Bus manners

[Kay1]

How safe is it for anyone to stand? Once, my son (a young teen at the time) stood for just a moment to dig something from his pocket. The bus driver got on the PA and said, Please remain seated. There is to be no standing while the bus is in motion. Interesting, because had there been no free seats, he certainly would have been standing.

 

[daisax]

I'll remember this thread the next time people are telling me how much nicer it is to take the bus than drive

After all the years of hearing how wonderful Disney transportation is, I was ready to give it a try this time -- as it turned out it was so hot and nasty we didn't feel like waiting out for a bus so we didn't.

The location of the bus stops outside the park always seemed to be at least as far as any of the distances we had to walk from car to tram.

We did take the monorail once to the Poly for lunch -- waiting for it to return was excruciating. Fast service? We could have driven to the transportation center and back at least twice in the amount of time we waited. Though it was shaded, it was hot and humid and in no way a convenient mode of transportation.

It was a very slow week at the park -- seldom did we have many people in the monorail car with us. So maybe that explains why they were running them less often. But it also means (to me) that you ride Disney transport at your own risk in low season.

I understand making the decision to use Dis transport for financial reasons. I can't fathom using it for convenience.

 

[Spartan]

We just returned from our first trip to POP, and I did not like the bus situation. We had a car, and by the end, used it for all the parks, including MK. Typically we only usually ride the bus for MK, but every time we went, there was a huge line. I don't mind standing, but I hated waiting out in the direct sun for 20 minutes to catch a bus. Why didn't they build bus shelters at POP? In some people's defense, the way the lines were, people felt they had to get on the bus, even if they were with small children and had to stand. The driver would keep waving people on. I don't think people realized that they could step aside and wait for another bus, although that would mean standing out in the direct sun for another 10-15 minutes, which could have been worse than trying to stand.

 

[Nank]

Most of the time we were on the bus, it was not entirely full. Every time there was a mother with baby, someone offered her a seat. I saw mostly nice, polite people. I did get CRAMMED in on the night of MNSSHP returning after the parade. I was by myself and stood for a while. I never saw so many people on a bus!

 

[DrTomorrow]

Ah, another oldie but goodie.

Comments:

Packages should never take seats when people need them.

Even though we always rent a car, I used to love the bus - I always thought it was like another attraction. Lately - the past 2-3 years - we've driven to theme parks more and more (except MK unless we want to monorail/ferry).

I am a 40-something male in reasonable shape and will gladly offer up my seat to someone more needy than I. Usually that's older, pregnant, holding a child and/or disabled in some way that I can detect. I will also get up when someone asks and provides an acceptable (to me) reason ('invisible' ailment, child ready to fall asleep / melt-down).

That being said - and with all due disagreement with the 'Holier than thou' Courtesy Cops in postings above - simply being a female is neither a disability nor an automatic pass to my seat. Yes, I was brought up to: stand when a female enters the room, hold a door open for them, offer them my seat and - gasp - light their cigarette. However, I have - on Disney buses, mind you - been LOUDLY chastised for offering a seat to the following: an obviously elderly woman ("Just because I'm old doesn't mean I can't stand!"); a 20-something, fit-appearing female ("Being a woman doesn't mean I need your charity") and an obviously pregnant woman ("Pregnancy isn't an illness or a disability - sit your a$$ back down!"). As for lighting cigarettes - as in "Here, miss, let me help you get lung cancer" - well, things change and I've learned my lesson: everyone's equal.

Finally - and this is a bit harsh - Disney is NOT a public utility, it is a business and we all pay a pretty penny to get access to their facilities, including transportation. So no one has any greater claim to access than anyone else. If I wait in line for something - a ride, at a food counter, a boat, a bus - when it's my turn, I expect to get what I waited for (and yes, I'll wait extra-long for the front of the RnRC!). Think about it - if I'm at Cosmic Ray's, and I let every female, elderly or HC person in front of me, I'd never eat (not that DrT couldn't stand to lose a few pounds). Same for the bus - want to be guarenteed a seat? Simply wait until you're first in line and get on the next bus. If that means waiting, well - just like everything else at WDW, Disney doesn't provide sufficient capacity so that everyone can walk right on and get exactly what they want. Want more buses / more seats / more poles to hang on to? Give Walt a call (they unfreeze him ever 3 months....)

IMHO - YMMV. Be well.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Okay, we just got back two days ago after spending a wonderful 10 nights at WL.

