Seats on the bus

[A Mickeyfan]

We just returned from a wonderful 8 day trip and Disney didn't disappoint. However the some other attendees did. I just wonder what self respecting able bodied 20 or 30 something sits comfortably in a seat while a sleepy 4 year old or woman holding a sleeping 2 year old has to stand.

Most people were wonderful and I watched many a 60 something express their sadness about their inability to offer up their seat. As usual it was just a select few and we certainly didn't let in ruin our trip. Just wanted to encourage all future Disney travelers would think twice before sitting on the bus.

what makes you think that 20 or 30 something is ablebodied? Did you have access to their medical records? Maybe one of them is suffering from cancer & you want them to give you their seat so you child can sleep?????

I have taught my kids to give up their seats, but if they don't, that is because something is wrong with them that day, not because they are rude. Problem is people are too fast to judge who is and who isnot capable of giving theiir seats without really knowing for sure

 

[LilyWDW]

During an 8 day trip I sat maybe 3 times on the bus (those were bus trips were everybody sat) because that's the way I was raised. It is also how my children will be raised. My son only gets a few more trips until he gets to join me standing so that others that have a greater need for the seat may have it.

Here is the thing... it doesn't matter what YOU think YOU should do. Judging others without knowing anything about them is rude, as is getting on a bus and expecting people to stand to accommodate you.

I stand when I can, but there are times I simply can not. Due to a soccer injury, my knee can do some really funny things. I can walk a whole day without an issue, but then my knee pops in and out and I will not be standing anywhere. Plus, once it does it, it is weak for awhile after so I should be off of it as much as possible for a bit. However, you would never be able to look at me and know what happened unless you saw me at the moment it decided to act up. I would look like a healthy 20 something who, in your mind, should be standing... but that would be dangerous for me and for those around me if I were to fall.

All I ask is that you don't judge those sitting and you take personal responsibility if you want a seat.

 

[Tistal]

This able-bodied 20 something sits or does the responsible thing to make sure she gets a seat by waiting for the next bus if need be because she has the grace of a tumbling rock. So, I will either sit or through the motion of the bus I will be sitting on you and your children. I know which one I prefer, and I'm pretty sure I know which one you prefer.

Also,

these never end well

It all comes down to personal responsibility, and if you have kids it's your responsibility to keep their personal responsibility in mind.

 

[TChrist05]

Due to knee surgery my DW was in a wheelchair for our 5 days at the World...so she was always getting a seat but taking up 3 other seats. I got to get on the bus but always found someone to give my seat up....mostly a mom or senior with a sleeping child.....so I just feel I will give my seat up since my wife is taking away 2 other seats....but honestly, I think most people do the right thing.

 

[BigYellowShoes]

We just returned from a wonderful 8 day trip and Disney didn't disappoint. However the some other attendees did. I just wonder what self respecting able bodied 20 or 30 something sits comfortably in a seat while a sleepy 4 year old or woman holding a sleeping 2 year old has to stand.

Most people were wonderful and I watched many a 60 something express their sadness about their inability to offer up their seat. As usual it was just a select few and we certainly didn't let in ruin our trip. Just wanted to encourage all future Disney travelers would think twice before sitting on the bus.

FireRN--with you ALL the way on this one.....experienced rudeness like CRAZY on the bus during our August trip.....glad to see my husband and I are not the only ones that feel this way......appreciate your post....

 

[mefordis]

I'm with you. I have no respect for able bodied people who won't give up their seats for young children and elderly.

We just returned from a wonderful 8 day trip and Disney didn't disappoint. However the some other attendees did. I just wonder what self respecting able bodied 20 or 30 something sits comfortably in a seat while a sleepy 4 year old or woman holding a sleeping 2 year old has to stand.

Most people were wonderful and I watched many a 60 something express their sadness about their inability to offer up their seat. As usual it was just a select few and we certainly didn't let in ruin our trip. Just wanted to encourage all future Disney travelers would think twice before sitting on the bus.

 

[dzorn]

During an 8 day trip I sat maybe 3 times on the bus (those were bus trips were everybody sat) because that's the way I was raised. It is also how my children will be raised. My son only gets a few more trips until he gets to join me standing so that others that have a greater need for the seat may have it.

