Bad bus behavior - today - on 2 rides

[DisneyfromDeland]

It is much faster and usually adds little walking with the AAA parking.

I was told by AAA that AAA Diamond parking no longer exists in 2015. Sure enough, all of the signs are gone for it at the parks. We were bummed about that. They used to provide us with a Diamond parking pass for buying our annual passes through them.

 

[jo-jo]

The worst bus seating behavior I every saw was in the morning. We got on the bus after it had stopped at another resort. So standing room only for us. No complaint there. But evidently someone's child (about age 9 or so) got woken too early. The child was LAYING across three seats. The mother was sitting on the other side of the aisle. We stood there for the bus ride. Child never moved. At the park, the mother is "ok tommy, time to get up". It's wasn't like she had no idea. Why would anything think it's ok to take up three seats for one skinny little kid?

The best was during pop warner time. Looked like a coach and about 6-8 kids. Everyone was sitting. Next bus stop it would have been standing room only. At the stop, the coach told all the kids (about 9 ish in age), come on guys everybody stand up. And all the boys stood, giving up their seats.

 

[Luv2trav]

The worst bus seating behavior I every saw was in the morning. We got on the bus after it had stopped at another resort. So standing room only for us. No complaint there. But evidently someone's child (about age 9 or so) got woken too early. The child was LAYING across three seats. The mother was sitting on the other side of the aisle. We stood there for the bus ride. Child never moved. At the park, the mother is "ok tommy, time to get up". It's wasn't like she had no idea. Why would anything think it's ok to take up three seats for one skinny little kid?

The best was during pop warner time. Looked like a coach and about 6-8 kids. Everyone was sitting. Next bus stop it would have been standing room only. At the stop, the coach told all the kids (about 9 ish in age), come on guys everybody stand up. And all the boys stood, giving up their seats.

That would have infuriated me. I think I would have politely said something to the mother. Something like "Is you child ok?" and if she would have said yes I would have asked her to if we could have those seats. This is a good example why so many children grow up to be adults who have a sense of entitlement.

WAY TO GO COACH!! Thanks for sharing that story.

 

[LisaS]

I'm am a very courteous person and I help people when in need, but if your running to catch fast passes and the buses all day and then I'm supposed to give my seat for you when I've waited in line for a while then I am reluctant to give up my seat. If it is obvious that the person needs a seat no matter what age or condition then I will happily give it up. As far as public transportation, it is public transportation and it is available to everyone as long as they wait their turn in line.

I agree.

Bus lines can get pretty long at park closing time. If the bus is standing room only when it's time for us to board and we've worn ourselves out that day, we'll step aside and wait for the next bus so that we're guaranteed a seat. We've been pleasantly surprised how quickly another bus comes along, sometimes it's less than 5 minutes, in fact there are times when the next bus is pulling in as the overcrowded bus is pulling out.

I see taking Disney transportation as very different from using public transportation for work. At various times I have taken a bus or train to/from work that ran only once an hour so everyone crammed themselves on if at all possible. After sitting at a desk most of the day I had no problem giving up my seat to anyone who looked like they needed it more than I did. But at WDW the buses come more often and by choosing to wait for the next bus, guests can get a seat. If someone chooses to board a full bus rather than wait (and especially if I waited to get a seat because my feet are killing me and I'm exhausted) I'm unlikely to give up my seat. I'm also a bit older now than when I took public transportation to work and more likely to be offered a seat than be expected to offer up mine, but have offered my seat to a parent holding a small child.

 

[Dean]

I was told by AAA that AAA Diamond parking no longer exists in 2015. Sure enough, all of the signs are gone for it at the parks. We were bummed about that. They used to provide us with a Diamond parking pass for buying our annual passes through them.

Thanks, hadn't heard that. We'll still drive as before but it will alter the benefit a little.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I drive to all parks but MK. Mostly because it is me and my adult special needs son, and it is so hard for me to get his huge heavy chair on and off the bus and wrangle him at the same time. (thanks to all strangers who have pitched in to help me at times!)

I am from NJ, no way I would have stood on a bus while a 9 year old took up 3 seats, would not have happened.

Last trip we had a family let their 5-6 year old sleep on the way back to the resort on the BUS FLOOR. They thought it was hilarious. The bus was packed (retuning to Art of A from MK).

 

[DisneyfromDeland]

Thanks, hadn't heard that. We'll still drive as before but it will alter the benefit a little.

We were really saddened. We hadn't taken a tram in quite a while. It does add some more time, but I would still drive without question.

 

[Minniesgal]

You stay on site and prefer driving? Why? Is it that more convenient?

