Here now, OMG buses.

[mad madam mim78]

Most aren't though. Most understand a crying child, most give their seats to those in obvious need, and most are downright friendly. Thankfully!

On our last trip 2 ladies offered their laps to my twins. They happily accepted. Jumped right up there. Gave the whole bus a good laugh. We kept running into them throughout the park and we would laugh and say hi. It was very sweet of them.

 

[goofy4tink]

Possibly the ECV was for another member of the party, who was able to walk, but not all day. The guest who picked it up may have just been driving it while the disabled guest walked for a while.

It's also possible that the guest himself had some condition that precluded extended walking or exertion, but did not affect his ability to bend and lift.

There should not have been 10 family members piling on. 5 or 6 guests (the rule is a bit ambiguous) are allowed to board with a wheelchair/ECV thru the rear door; the rest of the party is supposed to wait in the able-bodied queue.

Actually, I believe this should help.....

Buses, monorails, and watercraft between Disney resorts & parks and between the parks are operated by WDW Transportation & staffed by Disney cms.

During peak times, charter buses will sometimes be brought in from Mears & other outside operators to supplement the Disney buses, but those buses do not carry the Disney Transport logo, and are running at the direction of Disney cms.

Thanks!!!

Our process was this: as soon as we saw our bus, I removed my DD from the umbrella stroller and DH folded it up. Then we all boarded the bus. One of the occasions that we held others up a bit, we were in the front of the line, the bus came around from behind another bus, he started to fold it, but realized there was something in it, a folder of pictures, and it took him a bit to get that out and put it in a backpack. We had not been keeping things in the pouch in the back of the stroller and another adult with us had put it there, so it was just unexpected. I made it to the bus with the kids, he was still at the line just finishing up, and the people behind him were annoyed. It was approximately 30 seconds between the bus arriving and the stroller being folded.

The second time, we followed the same process, but the clasp on the side of the stroller that holds it closed broke, the stroller popped open, and he reached for the clasp, and then had to fold the stroller back up and get it to stay closed. Again, the kids and I ended up about 3 yards ahead of him.

These situations make me very tense, especially because the first time, the couple behind us got huffy about it, so I am very self-conscious regarding the time, and know both situations were way less than a minute.

I agree with you that it is reasonable to start the process when the bus approaches. With an umbrella stroller without items stored in it, it's more than enough time. But things happen. And there seems to be the assumption on this thread that things happening just means we should break the stroller down way earlier to make sure that even if things happen, nobody is inconvenienced at all.

In our case, it was because I grabbed the toddler and other two children and started moving because I did not want to hold up the line, and DH stepped to the side to fold the stroller, and nobody would let him back in the line. It never crossed my mind that nobody would let him back in the line and he would not get on the bus. I was a Disney first timer.

In the future, if he had to step aside, we would all step aside with him, but knowing it would involve another 20 minute wait and having to do the whole thing all over again, (get kid back in stroller, wait again, push kids past bedtime, end up with standing room only with exhausted children), I would probably hold people up for that brief period over subjecting other people to my cranky, overtired children standing on the second bus.

You did nothing wrong other than not understand how things work...and that puts you in the majority of first timers at WDW!! I'm sorry you and your dh got separated...that's just wrong.

Hopefully, the photo I posted, above, will help people see that there are rules at the bus stops...these are posted at all resort stops. This one happens to be at WL.

I'm hoping that this thread will be moved over to Transportation...it's a better fit there, and I can more closely watch how things are going. But be aware..if it gets moved over to Transportation, you will find some less than pixiedust filled posters!! They do not suffer fools, or foolish postings, well.

As already noted, I doubt anyone has any issue with the parent that waits for the bus to arrive and then starts folding stuff up. If you have a 'runner', I would recommend a harness, even when in the stroller. That way, if (and when) the child has to be taken out of the confines of the stroller, you don't need to worry about him/her darting away. I realize that many have an issue with harnesses, I did too, but if it saves a life, then so be it. I've had three 2 y/o's...each one different. I had to use different methods to encourage them to do the right thing!!!!!

Oh, and that child, walking back and forth, between parents??? I know you 'think' the child will be fine, but if that bus stops suddenly, or swerves, your child could be tossed. When the bus is full, you won't go far, but if it's not as full...plenty of room to be thrown. I've seen parents allow their children to kneel on the seats, facing forward, or to go back and forth between rows....even with the driver asking them to stop. I've seen kids standing on seats, I've seen them standing up trying to reach the bars above as if it were a jungle gym to be played on.
And when your child is injured, who do you think you are going to blame? Yep, Disney.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

You know, when reading this thread the core of it seems to boil down to;

"Darned those folks with ECV's and entitlement issues. Darned those stollerparents with entitlement issues. Darned those walking folks with entitlment issues."



