Bus manners

[GC&S]

We just got back from a wonderful trip. We had very few issues. But what is with people and buses?? We have a 3 yr old and many times we had to stand. For adults that fine, but for a child it's really hard. No one ever offered their seat to her. DH offered his seat several times - to pg women, women with small children and elderly. No one else offered their seats. One family took up several seats with their stuff and one woman asked if her child could sit in one of the "packages" seat and the family said no. Very rude.

My other gripe was with strollers (and yes, we used a stroller). Why do people feel the need to set up their stroller right when they get off the bus? Move to the side and then set up your stroller, especially if little Johnny doesn't want to get in it and is throwing a temper tantrum. Several times people were tripping over strollers because the family was at the bottom of the steps trying to unfold their stroller. I'm stroller impaired so I move as far out the way to fight with it (and dd) trying to get it open.

We had very few stroller incidents in the parks (and it was pretty crowded). No stroller ramming or people walking in our path. As always, people would stop right in front of us but thanks to our quick reflexes we avoided crashing into them.

 

[TDC Nala]

Here we go again. Keeping your packages on the seat is rude. But I don't give up seats to kids who can stand on their own. I will for parents who have to carry the kids, just try balancing that way.

Wow, the stroller thing! and it's usually those megastrollers, and nobody else can get off the bus until they set it up and buckle the kid in.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you really want a seat on the bus, you could always wait for the next one. You'd be at the front of the line and pretty much assured a seat.

 

[Luv4Disney]

I always give up my seat for someone carrying a child, and so does DBF. However, I do find it unnecessary for a child to have a seat all to themselves. If they're small enough, I feel they should be on the parents lap to allow someone else to sit, as there are many eldery people who visit Disney as well.

 

[ksdave]

I always give up my seat for someone carrying a child, and so does DBF. However, I do find it unnecessary for a child to have a seat all to themselves. If they're small enough, I feel they should be on the parents lap to allow someone else to sit, as there are many eldery people who visit Disney as well.

I am more apt to give up my seat for the elderly than I am for children. It really annoys me when I see perfectly healthy pre-teens sitting on a bus, subway or train while elderly people stand. You have to wonder what their parents have taught them (or not taught them).
Plus,I'll be elderly soon enough

 

[anewvance]

When the bus was crowded, my husband stood with the stroller every time. Most of the time, the kids and I managed to get 2 seats to share between the 4 of us which worked out fine. Twice there was only one seat available and I felt much better having my 6 and 4 year old share it while I stood holding my 15 month old, I really didn't mind at all. But I must say 1 of the 2 times, a guy offered his seat to me which was really sweet. The second time, a woman who also had a child (like 4) on her lap was trying to give me her seat and I insisted she stay put because it was a short ride from MK to POFQ and I didn't mind standing. But all in all, i've found people really nice when I've either had babies with me or even pregnant... it's amazing to watch perfectly healthy teenage kids sit there while women with infants in their arms have to stand, with some of those crazy bus drivers, eventually it's asking for trouble!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

We just returned also. While I DO think it's extremely rude to have "items" taking up seats (as opposed to humans of any age/size/etc.) -I don't think anyone is mandated to give their seat up to anyone else. You have no idea their condition that isn't visible/etc. and if you really want a seat when it's standing room only- wait for the next bus. That's what we did, and I think it's wrong that potentially (from what I have read on this board atleast) there are people out there having an "issue" with me and my kids sitting on a bus and not offering them our seats- when we waited almost every time for the next bus so we wouldn't be standing! How fair is it for us to wait for the next bus so we can sit then have to offer our seat to someone else who apparently is too "good" to wait for the next bus but instead expects us to give up our seats for them?

If you want to sit- and it's standing room only... wait for another bus. period.

 

[5kwallace]

My DH always gives up his seat to anyone who needs or wants it. I put my 4 year on my lap so we only take up 1 seat. I hate to see someone with a small child that has to stand or the elderly (or anyone that needs a seat). Many people are inconsiderate with packages. And a few could also put their kids on their lap so someone else could sit down. Not everyone knows that they will not get a seat and with others behind them they cannot get off the bus. We always try to be considerate of others. I am thankful for those that have been considerate to my family.

 

[tone.def]

First off I want to say that me and my partner in crime look very able bodied. We try to take very good care of ourselves. That being said - we have both been banged around in separate accidents in the past couple years and when we have a seat to sit in, we stay in it - I will not give it up for a child, but I will for the elderly, a pregnant lady, or a woman holding an infant (not a 3 or 4 year old - out them down and save your back!!!) or anyone who appears to be in worse shape than me.

