow - we are having our convention in Anaheim in April and the ART buses were a big recommendation I made (plus the Toy Story lot) and how I planned on getting to the parks myself. Writing an article about logistics for other people made me realize how important those buses could be to make the difference between going and not going to the park for the evening.
Thanks for sharing! I need to edit my blog…
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One month out. Has anyone heard rumblings of a replacement yet?
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Nothing official but it seems like at least the Disney lot bus will be replaced. Not sure about the rest of the system.
I was there yesterday and saw the ART still running as usual, so at least they haven’t cut it shorter than announced.
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I just saw that Disney had a new contractor for the Toy Story Lot, so I am suggesting that as a place to catch a bus from the convetion hotels. While the rumor is that some hotels are going to run their own shuttle there is no word on that yet…
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I would think it would be much more cost effective for the hotels on a single current ART line to work together to provide shuttle service for its hotel guests than for each hotel to provide shuttle service separately.
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I agree - I wonder if that is what they are trying to figure out. Or at least have a few in the same area get together. I believe Candy Cane Inn already has one, so they should try to capitalize on that!
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I’m starting to lose hope in a replacement any time soon. Does anyone have experience with the OCTA busses? I guess I’ve read they might be a little less family friendly?
I spoke too soon. Garden Grove is supplying shuttles (at a fee) to it’s hotels. I saw this on Mickey Visit:
“We are thrilled to have this new arrangement with Parking Company of America as it presents a great improvement for our guests to access the Disneyland Resort area easily and efficiently,” said GGTID President Dieter Hissin.
Three routes will be served between participating Garden Grove hotels and the Disneyland Resort, helping speed travel times and making it easier for visitors to move between their accommodations and nearby attractions without needing a personal vehicle. The shuttle system will serve the following Garden Grove hotels:
• Sheraton Garden Grove – Anaheim South
• Hyatt Regency Orange County
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Anaheim Garden Grove
• Anaheim Marriott Suites
• Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim-Main Gate Area
• Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Area/Garden Grove
• Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
• Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim/Garden Grove
Shuttles will operate throughout the day with frequent service, providing hotel guests with easy access to the Disneyland Resort transit hub.
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Here we are at the end of March and no resolution except for Garden Grove and Toy Story. I know things take time, but I feel like this is a huge drop of the ball. I think that the article also mentions that about 70 workers will not have jobs now. We officially booked a hotel in walking distance. But, it wasn’t my first choice.
From the article:
Anaheim officials, Lyster said, are having early discussions with operators about a “comprehensive or system-wide operator, some sort of successor to ATN.”
“But that’s certainly not something that’s going to happen by next week,” he said, and it’s just one possibility under consideration.
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That was fascinating to read so thanks for sharing.
This whole thing has really highlighted the differences from coast to coast for Disney. In Anaheim they are very much dependent on, or at least have to partner with a lot more collaboratively with the city of Anaheim and outside agencies/boards for things like transportation.
Whereas WDW is its own little entity that Disney have so much more oversight on.
I am sorry it impacted your trip but I hope you’re happy with a short walk! I know it’s by far my preference when doing DLR.
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Thank you! The reason we wanted to use ART (aside from hotel price) was to protect our young children from seeing things on the walk that might scare them or that we weren’t really ready to explain. Real city life, I think someone called it. I’m still concerned about that. We are staying at the HoJo. So I’m considering crossing at Manchester and walking on the other side of Harbor. No idea of that is really any different.
ETA: We are used to WDW and it’s much much larger bubble. It is very interesting how all of this is playing out and how the ATN was run/formed. I kind of just thought someone would take over the ART and basically duplicate the service. But, it doesn’t sound like that is going to happen.
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If you’re talking about the street preachers, there is no getting around them. They will be right at the pedestrian entrance from Harbor to the esplanade. I guess if you are staying on Katella and walk through DD you might avoid them? But the entrance to DL on Harbor will most likely have street preachers on weekend mornings. You could also potentially see homeless, but I don’t remember seeing any our last couple of trips. There are street vendors as you exit the park late at night selling water, etc. Not a big deal and I’ve never felt pressured by them. Honestly, none of it bothers me as much as those obnoxious religious zealots with a microphone!
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I’ve seen a couple of walk videos from the other side of Harbor that cut in before the main entrance and walk more along the route that shuttle passengers take. Google maps says to even turn in before that. But I think that is a staff entrance.
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Okay. I didn’t think you could cut in earlier. Maybe you can?
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