Just like most of these types of threads. Like most of the times, people seem so focussed on nailing down "those.........." the start aiming at the group instead of what is really bugging them; entitlement issues.

Wonder how many more threads and years it will take before general concensus no longer lies in wrongly focussing in on a group hunted down because some of them have entitlement issues, but it turns into having the focus where it originates; the group with entitlement issues. Bizarly enough, just like any other human trade, they come in all shapes and sizes. With ECV, with wheelchair, with stroller, walking, you name it. One would almost think they are human, wouldn't one.

 

[seashoreCM]

First of all, I was the one who said my child is more easily contained in the stroller, and I appreciate my child not being referred to as an "it". I'm not sure if you have kids and had the same derogatory attitude towards your own child, but I certainly do not appreciate it towards mine.

Wanted:
1. A shorter way of writing "he or she." In Spanish, the second person "tu" is for familial usage; formal usage is the third person "usted or Ud.". Should, in English, the plural "they" be adopted as the ungendered third person singular?
OT: 2. A shorter way of writing "numbers" (plural).
OT: 3. A shorter way of writing "internationalization."

I think it's the very small subset of stroller-users who decide to fold the stroller at the door of the bus that frustrates the many. For those of you that argue that folding the stroller only takes a minute, then take that minute to the side of the line and fold your stroller. And once you have, THEN get in line to get on the bus.

(originally was post #261 above) You mean to say, "then take that minute to the side of the bus door and fold your stroller. And once you have, THEN merge in line to get on the bus"? Unlike at a freeway construction zone where almost everyone had gotten into single file and then one person comes rushing up to merge at the last moment, you were there at the bus door first.

2. Have an automated system that announces when the bus for your resort is approaching, something along the lines of "L&G, your resort coach is approaching, please fold strollers, gather your belongings and take small children by the hand..." This shouldn't be hard from a tech point of view.

Excellent idea. The Boston MBTA has that system on some lines: "Attention passengers. The next train for Forest Hills is now arriving.".

When buses including for different destinations are arriving in quick succession, the last part about "please fold strollers ..." need not be repeated each time.

The system would need to be based on actual bus movements, for example using global positioning satellite technology. Not just a schedule, even where the trip starting time was entered in the computer at the moment the bus began its route.

just got back yesterday, and to be honest, the only problem I had with the buses was a ride back from MVMCP on Friday night. One little boy spent the entire trip from MK to AKL SCREAMING for his mother, who was sitting on the other side of the bus talking to her friend. The dad refused to let him go to her, and so he screamed. For 20 minutes.

(copied from a novel}
Six year old David and four year old George were not through arguing about who would have the window seat. Shrill yelling was followed by elbowing as other passengers nearby muttered their displeasure, with some of them putting fingers in their ears.

Laura excused herself from her middle seat further back and came forward. "Didn't I tell you kids to be quiet?" She then reached over and with a whack, whack loud enough for many around to hear, gave each a slap across the mouth.

Some sighs of relief from others nearby was followed by blessed silence. But the silence didn't last long as not so pleasant muttering from others resumed and the words "child abuse" were included.

"Ding!" The flight attendant's voice came over the PA. "Let's have a show of hands. How many of you are in favor of what the mother did to quiet her kids down?
(a pause while the FA pointed her finger in rhythm with her counting.)
"And how many are opposed?"
(another pause)
"I get a tie vote," the FA announced. But she added, "But the total number of votes is more than the number of people on this plane!"

 

[lucifie]

LOL, sometimes people have twins, it happens.

Yep. In our case, our oldest has special needs and even though she was 2.5 she wasn't walking when #2 arrived.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

You could tell they were already vying for seats, and when we got to our resort, they were blocking our seats, presumably from other seat-seekers, but effectively blocking us from getting up.

When you are in a standing room only bus, you have to stand somewhere.

People in seats get up, say excuse me, and weave their way through the bodies.

 

[North of Mouse]

I don't think these threads really give an accurate impression. As I posted much earlier, our family really enjoys the Disney busses.

Other people have posted positive experiences, too.

