The bus...

[KSDisneyDad]

Maybe it's been said -- I haven't read the entire thread -- but you can always tell where people are from based upon how they scan the bus for a seat when they first get on. Anyone from Boston, NYC, Chicago or LA would never expect a seat to be waiting for them on a mass transit system (which WDW is -- 3rd largest in Florida) no less expect someone to give up their seat. It's usually families from smaller places who have rarely taken public transportation, who feel a sense of entitlement due to how much their vacation costs, or else that golly-gee neighborly presumptuousness, who expect someone to give up their seat or have one magically waiting for them.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say: "We'll wait for the next bus so we can have a seat." And these people were not elderly, pregnant or scooter-bound. And no, they didn't have that mysterious, hidden illness or debilitation people like to come up with which has no other symptom known to the medical community except requiring a seat on a bus. They were moving better than me, and I just don't get it. You'll stand for another 15-20 minutes at the bus stop just to sit down on a 10-minute bus ride back to your resort? The only thing more important than money is time, and when you're on vacation the clock is constantly ticking. I always take the first bus. I always stand. I never bother taking a seat because I know it's a matter of life and death for others. Some people need to get their priorities straight, and sitting on a bus for ten minutes just isn't one of them. No, not for anyone. No one. Quote me.

Boy, it sure must be nice living in a small town.

What a condescending post about those in small-towns. And many would consider Portland, OR a small town.

The nicest person I've ever met is from New York and would do anything to help a stranger. Some of the rudest people I've met are from small towns. I think that stereotyping anyone is wrong as has been sad many many times on this thread. I think stereotyping a Mom who gets on a bus with a small child as irresponsibile is as bad as stereotyping any single person as rude who remains seated and doesn't give up their seat as you don't know their story.

I've lived in towns from the size of 1,500 to 3 million. And in all of those places are thousands who are kind and courteous and help IF they are able. I guess I don't see kindness as having a zip code.

 

[smalltowngirl504]

I want to say thank you, to the riders, that saw me and my husband with our 1, 2 and 7 year old, AND a double stroller, and gave up their seats so we would sit them on our laps, we never once stood, and for that I am very grateful!!!!

I guess you do what you feel is best for you and your conscience at the time, there is not rule saying you have to do it, at least no Disney rule, some people have their own morals and rules they live by

Also adding that from my screen name , I come from a very small town.. I dont feel entitled and would give up my seat, for any elderly or family with small children!!! It has nothing to do with where your from!

 

[DustyPixie]

What a condescending post about those in small-towns. And many would consider Portland, OR a small town.

The nicest person I've ever met is from New York and would do anything to help a stranger. Some of the rudest people I've met are from small towns. I think that stereotyping anyone is wrong as has been sad many many times on this thread. I think stereotyping a Mom who gets on a bus with a small child as irresponsibile is as bad as stereotyping any single person as rude who remains seated and doesn't give up their seat as you don't know their story.

I've lived in towns from the size of 1,500 to 3 million. And in all of those places are thousands who are kind and courteous and help IF they are able. I guess I don't see kindness as having a zip code.

Very well-said, KSDisneyDad! I was thinking the same thing when I read that post. How can someone seriously stereotype people in that manner or even possiblly think they can know the personal situations of others just by looking at them? Ridiculous!

 

[AustinTink]

I want to say thank you, to the riders, that saw me and my husband with our 1, 2 and 7 year old, AND a double stroller, and gave up their seats so we would sit them on our laps, we never once stood, and for that I am very grateful!!!!

I guess you do what you feel is best for you and your conscience at the time, there is not rule saying you have to do it, at least no Disney rule, some people have their own morals and rules they live by

So, people who do not reward you for breeding by giving up their seat have no conscience or morals?? It's your choice to have small children so close together in age. It's also your choice to wait for another bus, so those small children can sit safely.

I never expected anyone to give up a seat for me when I had a toddler in tow. I would always wait for the next bus. Always.

 

[maxiesmom]

So, people who do not reward you for breeding by giving up their seat have no conscience or morals?? It's your choice to have small children so close together in age. It's also your choice to wait for another bus, so those small children can sit safely.

I never expected anyone to give up a seat for me when I had a toddler in tow. I would always wait for the next bus. Always.

Though I think your tone is pretty harsh, I have to agree with you. Frankly, I don't see how getting on a bus with too many children and too much stuff to handle safely is the right choice. I mean, what would someone do in that circumstance if they were not fortunate enough that someone hopped up and offered their seat? Let their kids fall over? Let their stroller whack someone else?

And yet somehow the people who don't jump up to help the people who put themselves into that same bad position time and time again are the ones with the bad judgement and somehow immoral. Not the people who put their kids into that dangerous situation. Unbelieveable.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

So, people who do not reward you for breeding by giving up their seat have no conscience or morals?? It's your choice to have small children so close together in age. It's also your choice to wait for another bus, so those small children can sit safely.

I never expected anyone to give up a seat for me when I had a toddler in tow. I would always wait for the next bus. Always.

