carseats on magical express

[tjmw2727]

Our jobs as parents is to keep the kids safe. Here in NJ DD has to be in a carseat until she is 8. Just because it's Disney doesnt take away from the danger of no carseats or seatbelts. JMHO you do want you what with your children we will do what we want.

Yes - ITA, my job it to keep my dd's safe. Here in DE there is no booster seat law so my dd dosen't have to be in a booster seat. But you know what - I don't need a law to direct me, she is in a booster because she dosen't meet the 8 and 80 recommendation.

However one thing has nothing to do with the other. I feel my kids are safe on the Disney bus not because its Disney but due to the bus design and statistics posted above. Millions of people ride buses every day, city buses and school buses and yes Disney buses. Even if you drive your car or a rental at Disney you are still going to have to use Disney transportation of some sort at some point.

TJ

 

[jodifla]

Yes - ITA, my job it to keep my dd's safe. Here in DE there is no booster seat law so my dd dosen't have to be in a booster seat. But you know what - I don't need a law to direct me, she is in a booster because she dosen't meet the 8 and 80 recommendation.

However one thing has nothing to do with the other. I feel my kids are safe on the Disney bus not because its Disney but due to the bus design and statistics posted above. Millions of people ride buses every day, city buses and school buses and yes Disney buses. Even if you drive your car or a rental at Disney you are still going to have to use Disney transportation of some sort at some point.

TJ

Well put. Again, it's virtually impossible to go to Disney and not use public transportation, so if parents are that insistent on seat belts, they shouldn't go to Disney. (Or NYC, Chicago, most of the European capitals, etc.)

 

[CleveRocks]

I feel my kids are safe on the Disney bus not because its Disney but due to the bus design and statistics posted above.

Exactly.

Our jobs as parents is to keep the kids safe. Here in NJ DD has to be in a carseat until she is 8. Just because it's Disney doesnt take away from the danger of no carseats or seatbelts. JMHO you do want you what with your children we will do what we want.

Right, she has to be in a carseat in a car. But there are no NJ state laws regarding carseats on New Jersey Transit buses, right???

I'm not blind, and I don't think, "Just because it's Disney it's safe." How odd of you to suggest that that's what I'm basing my conclusions on.

BUSES are safer overall, regardless of the owner/operator. Every day on our TV news or in the local paper we hear/read about unfortunate people badly injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents. How many of these involve cars/SUVs, and how many involve buses? I live just outside Atlantic City. We have more buses rolling through here than New York's Port Authority, and the only recent injury-causing bus accident I'm aware of involved the type of accident that would have been even worse in a car -- the driver came off the Parkway at Exit 37 (downhill!) at a T intersection and the bus went straight rather than left or right, slamming into a pole or a wall or something at a high speed.

Of course we will all do with our kids as we see fit. Of course. No one here has said anything different. A few of us are just hoping to get you to see the fact that seat belts on buses aren't as helpful or important as they are in smaller vehicles, that's all.

Peace.

 

[camdensmom]

I'm not going to get into the whole car seat / bus safety debate, however, I would suggest to the OP and anyone else traveling with little ones to rent a car.

We found it so much nicer to have the car at our disposal and to have DS' car seat in it. It was faster than the buses and if you stay onsite you can park for free anywhere in WDW. I can see the merit of buses and I know people enjoy the vacation feel of not having a car, but for us it was all about making life easier. We loved zipping around Disney property (very well marked and easy to navigate), being able to go back for DS nap or a quick dip, dining at other resorts and only needing to leave 15 minutes ahead of time (and not 1 hour). Also, we stayed at CSR and in the larger resorts it is nice to pull up to your building after a long day at the parks and not have to tranfer the baby/toddler through the property at night.

To each his own, but for us it was a matter of 'time is money' and we saved enough time to justify the added expense of a rental car. If you are on the fence about the bus issue then I suggest opting for the car rental.