I would also hope you teach him not to judge people he knows nothing about.

Denise in MI

 

[stargazertechie]

FireRN--with you ALL the way on this one.....experienced rudeness like CRAZY on the bus during our August trip.....glad to see my husband and I are not the only ones that feel this way......appreciate your post....

I feel like the only rudeness is people who feel they are entitled to someone else's seat.


ETA:

I'm with you. I have no respect for able bodied people who won't give up their seats for young children and elderly.

And how, exactly, do you know who the able-bodied people are? Or do you just judge people by sight alone?

 

[Hannathy]

During an 8 day trip I sat maybe 3 times on the bus (those were bus trips were everybody sat) because that's the way I was raised. It is also how my children will be raised. My son only gets a few more trips until he gets to join me standing so that others that have a greater need for the seat may have it.

I would hope you are also teaching your DAUGHTER to get up and give up her seat to others needing it more otherwise you are teaching your son to be a sexist and that women are weaker and he is better.

Equal means equal at work, school, sports and oh yeah the BUS.


If you need a seat wait for one. if you get on a bus that is SRO it means you stand not me, not my DH not my kids, you.

 

[5forDis]

During an 8 day trip I sat maybe 3 times on the bus (those were bus trips were everybody sat) because that's the way I was raised. It is also how my children will be raised. My son only gets a few more trips until he gets to join me standing so that others that have a greater need for the seat may have it.

My son is 11. We (myself and husband) fully expect he will stand and offer his seat to an elder or a small child if we happen to be on a Disney bus (hope not) or a crowded Monorail. We don't ride Disney buses any longer---we rent a car even when staying on-site. I remember one specific trip getting on the bus to Old Key West and being 6 + months pregnant with a double stroller for my toddler and preschooler. I was holding the sleeping toddler and dh had the preschooler in his arms. No one got up from their seats (simple manners when you see a pregnant woman holding a sleeping child)---please, save me lectures on 'hidden or invisible disabilities' because I am not buying that the entire bus had them. As soon as we got back to our condo, DH called and had a rental car brought to us.

The funny thing is that the only people offering seats were older folks who needed them more than I did.

We would have loved to wait for the next bus but the buses were arriving sporadically and we didn't want to wait another 45 minutes. Hopefully, the bus system is running more smoothly than it was in Dec. 2004.

I tried it again with my 68 yr old mother and 5 yr old daughter last year (Oct 2010) & it reminded me why we avoid using the buses. We waited for about 45 minutes in 90 degree heat.

 

[KellyNY]

not agaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaain

 

[Technosavant]

Triple Jen, I fully agree. If you want a seat for your kids, leave the park when there are seats or wait for an empty bus.

Well aware that many will disagree. That was very evident this week. I agree that everyone has a right to their seat, just saying that IMO the kind thing to do is offer it up. Chivalry is largely dead.

Seriously? Take your pick. You don't get chivalry AND equality. Chivalry is an attitude that goes along with sayings like "the weaker sex" and the like. If you want to be considered fully equal with everybody else, part of that is standing up on the bus when it's full instead of whining about chivalry.

I give up a seat to the elderly, but if you get on the bus with tired children, it's time to teach your kids a lesson about not always getting what they might want and being polite about. Either plan ahead or be less whiny.

 

[Bonniec]

The funny thing is that the only people offering seats were older folks who needed them more than I did.

This doesn't surprise me. The older generations care more about manners in general. Manners are severely lacking nowadays. It's always about doing what is best for you and screw everyone else. It also makes it hard to teach your children why they have to be polite and give things up when no one else does. But what can ya do? we just go in expecting the rudeness from guests. We try to be polite wherever possible. And when someone goes out of their way for us, I make sure they know how thankful we are.

And sexist or not, my boys will always give up their seat or open a door for a girl. Screw equality. In my household, hubby and I are equal on some levels but he still has his manly duties and I still have my womanly duties. I.e. If I see a spider....his manly butt will take care of it!


ETA: sure seems like a lot of people are anti kids at Disney. Maybe kids just shouldn't be allowed to go. Or only during certain hours. sheesh....I'm goin to bed, lol.

