Is this normal process now? Update on Page 5

[Mother Gothel]

Our family just returned from our first (and probably last) stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had a very frustrating situation happen twice and we are curious if this is the normal process now. We intended to purchase DVC at AKV before leaving but these situations caused us to change our minds.

This post is NOT A COMPLAINT about people on ECVs. It is also NOT a troll post. I am simply questioning the system and process since this happened twice.

We stayed at Jambo, but ventured over to Kidani for a look at that is the main DVC building. When leaving, we were the first ones at the bus stop. We saw the other bus pulling away as walked up. We waited for about 15 minutes and then our family of 9 boarded the bus to EPCOT. We boarded the most forward seats on the bus. Somewhere between 20 - 22 people got on with us and they all went straight to the back. Some were even standing in the back already.

We arrived at Jambo and the driver needed to load 3 wheelchairs. Nobody was sitting in those seats. The driver asked our family of 9 to get off the bus until after he loaded the wheelchairs. He asked us to stand right outside the front door of the bus and we would be the first ones loaded.

The driver very quickly and professionally loaded all 3 chairs and then their entourage came with them. We knew they had a large party because they were also staying at Jambo. My sister counted and their party consisted of 28 people, plus about 5 strollers. (not a slam on strollers and people who need them) This is not to be ugly, but just explain the situation clearly: about 7 of the people in their group were quite pooh sized and easily took up 2 - 2.5 seats themselves.

After the driver loaded all of them onto the bus he shut the back door, came out the front door and very quietly told us that due to the size of some guests in their party the bus was nearly full and could only fit 2 - 3 more standing people. He let some people behind us on, said we would have to wait for the next bus and then apologized quite sincerely.

We were mad, but resolved not to let it ruin our day.

____________________________________________________________

So, a few days go by and we dined at Boma for breakfast. When we came out to get in a bus for MK we saw this group again. We were really hoping they were not going to MK, but wouldn't you know it.

The bus came with the few people from Kidani on it and the driver loaded two wheelchairs. One of the people were in a folding chair this time and he got out of it and walked in the bus with them and they folded his chair.

We thought it looked like more people this time. We counted and there were 30 people that got on with them. We counted 6 strollers. (only 2 more people) The driver came out and she said that the bus was pretty full and was going to be tight, but there was room for 'some' people to stand. It was crazy packed in there.

Nobody wanted to get on the bus and everybody decided to wait. We heard several people stating that their party size was about 40 people about a week prior and the other people were quite large (not my words) and they had this happen to them several times. One man said their group took up an entire bus on several occasions in 2012 as they were here the same time as him last year. I believe him because I overheard him talking to them about the weather in April in 2011 and 2012 compared to this year.

So, to the point of my question: is it normal for Disney to load people in ECVs and their entourage for large parties leaving those that have waited the longest for another bus or were these inexperienced drivers?

 

[Mother Gothel]

Sorry, I had correct my statement above. We only waited 15 minutes (not 25) for a bus. It was a typo.

 

[Disneyhayes]

Our family just returned from our first (and probably last) stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had a very frustrating situation happen twice and we are curious if this is the normal process now. We intended to purchase DVC at AKV before leaving but these situations caused us to change our minds.

This post is NOT A COMPLAINT about people on ECVs. It is also NOT a troll post. I am simply questioning the system and process since this happened twice.

We stayed at Jambo, but ventured over to Kidani for a look at that is the main DVC building. When leaving, we were the first ones at the bus stop. We waited nearly 25 minutes for a bus. We saw the other bus pulling away as walked up. We waited for about 15 minutes and then our family of 9 boarded the bus to EPCOT. We boarded the most forward seats on the bus. Somewhere between 20 - 22 people got on with us and they all went straight to the back. Some were even standing in the back already.

We arrived at Jambo and the driver needed to load 3 wheelchairs. Nobody was sitting in those seats. The driver asked our family of 9 to get off the bus until after he loaded the wheelchairs. He asked us to stand right outside the front door of the bus and we would be the first ones loaded.