 

[wrldpossibility]

I've been following this thread with interest, as we have three kids (all in boosters or carseats), and plan to use ME and Disney transportation exclusively next month. I agree with the majority about the safety of buses (and agree that school buses should NOT have seat belts, even though it seems to contradict instincts!).

I just wanted to say that the OP is right to ask ahead of time and get an idea of what to expect. While I feel comfortable with the Disney buses, I did have a nerve-racking experience last summer that I could have avoided with preparation. We stayed over at a motel near an airport and took an airport shuttle to the airport the next morning. I had DS1's carseat with me. The shuttle was NOT a bus, but a van (10 passenger, I think), so I assumed there would be seat belts. There were not. The airport transfer required getting on a major freeway and driving 70 mph in the van--and it frightened me badly to have my 1-year-old unbuckled on that drive (not to mention my other children without seatbelts or boosters).

Had I done my research and asked ahead of time, I would have driven my car (parked at the motel to save parking $) to the airport. I just assumed a van would have seatbelts, and realized my error too late. I do feel that was irresponsible of me, and I shutter thinking about it to this day. So when we decided to take this Disney trip, I asked the same question as the OP, and checked on the safety (size and model) of the Disney buses. I feel prepared this time.

 

[tjmw2727]

I've been following this thread with interest, as we have three kids (all in boosters or carseats), and plan to use ME and Disney transportation exclusively next month. I agree with the majority about the safety of buses (and agree that school buses should NOT have seat belts, even though it seems to contradict instincts!).

I just wanted to say that the OP is right to ask ahead of time and get an idea of what to expect. snip ~

Well said and I do agree. Many people with babies and toddlers will feel that ME is a safe decision, others will be more comfortable with a rental car so they can use a CRS. Some of those peple who rented a car will be ok with Disney buses for park transportation and others will still prefer the rental car. Doing research prior is very helpful in finding out the ins and outs and making the decision that works for each family.

Those of us who use ME and suggest it to others, especially those with 7 and 9yo children, shouldn't be named "uncaring parents" or parents who don't keep the kids safe.

TJ

 

[jodifla]

I'm not going to get into the whole car seat / bus safety debate, however, I would suggest to the OP and anyone else traveling with little ones to rent a car.

We found it so much nicer to have the car at our disposal and to have DS' car seat in it. It was faster than the buses and if you stay onsite you can park for free anywhere in WDW. I can see the merit of buses and I know people enjoy the vacation feel of not having a car, but for us it was all about making life easier. We loved zipping around Disney property (very well marked and easy to navigate), being able to go back for DS nap or a quick dip, dining at other resorts and only needing to leave 15 minutes ahead of time (and not 1 hour). Also, we stayed at CSR and in the larger resorts it is nice to pull up to your building after a long day at the parks and not have to tranfer the baby/toddler through the property at night.

To each his own, but for us it was a matter of 'time is money' and we saved enough time to justify the added expense of a rental car. If you are on the fence about the bus issue then I suggest opting for the car rental.

I think this is great advice. We always use the car, except for the MK, where you can't drive there and must use some form of transportation. We use the bus for that, so we're driven right to the front gate.

 

[lil mermaid]

I'm not going to get into the whole car seat / bus safety debate, however, I would suggest to the OP and anyone else traveling with little ones to rent a car.

We found it so much nicer to have the car at our disposal and to have DS' car seat in it. It was faster than the buses and if you stay onsite you can park for free anywhere in WDW. I can see the merit of buses and I know people enjoy the vacation feel of not having a car, but for us it was all about making life easier. We loved zipping around Disney property (very well marked and easy to navigate), being able to go back for DS nap or a quick dip, dining at other resorts and only needing to leave 15 minutes ahead of time (and not 1 hour). Also, we stayed at CSR and in the larger resorts it is nice to pull up to your building after a long day at the parks and not have to tranfer the baby/toddler through the property at night.