 

[FireDancer]

If someone older, a kid, or someone holding a kid gets on the bus I offer them my seat every time. More than once they insisted I sit and I'm not going to force the seat on them but I do, personally think any able bodied younger adult (and despite the DIS's skewed sense of reality the vast majority of guests don't have hidden disabilities) should do the same whether they were male or female. It isn't that I think they are entitled to it but it just feels like the right thing to do, like holding a door for the person behind you or saying please and thank you. I'm not the sitting police though so the only person I worry about is myself. JMO.

 

[KellyNY]

i noticed that every time someone feels entitled to something he/she has no rights for, chivalry and common courtesy are used as an argument. it is like pointing someones spelling mistake, you know when there is nothing to top with.

 

[BigYellowShoes]

I feel like the only rudeness is people who feel they are entitled to someone else's seat.


ETA:


And how, exactly, do you know who the able-bodied people are? Or do you just judge people by sight alone?

It comes down to manners.....plain and simple....just as we all know you will always have your opinion but there will be those that totally disagree with you....like right now.

 

[NewsiesGoil]

Sorry, but no. There was a day when my perfectly healthy 27 year old brother had a shooting pain in his leg by the end of the day. Why should he give up his seat because he "looks" okay and wasn't hobbling to the bus?

 

[HeatherLassell]

I think people should feel entitled to an extent.
1. I am waiting for a bus with x amount of seats to arrive
2. I get on the bus and YAY I get a seat.
3. I sit in the seat.

I mean really. I have 3 kids. After a LONG day at the park I am gonna be exhausted and my feet ARE gonna hurt. Now if I get to the bus as it's full and I am THAT desperate to get on then we will all be standing. I wouldn't EXPECT anyone to give me their seat. I am not going to say no if they do offer...but I won't be getting angry because no one gives up the seat. If I want to sit that badly I will sit and wait for a new bus and make sure we're first on it so we get seats.

lol And I'm Canadian. We apologise to YOU when we're in your way and you say 'excuse me'.

These threads really are interesting to read though. I like to see everyones point of view.

 

[kirrrby]

I'm sorry but when did getting pregnant become a disability? Yes, you might be cranky, and irritable and tired. BUT pregnancy is a choice ya know. And there are 40 other people on the same bus that are just as tired, just as cranky.

If you want someone who's chivalrous, you're in the wrong place. There are people from all walks of life, all parts of the world. Different customs, different ideas of what is what.

As a PP said, if your child is so tired that they're falling asleep, time your exit from the parks differently.

My idea is, i'll give my seat up for an elderly person, a pregnant woman or any other that does need it more than I do. BUT i'm one with a "hidden disability". I'm type one diabetic, if my blood sugar is low, I cannot stand for a long period of time. I will wait for the next bus in order to get a seat if need be. But i will not give up my seat that I waited for because you can't see my hidden disability.

 

[scrapquitler]

Honestly, if I see an elderly person or a pregnant woman, most of the time (but honestly, not ALWAYS) I will offer them my seat. But sometimes, I might have bad blisters on my feet, I might have twisted my ankle, I might have a migrane. You wouldn't know any of those things if you look at me, but it's a valid reason for me to keep my seat that I waited for. As I always say, You don't necessarily need to condemn someone who doesn't seem to be doing what YOU think is the right thing, because you don't know WHY they aren't doing what you think they should be doing. Maybe they have a migrane, maybe they've been waiting standing for 45 minutes for that bus. Maybe they just twisted their knee. The reality is that seats on the bus are FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. Its nice for someone to give up their seat for someone they thing 'deserves' it more, but its a nice gesture, nobody shoudl EXPECT it.

My DS and I were recently at a community wide meeting that took place after flooding in our town. We were among the first people there, and we had seats. When I saw how crowded it was going to be, I had my son give up his seat for someone, and he sat on my lap. As it got more crowded, I gave up my seat. By the time it was packed, the community people running the meeting asked EVERYONE to give up their seats for someone who needed it more. And an incredible thing happened: 90% of the people in seats got up and stood in the back so that the older community members could sit down. And for a good ten minutes, NOBODY would take one of those seats. Everyone was telling one another "no, I can stand, YOU sit" "no, no, no, YOU sit..." It was kind of funny. Eventually, the older people did sit down.