The bus...

[goofy4tink]

To summerize..
The buses are going to be crowded...opening and closing times.

There will not always be enough seats for everyone that gets on a particular bus.

ECV's will be boarded first, with those in their party.

If you see someone that looks like they can really use a seat, feel free to offer yours.

If you have someone in your party who is unable to stand in a bus, then you may want to look into renting a car.

If you are seated, and you need that seat, don't feel guilty about keeping the seat. Others don't know you, they have no idea what your needs are.

Those getting on a bus, and not finding a seat, and getting miffed because no one will give their seat to you??? Get over it. You have no idea what their particular needs are. They may have a greater need than you.

I am northern born and bred. I am polite, have wonderful manners, and go to church regularly. I give up my seat when needed. My dh does as well, even when he shouldn't due to bad knees. My dd has always given up her seat when an adult needs it.
But, not everyone has the same behaviours. Not everyone thinks the same. My need to sit may not be what you feel to be a 'need'. No one has personal insights into other's situations.
I really think it's time for this discussion to go away. Oh, and no, Disney does not feel that every guest gets a seat on any type of transport. You may have to wait for another vehicle, you may have to stand.
If you aren't ok with that, a rental car is going to be your best bet.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

If you are talking about the safety of the mom and the little one, then the first person to see to both of their safety should be the parents, or another family memeber. It just seems a bit arrogant to me for someone to be holding a sleeping child to get on a full bus and expect someone to offer them a seat. Expecting a courtesey is wrong, and you are only setting yourself up for trouble. Why would you gamble on something as important as the safety of your family?

I think many of us who argue that the family should be the ones looking after its family members are also quick to hop up and offer our seats. Thinking people should take care of their own family members does not mean that we just ignore people in need when we see them. I just don't think it is right from a safety standpoint that anyone put themselves into a situation where they feel unsafe and are dependant on total strangers to make everything good. Seems pretty reckless.

Arrogant. Reckless. Thank you for mind reading and making my point about how both sides of this argument are quite judgmental. And both sides are pretty emphatic about their position. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

But as I've said, it's been 5+ years since this has even been close to an issue for us. And only once about 11 years ago did it actually happen to us (on our first visit with our kids). You cannot rely upon the kindness of strangers so we didn't. After that incident, at night, we just waited for the next bus as I've said many times before on this thread.

It just bothers me when people are so judgmental against families who enter a bus that's in the process of filling up. Does anyone know the true number of seats? Can you count them and say, oh that was #25. We better wait for the next bus. This isn't about me, it's about the countless families who visit WDW and aren't experts on the bus system. Again, it's not as black and white an issue as it's made out to be on these threads. There is a huge grey area in the middle. I've read many posts about families in similar situations who never expected anyone to give up their seat, but nonetheless found themselves standing and holding a child. They are reporting what happened, not judging others as you have done them.

All of that said, I actually do take your advice and we rent a car. Even though we don't need seats on a bus (and when we used to take buses, we always give up our seats for those who needed them more), we hate seeing others not being able to rely upon the kindness of strangers especially at Disney. JMHO

 

[kaligal]

I did state that we wait until the line goes down and then get in line. Here is exactly what we do. When we get to the bus stop and see that the lines are crazy we grab a seat on a bench even if it's not a bench at the stop we need ( if the benches are taken at the stop we need ) then when we see the line has gone down or even diminished we get in line. This always worked for us and never wait more then 20 minutes....it all depends when you go. This is what works for us to guarantee us a seat. To each his own, we are at Disney to enjoy and relax....we don't rush to any ride when the park opens, if we make a rope drop so be it...I must say the only times we really have to wait for a bus is after park closing and then I'm perfectly happy to find a bench and wait.

It's nice that the benches are always available when you're there, but you do realize that some people will show up at the bus stop and find that others have already sat down on the benches, right?

Not everyone is going to find that there are always benches available and waiting for them at all the bus stops.

Not everyone will be getting on a bus in 20 minutes, either...especially at closing!!!

 

[Finally08]

I know I should just back away, but I did want to point out that we've witnessed many parents with small children hold their kids because no one gave up their seat. It's even happened to us back when we were Disney Newbies and didn't know any better about getting onto a bus late at night. After it happened once, we waited for the next bus at night for the rest of that trip and after that trip, rented a car from that point forward until the kids were older. We tried again to ride the buses and witnessed the same rude behavior and are now back to being just car people.