The driver very quickly and professionally loaded all 3 chairs and then their entourage came with them. We knew they had a large party because they were also staying at Jambo. My sister counted and their party consisted of 28 people, plus about 5 strollers. (not a slam on strollers and people who need them) This is not to be ugly, but just explain the situation clearly: about 7 of the people in their group were quite pooh sized and easily took up 2 - 2.5 seats themselves.

After the driver loaded all of them onto the bus he shut the back door, came out the front door and very quietly told us that due to the size of some guests in their party the bus was nearly full and could only fit 2 - 3 more standing people. He let some people behind us on, said we would have to wait for the next bus and then apologized quite sincerely.

We were mad, but resolved not to let it ruin our day.

____________________________________________________________

So, a few days go by and we dined at Boma for breakfast. When we came out to get in a bus for MK we saw this group again. We were really hoping they were not going to MK, but wouldn't you know it.

The bus came with the few people from Kidani on it and the driver loaded two wheelchairs. One of the people were in a folding chair this time and he got out of it and walked in the bus with them and they folded his chair.

We thought it looked like more people this time. We counted and there were 30 people that got on with them. We counted 6 strollers. (only 2 more people) The driver came out and she said that the bus was pretty full and was going to be tight, but there was room for 'some' people to stand. It was crazy packed in there.

Nobody wanted to get on the bus and everybody decided to wait. We heard several people stating that their party size was about 40 people about a week prior and the other people were quite large (not my words) and they had this happen to them several times. One man said their group took up an entire bus on several occasions in 2012 as they were here the same time as him last year. I believe him because I overheard him talking to them about the weather in April in 2011 and 2012 compared to this year.

So, to the point of my question: is it normal for Disney to load people in ECVs and their entourage for large parties leaving those that have waited the longest for another bus or were these inexperienced drivers?

I believe the first incident is unfortunate. I also believe it's probably pretty rare that that happens. I am sorry you had to wait for another bus. The driver may have not realized that there wouldn't be any room for you once they loaded on the other party. For the second situation it is Disney procedure to load wheelchairs/ECVs and their parties first. That one I am sure was just luck of the draw. The wheelchair/ECV bus line isn't big enough to hold 30 people tho so I am wondering how they squeezed that one in. I wouldn't blame it on the location. If you feel like AK is where you would like your DVC then I would go for it

 

[vicki_c]

Based on posts from transportation CMs here, that was abnormal and poor training or something. Check either the Transportation board or the DISabilities boards for better info on the rules. They're not supposed to take 30-40 people with the wheelchair guest, AFAIK.

 

[Disney Fool]

I do not know the answer to your question, and you may get lots of opinions on this board. However, if you post this on the Transportation board, you will get a much more accurate answer.

 

[RubySlippers]

I agree that the first incident is very odd. The second one while not common it does happen on occasion. It is not exclusive to AKL. Both are very unfortunate and I would be a little miffed as well.

 

[rainynight]

Yes it is normal and upsets me too. I can't count the number of times we were first in line and had to wait for another bus. I don't understand why Disney has it set up where ECV users can skip in front of others. They should at least limit the amount of people who can go along with the disabled guest to make it fair for others. That's one of the big reasons we are spending part of our next stay off site and driving down. I'd rather do my own driving than deal with strollers and scooters and having to wait for multiple buses before one comes along that a scooter user doesn't hog up.

 

[stink]

I can't say if it is a normal process or not but I can only state that I have stayed at both Jumbo House & Kidani many times and have never experienced this or observed this. I own at AKL Villas.

I have travelled with my Dad in his standard wheelchair and no one has ever had to give up their seat and/or be left behind at the stop, so I or one of my party could ride, nor would I ever have that expectation.

IMHO....If a family/party are ahead of a large ECV/WHCH family/party then the ECV/WHCH party should be given the option of being split into two groups in which one group takes the next bus or have the entire ECV/WHCH party wait for the next bus. At times a ECV/WHCH person may need a companion to assist them but they do not need a party of 10 or more people. Just Saying.....

