Stroller on the buses?

[cm8]

Yes, it's very dangerous to board at the back unless the driver knows you are doing it and says it is OK. We saw a little girl get squished by the doors once. The door was still open from loading DD's wheelchair and the driver had gone up to the front to close the door. Before he got it closed, someone came along to the back door with a stroller and a small girl. We told him not to get on because the driver had gone up to the front and it would be closing any second. They guy made a comment on the lines of "Who do you think you are? You don't have a right to tell me what I can do" and started boarding.
My DH ran to the front to alert the driver, but it was too late and the door shut on the little girl.

, Wow I can just imagine how he felt having his daughter closed up in the doors. If only he had heeded your advice.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I personally would like to see all strollers that are not occupied have to be folded up on the monorail.

You're being too liberal "...occupied by a child..." should be the requirement. Just 'occupied' means all the pusher/parent has to do is put something in the seat souvenirs, coolers, jackets, diaper bags...

 

[kaytieeldr]

Don't stand there, at the bus stop, with your kids in the stroller, waiting for the bus to come, then approach the bus door and start to remove the kids and fold up the stroller. That will ensure that you get not only dirty looks but some not so nice comments as well. Be all ready to just hop on the bus. The driver 'may' allow your dh to board through the back door with the stroller, but don't expect to be able to board with him. That back door is basically for exit only, but sometimes drivers make exceptions for larger strollers to board.
Have the kids out of the stroller and the stroller folded up, ready to go before the bus comes into view.
When you get on the bus, head to the rear of the bus, if at all possible, and take a spot with the folded up stroller, near that rear exit door...much more room there. DH will most likely have to stand with the folder up stroller and you should be able to find seating close by. If the bus is empty or close to that (many seats available) your dh could sit down, with the folded stroller next to him on the floor. Do NOT try to put the stroller on a seat. Do NOT just stop at the front of the bus with the stroller...people need to be able to get past you!

I have seen guests try to board the bus with children still in the stroller. When the driver told them the stroller must be folded up, their response was 'but my baby is asleep!!' Too bad, take the baby out and fold it up. I've seen guests in line for the bus, with their child still in the stroller, and the stroller full of bags from the shops. Then the bus comes along, the family moves with the line, and it's only when they get to the bus door that they take the child out, and start removing the many bags, and then fold up the stroller. Can you imagine how annoying it is to be behind that family??!

IF you are considerate of others you won't get those nasty looks. Those looks happen when parents want the world to revolve around their needs..and other guests to move aside for them, or to wait for them to board the bus in their own sweet time.

This, along with SueM's post (#4) about the Federal law, should be a sticky! Maybe on the Family board?

 

[dudspizza]

we used strollers for our kids when they were young and with that said my biggest pet peeve now that i work at disney is people who somehow believe that their empty stroller gives them the right to block and stop wherever they want on the monorail platform.

I've had people just stop right in front of me and when asked to keep moving down they just turn around and say "no", sometimes you will get a "i need room for my stroller" or "where else are we going to go comment"

wheeling empty strollers onto the monorail during a quiet period isn't a problem, i don't even have a problem with a sleeping child in the stroller during extremely busy times being wheeled on, what i really really dislike more than anything is someone who thinks their empty double stroller gives them the right to make people wait for the next monorail because they haven't got the consideration to fold the thing up.

I personally would like to see all strollers that are not occupied have to be folded up on the monorail.

Okay time to step down off my soap box and hand the topic back over

right on!

 

[SueM in MN]

This, along with SueM's post (#4) about the Federal law, should be a sticky! Maybe on the Family board?

I was looking to see if I could find a citation for the law, because it is mentioned now in the recorded announcements on the buses and is also written on the area by the front door of the bus (wish I had a picture).

I had read before that it was Federal Law, but it may be local. All I could find specific was this post from 2003, where Chip N Dale Express (who was a bus driver at the time) wrote that folding strollers was required by local law.
I know it is posted and since I had read in many forums other than the DIS Boards that it was Federal Law to fold strollers, I guess I made an assumption that what was posted was Federal Law.

We need a bus driver here to clarify.

 

[deegack]

We took out very large single stroller to the world this year. We have two but the large one my very tall husband can push easily with his bad back. It was a bit of a pain to manuver on the buses especially with dh using a cane but we managed. I just apologize, say excuse me and I plan on standing in the back with the stroller while dh sat with dd. On monorails if it was crowded and dd was awake we held her and folded the stroller. If she was asleep or it was empty in the car she sat in the stroller.
We always got ready while waiting for the bus to arrive. So by the rime the bus stopped the stroller was folded any bags distributed to our party. I would sometimes stand to the side if the front of the line while dh waited on line then join him as he hit the front. It was easier to manuver and the people on line realized what I wa doing so no dirty looks. I only did this at the resort not the parks because they were typically more crowded a d the bus driver didn't need me in the way

 

[Oglet]

I was looking to see if I could find a citation for the law, because it is mentioned now in the recorded announcements on the buses and is also written on the area by the front door of the bus (wish I had a picture).