As far as waiting for the next bus. This works well at night when the buses come fairly quickly. It doesn't work well in the morning at the All-Star Music. For us, the bus was already partially full from the All-Star Sports. All seats were taken. Thus, if we wanted a seat we had to wait for three or four buses probably. And the buses only came every 15 to 20 minutes. Another reason we only rent a car from now on.

We've also witnessed and been that parent with a small child/kids who had to stand. I've watched parents holding babies, and I have held a sleeping child that was almost as big as me all while standing on a Disney bus. It happens. Anyone who hasn't seen it, has been on a bunch of Disney buses (certainly not a lot of the value buses that are always jammed!).

We skipped out on a bus leaving MK after a 3am emh one night because it was me alone with dd and her stroller and I knew I couldn't stand and hold onto her and everything else as well. The guy working the bus stop tried to get me on the bus with much persuasion...it was about 3:30 am at this point (we had waited through 2 other buses) and he said there was only 1 running now so it could be 40 minutes before it got back. And it was...we boarded after 4am. But I told him about my near death experience on a bus my last trip when we stood crammed at the very front (like 2 feet from the windshield) and the bus driver missed the exit and drove us around Orlando, off Disney property. I was crying with fear and decided I was *never* doing that again. He actually laughed and said he probably knew who the guy was that did that based on the details of the story I gave him.

 

[mickey&minnie04]

It's nice that the benches are always available when you're there, but you do realize that some people will show up at the bus stop and find that others have already sat down on the benches, right?

Not everyone is going to find that there are always benches available and waiting for them at all the bus stops.

Not everyone will be getting on a bus in 20 minutes, either...especially at closing!!!

I did say it depends on when you go and that this was what worked for us. These were my experiences ...I stated that. I stated at closing that I wait on a bench and enjoy my husbands company. Maybe you didn't read all my posts....

 

[KSDisneyDad]

That's not really true.....We've mostly stayed Value, there are benches ( and they are shaded ) behind the que area. We sit on the bench if it's too crowded and then when the lines have diminished we get in line. There are benches at every bus loading area and most if not all have some kind of shading.

I would have never considered those benches as places to wait on a bus. I could see what you mean, but unlike at the Moderates or Deluxes, you have to get up and get in line at some point as you mentioned. Those benches at the Values are not practical for 90%+ of guests IMO.

That said, you are a much more patient person than me. I don't like waiting in lines which is why we use FP so much. You mentioned in a subsequent post that you never waited more than 20 minutes for a bus. You must go at different times than us as we've had to wait 20 minutes more than once. This was especially true for the DTD bus.

Plus, at the All-Stars Music or Movies, your strategy will not always get you a seat during times when they are sharing buses with other resorts. We were first or second in line at least twice during our 2009 stay at the Music and on those occassions, there were no seats available on the bus as everyone at Sports had taken them. The exception to this was for a dedicated All-Star Music bus to/from the MK. Otherwise, we shared buses with the other resorts.

 

[KittyKitty]

I am 62 yrs old, going on my 18th trip. I try to sit up front, but if I see a child who can't reach the upper bar on the newer buses standing, I give up my seat for their safety. The parent is always appreciative, and makes me feel good too.

 

[redc]

Just back from 6 days at WDW.

Never waited more than 15 minutes and Never had to stand.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

To summerize..
The buses are going to be crowded...opening and closing times.

There will not always be enough seats for everyone that gets on a particular bus.

ECV's will be boarded first, with those in their party.

If you see someone that looks like they can really use a seat, feel free to offer yours.

If you have someone in your party who is unable to stand in a bus, then you may want to look into renting a car.

If you are seated, and you need that seat, don't feel guilty about keeping the seat. Others don't know you, they have no idea what your needs are.

Those getting on a bus, and not finding a seat, and getting miffed because no one will give their seat to you??? Get over it. You have no idea what their particular needs are. They may have a greater need than you.

