Final straw with Disney transportation

[scuba]

Just back from Disney and I came to a huge realization on day one of the trip, We just are not cut out to ride the buses any longer.

I would fume and whine and complain to myself and family about the scooters and seeing young healthy adult men sitting while my Wife is white knuckling a hand rail and our two children while i'm trying hard not to allow our stroller to run over feet.

This year we drove from Ohio and for the most part the drive was not bad at all. Late night on day one while riding the bus back to the century I decided it was totally worth paying the parking but was overjoyed to find out that parking was free to resort guests, silly me! a total rookie mistake.

I often dreaded walking through the Pop towards the bus lines and turning the corner to see multiple scooters and what appeared to me to be thousands of people waiting. I can assure you that I was less stressed, Happy and was much kinder arriving to a park after driving ourselves and with the AAA diamond parking we were within walking distance most of the trip and can only recall taking a tram at DAK. Hopefully, that added to the enjoyment others had who ride the bus, and maybe their stay was alittle more magical without "that Guy"(me). It wasn't an easy admisson for me.

One day in the not so distant future we will return to the bus, but only when we are not dragging strollers, diaper bags, balloons and small children.

 

[OhioDisneyDad]

You're always free to wait for the next bus so you can get seats for you and your family. No one is forcing you to get on a crowded bus. Then you and family can be the ones who get stared at because you're not giving up your seat for someone else's idea of self-importance.

 

[scuba]

Self importance? is that when "YOU" think that "I" think "I'M" more important than "YOU" therefore "YOU" should give up your seat to "ME"?

Self importance for me is the realization that my vacation is just as important to me as yours is to you. However I'm not responsible to see that your vacation goes well and you are not responsible for mine therefore instead of getting hacked off because someone is standing when they should be sitting I have decided to provide my family with our own mode of transportation, so by all means sit.

Lastly, as many times as I've been on a Disney bus I cannot remember the last time I actually sat down in an actual seat. One wonders why it is an accepted practice to allow standing on a bus in the first place? Someone riding in a car on the same road without a seatbelt would get a ticket. Go figure

 

[mrsfascinating]

I chuckled when I saw this post because we rented a car 5yrs ago and haven't gone back to buses since. We are not renting a car over our easter trip but have strategically located ourselves at bay lake for half and boardwalk so we can walk or monorail our way around. I realize we will have to suck it up if we choose to go to animal kingdom, but I have begun to mentally prepare myself for that.

 

[ccgirl]

Just back from Disney and I came to a huge realization on day one of the trip, We just are not cut out to ride the buses any longer.

I would fume and whine and complain to myself and family about the scooters and seeing young healthy adult men sitting while my Wife is white knuckling a hand rail and our two children while i'm trying hard not to allow our stroller to run over feet.

This year we drove from Ohio and for the most part the drive was not bad at all. Late night on day one while riding the bus back to the century I decided it was totally worth paying the parking but was overjoyed to find out that parking was free to resort guests, silly me! a total rookie mistake.

I often dreaded walking through the Pop towards the bus lines and turning the corner to see multiple scooters and what appeared to me to be thousands of people waiting. I can assure you that I was less stressed, Happy and was much kinder arriving to a park after driving ourselves and with the AAA diamond parking we were within walking distance most of the trip and can only recall taking a tram at DAK. Hopefully, that added to the enjoyment others had who ride the bus, and maybe their stay was alittle more magical without "that Guy"(me). It wasn't an easy admisson for me.

One day in the not so distant future we will return to the bus, but only when we are not dragging strollers, diaper bags, balloons and small children.

I completely agree with you...all except giving up the seat on a bus (there's a whole thread going on about that now). Just because someone looks "young and healthy" does not mean it is so. If you looked at my DH, you wouldn't be able to see that he currently has herniated disks in his back and standing for a long time is very painful for him.

But, I agree that we always rent a car. Especially when having a stroller. Parking is also free with an AP by the way. Love that AAA Diamond pass.