 

[Mother Gothel]

I believe the first incident is unfortunate. I also believe it's probably pretty rare that that happens. I am sorry you had to wait for another bus. The driver may have not realized that there wouldn't be any room for you once they loaded on the other party. For the second situation it is Disney procedure to load wheelchairs/ECVs and their parties first. That one I am sure was just luck of the draw. The wheelchair/ECV bus line isn't big enough to hold 30 people tho so I am wondering how they squeezed that one in. I wouldn't blame it on the location. If you feel like AK is where you would like your DVC then I would go for it

Well, we wondered about this too. Lots of kids so perhaps they were in laps. I am sure once people are standing in like sardines you can fit more than 30 people on a single bus.

The particular bus we were on the first time looked a little newer. It has gray seats that fold up and there were 3 places for wheelchairs, so that was a perfect bus for them. There was 1 on the right side of the bus and 2 on the left.

 

[ttintagel]

No, that is not a normal occurrence. I wonder if there was some special circumstance you couldn't hear about.

 

[BeerMe]

I've never seen this happen before, but that certainly doesn't mean anything. I have never seen a group that large before either. At least not on the buses.

 

[Schmeck]

I thought the resorts had signs posted that only a certain number of family members could board with the conveyance user? I would have pointed that sign out to the bus driver.

 

[Cyrano]

Moving to Transportation board

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I agree with the other poster this is not normal and rare!

I would also post this on the disability board. Sue the mod., is very knowledgeable and will give you a honest, straight forward answer.

PS....We have been DVC members since 1993 and love it!


AKK

 

[HippieChickadee]

When we go to Disney- we are NEVER in a hurry. We've seen it all, done it all and just stroll through the vacation, never letting anything bother us and take everything in stride.

Our last few visits the bus wait was longer and longer. Would complain to ourselves a few times and then let it blow over, wasn't going to let anything ruin our vacation especially for those needing ECV's.

Then, the last visit, *@%! hit the fan.

We waited in a loooooong line to get to a park one day.

The first EVC pulls up with their family, they are loaded then 1/4 of the line ahead of us gets on.

Next bus, next EVC and their large family, less then a 1/4 of the line gets on.

2 buses, half way there, 25 minutes. No biggie.

2 EVC chairs pull up, with families, before the next bus. Bus pulls up, loads them, a few people in line get on. 35 minute wait.

I'm not making this up----

10-15 minutes for the 4th bus, still not at the front of the line, the line is extending far beyond the ropes, what pulls up? EVC large family/group.

This is enough to try anyones patience I don't care who you are. Over an hour before we got on a bus (I think it was the 5th or 6th bus that we FINALLY squeezed onto.

It's not "rare" anymore.

Disney will end up hiring people to stand at the lines for the buses next! Just like the rides!

 

[TheShea's]

When we go to Disney- we are NEVER in a hurry. We've seen it all, done it all and just stroll through the vacation, never letting anything bother us and take everything in stride.

Our last few visits the bus wait was longer and longer. Would complain to ourselves a few times and then let it blow over, wasn't going to let anything ruin our vacation especially for those needing ECV's.

Then, the last visit, *@%! hit the fan.

We waited in a loooooong line to get to a park one day.

The first EVC pulls up with their family, they are loaded then 1/4 of the line ahead of us gets on.

Next bus, next EVC and their large family, less then a 1/4 of the line gets on.

2 buses, half way there, 25 minutes. No biggie.

2 EVC chairs pull up, with families, before the next bus. Bus pulls up, loads them, a few people in line get on. 35 minute wait.

I'm not making this up----

10-15 minutes for the 4th bus, still not at the front of the line, the line is extending far beyond the ropes, what pulls up? EVC large family/group.

This is enough to try anyones patience I don't care who you are. Over an hour before we got on a bus (I think it was the 5th or 6th bus that we FINALLY squeezed onto.

It's not "rare" anymore.

Disney will end up hiring people to stand at the lines for the buses next! Just like the rides!

We had similar experiences in 2010. It happened almost evey time we were on a bus, by day three of a nine day trip we decided we were going to grab a cab to everywhere we had to go in WDW. What a difference and well worth the cost. We'll be heading back to WDW in August and our plan is the same, avoid the buses at all costs.