Why feel such a need to post such an inflammatory post?

Not everyone is the same in this world. If we all thought the same way, it'd be pretty boring. What works for you doesn't work for others. I continue to be surprised at the lack of emphathy expressed toward fellow guests (and human beings) regardless of circumstances on both sides of this issue.

Disney is going to have a much higher proportion of bus riders with small children & strollers. Not all of those will think it's easy or practical to wait for the next bus, leave the area and walk quite a distance or take a monorail to catch a cab, etc. If the situation occurs, it occurs. Do what you feel is right. I will happily give up my seat without making a judgment. Others won't and if they are okay with that, who am I to judge? I just wish there was more compassion on both sides of this topic.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I want to say thank you, to the riders, that saw me and my husband with our 1, 2 and 7 year old, AND a double stroller, and gave up their seats so we would sit them on our laps, we never once stood, and for that I am very grateful!!!!

I guess you do what you feel is best for you and your conscience at the time, there is not rule saying you have to do it, at least no Disney rule, some people have their own morals and rules they live by

Also adding that from my screen name , I come from a very small town.. I dont feel entitled and would give up my seat, for any elderly or family with small children!!! It has nothing to do with where your from!

Sorry your post has been blown out of proportion by others. It seemed like a nice post to me but I wasn't trying to read any negative intentions into it like others did.

I saw no where on your post that you EXPECTED or were ENTITLED to a seat as others implied. You instead said that you were THANKFUL for a seat. There is a huge diffenence in expectation and thankfulness!!! So many of those who use this topic as a pulpit are asking that guests do exactly as you said - don't expect a seat but be thankful when one is offered. And yet when you do it that way, you are adversely judged by others. I have begun to wonder if there really is any "middle ground" for this so-called debate.

Why did so many have to respond to your thankfulness in such a mean manner and even berate you for having kids too close together in age? (Good think you didn't have twins or triplets!).

 

[mom2rtk]

I continue to be surprised at the lack of emphathy expressed toward fellow guests (and human beings) regardless of circumstances on both sides of this issue.

I feel the same way. I don't judge any individual on a bus who does not jump up to give a seat to someone with little kids, or to someone elderly or pregnant. But as a whole, I have to say that I doubt that every single person on a given bus has a hidden heart ailment or recently had a hip replaced or something.

I'm just sad about the harsh rejection of common courtesy.

 

[maxiesmom]

I saw no where on your post that you EXPECTED or were ENTITLED to a seat as others implied. You instead said that you were THANKFUL for a seat. There is a huge diffenence in expectation and thankfulness!!! So many of those who use this topic as a pulpit are asking that guests do exactly as you said - don't expect a seat but be thankful when one is offered. And yet when you do it that way, you are adversely judged by others. I have begun to wonder if there really is any "middle ground" for this so-called debate.

/QUOTE]


I think it is the part about them having 3 kids, a double stroller, and never having to stand. Getting on the bus once and seeing that they have a problem is one thing. But putting yourself back into that same position time and time again is just reckless. I would be thankful too if someone were to help me out. And it is nice that others did. It just worries me, and angers me a bit, that someone would continue to put themselves into that same dangerous position. If not for the good will of others, the OP and her family could have had a scary bus experience, and not a good one.

 

[Hannathy]

So, people who do not reward you for breeding by giving up their seat have no conscience or morals?? It's your choice to have small children so close together in age. It's also your choice to wait for another bus, so those small children can sit safely.

I never expected anyone to give up a seat for me when I had a toddler in tow. I would always wait for the next bus. Always.

I agree with you and from the sounds of it, it wasn't a one time oops we didn't know there weren't sits in the back. I would like to know how you thought you could hold a 1 and 2 yr old alone? figuring the DH would have the stroller and the older child could stand by them selves. I guess the 2 yr old could be braced between your legs, and hold onto a vertical bar or a seat.

don't get on a bus without seats unless you plan on standing.
The bus is first come first serve and I really still don't understand why people don't get this.

 

[brunette8706]

And there we have it, proof that someone from a big city (Austin) can be an absolute raving ***hole.

*
TOTALLY Concur! All I can say is WOW! Breeding? Really?

 

[KellyNY]

Why did so many have to respond to your thankfulness in such a mean manner and even berate you for having kids too close together in age? (Good think you didn't have twins or triplets!).

Because having doing it over an over again is simply called indangering child welfare.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Because having doing it over an over again is simply called indangering child welfare.

If it was truly endangering child welfare, wouldn't Disney have been sued years ago on this? It happens each and every day at Disney and I have yet to see any published reports about horrible injuries from guests falling on a moving bus. Perhaps it's because they are so crowded that there is always someone around to break your fall.

