While I'm not the sort who wrings her hands and predicts the downfall of Disney on the basis of occasional misfortunes, misjudgments or even accidents, I do believe that, in light of several bus accidents ranging from serious to tragic that have recently occurred, it's time for a change.

That change, in my opinion, must include less reliance on bus transportation. I'm not saying that buses should be eliminated, but I am saying that three hundred buses in operation at any given time are far too many, both in terms of environmental impact and safety. Besides, these coaches are antithetical to Walt Disney's vision of showcasing technological advances. After all, every major and many minor metropolitan areas have their city buses.

The answers to Disney's over-reliance on bus transportation are nothing new. Those of us who "traffic" in Disney news and rumors have predicted potential movement in the Disney transportation arena for years. Unfortunately, our predictions haven't panned into reality.

Maybe the time is right now.

First of all, both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom have no monorail connection, and I firmly believe monorails have the potential to drive park interest and park attendance. After all, without this sexy mode of transportation connecting a park, there is less of a "consciousness" on the part of a Disney guest of that theme park--particularly if that guest is a casual guest who "knows" only that the Magic Kingdom equals Walt Disney World. The technology is also clean, and while there have been a couple of incidents--one fatal--involving the monorail recently, its safety record far surpasses that of the bus system.

Several years ago, a colleague noted that he had actually seen some blue-sky sketches of a "People-Mover" that would transport guests staying in Disney resort hotels to central transportation centers. This is my second proposal--implement these "People Movers" whose design is based on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority in the Magic Kingdom, and get rid of all those buses that continue to disrupt the ambiance of Disney's marvelous resort hotels. Old Key West in particular comes to mind, as it was not too long ago that I could not fall asleep for hours while the buses kept circling a cul-de-sac just outside my window.

Finally, high-speed rail has also been mentioned as a possible alternative transportation. Now that high speed rail is quickly becoming a reality in Central Florida--with a proposed stop on Walt Disney World property--perhaps it, too, can become an on-property option. One thing is for certain. The high-speed rail station on Disney property will require some method of transportation to move guests to their destinations, along with their luggage. I just hope Walt Disney World doesn't decide to activate even more bus traffic to accomplish this goal.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not down on buses overall; I also generally find bus drivers polite and accommodating to guests. I have no bone to pick with this wonderful cast members, nor do I wish to see these individuals lose their jobs. Besides, buses are never likely to be eliminated from Walt Disney World (though I can see a time when they're utilized mostly by cast members needing relocation to another duty station in a different park or hotel). There should never be a reason to lay off drivers, as they could certanily be reassigned to the alternative modes of transportation.

The bottom line is simply this: Walt Disney World needs to diversify even more its transportation offerings to such a degree that buses become the most peripheral mode of transportation for Disney guests. They are cumbersome, expensive to operate and maintain, environmentally unfriendly, and noisy. I would love to see a World freer of these ambling vehicles, and more welcoming of sleeker, quieter, more efficient and innovative transportation options.

Are you planning a summer vacation to Walt Disney World? Be sure to check out Mousin' About Walt Disney World (located at www.mousinabout.com), a WDW vacation planning system designed and produced by my friends and colleagues Dann Hazel and Josh Fippen. Mousin' About consists of six components that guarantee the most thorough planning opportunity you can find--including tips on how to save money!

I also publish a Walt Disney World newsletter about twice a month, and if you just can't get enough Disney, I would love for you to sign up for a subscription. The sign-up page is located at http://www.arondaparks.com/NewsPad-Signup.htm.

Peace, love and Mickey Mouse,
Aronda