I had read before that it was Federal Law, but it may be local. All I could find specific was this post from 2003, where Chip N Dale Express (who was a bus driver at the time) wrote that folding strollers was required by local law.
I know it is posted and since I had read in many forums other than the DIS Boards that it was Federal Law to fold strollers, I guess I made an assumption that what was posted was Federal Law.

We need a bus driver here to clarify.

This is getting interesting and everything I have found out seems to point that its not a federal law or in many cases even a state law. I've looked around both state and federal sites without being able to find anything mentioned.

I'm starting to think the federal law is a myth and its more policy than law.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/lo...cle_3170e2b8-86bf-11df-a8df-001cc4c002e0.html

It gets interesting here in Florida when you start to read local rules. For example Volusia county specifically uses the word guideline as do many others.

In the case of Disney I am not sure its even a state law because there are numerous counties that have guidelines that strollers must be folded. Lynx the local bus transportation system even has it listed under their riders code of conduct.

Of course I could be way off base and there could be something I havent found.

 

[goofy4tink]

I must be lucky I find that people are very helpful and considerate when they see me with our double stroller. It is a city elite (awesome stroller BTW) and can be a tank on the bus - but better than most and folds very quickly. However, I'm always ready to go take up as little room as possible say excuse me, sorry, thank you etc. People go out of their way to help us and smirk very kindly "Yeah we remember those days!". I will usually just ask the bus driver if he minds opening the back so I don't have to plow through people.

A double stroller is awesome and we bring it all over disney - tired crabby kids = tired crabby parents. I do try to avoid the busses at all costs, we try to stay at EPCOT resorts so we walk to 2 parks and even go through EPCOT to take monorail to MK - yes I hate the busses that much!

And if more parents behaved as you do, we wouldn't see so many nasty posts about 'elitest stroller parents'!! So, we all thank you for your attitude...I'm pretty sure that passengers on your bus truly appreciate it.

Yes, it's very dangerous to board at the back unless the driver knows you are doing it and says it is OK. We saw a little girl get squished by the doors once. The door was still open from loading DD's wheelchair and the driver had gone up to the front to close the door. Before he got it closed, someone came along to the back door with a stroller and a small girl. We told him not to get on because the driver had gone up to the front and it would be closing any second. They guy made a comment on the lines of "Who do you think you are? You don't have a right to tell me what I can do" and started boarding.
My DH ran to the front to alert the driver, but it was too late and the door shut on the little girl.

I have also seen people squished in that back door. They decide not to wait in the line and jump out of the line and rush to the door. They don't seem to realize that it is an exit, and as soon as the passengers have gotten off the bus, the driver is going to close that door. I've tried telling them, but they just don't listen. One guy even replied..'Well, the door is open. That means I can use it. Stop being a nosey nellie!' Uh...okay?? And yep, he got his foot stuck in the door as it closed on him.
BUT...many times a driver will tell someone with a stroller that they should board at the rear...and he sends them back there. The problems start when other guests see this and hop in behind stroller dad!! Drives me nuts. Not sure why they feel they are more entitled to board than those of us in the true line.

 

[Magicbus]

I'm starting to think the federal law is a myth and its more policy than law.
Of course I could be way off base and there could be something I havent found.

The notice regarding strollers is on every WDW bus. It's located near the front door and is per the FDOT.
Even if it wasn't official, it makes sense. Any static object blocking the aisle presents a safety issue in case of an emergency.

 

[Oglet]

The notice regarding strollers is on every WDW bus. It's located near the front door and is per the FDOT.
Even if it wasn't official, it makes sense. Any static object blocking the aisle presents a safety issue in case of an emergency.

Oh, don't get me wrong I personally feel that its a great rule my only question is with the law. Disney has the right to do whatever makes their transportation safer but its more curiosity now on if its just policy or law and if its Federal, State, Local (RCID, Orange County etc)

Even in non emergency situations strollers unfolded on a bus are trip hazard.

 

[SueM in MN]

The notice regarding strollers is on every WDW bus. It's located near the front door and is per the FDOT.
Even if it wasn't official, it makes sense. Any static object blocking the aisle presents a safety issue in case of an emergency.

I'm guessing then it is a Federal Department of Transportation Guideline?

Those things are not law, but have 'the force of law' . In healthcare, when we get surveyed, we will be cited for not following that type of Guideline.

Do you have the text of what the notice on the bus says?

 

[culli]

And if more parents behaved as you do, we wouldn't see so many nasty posts about 'elitest stroller parents'!! So, we all thank you for your attitude...I'm pretty sure that passengers on your bus truly appreciate it.

Well I do have to admit on our last trip I did cut off another double stroller family at the monorail. I was there long before they got there (1st in line) and they proceeded to try and go in front of me - no way there would have been room for both of us. I just nudged them out of the way and went in, It doesn't hurt that I'm not exactly a small skinny guy - sometimes being in shape has its advantages - now if I could just get to be 6'5" but I think I'm done growing

But to the point I totally understand the arrogance of some people in strollers and how that annoys people. Yeah on the monorail I probably should have collapsed my stroller but that guy made me so mad, I was like NO WAY you are waiting buddy!