 

[dskib]

I've been on many buses with my DS when he was 1 and again at 3. In every single case where I was standing with my son, someone offered us his seat. I thought it was lovely of them. I never expected it and I certainly didn't feel as if I was entitled to it, but I absolutely appreciated it.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I agree with you and from the sounds of it, it wasn't a one time oops we didn't know there weren't sits in the back. I would like to know how you thought you could hold a 1 and 2 yr old alone? figuring the DH would have the stroller and the older child could stand by them selves. I guess the 2 yr old could be braced between your legs, and hold onto a vertical bar or a seat.

don't get on a bus without seats unless you plan on standing.
The bus is first come first serve and I really still don't understand why people don't get this.

You are right in that it is first come first serve (with many exceptions of course). If you are getting on a bus at a second stop on a multiple-stop route, you can be first in line and never get a seat. It's happened to us on more than one occasion!

But so what that it is first come first serve? Disney has a higher proportion of guests with small kids using their transportation system than other public transportation systems. Every time you enter a bus, there will be someone who probably needs a seat for their very young children. I'm not going to question their integrity, responsibility, intentions, etc. I will give them a seat without thinking twice or judging them for getting onto the bus in the first place. I do not give them the squinty eye telling them to go walk a 1/2 mile to the nearest taxi stand or wait for the next bus. Nor should they give others the squinty eye to someone for not giving up their seat. There is a balance and compromise "and I really still don't understand why people don't get this".

 

[KellyNY]

If it was truly endangering child welfare, wouldn't Disney have been sued years ago on this? It happens each and every day at Disney and I have yet to see any published reports about horrible injuries from guests falling on a moving bus. Perhaps it's because they are so crowded that there is always someone around to break your fall.

Sued for what, it is their choice to endanger their kids, Disney did not force them, it is their resonsibility. Ask any social servises worker and you will know what it called to get on a moving bus with kids who cannot hold themselves or even stand firmly and having no ability to hold them and yourself in a safe manner.

 

[saraheeyore]

I've been on many buses with my DS when he was 1 and again at 3. In every single case where I was standing with my son, someone offered us his seat. I thought it was lovely of them. I never expected it and I certainly didn't feel as if I was entitled to it, but I absolutely appreciated it.

we had the same. people on the bus were marvelous. one lady even held the pushchair for us one night when my daughter fell asleep stood up so hubby could hold her. I already had a seat that someone and given up with ds and was sat quite a bit away from were dh and dd were stood. i think it depends on what time of year you go and what resort. AKL buses were a nightmare when we caught one to boma when the back door opened for us to get off. people shoved us out the way trying to get on

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Sued for what, it is their choice to endanger their kids, Disney did not force them, it is their resonsibility. Ask any social servises worker and you will know what it called to get on a moving bus with kids who cannot hold themselves or even stand firmly and having no ability to hold them and yourself in a safe manner.

In today's world, if a small child fell and was seriously hurt on a moving bus, I can't imagine a settlement for Disney's lack of responsbility for providing not only a seat, but a saftey seat with belt for kids under a certain age. There are so many on here that don't think small kids should sit anyway so why is that irresponsible for parents to get on without a seat.

And yes, Disney does "force" or at least strongly encourage you to get on the bus and stand. When our kids were young, we would stand to the side at night and wait for the next bus. The bus drivers would practically make us feel like we were nuts for waiting as the next bus could take up to 15 minutes and that there was plenty of room on the current bus to stand. Yet, we had pre-school kids and didn't want to stand. Who is the one being responsible? Those who listen to Disney bus drivers or not?

 

[maxiesmom]

It happens each and every day at Disney and I have yet to see any published reports about horrible injuries from guests falling on a moving bus. Perhaps it's because they are so crowded that there is always someone around to break your fall.

That actually kind of proves the point that someone with kids really doesn't have a true need of a seat. Still, I wouldn't like to see a tiny one trying to balance on a moving bus, and I would get up if I was able.

Both sides should endevor to keep their mean looks themselves. The people who are sitting should be able to sit without getting the squinty eyes. And the people sitting shouldn't assume that person standing on the bus feels entitled to their seat, and shouldn't give them the squinty eyes either.

Be nice to each other, and do what you feel is right, without judging someone who has a different opinion on what is right. That would be the best.

However, I will still judge those idiots who get on the bus and stand right by the front, instead of moving to the back as they are supposed to. All the way to the back of the bus people. Not to the stairs, but up them and to the back!!!

 

[KSDisneyDad]

That actually kind of proves the point that someone with kids really doesn't have a true need of a seat. Still, I wouldn't like to see a tiny one trying to balance on a moving bus, and I would get up if I was able.

Both sides should endevor to keep their mean looks themselves. The people who are sitting should be able to sit without getting the squinty eyes. And the people sitting shouldn't assume that person standing on the bus feels entitled to their seat, and shouldn't give them the squinty eyes either.

Be nice to each other, and do what you feel is right, without judging someone who has a different opinion on what is right. That would be the best.

However, I will still judge those idiots who get on the bus and stand right by the front, instead of moving to the back as they are supposed to. All the way to the back of the bus people. Not to the stairs, but up them and to the back!!!

Good post! I agree completey about not judging each other which is the point I've been trying to make over and over on this thread!