To each his own, but for us it was a matter of 'time is money' and we saved enough time to justify the added expense of a rental car. If you are on the fence about the bus issue then I suggest opting for the car rental.

I agree 100%. I am one of the few people, it seems, who rarely uses Disney transportation. I have been on a Disney bus exactly twice. We also use valet parking extensively.

We just really like the convenience.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Your school buses have seatbelts? I guess your district never watched the video of the little kids trapped on the bus, stuck in their seatblets while the bus caught on fire? It's a nasty video, that's for sure!

If you're talking about a non Disney shuttle, you should call the hotel and see if they can tell you if the shuttle has seatbelts or not. Not all shuttles are the same. We've been on one that took us to the airport that did have seatbelts.

As a school bus driver, I am glad that my bus doesn't have seatbelts. I cannot imagine unbuckling 70 plus kids in an emergency. We do not have monitors on our busses. Plus trying to make them stay buckled while driving. I have read about kids buckling them across the aisles making others trip and fall while getting off. Just my opinion.

I have always used the Disney Transportation System. We have always felt safe. I don't care for the standing in the busses, so I wait for the next bus so we can get seats.

 

[hollyb]

Thank God it is manatory here in NJ. What makes a bus more safe then a car? You are only fooling yourself. I sleep better at night knowing our kids are safe. Woner how the rest of you sleep?

 

[tjmw2727]

Thank God it is manatory here in NJ. What makes a bus more safe then a car? You are only fooling yourself. I sleep better at night knowing our kids are safe. Woner how the rest of you sleep?

There have been several posts on this thread explaining how the safety of a bus is designed and statistics to back that up. If you prefer seatbelts that is your choice - but not the only choice. I am glad you are in a state that requires seatbelts on the school bus or your only other choice would be to drive them yourself. For me that isn't an option with two kids at two different schools in the opposite direction that start at the same time. One or the other has to ride the bus.

I feel very comfortable sending my kids on the school bus in a state that does not require seatbelts. I do everything I can to keep my children safe. I am also not a fool and I sleep fine.

You know , you can make your point without that last consesending and somtimes insulting sentence directed to those who don't agree with you.

TJ

 

[CleveRocks]

Thank God it is manatory here in NJ.

What's mandatory? You're talking about child safety seats in small passenger vehicles, NOT in buses. Do you think New Jersey Transit buses have seatbelts???

What makes a bus more safe then a car?

The answer is

Buses are much bigger and heavier than cars. In an accident, buses aren't crushed and tossed and turned around in the same way that cars and SUVs are. If the vehicle itself doesn't get jolted around as much because it's so large and massive, then the passengers inside don't get jolted around as much.

I even tried to explain it to you in non-vehicular, more common-sense terms ...

Let's put it in easier-to-understand terms. If you are walking and someone around your own size or larger (in volume as well as mass) runs into you at full speed, you will likely be knocked over or at least knocked way off your intended path; you'll probably be at least bruised from that impact as well as any secondary impact, and you might even break bones or worse. But if a toddler runs into you, the toddler will almost always bounce off and you won't be thrown off your path; physically, you'd almost not notice it. The first scenario is a car-vs.-car accident. The second scenario is a bus-vs.-car accident. Due to the size differential between buses and cars/SUVs, cars will always fare much worse.

What about that logic and physics don't you comprehend? If a bus is in an accident with a car, the bus and its passengers are largely unhurt, while the car and its passengers can be demolished, due to the size diifferential.

I am operating on logic, the laws of physics, and practical experience. You are relying on emotion, as well as the spurious logic that all vehicles are created equal.

You are only fooling yourself. I sleep better at night knowing our kids are safe. Woner how the rest of you sleep?

Thank you for your self-righteous sarcasm. I'm glad you sleep well at night. I sleep well knowing that I'm going on facts rather than well-intentioned emotions.