Yes yes and yes. We drive everywhere. Hate the buses. Nightmare

 

[gdrj]

I get how some times kids get tired and might cry etc... In Dec was on Bus from MK to Dolphin. Kid was throwing a fit because he was sitting with Mom instead of Dad. They made no attempt to quiet him, or let him move or parents switch seats, anything to keep the kid quiet. I understand not giving in etc but when it impacts other guests have a clue and do something, ignoring isn't going to help. We got off bus at Boardwalk instead of waiting for it to get to Dolphin, a quiet walk was nice

When we have a car we tend to try not to use it, especially if we are staying in EPCOT area since we can walk or boat to 2 parks. If we are staying elsewhere its 50/50 on drive or bus.

 

[SamSam]

I'm a 62 year old female and I will always give up my seat to someone that looks frail or a young person carrying an infant. When we've traveled with our twin grandsons, if the bus is full I held them both in my lap so we didn't take up extra seats. Dh stood with the folded stroller.

I realize some people have health issue's that don't show (have friends with fibromyalgia) so I try not to judge but I have to admit when I see 20 something healthy looking males or females not giving up their seats, I have trouble with it.

 

[NoleFan]

Our worst bus ride was from MK-AKL. Waited about 30 minutes in line. Bus completely full and last family of about 4 insists on getting on the crowded bus. We were still in line waiting for the next bus. A pre-teen start throwing up in the bus. They were in the very front of the bus and right near the step to exit while the bus doors were still open. The kid pukes in the bus and after done walks outside the bus. Parent and child deciding for a good 5 minutes whether to board the bus again while the bus driver is cleaning up the mess. 2nd bus waiting for this bus to depart to load passengers waiting in the long line. The kid was able to walk the extra steps to puke outside of the bus. The parent should have waited for the next bus which arrived minutes later instead of holding everyone up.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm a 62 year old female and I will always give up my seat to someone that looks frail or a young person carrying an infant. When we've traveled with our twin grandsons, if the bus is full I held them both in my lap so we didn't take up extra seats. Dh stood with the folded stroller.

I realize some people have health issue's that don't show (have friends with fibromyalgia) so I try not to judge but I have to admit when I see 20 something healthy looking males or females not giving up their seats, I have trouble with it.

Not all people carrying babies want to sit. I never did when DS was little. If I sat, he got angry. (this is on city buses not WDW, as we weren't going to WDW yet) I canot tell you how many close-to-arguments I ended up in with people INSISTING I sit down, when I simply did not want to. Same when pregnant. If I sat I couldn't get up. I wasn't going to sit.

You know that there are invisible problems. Period. End that sentence there. No changing your knowledge based on how old you think people are. You know that there are invisible problems.

You stay on site and prefer driving? Why? Is it that more convenient?

Same, and YES.

I am an able-bodied 40something mom with two teen kids and while we would give up our seats for very elderly standing passengers, we would not give them up for young families. The reason? We ARE TIRED TOO!

So very true.

I get what you are saying but someone with very small children/babies that they have to hold and try to balance themselves and their children I give my seat up. Sometimes all buses are full all the time and the next one can be 40 mins away. Just my opinion. I give it up.

That being said I enjoy riding the buses too.. I found most people are very friendly.

Those families are making the choice to get on that bus. If you want to give up a seat that's great, but don't expect others to. You don't know what they are dealing with. And the people with small kids have made a few choices along the way. Including getting on a bus so full they'll have to stand.

 

[AlexisMaxMommy]

The only problem I have with the buses is when someone in a scooter comes with a large family and they all feel entitled to bypass all the people who have been waiting on line to get on the bus. While my wife and I are still healthy
we let this slide. However, in another ten years or if our health weakens I won't. I'll have the bus driver enforce the rules!

I carry a bunch of internet disney pins with me. Whenever, someone offers us a seat I give all their kids a pin!

I agree with that one! We were waiting about 30 minutes for a bus one night, and this family comes up about a minute before the bus with two scooters and a dozen people not counting the two on the scooters. They all walked right up on the bus, so by the time I got on, I spent the ride bracing myself while holding my sleeping three year-old. I understand some people may need to use the scooters, but they shouldn't be able to just cut the line. Many of them could probably benefit from getting up and walking.

 

[dnkmmw]

You know that there are invisible problems. Period. End that sentence there. No changing your knowledge based on how old you think people are. You know that there are invisible problems.

Those families are making the choice to get on that bus. If you want to give up a seat that's great, but don't expect others to. You don't know what they are dealing with. And the people with small kids have made a few choices along the way. Including getting on a bus so full they'll have to stand.

I completely agree with these statements. I am in my 30s and I think I look healthy. I had a traumatic knee injury and major knee surgery last year. I rarely walk with even a slight limp, but I often have pain. I would never ask someone to stand for me so, if I feel I can't stand on the bus, we wait for another bus or take a cab. These are options for everyone. I'm sorry that people feel it's appropriate to judge my ability to stand based on how I look, but please understand that everyone makes the choice to get on a full bus.

Dawn

 

[SamSam]

Not all people carrying babies want to sit. I never did when DS was little.







.

True! As an 'older woman' I'm sometimes offered a seat that I don't need. That's okay, I just say "thank you, I'm okay". I will still offer my seat to those with 'babies', if they don't need it, that's fine....I've never experienced someone not being glad for the seat though. In 20+ years of travel and riding he buses, most people with young ones are grateful for a seat.