We might look quite rude because we're in our late 20's, but if only you knew what has happened to my back or his legs... If it's going to be packed, we have a seat on the bench and wiat for the next one... and that goes with our city's public transportation as well.

 

[Luv4Disney]

My DH always gives up his seat to anyone who needs or wants it. I put my 4 year on my lap so we only take up 1 seat. I hate to see someone with a small child that has to stand or the elderly (or anyone that needs a seat). Many people are inconsiderate with packages. And a few could also put their kids on their lap so someone else could sit down. Not everyone knows that they will not get a seat and with others behind them they cannot get off the bus. We always try to be considerate of others. I am thankful for those that have been considerate to my family.

Of course. Who wouldn't give up their seat with a parent carrying a sleeping child? It's just wrong to make them stand and deal with the jolts of the bus with their hands full. I gave up my seat to an elderly woman once and she was so grateful. It's not that I don't think children shouldn't sit, I just don't think that a 2 year old needs to take a whole seat. They'd still be sitting while on the lap of a parent. And if a person has an issue with standing, it hardly makes sense to make them stand for the next bus. There are many times that we have waited for a seat for a bus and wound up giving them to someone else. We may not know their conditions or whatnot, but if we're able to stand and able to make someone more comfortable who looks like they need it, then we're going to do it.

 

[i like stitch]

We recently returned and rode many busses that were standing room only. We typically had seats but when the busses became full, DH stood and offerred his seat to healthy-appearing women younger than I (he's the type that still opens my car door for me and we've been married a looong time) while DD9 sat on my lap to free another seat. (We also did this on a very crowded boat ride from Beach Club to MGM.) No big deal---just a short ride to where ever we were going.

DD, DH, and myself stood on one occaision. It was ok and I didn't think anything about it.

What really should happen is for Disney to provide better bussing to eliminate the standing.

 

[Okiemom]

Man, I remember this topic just a few days ago, lots of different opinions. I agree with a prior poster, if you see the bus is full, and you don't want to stand, wait for the next bus. I sure would not get on a FULL bus, then expect others to give up their seats to me. It is my choice to get on, or wait. I am really surprised Disney lets "standing" on the buses anyway. It seems like a way for people to get hurt, but then I realize they need more transportation. Tricky.

Just curious, we are staying at POFQ, are some of you having the Full buses from this resort, or is it happening to a particular resort the most?

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

I don't think it is safe for a young child to stand on the buses. When I was pregnant with DS #2 no one ever offered me there seat. I also agree with the poster who said it is not fair that a family waits for a second bus and is expected to give up there seats. it's just not fair. If we get on a bus and get seats my 7 yr old will have a seat. My 2 yr old will be on my lap. If there is someone who is not well enough to stand on a bus how are they healthy enough to walk around Disney for hours a day? My DH always gives up his seat for anyone who needs it as well but I don't think people should expect it.

 

[frogfuzz]

I have to argue with hubs to take a seat & I stand if no room left, he looks fine but his leg is bad and we dont spend long in parks as he cant walk very long. And won't scooter. Women have asked him to get up and give them his seat . I find that rude. He always does and doesnt tell them his pain.

my main pet peeve is people who are seating that have to jump up right away at parks and get off the bus first , when everyone is getting off, rather than letting the people who have been standing in the aisles get off first. Is that 2 minutes really going to kill their day.

 

[stemikger]

Originally quoted by GS&S
We just got back from a wonderful trip. We had very few issues. But what is with people and buses?? We have a 3 yr old and many times we had to stand

First let me say using seats for packages is very rude and not acceptable.

However, my rule is I give up my seat for pregnant women, elderly men and women and anyone who looks like they have a physical condition that would make standing hard. But I think it is stretching it if you want me to get up everytime a 3 year old gets on the bus. After all we are in Disney.

I think as a parent it is your responsibility to see if your child is too tired to stand if the bus is crowded. If not I think it is also your responsibility to wait for a bus that is less crowded.

On the last trip I took there was a women who was instructing people to let the kids sit first. She even told my 11 year old to wait until (these are her words) the "little ones sit". My daughter is entitled to sit as much as a younger child. It is not yours or her decision to decide who gets to sit and who dosen't.

By the way - if you see a man (for argument sake let's say who is in his early 40s that looks healthy) sitting and not getting up for your child. Don't always assume that he is healthy. They could have a medical condition that you may not be able to see from the outside. Looks can be deceving.

I hate rudeness as much as the next peson and I saw my share on the buses on our last trip, but I think you are acting like one of those parents who care more about your kid than anyone elses. Your child is not the only 3 year old that could be standing on a bus in Disney. What if another tired 3 year old came on the bus. Would you get up for them, if you child at the seat for a few minutes and was feeling better?