For the past 17 years, my practice has been limited to treating individuals who acquired brain injuries. Most brain injuries are due to physical trauma, and more than half of those traumas are caused by motor vehicle accidents. In 17 years, I've never treated anyone who was a passenger in a bus, large truck or tractor trailer. Not saying it never happens, but it happens MUCH less frequently than with car and SUV passengers. Fact.

And if you want to check out the facts, I invite you to go to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's website, www.nhtsa.org.
Peace.

 

[CleveRocks]

You know , you can make your point without that last consesending and somtimes insulting sentence directed to those who don't agree with you.

Exactly. Rational, mature adults can discuss and disagree without needing to insult those with whom they disagree.

 

[tjmw2727]

What's mandatory? You're talking about child safety seats in small passenger vehicles, NOT in buses. Do you think New Jersey Transit buses have seatbelts???

big snip.. Peace.

Eric - When HollyB mentioned "mandatory in NJ" I think she meant school buses. In which case NJ is one the very few states (two IIRC) that require seat belts on school buses by law.

Dosen't change the facts however esp in regard to mass transit or especially the ME and Disney buses.

TJ

 

[momx2]

Thank God it is manatory here in NJ. What makes a bus more safe then a car? You are only fooling yourself. I sleep better at night knowing our kids are safe. Woner how the rest of you sleep?

Normally on my left side for most of the night.

 

[brymolmom]

I too, won't chime in (much) on carseats on buses (although I will admit I feel naked myself every time I go on a bus without a seatbelt). But I will put in my disagreement with those who commented that driving your own car is EASIER with little ones. It must all come down to personal preference - because I find it hugely a hassle. First - you drive to the park, then you unpack and unbuckle all kids and get the stroller out (or if you are renting a stroller in the park- you are quite possibly carrying one of your sleeping kids at times) - carry everything to the tram and re-fold the stroller to get on it (and it's not easy sometimes) - then do the whole thing again once you're off the tram. Reverse this process on the way back to the car. That's lots of unpacking, picking up kids, folding strollers, etc.

While taking a WDW bus - there is only the folding/unfolding of the stroller once AND whether or not everyone agrees that it's safe - we would all have to agree that it's a TON easier without seatbelts - just hop on and go without all the buckling involved. So - IMO - buses are a ton easier with little kids.

Just a different view.

 

[a&c'smommy]

I have been having the bus/car seat debate in my own head for the past couple of weeks. I'm not sure if you guys heard about it or not (it was all over CNN) about a horrible school bus crash in Alabama (my town) where 4 children were killed. The bus fell off the overpass. My knee jerk reaction was to take my DD off the school because I thought she'd be safer in my car. After doing lots of research (I'm an archivest for a large library so research comes natural ) I've found that statistically she's MUCH safer in a bus than she is my car....whether she's in a seat belt, car seat, booster seat ect. or not. Nationally there are less that 10 children killed in a bus a year. Anyone care to guess how many children are killed in cars related accidents a year? Alot more than 10 I assure you.

 

[DaisyD]

Thank God it is manatory here in NJ. What makes a bus more safe then a car? You are only fooling yourself. I sleep better at night knowing our kids are safe. Woner how the rest of you sleep?

Arguing again are you? We sleep just fine thank you. After raising a 23 y/o, 18 y/o and now onto a 7 y/o I think I have made all good decisions on my childrens safety. We never fly without a carseat but buses ARE different. Are you saying that it is mandatory to use a carseat on a bus in NJ or are you just ignorant........to the law?

 

[notafan]

We loved zipping around Disney property (very well marked and easy to navigate)

I won't get into the debate, but this statement had me RFLMAO. We have driven around down the resorts and I have never found things well marked and easy to navigate. I finally got a decent map from one of the car rental companies that was worth twice its weight in gold.

 

[Hannathy]

Notafan I have to agree with you! sorry to leave the main discussion, but I think Disney is one of the worst marked area's I've been to and we drive in 3 of the 4 largest cities in the country regularly and have driven all over. Try getting back to POP at night if you came a different way than Disney thought you would. What rental did you get that map!!!