I am northern born and bred. I am polite, have wonderful manners, and go to church regularly. I give up my seat when needed. My dh does as well, even when he shouldn't due to bad knees. My dd has always given up her seat when an adult needs it.
But, not everyone has the same behaviours. Not everyone thinks the same. My need to sit may not be what you feel to be a 'need'. No one has personal insights into other's situations.
I really think it's time for this discussion to go away. Oh, and no, Disney does not feel that every guest gets a seat on any type of transport. You may have to wait for another vehicle, you may have to stand.
If you aren't ok with that, a rental car is going to be your best bet.

In addition to the above, you forgot to also mention that a rental car may be your best bet if:

If you are not okay with it taking 1.5 hours to go from resort-to-resort.

If you are not okay with no direct transportation to/from the parks to DTD.

If you are not okay with it taking 45 minutes to get to/from DTD from your resort.

If you are not okay with a bus stopping multiple times before it reaches its final destination.

But, at least the Disney buses are "free" if you have time and patience.

Between the standing/sitting issue and the significant time waster that buses are, I continue to be surprised at how many steadfastly defend the bus system. If you only go to/from the major parks, are okay with up to a 20 minute wait for the bus to arrive and don't mind standing, I can see why you may like them given that the cost is included with your room. YMMV

 

[maxiesmom]

Arrogant. Reckless. Thank you for mind reading and making my point about how both sides of this argument are quite judgmental. And both sides are pretty emphatic about their position. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

You should have also highlighted the word "expect". I have no issue with people who get on a bus, and then find themselves in a bad situation, because they just didn't know. It is those who knowingly put themselves into that situation, and the expect others to fix their problem, that upset me.

And while you can say that people just don't know, they can only claim that for the first bus ride. After that you should understand that people do stand on the busses, and it may happen to you. And, if you feel that you cannot safely stand on a bus, plan accordingly.

The responsibility for your (in general) family's safety rests on you, not on total strangers. What gets me is the feeling that any one with a baby should feel free to hop on a full bus and expect to get a seat. And that if someone doesn't automatically hop up they are a bad person and should be subject to stares and glares.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Just back from 6 days at WDW.

Never waited more than 15 minutes and Never had to stand.

Where did you stay? Did you leave MK or Epcot right after the fireworks? Did you ever go from resort-to-resort on the buses? DTD? Just curious.

I know everyone has different experiences are your experience vastly differs from ours.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

You should have also highlighted the word "expect". I have no issue with people who get on a bus, and then find themselves in a bad situation, because they just didn't know. It is those who knowingly put themselves into that situation, and the expect others to fix their problem, that upset me.

And while you can say that people just don't know, they can only claim that for the first bus ride. After that you should understand that people do stand on the busses, and it may happen to you. And, if you feel that you cannot safely stand on a bus, plan accordingly.

The responsibility for your (in general) family's safety rests on you, not on total strangers. What gets me is the feeling that any one with a baby should feel free to hop on a full bus and expect to get a seat. And that if someone doesn't automatically hop up they are a bad person and should be subject to stares and glares.

Thank you for clarifying. I think we actually are closer in agreement than I originally thought.

I tend to agree with you about those who "knowingly" put themselves in that situation. I was just trying to point out that it's not always black & white as to knowing or not. Not everyone who gets themselves in this situation went in with eyes wide open and at least we can agree on that.

I guess I'm a typical man and don't notice the "stares and glares". I also don't try to interpret what others intents are. If I see someone in need, I just help out if I can.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Many people (sometimes myself ) realize their kids need to go to bed when they're at the bus stop.

This is so true, lol. I experience this all the time and not just at Disney, they love to fall asleep just before I pull in the parking lot to go grocery shopping, it never fails.

My only point was that not everybody has planned ahead and taken their children out of the park at the perfect time like you do.

Oh no, not the "p" word again. Oh gosh, I so despise this word. I do plan ahead but my plans are for from perfect, as they are never full realized. Have you ever heard that saying, "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans". Well, that's the story of my life, lol. Also, there is no perfect time. What works for
you may not work me, especially with small children, because they are so unpredictable.

And I don't judge parents who may have kept their children in the park a little too long - sometimes children are fine at 10 p.m., but not by the time they get to the bus stop.

I will never judge anyone, especially parents -- parenting is the hardest job (and most rewarding) lol. I may have an opinion that differs from yours and that's all there is to it. This is how we learn from each other and I appreciate your insight.