The buses were not crowded at all. On a couple of occassions, my husband and I did offer our seats to others. I would not let my children offer their seats because their safety to me is more important than as some has quoted "good manners". However, I do believe, if the bus is crowded and you want a seat, you can wait for the next bus. Everyone is entitled to a seat.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

I give my seat up when *I* feel it's right. Unfortunetly, at the end of a day at the park when a gazillion people are trying to pack on a bus it's hard. I'm JUST as tired as them and waited in the same line at the bus stop.

But just like anything else in the world, it just depends. Not everyone's minds work the same so you just have to deal when you don't see someone doing/reacting the way you would to a situation.

 

[JRawkSteady]

I give my seat up when *I* feel it's right. Unfortunetly, at the end of a day at the park when a gazillion people are trying to pack on a bus it's hard. I'm JUST as tired as them and waited in the same line at the bus stop.

But just like anything else in the world, it just depends. Not everyone's minds work the same so you just have to deal when you don't see someone doing/reacting the way you would to a situation.

Well said, my friend!

 

[smfritz03]

Finally - and this is a bit harsh - Disney is NOT a public utility, it is a business and we all pay a pretty penny to get access to their facilities, including transportation. So no one has any greater claim to access than anyone else. If I wait in line for something - a ride, at a food counter, a boat, a bus - when it's my turn, I expect to get what I waited for
IMHO - YMMV. Be well.

If thats the case---then people need not complain either about 1)people stopping in front of others to take a pic. or gaze at the castle 2)whinning kids because they are paying the same or more to go to Disney and whine --not to mention everything else everyone comes to the DISboard to complain about. Im sure all these people that are being complained about feel the exact same way that you do--they paid and they will enjoy it however they want.

I guess thats why society is now becoming a "I want, what about me, ME ME ME ME ME" society. People are getting more into the mindset of "I paid for this" or "what makes you more special"..........its time to get beyond all that, and think about MANNERS and passing them on to your children. Its the basic understanding of "treat others how you want to be treated". If you dont want to give your seat up--thats fine--but someday down the road, when its you/your wife that is pregnant, your 3 yr old child standing--or you as an elderly and noone is letting you sit, or whatever the scenrio may be--just dont complain. Its really all about doing what you would want done for you.

 

[declansdad]

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

Are you serious? It is a bus system and I believe it is one of the biggest in North America. People need to realize that a bus system is not a taxi. It is not the most convenient method of transportation but it is better than nothing. Could you imagine what it would be like if they offered nothing at all?

 

[maxiesmom]

Spartan, fyi the bus shelters only exist at moderate or deluxe hotels. One reason my sister will not stay value!

You know, we can argue about this until the cows come home and still everyone would not see this issue the same way! It all comes down to this: you can only control your own behavior. If you simply must sit either rent a car or wait for the next bus. If people glare at you that is their problem, not yours. If you choose to give up your seat, good for you. But you don't have to. People who get on a bus expecting someone to give up their seat need to get over themselves.

 

[Eeyore2003]

Knowing the pain I'm usually in after trucking around a park all day, my DH usually will get on the bus and quickly save me a sit if one is available. Of course no one can tell that I'm in pain, so there have been many times I've stood on the bus, while teen-agers and younger men will be sitting right in front of me. They don't know and I'm only 51, I don't really look like I "need" a seat. I agree, if I really want to sit, I'd wait for the next bus, but then of course, you have to weigh the length of time you'd be standing in line again waiting for the next bus. Easier to just stand and get back to the resort as soon as possible so I can REALLY relax. DH always gives up his seat to someone who needs it more.

 

[jeffd101]

I try to stay away from these threads. I made the mistake of mentioning the bus seat thing when I returned from our April trip. I am one of those that only sat when everyone else on the bus also sat. That makes me nothing special - it is merely how I was raised.

I agree that any individual has as much right to the seat they are in as the next person - be they elderly, young, male, female, pregnant, disabled - whatever.

However, the point made above about doing what "you" feel is right is bang on - do what you want, but please don't complain about what "I" do (be it on a bus, or elsewhere). We all have our things that will be perceived negatively by others. In fact, people who "could" give up their seats, but do not, may see those who do give them up as being the problem - it is just a matter of perspective (not one I share, but a different point of view nonetheless).

 

[Livi'sMom]

We were there from 8/29 to 9/4 and stayed at the CBR. As busy as it was, we had nice positive experiences with the busses. We have a DD4 who looks very healthy, but she has mild CP, which results in poor balance and legs that tire quickly and muscle spasms. When we boarded the bus, DH would handle the stroller and I would handle the child. I don't mind carrying her. I've been doing it for 4 years (want to feel my biceps?) and I think nothing of it. I was amazed at the people that went out of their way to ensure that we had a seat. No, we don't intentionally board full buses, but sometimes you don't realize there are no seats until you board... and it is difficult to get off! My favorite was a little boy... probably 7 or 8, who was riding beside his Mom in the back of the bus with the seat along the side (where the vertical pole comes down). He got up and said "Ma'am, there's not a lot of room here, but your little girl would fit beside my mom and then you wouldn't have to carry her." He didn't do it at the prompting of his mother, he just was a considerate young man! I thanked him and, since he was so sincere, took him up on his offer. We got to make 2 new friends that day and DD (who does not have a shy bone in her body) explained to him what CP is from a 4 year old's perspective!

