The bus...

[sam_gordon]

I understand frustration and weariness. It's a hard day at the park, what with the fun rides and hugging on Poo and the parades and the wonderful characters who spend all day in those hot costumes in the Florida heat. It's tough to walk around and enjoy all that and then feel I should give up a seat for a woman or anybody else.

If you've been hugging on Poo (instead of Pooh) all day, I would think EVERYONE would be giving up a seat on the bus for you.

 

[eastcarolinafan]

If you've been hugging on Poo (instead of Pooh) all day, I would think EVERYONE would be giving up a seat on the bus for you.

Oh my! What a blunder. That is hilarious. I went back and changed it, but nice catch! I could have had the whole bus, not just one seat to myself.

 

[zuzu310]

Last year I was pregnant (but wasn't showing yet)and I stood just fine on the bus and offered my seat to others. If there is one thing I want to teach my son, it is to know that you are entitled to very little in life and that you should always go out of your way to be kind to others. I believe that the best time to give of yourself is when you expect absolutely nothing in return. I just wish we didn't live in such a "me first, I deserve it" society.

 

[Sappermont]

Last year I was pregnant (but wasn't showing yet)and I stood just fine on the bus and offered my seat to others. If there is one thing I want to teach my son, it is to know that you are entitled to very little in life and that you should always go out of your way to be kind to others. I believe that the best time to give of yourself is when you expect absolutely nothing in return. I just wish we didn't live in such a "me first, I deserve it" society.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Honestly, its not usually bad at all. Most people on Disney buses will gladly give up a seat for someone in need. And most of the time people tend to be friendly - even when they're tired .

That was not our experience. Again, that's one of the reasons we no longer use the Disney buses.

 

[mom2princesses2]

Last year I was pregnant (but wasn't showing yet)and I stood just fine on the bus and offered my seat to others. If there is one thing I want to teach my son, it is to know that you are entitled to very little in life and that you should always go out of your way to be kind to others. I believe that the best time to give of yourself is when you expect absolutely nothing in return. I just wish we didn't live in such a "me first, I deserve it" society.

Absolutely!!!

I think it's just people need to be a little kinder all-around. My DH is the first to give up his seat to whoever he sees needs it more than him, whether it be an elderly person, preganant woman, or another man who is trying to hold onto a pole and a sleeping toddler after a long day.

And I do too if my feet are feeling ok which sometimes they are not since I'm recovering from Planter fascitis surgery which I had right after our last trip to WDW in 9/10. But most people to look at me may not be able to tell the pain I'm in and may think I can stand too. So that able-bodied looking person you think should give up their seat, may actually be sitting there in a lot of pain.

 

[DisneyFive]

It's funny how you don't think much of things like "bus etiquette" until you are on a board like dis. I didn't think much of it last year at the parks. The seven of us got on the bus, went to the park, had a great time, got on the bus, and rode back to the resort.

My father-in-law and I gave up our seats on occasion, but didn't go about looking to give them up. Sometimes our kids stood, sometimes they sat. If I was sitting, one of them was typically on my lap or standing in front of me. I don't remember getting any bad looks. In fact, I am more prone to give up my seat for a kid under 10 than an able bodied female. (no offense) Just think about how much those little legs have to move compared to us adults. My kids are in good shape, but were still pooped out and ready to sit after a long day at the parks.

I have mixed feelings about getting up for an able bodied female. My wife and mother-in-law always got seats before I or my FIL would take one. Pregnant? I would get up for sure. If a female has had a small child with her, I would probably stand up so that she can sit down with her little one in her lap.

However, if anyone goes on the bus expecting to have seats given up for them, that is just not right.

I honestly didn't see much of a problem on our 8 day trip last year. I think some people like to make a bigger deal out of stuff like this than they should.

Dan

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I have come to enjoy having a car while in WDW. BUT...I don't find it to be particularly relaxing. Not with the way most people drive down there. You have the locals who know their way around and drive like nut cases. Then, you have the tourists who have absolutely no idea where they are....driving at 50mph in the left lane as they see their exit come up....jersey skip over to the exit, not much caring about who they have just cut off!! Man, I can't imagine the stress some of the bus drivers live with. Have you watched the road in front of the buses???? Amazing what drivers will do around a bus in WDW.