 

[dzorn]

Just back from Disney and I came to a huge realization on day one of the trip, We just are not cut out to ride the buses any longer.

I would fume and whine and complain to myself and family about the scooters and seeing young healthy adult men sitting while my Wife is white knuckling a hand rail and our two children while i'm trying hard not to allow our stroller to run over feet.

This year we drove from Ohio and for the most part the drive was not bad at all. Late night on day one while riding the bus back to the century I decided it was totally worth paying the parking but was overjoyed to find out that parking was free to resort guests, silly me! a total rookie mistake.

I often dreaded walking through the Pop towards the bus lines and turning the corner to see multiple scooters and what appeared to me to be thousands of people waiting. I can assure you that I was less stressed, Happy and was much kinder arriving to a park after driving ourselves and with the AAA diamond parking we were within walking distance most of the trip and can only recall taking a tram at DAK. Hopefully, that added to the enjoyment others had who ride the bus, and maybe their stay was alittle more magical without "that Guy"(me). It wasn't an easy admisson for me.

One day in the not so distant future we will return to the bus, but only when we are not dragging strollers, diaper bags, balloons and small children.

Yes it does seem like driving would be the better option for you if you do not want to wait for a seat on the bus. But FYI young healthy adult men sometimes are not healthy and you have no idea by looking at them.

Denise in MI

 

[dzorn]

I chuckled when I saw this post because we rented a car 5yrs ago and haven't gone back to buses since. We are not renting a car over our easter trip but have strategically located ourselves at bay lake for half and boardwalk so we can walk or monorail our way around. I realize we will have to suck it up if we choose to go to animal kingdom, but I have begun to mentally prepare myself for that.

Just remember the monorail hours have changed if you plan on use it during EMH.

Denise in MI

 

[goofy4tink]

KNOCK IT OFF!!!!!!! Yes, I'm yelling. Man...take it over to the Theme Parks board...enough of this crap going on over there.

First...thanks to scuba for realizing that Disney transport is what it is...public transportation, designed for the masses. You decided to take responsibility for your own family....good for you. Others could take a lesson.
But..it is always accepted practice to stand on a bus. THey are designed to be stood on....much safer than you would think.

So, either keep this polite or I'm gonna shut it down so fast, your heads will spin. I have no power over on Theme Parks, but I do wield the power here.....be advised....

 

[Alesia]

Self importance? is that when "YOU" think that "I" think "I'M" more important than "YOU" therefore "YOU" should give up your seat to "ME"?

Self importance for me is the realization that my vacation is just as important to me as yours is to you. However I'm not responsible to see that your vacation goes well and you are not responsible for mine therefore instead of getting hacked off because someone is standing when they should be sitting I have decided to provide my family with our own mode of transportation, so by all means sit.

I like the bus, but it isn't for everyone. You should absolutely do what works best for you. There's no reason for you to get upset over it. The tone in your original post seems fairly accusatory and it is going to put people on the defensive, though, whether you intended to or not.

Lastly, as many times as I've been on a Disney bus I cannot remember the last time I actually sat down in an actual seat. One wonders why it is an accepted practice to allow standing on a bus in the first place? Someone riding in a car on the same road without a seatbelt would get a ticket. Go figure

It's because buses are different from cars. They are much, much less likely to be involved in accidents and are also affected differently by the laws of physics than cars.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

We drive everywhere but to the Magic Kingdom. It's just so much easier, and faster, especially at night when the parks are closing and the bus lines are insane.

 

[OhioDisneyDad]

KNOCK IT OFF!!!!!!! Yes, I'm yelling. Man...take it over to the Theme Parks board...enough of this crap going on over there.

First...thanks to scuba for realizing that Disney transport is what it is...public transportation, designed for the masses. You decided to take responsibility for your own family....good for you. Others could take a lesson.
But..it is always accepted practice to stand on a bus. THey are designed to be stood on....much safer than you would think.