 

[Minniesgal]

I would be horrified if a child stood up to give me a seat. In my opinion children are far more vulnerable than able bodied adults and need the protection of sitting in a vehicle.

 

[ataylorrdh]

I drive to all parks but MK. Mostly because it is me and my adult special needs son, and it is so hard for me to get his huge heavy chair on and off the bus and wrangle him at the same time. (thanks to all strangers who have pitched in to help me at times!)

I am from NJ, no way I would have stood on a bus while a 9 year old took up 3 seats, would not have happened.

Last trip we had a family let their 5-6 year old sleep on the way back to the resort on the BUS FLOOR. They thought it was hilarious. The bus was packed (retuning to Art of A from MK).

Really? On the floor? When our DS was 5 we stayed at MK til closing of EMH. He loved it because "we stayed up until it was tomorrow." He was wide awake in the park. However, on the bus back, all 3 of us stood on the packed bus and he fell asleep standing up between my DH and I. And actually we could not wake him to walk off the bus. We each grabbed an arm and carried him off the bus. But I would never let him sleep on the floor. YUCK!

 

[Coloradomom]

I had a bad ankle injury some years ago and use a transport wheelchair (DH is a great navigator of the chair) to get long distances, such as from bus drop off to park entrance or long distances in the park. That way I can keep my ankle strength to walk between attractions. I can also be a bit unsteady, such as on a bus. We are always amazed at the times we board a bus and there are no seats and no one offers a seat to the couple carrying a wheelchair. (We fold it like a stroller and I can walk on the bus). Yes I know we have the choice to wait for another bus, but sometimes you just want to get back. I am well aware of hidden disabilities as to look at me you would never know anything was wrong, but really? Someone is carrying a wheelchair and you don't put two and two together?

 

[Susiequsie60]

I'm a 62 year old female and I will always give up my seat to someone that looks frail or a young person carrying an infant. When we've traveled with our twin grandsons, if the bus is full I held them both in my lap so we didn't take up extra seats. Dh stood with the folded stroller.

I realize some people have health issue's that don't show (have friends with fibromyalgia) so I try not to judge but I have to admit when I see 20 something healthy looking males or females not giving up their seats, I have trouble with it.

I agree with you 100%. I think you made it very clear that you understand that not all health issues show, and that you don't judge people who don't give up a seat. But all those people out there so quick to point out that not everyone can offer to stand have to admit, if there are 8 or 9 very healthy 20 somethings sitting on the bus, the likelihood of all of them having an unseen disability is pretty slim. If that were the case and none of them offered a seat to another passenger, I would definitely be curious. Wouldn't say anything obviously. But I'd think to myself that I'm glad my own family would definitely stand-up so another more needy person could have a seat.

And I certainly don't think that children should stand. But again, there's nothing wrong with a kid on a parent's lap. Back in the day, I'd take my 10 year old on my lap. If the bus were really crowded I'd probably take my 12 year old. By the time they're teenagers, I'd probably tell them to offer up their seat.

Personally, I was never at WDW with infants, but if I was holding a baby on a crowded bus, that might be one of the few times I would take someone up on an offer of a seat. I personally couldn't stand, keep my balance, hold a railing, and hold my child. I'd be very appreciative.

And if someone offers a seat and you don't want it, just say "no thanks." No big deal. I'm 54 years old now, and I would certainly not be offended if someone younger offered me a seat. I wouldn't take it because I definitely don't need it. But I would think that the person who offered was very kind.

 

[Susiequsie60]

I had a bad ankle injury some years ago and use a transport wheelchair (DH is a great navigator of the chair) to get long distances, such as from bus drop off to park entrance or long distances in the park. That way I can keep my ankle strength to walk between attractions. I can also be a bit unsteady, such as on a bus. We are always amazed at the times we board a bus and there are no seats and no one offers a seat to the couple carrying a wheelchair. (We fold it like a stroller and I can walk on the bus). Yes I know we have the choice to wait for another bus, but sometimes you just want to get back. I am well aware of hidden disabilities as to look at me you would never know anything was wrong, but really? Someone is carrying a wheelchair and you don't put two and two together?

Wow. That is pretty crazy. I honestly can't even imagine that particular scenario and not offering a seat.

Unfortunately, I think some people have become very cynical. (And I'm really not talking to anyone here - I'm just speaking in general.) They might immediately jump to an incorrect conclusion about you and the fact that you are carrying on the wheelchair.

My husband is a police officer and he taught me something a long time ago:
He always says that in a situation that could go either way, he'd rather give a break to someone on the belief that they are actually a good person who just happened to make a mistake, rather than give a ticket to that same person on the assumption that they are a "dirt bag." (His word, not mine.) Does that make sense? In other words, in a iffy situation, err on the side of thinking better of the person rather than thinking the worst.