Anyway, we love Disney at night! It's our favorite time to be in the parks. It's a completely different experience for us with all the beautiful lights and not having to bake in the sun, lol. Last year, we did MK EMH and stayed until 1:30 AM. We would have stayed until 3AM if the children were up for it. I am preparing myself for this upcoming trip. I am staying at a resort with all buses only and I don't know what to expect. All I can do is hope for the best.

If those kids need to sleep, they're getting a seat from me. And you might not want or expect it, but I would do the same for your family.

I agree with you. Children should never suffer needlessly. And I would do the same for your family too. I really appreciate that comment. Oh well, its looks like you have become one of those who I can't argue with effectively anymore because I like you!

I think it's nervy to expect WDW to provide personalized transportation out of what is actually public transit.

I don't know. Even Delta is tapping into "personalized transportation". http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/flight_partners/private_jets/index.jsp I only mention this because this kind of service is usually marketed to a very select demographic. Instead of the niche marketing that one would expect, Delta is promoting this to the masses like everyone has a $100,000 in the shoe box, lol.

Initially, I didn't think the idea was so "nervy". You're on to something because I would actually pay for this kind of service, especially for rope drop and/or park closing. Disney already offers a personalized shuttle van that provides transportation to and from the parks for the occupants of the Golden Oak community -- I know they spend millions to live there.

But I "think" it would be awesome, if Disney were to offer something like that for resort guests, at a premium of course -- but hopefully not too out of reach. Did anyone predict ME? I was blown away (am still am) when Disney offered this service. It's very nice, but I also understand that ME is a very clever strategy to keep us on Disney property. And the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that it's highly unlikely Disney would ever offer anything like this because I can't figure how it could be of benefit to Disney beyond profits and that's a maybe.

I would apologize to you

I don't want an apology that's the furthest thing from my mind. I was giving you a compliment.

In general, I don't think most guests on Disney buses are that rude. I was at the Broncos game last night and tried to get out of the parking lot. Talk about rude people!!!! I'd trade that for Disney anyday.

Lol, consider yourself fortunate that you weren't a Raider's fan at the 49er's game. Terrible.

Just back from 6 days at WDW.

Never waited more than 15 minutes and Never had to stand.

Thank you for the update! This is consistent with my experiences on the bus. I needed to hear this and it gives me hope. I hope you had a great trip.

Okay ... I promise I am really really done.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't know. Even Delta is tapping into "personalized transportation". http://www.delta.com/planning_reserv...jets/index.jsp I only mention this because this kind of service is usually marketed to a very select demographic. Instead of the niche marketing that one would expect, Delta is promoting this to the masses like everyone has a $100,000 in the shoe box, lol.

Initially, I didn't think the idea was so "nervy". You're on to something because I would actually pay for this kind of service, especially for rope drop and/or park closing. Disney already offers a personalized shuttle van that provides transportation to and from the parks for the occupants of the Golden Oak community -- I know they spend millions to live there.

But I "think" it would be awesome, if Disney were to offer something like that for resort guests, at a premium of course -- but hopefully not too out of reach. Did anyone predict ME? I was blown away (am still am) when Disney offered this service. It's very nice, but I also understand that ME is a very clever strategy to keep us on Disney property. And the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that it's highly unlikely Disney would ever offer anything like this because I can't figure how it could be of benefit to Disney beyond profits and that's a maybe.

Interesting news about Delta - although that's pretty competitive with private jet co-ops. I'm going to stop and buy a couple of lottery tickets and a shoebox on my way to work.

Regarding special transportation: I've actually been offered a personal van pick-up after discussing a very disappointing bus experience with Transportation Management. But in general, I can't see WDW offering this - not with so many taxis available . I agree DME is great. I don't consider its use being 'trapped' onsite; I'm aware Disney won't take me to the competition free. Heck, I've used Magical Express and rented a car on the same trip!

 

[skater]

This is so true, lol. I experience this all the time and not just at Disney, they love to fall asleep just before I pull in the parking lot to go grocery shopping, it never fails.

Oh no, not the "p" word again. Oh gosh, I so despise this word. I do plan ahead but my plans are for from perfect, as they are never full realized. Have you ever heard that saying, "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans". Well, that's the story of my life, lol. Also, there is no perfect time. What works for
you may not work me, especially with small children, because they are so unpredictable.

I will never judge anyone, especially parents -- parenting is the hardest job (and most rewarding) lol. I may have an opinion that differs from yours and that's all there is to it. This is how we learn from each other and I appreciate your insight.

