disney transportation and little ones?

[kschmidt]

So, I'm kind of a safety nut. My daughter will be 1.5 when we visit SSR in Nov. If we use Disney transportation, will she ride the buses without a carseat or do they have any built in? We're contemplating taking a car so that we can escape whenever we need to (plus she loves her nap time in the car) and then the carseat wouldn't be an issue. Of course that costs more money. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[CarolMN]

I've never seen any Disney bus with a built in car seat or even a parent using a car seat on a bus. There are no seat belts, so I don't think it would be safe to use one on a bus, anyway. It seems that parents either hold their littlest ones on their lap or place them on the seat next to them.

If you are uncomfortable traveling without a car seat for your DD, by all means, bring or rent a car.

Best wishes -

 

[Granny]

I agree with CarolMN's comments. Usually the ones that small are in their parent's laps or sitting next to them.

If you're going in November the car would be a good option for you. If you were going during the summer months, as we do, I would say that the car interior gets so hot that by the time it starts to cool off you are back to your resort.

 

[all5ofus]

We always take a leap of faith on Disney busses. There are no seat belts therefore no way to attach a car seat.

 

[av8tor]

If you decide to use the Disney buses (we always have with our kids and never felt unsafe) buy a compact lightweigtht stroller. The kind that folds easily and has at least a small storge space for essential items. If you bring a cadillac stroller and ride the buses you will hate yourself. Been there......done that.

 

[crisi]

There is also no guarentee that you will sit. People are generally pretty good at giving up their seats for Seniors, the mobility impared and people with small kids - but sometimes the whole bus is full of people with small kids - and there aren't many seats.

I know when my daughter was 2 1/2 we took at least one bus trip where she stood in a crowd of people.

 

[Lurker Geoff]

If you decide to use Disney transportation, please do yourself a favor and listen to av8tor... bring a lightweight stroller you can easily break down to carry on the busses.

We've been down with our little ones a couple of times in the last year and almost always use the busses, but we've taken our double stroller and each time I kick myself (one of these days I'll learn). Big strollers are a nightmare on the bus!

When we were down in March, we had all four of our little ones on the bus several times (5, 3, 2 and 1) and didn't have any issues without car seats. We did take a cab the one morning we had reservations at Cinderella's Breakfast (because sometimes you wait a bit for the next bus).

Also, like crisi said, sometimes the busses fill up and you are stuck standing. Although if you avoid 'closing times' at the parks, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Good luck and have a great trip!

Geoff

 

[Simba's Girl]

Just a word of warning regarding Disney Buses...be very careful of where you sit with a little one. Don't sit in the very back and if you do make sure you hold onto her tightly! In an accident there is nothing (except you) to protect her!

We learned this the hard way...PM me if you need more info

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

We love Disney transportataion BUT she is young and I know how important car naps are. We took our son the first time when he was 3 and he would sleep on the bus plus in the stroller while walking through the parks. So if you think she will not sleep in the stroller to get power naps or if you think she would not enjoy riding the bus...no car seat needed since it is public transportation...then I would rent a car. Plus it depends on how you and dh are with the buses some love them some hate the entire concept.

 

[mbhoxsie]

If you decide to use the Disney buses (we always have with our kids and never felt unsafe) buy a compact lightweigtht stroller. The kind that folds easily and has at least a small storge space for essential items. If you bring a cadillac stroller and ride the buses you will hate yourself. Been there......done that.

I totally agree... Smaller stroller works much better... Especially if you have to also manager to contain two young kids...

We've always ridden the Disney busses with our kids, and usually never have any problems... Most of the time, people will give up their seats for young kids, or parents holding young kids.

Those late night busses after the Wishes fireworks can be kinda rough though...

 

[KristiKelly]

We've taken our kids since they were 2-1/2 years old & have never had a problem with WDW transportation. In fact, our kids LOVE it!!! They would get so excited when they were younger. Like the others said, usually people will give up there spot for someone with a small child, elderly, pregnant women, etc. I agree too, do not take the great big stroller, it's a pain getting them on & off the bus (esp. when crowded). DH now prefers to rent them from the parks, they really get around/steer great & our kids prefer them too.

I wonder why they won't let us use the under storage of the bus for strollers? Wouldn't really slow things down as much as someone dragging one 1/2 open on & off the bus, would it??