Got called an ******* for getting off bus before the ramp was down for scooters

[BrightMorningStar]

Been going to WDW over 30 years. It’s always the driver that decides if the handicaps or the ambulatory go first. I’ve seen both and I don’t know what criteria they use. You probably should have waited for the driver’s OK to exit the bus. They’re just trying to make sure no one gets injured and it’s not total chaos on the bus. That being said, the person that called you a name is just ignorant and unfortunately this is becoming more common. Don’t let it bother you. YOURE AT DISNEY WORLD!!!

If 98% of the drivers are off-loading wheelchairs last, it is naturally expected that this is the norm. I have been visiting Disney since 2000 (more visits than I can keep track of) and never once has there been a cue from the driver to indicate when and which guests should get off. They pop open the doors and people get out. They do however tell those waiting on the bus to hold their place until the wheelchairs are loaded.

Edited to correct autocorrect typo

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

In NY they probably make all standers get off to allow the scooters off then they have to get back on and go out the front doors …

Which is pretty much what they do in Disney. Example: Coronado Springs, 4 stops, crowded bus. Stop 2, standers get off, wheelchair unloaded, standers get back on. So, it would make sense for those getting off and staying off to just get off first before unloading a scooter. Plus, Disney knows some of those guests struggle to drive those scooters...so let's protect feet, legs, ankles and children where possible, especially in a tighter space.

 

[Dug720]

In NY they probably make all standers get off to allow the scooters off then they have to get back on and go out the front doors …

The scooter would go out the front door, yes. Anyone who had to get off would stand directly beside the door and once the ramp is back up come back on.

Hence, the reason why those standing would get off first anyhow. It's really not that deep.

I was explaining how scooters can get off when they are not the last stop and the bus is packed.

 

[elvispursley]

I've also seen recently where they used up the seats for 2 ECVs... and then didn't elect to sit on the ECVs during the bus ride thereby taking up more seats! This is after park closing at DAK with a super long line and the bus didn't show for a good 20+ minutes.

Of course none of this would matter if Disney ran more buses but they don't so you're going to notice these things as you wait.

On our recent trip both my mom and I were in scooters and there were several
Instances where the driver wanted us to transfer to seats because it’s safer than riding on the scooter. We definitely elected to stay on the scooters when the buses were full at the end of the day. But there have been scooter users that have been injured (and others) when the scooter tipped over rounding a turn.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

On our recent trip both my mom and I were in scooters and there were several
Instances where the driver wanted us to transfer to seats because it’s safer than riding on the scooter. We definitely elected to stay on the scooters when the buses were full at the end of the day. But there have been scooter users that have been injured (and others) when the scooter tipped over rounding a turn.

I saw someone else mention the same thing. Truly never thought of that!

Moral of the story... not that many seats on the bus so Disney needs to keep 'em coming and stop acting like people do not take their bus transportation, no matter the type of resort. I elected for us all to drive (3 cars) from Poly on my most recent trip to Animal Kingdom because nope!

 

[elvispursley]

I saw someone else mention the same thing. Truly never thought of that!

Moral of the story... not that many seats on the bus so Disney needs to keep 'em coming and stop acting like people do not take their bus transportation, no matter the type of resort. I elected for us all to drive (3 cars) from Poly on my most recent trip to Animal Kingdom because nope!

And/or get more accessible Minnie vans!

 

[Lsdolphin]

Hello all. Yesterday around 4pm my family and I were on a bus going from Hollywood studios to Polynesian. As we were waiting to get on the bus and there was apparently this group of 14 who just finished a VIP tour who thought they were better than everyone else, they told us that there wasn’t enough space for us (there was enough space all the kids had seats and only a few guys stood me being one of them)

On the bus was fine, but after we got to the poly apparently this group decided that the scooters are suppose to get off first, and the cast member apparently thought so too, but don't they normally get off last? Basically one of the members in the party of 14 told me to wait until the ramp is out before leaving after their party, I told them I didn’t need the ramp and got off. After I left he apparently called me an ******* which i didn’t hear, but my wife did. I wear a kippa too so I'm at a heighten state of alert. Is this normal Disney behavior now?

I reported this to a cast member and I met with Disney security. I then followed up later but they didn't really do much or seem to care all that much. It was extremely off putting and ruined the magic and still is ruining the magic. I’m not really used to having strangers call me such vile names and Disneys response hasn’t really been great at all.

Oh my gosh that’s crazy. I’ve used a scooter and the procedure is that the scooters are loaded first before people get on bus and at Park arrival scooters wait and are unloaded only after everyone else has left the bus.