So, either keep this polite or I'm gonna shut it down so fast, your heads will spin. I have no power over on Theme Parks, but I do wield the power here.....be advised....

First, who's being impolite? Second, this was a topic about the buses so it's appropriate for the Transportation board. Third, do you have a list of topics and responses that you deem appropriate so as to not offend your delicate sensibilities? Pretty sad to see this type of response from a "moderator".

 

[goofy4tink]

First, who's being impolite? Second, this was a topic about the buses so it's appropriate for the Transportation board. Third, do you have a list of topics and responses that you deem appropriate so as to not offend your delicate sensibilities? Pretty sad to see this type of response from a "moderator".

EXCUSE ME?????? You truly didn't just say that, did you???? Have you read any of my many, many responses regarding this very subject over on the Theme Parks board???? My sensibilites are indeed not 'delicate'...ask anyone who frequents this board.
Yes, this topic is indeed appropriate for this board. I'm actually quite surprised the Theme Parks mods haven't sent all those over there over to this board.

What responses do I deem appropriate for this board??? Ones that aren't argumentative, that are thoughtful and show concern for everyone, not just for ones self. Perhaps you didn't 'get' the dripping sarcasm in my response. IF so, I apologize to you. When I say 'keep it polite' I'm talking about future posts. I've seen what is said on other boards, and that doesn't fly over here. Yeah, yeah....no pixiedust on Transportation. The vast majority of people who post here understand the minimum rules....keep it polite and friendly. We are here to help and to give out the best advice we can give.
So...if responses start sounding like those on other boards here on the DIS, then I will close them. I am all about polite and friendly. So, again, if you failed to see the silliness in my 'yelling' post, again, I apologize. You misunderstood my intention!

 

[OhioDisneyDad]

EXCUSE ME?????? You truly didn't just say that, did you???? Have you read any of my many, many responses regarding this very subject over on the Theme Parks board???? My sensibilites are indeed not 'delicate'...ask anyone who frequents this board.
Yes, this topic is indeed appropriate for this board. I'm actually quite surprised the Theme Parks mods haven't sent all those over there over to this board.

What responses do I deem appropriate for this board??? Ones that aren't argumentative, that are thoughtful and show concern for everyone, not just for ones self. Perhaps you didn't 'get' the dripping sarcasm in my response. IF so, I apologize to you. When I say 'keep it polite' I'm talking about future posts. I've seen what is said on other boards, and that doesn't fly over here. Yeah, yeah....no pixiedust on Transportation. The vast majority of people who post here understand the minimum rules....keep it polite and friendly. We are here to help and to give out the best advice we can give.
So...if responses start sounding like those on other boards here on the DIS, then I will close them. I am all about polite and friendly. So, again, if you failed to see the silliness in my 'yelling' post, again, I apologize. You misunderstood my intention!

I guess your previous response needed a guide map because that was NOT the way I interpreted it. Making a point of saying that you're yelling came off to me as...well...yelling. Apology accepted.

 

[scuba]

I didn't get the impression anyone on this thread was being impolite, and my original post wasn't accusing anyone of anything.

the key to happiness is controlling the things you can control and even trying to at least influence the things you cannot. I make no excuses when it comes to ECVs they can be troubling to me, as can my stroller be just as troubling to someone else.

The direction of my post was more of a revelation, not condeming anything or anyone. As Ohiodad pointed out, Disney doesn't force me to use their transportation. What a glorious thing that is, We control when and where we go. It would seem these threads would load quicker if everyone just realized that Disney isn't forcing you to use their buses.

Like I said in the original post, I was happier, kinder, and overall a much better person to my family and other guests at Disney last week. What a wonderful thing that is!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well...it should have come across as yelling, cause I was yelling. Making sure everyone out there heard me. Sometimes posters tend to just skip over stuff and not read it. I wanted to be perfectly clear in my post.