I was only using the word "relaxing" as compared to the buses. I would agree that neither transportation alternative is particularly relaxing, but that overall we prefer having our own vehicle. The stresses of a car are significantly less to us than the stresses of the buses. YMMV

 

[Marblies]

I ALWAYS sit on full buses, but, just like everything at WDW, it takes a little planning. Here is my secret. I move towards the back of the bus where most buses have an upper level, then I step into the exit door section just enough to allow people to fill in the back THEN I sit on the step. No feeling like I am obligated to get up for anyone and I sit the entire ride. If the bus is already quite full before I get on, I allow people to enter while I keep pole position for the next bus. Works every time.

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

It's funny how you don't think much of things like "bus etiquette" until you are on a board like dis. I didn't think much of it last year at the parks. The seven of us got on the bus, went to the park, had a great time, got on the bus, and rode back to the resort.

My father-in-law and I gave up our seats on occasion, but didn't go about looking to give them up. Sometimes our kids stood, sometimes they sat. If I was sitting, one of them was typically on my lap or standing in front of me. I don't remember getting any bad looks. In fact, I am more prone to give up my seat for a kid under 10 than an able bodied female. (no offense) Just think about how much those little legs have to move compared to us adults. My kids are in good shape, but were still pooped out and ready to sit after a long day at the parks.

I have mixed feelings about getting up for an able bodied female. My wife and mother-in-law always got seats before I or my FIL would take one. Pregnant? I would get up for sure. If a female has had a small child with her, I would probably stand up so that she can sit down with her little one in her lap.

However, if anyone goes on the bus expecting to have seats given up for them, that is just not right.

I honestly didn't see much of a problem on our 8 day trip last year. I think some people like to make a bigger deal out of stuff like this than they should.

Dan

 

[seals]

If I really wanted to sit, I would have waited for the next bus.

I think this sums up my opinion too. It just makes me feel old if someone gives up their seat for me, unless it's my DSs. Then it feels good.
And I feel it applies to others. There will be another bus and if sitting is your first priority or need, then please wait for it. You will be at the front of the line.
That's my theory, although in practice sometimes I feel the magic and CHOOSE to ask someone if they want my seat or more likely make my 3 DSs give up theirs.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I honestly didn't see much of a problem on our 8 day trip last year. I think some people like to make a bigger deal out of stuff like this than they should.

Dan

I think different people have different hot buttons. Plus, I can say that there is a big difference in expressing an opinion at home after your trip about your pet peeve than the impact it really has when you're at WDW. Personally, very few things mentioned on these boards really both me when I'm actually at WDW such as line cutting, taking tables at counter service before you get your food, using late fast passes, people stopping in front of you, guests arriving late for parades or fireworks, the stroller brigades, etc. However, for our family, we have grown to dislike the Disney bus service and even little things bother us about it now. Perhaps it's just us trying to justify why we no longer use the buses, but it does frustrate us having to wait in an unshaded line for 20+ minutes only to stand on the bus. And suggesting that we wait for the next bus in the morning - forget it. It will take another 10 to 20 minutes and it most likely will be full too. And then when you get on the bus, people do block aisles, let their bags have a seat too or you may see many elderly guests or parents holding small kids having to stand.

I also believe that most of these people standing have no expectation of a seat or feeling of entitlement. Howeer, as a disinterested observer, I find it sad that so many will sit while someone who visibly needs a seat has to stand. Even if one or two of those individuals had a hidden illness, odds are that there are at least 5 or 6 close by who don't have a hidden illness requiring them to sit. And yes, I understand those that preach about taking responsibility and waiting for the next bus, hiring a cab or renting a car. Life isn't always that practical especially in the mornings heading to the parks. Buses do not come one after another. In the evening, I can see waiting as an option. Further, renting a car is discouraged by the Disney advertising machine. They'd rather trap you at the resorts with their "free" ME service to/from the airport. Once there, you're dependent on buses. Buses take 45 minutes one-way to DTD many times. Getting from resort-to-resort is an hour and a half proposition at times. Getting to the major parks is usually okay, but there is an occassional long wait in our experience to get to the major parks.