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

I've also seen recently where they used up the seats for 2 ECVs... and then didn't elect to sit on the ECVs during the bus ride thereby taking up more seats! This is after park closing at DAK with a super long line and the bus didn't show for a good 20+ minutes.

Of course none of this would matter if Disney ran more buses but they don't so you're going to notice these things as you wait.

In year's past, scooter users have been told to take a seat if they could transfer and get out of the scooter. This is for safety reasons.

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

I saw someone else mention the same thing. Truly never thought of that!

Moral of the story... not that many seats on the bus so Disney needs to keep 'em coming and stop acting like people do not take their bus transportation, no matter the type of resort. I elected for us all to drive (3 cars) from Poly on my most recent trip to Animal Kingdom because nope!

We were told that many of the drivers took other jobs in 2020 and did not return, thus causing a shortage in drivers. Also, it was said to us that Disney sold off some of their fleet, causing a shortage in buses. We were told they are running at 65% of what they had in 2019. I cannot verify, but I would not be surprised.

When we went in early March 2023, we waited 35 minutes for a bus many times and buses were packed. We also found that many of the resorts where there were multiple stops, resulted in confused drivers. (maybe new)

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

And/or get more accessible Minnie vans!

I am just guessing here, but maybe the number of people who want free transportation over paid transportation is the reason they are so limited.

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

In NY they probably make all standers get off to allow the scooters off then they have to get back on and go out the front doors …

Yes, and that makes sense.....but in the case of the OP's comment, the argument about NY really does not fit. This is not a public bus going through Manhattan making 20 stops. This is a dedicated bus following a set route, repeatedly. For the most part, nobody is getting off and then back on. It really does not make sense to hold people ransom on a bus while you unload a scooter. Let them get off and give 100% attention to the scooter riders.

 

[eandt]

Yes, and that makes sense.....but in the case of the OP's comment, the argument about NY really does not fit. This is not a public bus going through Manhattan making 20 stops. This is a dedicated bus following a set route, repeatedly. For the most part, nobody is getting off and then back on. It really does not make sense to hold people ransom on a bus while you unload a scooter. Let them get off and give 100% attention to the scooter riders.

My post was sarcasm

 

[Lewisc]

We were told they are running at 65% of what they had in 2019.

4 resorts use the skyliner to 2 parks. Disney no longer supplies bus transportation to the Swan and Dolphin.

Buses can be reduced, probably not 65%, without affecting service.

 

[sam_gordon]

Yes, and that makes sense.....but in the case of the OP's comment, the argument about NY really does not fit. This is not a public bus going through Manhattan making 20 stops. This is a dedicated bus following a set route, repeatedly. For the most part, nobody is getting off and then back on. It really does not make sense to hold people ransom on a bus while you unload a scooter. Let them get off and give 100% attention to the scooter riders.

I agree with the thought, but there are a handful of routes that make multiple stops as well was don't the water parks "share" bus service with another stop, so the "hop off/hop on" does happen I'm sure.

 

[eandt]

I agree with the thought, but there are a handful of routes that make multiple stops as well was don't the water parks "share" bus service with another stop, so the "hop off/hop on" does happen I'm sure.

Probably just not sure I have ever seen this in 30+ years … has to happen from time to time though I’m sure

 

[elvispursley]

I am just guessing here, but maybe the number of people who want free transportation over paid transportation is the reason they are so limited.

Sure but the there are very few Minnie vans that are accessible. It can be quite difficult to get around for ADRs at resorts, especially for early morning breakfasts. It just further hinders options for getting around WDW property if you use a wheelchair/scooter. But I know many have the same complaint for traditional ride share services as well.

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

My post was sarcasm

I did not detect that in your comment, but thanks for clarifying. Lots of different personalities on here, some very literal.

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

I agree with the thought, but there are a handful of routes that make multiple stops as well was don't the water parks "share" bus service with another stop, so the "hop off/hop on" does happen I'm sure.

It does. We have had to do it for DTD and AKV. At AKV the bus stops at Jambo first, so if you are going on to Kidani on a full bus, you will have to do just that. Same for a full bus at Coronado...especially if you are stop 4 or 1.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Oh boy now you have gone and stirred the pot … since it’s stirred might as well bring up all the alleged ‘service’ dogs that get to roam the parks like they are visiting the local public green …. Shhh but I agree the entourage should not be boarding along with the disabled guest …

Had this happen years ago when we took a young grandchild. Another group waiting was not happy when my husband and child were allowed to board with me

 

[Tim215]

When Disney ordered the gilligs they went to less seats more standing room. Plus with the ramp in the rear door you loose a couple of more seats. You loose 3 seats per wheelchair or ecv.