 

[tekmnky]

It truly is amazing to me that chivalry and manners have taken a backseat (no pun intended) to comfort and convenience in today's society. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been able to sit on a bus, monorail or water taxi in all the trips I've made to WDW.

I was taught that no able-bodied male should be seated when a female, elderly person or person holding a child was standing. I, for one, will continue to offer my seat.

 

[stemikger]

Originally quoted by frogfuzz
my main pet peeve is people who are seating that have to jump up right away at parks and get off the bus first , when everyone is getting off, rather than letting the people who have been standing in the aisles get off first. Is that 2 minutes really going to kill their day.

You are so right. We were standing many times on our last trip. This happened to us more times then I can count. But this one was the worst. There was a women who was seated in the front and I was standing right near the front door because I was the last one on the bus. When it was time to get up this women jumped up and bolted right in front of me. I was amazed at her rudeness. My wife who dosen't pay much attention to this stuff even said: That that was the rudest thing she has ever seen. By the way she was not an elderly women. She was probably in her mid 30s.

When we were the ones who were seated, we ALWAYS waited until everyone who was standing got off the bus before we even attempted to get up from our seats.

This is a major pet peeve of mine. Sometimes it seems like civility is dead. The only downside of my last trip was something I haven't noticed before, but it seemed like people are getting ruder and less caring (and I live in New York City). I know people are excited to be at Disney, but I always try to be considerate of the next guy.

NOW I'll get off my soap box.

 

[stemikger]

Originally quoted by tekmnky
It truly is amazing to me that chivalry and manners have taken a backseat (no pun intended) to comfort and convenience in today's society. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been able to sit on a bus, monorail or water taxi in all the trips I've made to WDW.

Ninety percent of the time I do offer my seat, I just don't like to be told by some in your face self rightious person when and when I can't sit.

If yo prefer to get up and never sit, that is nice and your choice, but you should also respect others and not judge a book by its cover. If a grown man is sitting, he may have a medical condition and the last thing he needs is to have some self-rightious making him feel bad.

Like I said I always get up anyway, it is just a point that people should mind their own business and live and let live.

Rudeness is not acceptable and I will call someone on that. There was a guy on one trip who rushed in front of all the women and children so he could sit. I totally agree that is just awful, but not ever instance is the same and sometimes you have to consider other circumstances.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

My DH always gives up his seat to anyone who needs or wants it. I put my 4 year on my lap so we only take up 1 seat. I hate to see someone with a small child that has to stand or the elderly (or anyone that needs a seat). Many people are inconsiderate with packages. And a few could also put their kids on their lap so someone else could sit down. Not everyone knows that they will not get a seat and with others behind them they cannot get off the bus. We always try to be considerate of others. I am thankful for those that have been considerate to my family.

Wrong. Several times we got on a bus only to realize there were no seats and walked right back off. It CAN be done- it is done. Just did it quite a few times on our last trip.

To the person that said if a person can't stand on a bus they can't be expected to stand to wait for the next bus- that person can either sit to wait for the bus (I did it a few times myself because my knee started hurting- don't care if anyone thought I looked funny sitting on the concrete waiting for a bus I could sit in) or they need to be in a wheelchair or scooter or something. I can't imagine someone going to WDW that can't even stand to wait for the next bus so they can sit. How are they going to get around at WDW? If they are going to use a wheelchair or scooter there- they should probably get one for use 100% of their trip if they are unable to even stand long enough to wait for the next bus- or sit on the concrete as I did.

I did have my 70lb almost 8yr old son sit on my lap twice during the trip- even though I waited for the NEXT bus so that we'd be able to sit down, simply because there were kids in front of us that I offered his seat up to a parent/young child to share (young child in their lap) but it hurt my knee to do so (and honestly my legs were numb by the time we got there). Both times I had waited for the 2nd bus (one time 20min, one time total 30min from time waiting for first bus then waiting for 2nd bus) so that we could sit. I had him sit on my lap because he's not good at holding on to things and will fall all over people (including myself)- so that's why the only other option was to have him sit in my lap.

I think it's unfair to consider chivalry gone just because a seat is not offered 100% of the time. It's not FAIR to have someone wait for the next bus so they can sit- then expect them to give it up to someone else who expects to sit even if the bus is full and not wait for the next bus themselves. That's just not right.

 

[ncbyrne]

I'm a grandma and I've had to stand one time too often. Not once has anyone ever offered me a seat. This is the very reason I will rent a car from now on.