We too, usually enjoy the buses. We do not tow a car with our MH to Disney for the few times we would use it. We do not eat off site, even with the high prices of food, that's part of our enjoyment of Disney We do not stay off site for the same reason - we love the total immersion of Disney.

We have actually gone a complete trip and not had any issues with the busses, then some trips, everything is downhill LOL. But, we deal with it, and move on!

The reason a thread like this is so negative is because that is the *main* topic of this thread, so that's what people are focused on - maybe I'll start a thread *what are the good/best things you like about riding Disney busses?*

We are on vacation, and we *will not* drive - we want the total relaxation of not doing any of the things we have to do day by day - not lots of schedules either!!

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

We too, usually enjoy the buses. We do not tow a car with our MH to Disney for the few times we would use it. We do not eat off site, even with the high prices of food, that's part of our enjoyment of Disney We do not stay off site for the same reason - we love the total immersion of Disney.

We have actually gone a complete trip and not had any issues with the busses, then some trips, everything is downhill LOL. But, we deal with it, and move on!

The reason a thread like this is so negative is because that is the *main* topic of this thread, so that's what people are focused on - maybe I'll start a thread *what are the good/best things you like about riding Disney busses?*

We are on vacation, and we *will not* drive - we want the total relaxation of not doing any of the things we have to do day by day - not lots of schedules either!!

I have to say that we usually stay at POFQ and really have never had any real bus problems none that would ruin our trip. We are like you when we go to Disney we do not want to be bothered with driving our car and also like the full immersion of the world. We are trying POR on our next trip and hoping like it's neighbor the buses will be OK.

 

[ttintagel]

We are on vacation, and we *will not* drive - we want the total relaxation of not doing any of the things we have to do day by day - not lots of schedules either!!

Ramen to that! For me, driving is the opposite of fun.

Aside from the little annoyances (as I said before, which always happen when a bunch of people are stuck together), I absolutely LOVE being on the bus with a bunch of other people who are doing the same things I am, having the same fun, seeing the same sights - there's a real sense of camaraderie. And since you're all there for the same thing, there's always something to break the ice with. At its best it's like a party bus.

 

[KellyNY]

True - but it would be nice if there were more double strollers at Disney with the seats in line instead of next to each other. You can still wheel two children without blocking as much of the walkway. I've even seen some with a third bench between the handles for a third older child to get on board. It would have to be easier to move through the park as well, considering how tight some of the spaces are when it's busy.

I haven't really experienced the issues with transportation that so many are mentioning, but I tend to travel during slower seasons and I try to avoid traveling during peak times of the day. I'll go to the park after the morning rush and leave either before close or let the park clear out before leaving.

There are going to be some rude people no matter where you go. I'd rather be waiting to get on a bus at Disney than trying to find a parking place at the local mall on Black Friday !

Some people like side by side strollers. Both kinds of strollers take space and can successfully block and in line strollers more difficult to control in terms of not hitting anyone, you just do not feel them. Strollers can be inconvenience to others but we all used one at some point, consideration on both sides is a must.

 

[Glennie5]

We too, usually enjoy the buses. We do not tow a car with our MH to Disney for the few times we would use it. We do not eat off site, even with the high prices of food, that's part of our enjoyment of Disney We do not stay off site for the same reason - we love the total immersion of Disney.

We have actually gone a complete trip and not had any issues with the busses, then some trips, everything is downhill LOL. But, we deal with it, and move on!

The reason a thread like this is so negative is because that is the *main* topic of this thread, so that's what people are focused on - maybe I'll start a thread *what are the good/best things you like about riding Disney busses?*

We are on vacation, and we *will not* drive - we want the total relaxation of not doing any of the things we have to do day by day - not lots of schedules either!!

We feel the same way. I like not having to rent a car while we are there. I really can't think of one really terrible thing to say about the buses. I am sure while we are there stuff happens and we may get annoyed by it at the time but not enough to remember what it was after our trip is over.

 

[North of Mouse]

I had posted sort of *tongue in cheek* about starting a thread about the positives, or best, things there are about riding WDW transportation after all the negatives mentioned here. Then, I decided, why not? So, I just started a thread on the Transportation Board to this effect!

Really, there ARE some positives

 

[20yBWDW]

When you are in a standing room only bus, you have to stand somewhere.

People in seats get up, say excuse me, and weave their way through the bodies.