The only rudeness we encountered the entire week was during the parade. We scouted a spot in plenty of time so they we could be curbside and she could remain in her stroller... I was amazed that when the parade started, a family sent their much bigger kids to stand in front of her stroller... which was right on the edge of the curb. (The Mom: go stand in front of the baby in the stroller) Um.. she is 4.. does she look or sound like an infant? Nope! The woman was offended that I told her children they could not stand their and they needed to move, but apparently she got over it... or found someone else to stand directly in front of.

OK.... there was another incident with a guest telling us that we didn't need our GAC card for her stroller since she looks healthy and he saw her walk. Hubby took care of that.... LOL

Ok.... I am on a total tangent, but my point was.... for the most part, people are really considerate on the bus... from our experience anyway!

 

[smfritz03]

Spartan, fyi the bus shelters only exist at moderate or deluxe hotels. One reason my sister will not stay value!

You know, we can argue about this until the cows come home and still everyone would not see this issue the same way! It all comes down to this: you can only control your own behavior. If you simply must sit either rent a car or wait for the next bus. If people glare at you that is their problem, not yours. If you choose to give up your seat, good for you. But you don't have to. People who get on a bus expecting someone to give up their seat need to get over themselves.

Agreed!!!!!!

 

[Horizons16]

I always give my seat up for people that need it.
Like somebody else mentioned its just the way i was brought up.

 

[Luv4Disney]

Well, you know, some people are too proud to get into a scooter or a wheelchair. I know that's the case in my family. Also, people may not be able to sit on the concrete because they may not be able to get back up. So, if you're a healthy being with no health problems and you could make someone's day a little bit better, wouldn't you?

 

[LaraK]

As a resident of the Mid-Atlantic zone of the country, I can say emphatically that rudeness is exploding at an amazing rate. The experiences I've had on a daily basis with aggressive driving, inconsiderate behavior and base and offensive language amaze and distress me. On a recent trip to Hersheypark, we actually had another family push past me and get into the "strollers only" portion of the tram and then refuse to move when asked by an employee causing me to become separated from the rest of my family with my baby (I told the employee to let it go...it wasn't worth it and I would meet up with my family at the car if he could just help me get on and off the tram safely...my family was trapped by other families on the tram).

That being said...even when we were crammed onto buses at Disney like sardines in a can, the level of polite behavior was unparallelled compaired to my normal life. The bus drivers played silly games to pass the time and take our minds off of the fact that our noses were buried in each others armpits. I did see people give up their seats and take strangers children on their own laps with their own children. We stopped riding because we felt awkward taking up so much room with our stoller and stuff (I know I clocked a few people with my backpack...I am really REALLY sorry if it was you!).

Disney is a "happy zone". I saw other people getting really irritated with the crowding on the buses, but hey, life isn't worth raising your blood pressue over things you can not control. Looking on the bright side...where I live (ok, not where I live, but where I work...Baltimore...they used to have a TV show about how often people get shot here) the behavior people are upset about is par for the course on a daily basis.

 

[twotommygirl]

Last week, we were on a bus coming from having dinner in Whispering Canyon at WL going to DDT to transfer to a bus to POR. My family of 5 were all standing, as were many others. After the bus stopped at GF, a few people left, leaving an empty seat in the back. Being that my son, 6, had just come down with a fever and headache, I said, "Ty, a seat just opened up, go sit down". The words weren't even out of my mouth when an able-bodied 40ish looking jack@!! spun around, probably faster than is butt has ever moved, and actually stuck his arm and leg in front of my son, you know how the kids do when trying to secure a place on line, actually knocking my little man over. UNBELIEVABLE. I really wanted to scream at him but chose to remark loudly to my son, so that everyone could here, that sometimes adults can be rude. He wouldn't look at me, but the people he was with were giggling and commenting to him. What a freakin jerk, huh?

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

Not every kid needs to sit down. And it also depends on what bus style you get too. I know I never wanted to see a kid fall and bust their head open because they were standing.

A few of the buses really didn't have any low hand holds. On those buses I gave my seat up to kids that on other buses could stand with the best of them.