 

[Sugardimples]

A few things:

Why would this influence your opionion of AKL? This could happen anywhere.

What do you find it necessary to comment on the physical size of the people in the other party? Would you not have been so unhappy if they were smaller people?

 

[goofy4tink]

Those buses hold a lot of guests...more than you would think. I have had ECVs load first, at a park, then those in the regular line got to load. I was probably about 40 people back in that line and we were able to get on. Yes, we stood, but I figured I was going to be standing in the line, so why not stand on the bus and get home sooner.
Anyway....the 'recommendation', according to signage at resorts, is that up to 6 members of the ECV person's party can board with them.


This shot was taken at WL, if I remember correctly. But, the drivers, obviously, aren't adhering to those 'recommendations'. Sad. It's not fair to allow just arriving ECV parties get right on board, while those that have been there, waiting for a long time, are forced to wait for yet another bus. I think that anyone that has this happen to them needs to make a complaint at the resort, and then send a followup email to Disney when they get home. Something needs to be done. While I certainly don't begrudge anyone on an ECV the perk of boarding first, I do resent it when many, many others are forced to wait due to that ECV person bringing a large group onboard with them. That's wrong..not to mention incredibly rude.

On the other hand, I do remember one hot, steamy day in August. My dd and I were waiting for a bus at MK. There was an elderly couple, both on ECVs, waiting patiently. We got to talking since the bus was just pulling out as we got there. I asked why they hadn't boarded the bus. "Oh, the ramp didn't work, so we have to wait for the next one.' Then, they told me that the first bus that came was able to board one ECV and had room for one of them, but they didn't want to be split up, so they decided to wait for that second bus...yeah, the one that couldn't board them since it had a broken ramp mechanism!!! So, they had been sitting there, out in that nasty humidity, for about 45 mins at this point. Well, our bus finally came. And guess what? Mechanism was broken on this one as well...those two elderly (in their late 70's if I had to guess) had to wait again. As I boarded the bus, I mentioned to the driver that those two people had now been waiting about an hour for a bus that was able to accommodate them. He was horrified...I'll give him that. He got right on his walkie talkie thingie and called in a request to send someone to get them..pronto!!!

It does seem, though, that the ECV families seem to get preferential treatment. And that's okay...as long as there aren't all that many boarding with them. More than 10 and they need to split up.

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm not going to comment on all of the rest of it, but lesson learned -- this is why people go straight to the back of the bus.

On crowded transit systems (which WDW's certainly is), going to the back buys you less crowding and no chance of being asked to vacate those fold-down priority seats. As the bus fills, people stand in the aisles nearest the doors, but there tends to be a small space bubble at the very back.

On an urban transit system, the drawback is that you can get trapped back there and have to squeeze your way off at your stop, but normally this isn't a problem at WDW, where most of the passengers are headed to the same destination.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm not going to comment on all of the rest of it, but lesson learned -- this is why people go straight to the back of the bus.

On crowded transit systems (which WDW's certainly is), going to the back buys you less crowding and no chance of being asked to vacate those fold-down priority seats. As the bus fills, people stand in the aisles nearest the doors, but there tends to be a small space bubble at the very back.

On an urban transit system, the drawback is that you can get trapped back there and have to squeeze your way off at your stop, but normally this isn't a problem at WDW, where most of the passengers are headed to the same destination.

If there are several of us, we tend to go right to the back of the bus as well. If I'm traveling by myself, I usually try for a front of the bus seat. I guess I'm confused. When the OP said they boarded and sat in the most forward seats, I thought they meant those up front, and couldn't understand why the driver would make them get off the bus. I have been asked to get off a bus just once. The driver got it stuck in it's 'kneeling' position and nothing worked to get it back up again!! They had to get us a new bus.
But, to make those in the front seats get off the bus to load ECVs? That confused me. I never sit in those fold up seats...just for that reason. And I have seen people sit in them, and make no move to get up when they see an ECV that wants to load. And few bus drivers seem to want to ask the guests to move out of those seats.