Anyway, we love Disney at night! It's our favorite time to be in the parks. It's a completely different experience for us with all the beautiful lights and not having to bake in the sun, lol. Last year, we did MK EMH and stayed until 1:30 AM. We would have stayed until 3AM if the children were up for it. I am preparing myself for this upcoming trip. I am staying at a resort with all buses only and I don't know what to expect. All I can do is hope for the best.


I agree with you. Children should never suffer needlessly. And I would do the same for your family too. I really appreciate that comment. Oh well, its looks like you have become one of those who I can't argue with effectively anymore because I like you!

:

Darn. Now I can't argue with you either . Parenting is the hardest job and you're right - we all do it differently.

 

[VAN]

I would much rather get on a crowded bus than sit on a bench and watch buses go by and lines get shorter. Everybody's different and I respect your right to do that, but I couldn't stand it .

How do you know you couldn't stand it if you haven't tried it !!

Isn't that what you said to me about the mugs?

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Interesting news about Delta - although that's pretty competitive with private jet co-ops. I'm going to stop and buy a couple of lottery tickets and a shoebox on my way to work.

Regarding special transportation: I've actually been offered a personal van pick-up after discussing a very disappointing bus experience with Transportation Management. But in general, I can't see WDW offering this - not with so many taxis available . I agree DME is great. I don't consider its use being 'trapped' onsite; I'm aware Disney won't take me to the competition free. Heck, I've used Magical Express and rented a car on the same trip!

I have to disagree about DME being a "trap". With "free" DME and "free" transportation, most guests are trapped and have to buy all food on-site. Granted, you can get off-site if you take a cab or rent a car, but with extra park days on the MYW tickets beyond the first four being so inexpensive ($8 per day), Disney's marketing keeps you stuck on-site to "save" money.

That said, we too have used the DME and a rental car. We use DME to enable us to downsize our rental car size. With five of us, we would normally need a minivan for us and our luggage. However, we have found that we can rent a full-size car for less and use the DME to transport our luggage for free. My DW and two boys take the DME, while I go rent a car with my oldest. When we've done this, I have arrived 5 minutes before the DME bus each time (scary actually how it always works out that way). By the time they arrive, we are about checked-in and ready to start our trip.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have to disagree about DME being a "trap". With "free" DME and "free" transportation, most guests are trapped and have to buy all food on-site. Granted, you can get off-site if you take a cab or rent a car, but with extra park days on the MYW tickets beyond the first four being so inexpensive ($8 per day), Disney's marketing keeps you stuck on-site to "save" money.

I agree that that is the purpose, to keep you trapped on-site, but you can still find ways to save money on food. Taxis are all over the place. It wouldn't cost much to run to a grocery store for some snacks. When we are trying to save as much as possible (as for the next trip) we use Garden Grocer and have food sent to our room. Just having a quick breakfast of cereal, or fruit, or granola bars in the room saves a bunch with a family of 6.

You just have to find a way to work around Disney and their devious plans.

 

[ccgirl]

And this, my friends, is why we always rent a car. Even when staying on site. No problems being on my own timetable or getting my own seat. Despite planning, I ended up on a very crowded bus from DtD. The boats weren't running due to rain and lightning. I stood, very pregnant, holding my 3 year old all the while juggling the stroller. The guy next to me was visibly upset that the stroller was touching his leg. So, now we rent a car. Haven't had a problem since.

 

[Bullseye]

That said, we too have used the DME and a rental car. We use DME to enable us to downsize our rental car size. With five of us, we would normally need a minivan for us and our luggage. However, we have found that we can rent a full-size car for less and use the DME to transport our luggage for free. My DW and two boys take the DME, while I go rent a car with my oldest. When we've done this, I have arrived 5 minutes before the DME bus each time (scary actually how it always works out that way). By the time they arrive, we are about checked-in and ready to start our trip.

We do the same thing- DW and DD's take the DME for the Luggage convenience and I rent a car and meet them. That's the only bus ride any one takes the whole trip.

And this, my friends, is why we always rent a car. Even when staying on site. No problems being on my own timetable or getting my own seat.

Yup yup . And just like the whole monorail thing, bus issues are another thing you don't have to worry about when you got your own wheels!