 

[cm8]

Well I do have to admit on our last trip I did cut off another double stroller family at the monorail. I was there long before they got there (1st in line) and they proceeded to try and go in front of me - no way there would have been room for both of us. I just nudged them out of the way and went in, It doesn't hurt them I'm not exactly a small skinny guy - sometimes being in shape has its advantages - now if I could just get to be 6'5" but I think I'm done growing

But to the point I totally understand the arrogance of some people in strollers and how that annoys people. Yeah on the monorail I probably should have collapsed my stroller but that guy made me so mad, I was like NO WAY you are waiting buddy!

Wow, don't you just love the way they do that, Just act like you weren't even in line waiting and all

 

[Nicole276]

So here's my plan... We have Dd 3 and Ds 16 months and leaving in a few weeks. I have a Baby Trend sit and stand stroller, and I love it. However it is big and bulky, and you have to remove the front tray to fold it up. So even though it would be nice only having one stroller(=only one person pushing), but instead we opted to just take two umbrella strollers.

One is ours and we will just borrow the other from my mother. They are both nice in the fact that they have sun visors, small baskets, fold easily, and recline for some hopeful naps from Ds.

But I know that is more to juggle on the buses, but I think if I handle the kids, and let Dh handle the strollers, we will be fine.

I plan on wearing Ds with a carrier while waiting on the bus ( Dd can just walk) that way we will be folded up and ready to go. The only other thing we will have to carry is a bag pack with our necessities for the day.

Plus Dd will only need her stroller for the parks (2 days). Anywhere else we go, DTD, ADR's, etc, she will be fine walking.

So, does my plan sound okay? Hope it works out okay, I am really trying to make sure I don't annoy too many people.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Your plan sounds great.

 

[Magicbus]

So, does my plan sound okay?

From where I sit, it sounds excellent.
I wish more parents had your common sense.

 

[hsmamato2]

sorry,those double strollers are awful on buses.....I don't care,I've never used one...but the people trying to lug tired kids,GIANT strollers,bags,etc on a crowded bus....I wouldn't want to do that! FWIW,I was always a fan of small foldables anyway- my kids were always comfortable in them....and I don't like hassles,especially on vacation

 

[culli]

sorry,those double strollers are awful on buses.....I don't care,I've never used one...but the people trying to lug tired kids,GIANT strollers,bags,etc on a crowded bus....I wouldn't want to do that! FWIW,I was always a fan of small foldables anyway- my kids were always comfortable in them....and I don't like hassles,especially on vacation

Nothing to be sorry for it is your opinion. We love our double stroller and not that much more of a hassle than bringing 2 umbrella strollers. Ours is a City Elite and folds easily and although heavy is possible to stay out of others way on bus if you are courteous and smart about it. It is well worth it to bring as tired and unhappy kids = tired unhappy parents. We go a few times a year so we have figured out most of the things to make life easier and the double stroller ranks high up there for our family. They are easy to maneuver, kids can nap in them, stay out of the sun or rain, much nicer and cheaper than the park rentals. Just can't do that with the umbrella strollers especially once the kids hit about 3 or 4 years old. However, we don't take the buses too much as we try to stay at an EPCOT resort and walk to the parks then go thru EPCOT and monorail to MK. We don't do buses because we like to walk and don't like the uncertainty of the buses (not because of strollers) - overall the buses are really good but can be hit and miss (another topic).

Don't get me wrong it is much easier getting around on the buses without strollers but I think you pay for it when you get to the parks. If you are going to bring a double stroller and bring it on the bus - ease of folding and getting to a nice size is a necessity. I keep bring up the City series but if anyone is looking for an easy to use stroller check out the City Mini or any other City series strollers. They are $$$ but for our family it paid for itself in stroller rentals at Disney alone. BTW we also have a family of 4 with ages 8yr - 6 months so the double really in a necessity for our situation.

 

[Magicbus]

Do you have the text of what the notice on the bus says?

As requested:

DOT REGULATION 392.62 REQUIRES THAT ALL STROLLERS BE FOLDED AND CARRY ON ARTICLES BE SECURED KEEPING AISLES AND EXITS CLEAR.

There have been posts regarding entering through the rear door, there is also a sign prohibiting that near or on the rear door. Drivers or guests, may request, if you have an over size stroller, that you enter through the rear door.

 

[livndisney]

As requested:

DOT REGULATION 392.62 REQUIRES THAT ALL STROLLERS BE FOLDED AND CARRY ON ARTICLES BE SECURED KEEPING AISLES AND EXITS CLEAR.

There have been posts regarding entering through the rear door, there is also a sign prohibiting that near or on the rear door. Drivers or guests, may request, if you have an over size stroller, that you enter through the rear door.

LOL, yesterday I went over and took a picture of the sign posted on a bus, so I could look up the reg. You beat me to it.