Now..hopefully, this thread can continue on, nicely. There is much to be learned from each otherd. And that doesn't happen if people are nitpicking at each other. Everyone thinks their particular viewpoint is 'the' correct one...and usually, everyone does have some truth in their post. But, if we stop and actually 'listen' to each other, we may actually learn something.
There is nothing I like better than to see a post that states...'Hmmmm, I really disagreed with you before but you do make an excellent point. I kind of have to agree with that. Learn something new every day'...yep, it warms the cockles of my heart.

But if posters dig in their feet and refuse to acknowledge that others may also have a valid point, then nothing is ever accomplished. And that is why I sometimes yell here on the Transportation Board...seldom yell anywhere else. Well, I do yell at home..just ask my dh and dd.

Please guys...don't misunderstand me. I wasn't accusing anyone here of being impolite. It was more a case of being proactive. I know how these subjects go. They start off nicely enough, but then, about 2 pages in, someone snaps. And then, all bets are off. Just check out the threads dealing with this very subject over on other boards. THat's what I try to prevent.
I don't want to see anyone saying...'well, if you don't like it, rent a car'. Yes, that's an option, but more often than not, it is said in a most negative way...just trying to prevent that from happening.

And now, I return you all to your normal posting program......

 

[scuba]

Oh I almost forgot, certainly one can have the appearence of being "healthy" and still have major health issues requiring you to sit but it isn't a secret to men around the world that at one time it was an accepted practice to open doors for ladies and give up seats on buses. The "healthy" men know who they are; but they don't owe me or my family anything.

 

[jenrose66]

My realization that I was done with Disney transportation and possibly Disney resorts happened on this trip also.

My biggest gripe was with Magical Express, you can read about that in my post. However, I was also held hostage (tongue in cheek) on a bus coming back from Downtown Disney.

We were traveling back to All Star Movies, the driver stopped short and apparently a standing woman injured herself. She was making a huge stink when driver got to Sports and he abandoned the bus. No one told us what was happening...there were easily 20 people left on the bus, maybe more.

Finally after sitting around for 15 minutes we left the bus as a group and a driver for the Magic Kingdom took pity on us and returned us to our resorts.

It was 10:30ish at this point and we were very happy to be back. If a driver can't finish his route when a passenger has a gripe, then there should be someone available immediately to take care of any other guests impacted. Plus, not that this matters, but no one on the bus could even tell that this woman was injured...everyone else, including a woman standing and holding an infant was fine.

 

[dishguy1977]

Wow...some interesting responses in here...

Anyway, I totally agree with you OP as far as not wanting to take the buses with young kids and all the associated gear. We have 3 kids ages 8, 6 and 3 and have gone 4 times now and we always rent a car and will for the forseeable future. Buses are just too much of a hassle with kids, in my opinion.

However, as others have pointed out, the seemingly healthy young people aren't always so. I was at the world in 2009 when I was 32 and looked perfectly fine but I was awaiting a kidney transplant and was anything but healthy. I probably should have rented an ECV but was worried about people's reactions since I looked "normal" and would have had to use the special queues and/or transfer from the ECV and didn't want any drama. Anyway, I DO get your point as MOST of the people you were complaining about probably would have been able to give up their seats to someone who needed it more but that's their prerogative i suppose.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm not sure why anyone would have a problem with you deciding the buses are just not a fit for your family. Excepting the whole judge who needs a seat more thing. If a car works better for another family, it is not a problem for me. I love the buses, but when we had little ones and lots of gear we drove quite often. It was just easier with strollers and diaperbags and children and whatnot.

ODD--There is a post over on Theme Parks all about the buses, and it seems to be being pretty much ignored by the Moderators. Which is why our Mom (goofy4tink) was yelling at us to not start the same nonsense over here. She don't play that!! Kind of like when I was growing up and my sister would get in trouble. I would get yelled at too to make sure I behaved.

 

[sammielynn]

With the Monorail situation as it is I'm thinking that we may drive ourselves to all the parks but MK. We will be staying at POFQ in December and driving the World is not that hard, so I will give our seats on the buses up to whomever may need them.