Right, you have to stand somewhere. But when I am standing on a bus, and the bus stops, I take a step back to allow people an exit route, and respond when they say excuse me. These people were closing in to block off the path when the bus stopped, putting themselves shoulder-to-shoulder, and were not acknowledging "excuse me" because they were so busy looking behind them at the people they thought may try to beat them to the seat.

 

[ember303]

I am thankful Disney has buses for wheelchairs. My child will be using his and we will not transfer him into a seat, but instead allow him to stay in his chair. I see how it can be a inconvenience.

 

[minnie mum]

I am thankful Disney has buses for wheelchairs. My child will be using his and we will not transfer him into a seat, but instead allow him to stay in his chair. I see how it can be a inconvenience.

Your child and his wheelchair are NOT an inconvenience to anyone with a shred of compassion or consideration for others less able than themselves.

 

[minnie mum]

but they get a special handicap parking sticker/placard for a private vehicle....they don't seem to have an issue with the stigma when using a designation like that? why not a special designated bus for them as well?

I must have missed a prior post. Where did the word stigma appear from?

Handicapped stickers for private vehicles came about so that those who were not medically able did not have to trek from the back of beyond to get to a store/mall/entrance. Hardly the same thing as occupying space on public transit. All they require is sufficient space for their wheelchair or ECV and a minute or two of your time while it is loaded. Is that really so much to ask?

 

[HappyGal]

Your child and his wheelchair are NOT an inconvenience to anyone with a shred of compassion or consideration for others less able than themselves.

Well said.

 

[WedgieSock]

I am thankful Disney has buses for wheelchairs. My child will be using his and we will not transfer him into a seat, but instead allow him to stay in his chair. I see how it can be a inconvenience.

It certainly isn't an inconvenience for me or most people I know - just the odd few. Yes, we had a few *eye-rolls* etc we had the choice of using our car so we did, not everyone has that choice. Disney is a very accessible place, the most accessible place we have been to - my Mum, for decades, didn't do any day trips or vacations because it was always such a chore for her, she just went to stores and occasionally the movies. I finally convinced her Disney was different and it is, she is so free there and doesn't feel excluded from anything. I am so glad that your son is going to experience that too

 

[HappyGal]

Probably because people complained it took too long to board the bus

As far as people saying you can't "segregate" the people with ECVs by providing them with their own bus, then explain to me why they get segregated parking (designated by a handicap sign), a special entrance to rides (um isn't that segregating them as well). People are not saying do NOT provide them with transport, just provide them with the services they need while others are not "inconvenienced". In schools, kids who qualify based on disabilities get IEPs, but people who do NOT have disabilities do not qualify for one on one help/aids. There is a point where abled body people feel just as discriminated against simply because they do not qualify. I'm sure I will get flamed for these comments, but oh well, some of us are sick of hearing "treat everyone the same no matter what a person is able to do". Fine then all the ECV people can fend for themselves in a parking lot with NO handicap designated parking if they don't want to be "singled" out!

I read this again and again and thought, surely I must be misunderstanding you. My second thought was that you were a troll. So I went back to some of your previous posts and read those as well. All I have to say is you are a piece of work. Your lack of empathy and reason are astounding.

 

[Magpie]

thank you, have a nice day because AGAIN I can careless what you think of me. I will state again, I can care LESS how long it takes for someone on an ECV to load on a bus! What I have an issue with is people like you obviously, who believe a certain class of person deserves DIFFERENT perks but those perks are not EQUAL amongst all persons! You my friend are the one without class believing not ALL people are created equal REGARDLESS of a disability or not my friend!

The entire quote is: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

A disabled person, with mobility issues that prevent them from navigating a large parking lot, is not enjoying the same rights as an able-bodied person. A wheelchair bound person cannot fight for a spot on the parade route the same as an able-bodied person can, nor can they stand up to see over other people's heads.

Most accommodations for the disabled (such as ramps into buildings) are geared toward providing them with the SAME opportunities to pursue life, liberty and happiness as the able-bodied already enjoy.

The Founders were not idiots. They were not trying to say that a man like Stephen Hawking is exactly the same as a man like Usain Bolt, and so should be given exactly the same treatment. No, Hawking gets a machine to speak for him, and Bolt gets gold medals. Different people have different abilities, and different needs.

Of course, should you find yourself unable to walk, I'm sure you'll appreciate the "perk" of parking near an entrance, using a wheelchair ramp and enjoying roped off viewing areas at parades. After all, who wouldn't be thrilled to finally be part of that privileged class of folks known as the disabled?