I'm just trying to say that the topic that you see as people "making a bigger deal out of something than they should" can and does bother others. It's just their opinion about it. Similarly, there may be something that bothers you that I don't think is that big of a deal. I don't think that chiding others for discussing this topic is productive. JMHO

 

[KSDisneyDad]

I think this sums up my opinion too. It just makes me feel old if someone gives up their seat for me, unless it's my DSs. Then it feels good.

And I feel it applies to others. There will be another bus and if sitting is your first priority or need, then please wait for it. You will be at the front of the line.

That's my theory, although in practice sometimes I feel the magic and CHOOSE to ask someone if they want my seat or more likely make my 3 DSs give up theirs.

That's not always true. We stayed at the All-Star Music Family Suites in 2009 and made the mistake of not renting a car. Each morning, we waited 10 to 20 for a bus and when it arrived from the All-Star Sports, it was already half-way full and there was not much room except to stand. If we had waited in the scorching sun for another bus in 15 minutes, it most likely would have been full too.

 

[jesswindsor]

I very rarely get a seat on the bus comming or going, but the few times that I have gotten a seat I have given it up to A mother with a sleeping child, and several Elderly adults, I'm more than happy to give up my seat to someone who needs it.

 

[minuet]

On a 2007 trip with my mom we found people to be very courteous on the bus. I have a hidden disability in that if I'm standing on the spot for more than 20 min my blood sugars drop and I go fuzzy in the head. If we knew we would have to stand we would let people pass us in the bus line and wait at the front of the line for the next one while I could sit on the curb.

In 2009 with my now DH we would always get a seat for me with the backpack on my lap and he would stand. We never left the park at exactly closing (dawdle along...the buses will still be coming) and would never be a in crazy line.

With a little planning the bus was a very convenient way to travel.

 

[ReneeA]

Wow! I feel very fortunate that we haven't had all these horrible experiences on the busses!!! We've stayed onsite for a total of 51 (6 trips) days since 2005 and used the busses extensively during those trips...we are talking bus to the park in the morning, bus back to resort for naps when kids were little, to dinner, back to the park, back "home" after fireworks.

I've never had a problem in all those hundreds of times on the bus. I've been offered a seat when the kids were toddlers, I've given up my seat when others are in worse shape than me. DH always stands when the busses are full.



Maybe I'm not paying attention.

 

[sparks19]

I must be one of the luckiest people on earth. I have NEVER encountered rude people on the disney buses but I've also rarely seen the buses full to capacity. We generally leave before actual closing time. Everytime I've been on the buses people are chatty and in a good mood and I've had people offer their seat to me before and I am an able young woman they probably don't WANT to give up their seat but most people have tried to be at least slightly curteous. I will also give up my seat for others. I walked all day... I can stand another few minutes if it looks like someone needs that seat more than I do.

 

[stackyallred]

I agree with the 2 previous posters... I haven't had any bad experiences, either! I've been on those busses before ever being pregnant/having kids, I've been on them when I was obviously pregnant, and I have been on them with a happy and with a not so happy baby. Now I will say, if the bus is full and DH and I don't have DS with us, we never even try to sit. We always walk straight to the back and stand, holding the rails. I just would prefer to offer those seats to people with kids or those who may need a rest more than me. I figure, I've already walked a ton, what is another 5-15 minutes? But, when I was pregnant, tons of people offered me seats, even on a very full bus. Last year with our 10 month old, not only did people do their best to offer us a seat (sometimes, it just wasn't feasible with crowds), but people tried to entertain him if he fussed (and it worked, thankfully! ). I have had times where I was already standing and was a little sad to see that others didn't offer their seats to someone who looked like they could really use it. However, it is free transportation and I have just come to accept that people don't HAVE to offer their seat. This year we are renting a car for the first time because I just don't want to risk having to hold my 30 pound toddler on the bus. I do have to say, though that it just won't be the same to not hear "Welcome aboard the Walt Disney World Bus Transportation System..." I might have to ride a bus just so I can feel like my vacation has actually started!

 

[maxiesmom]

Wow! I feel very fortunate that we haven't had all these horrible experiences on the busses!!! We've stayed onsite for a total of 51 (6 trips) days since 2005 and used the busses extensively during those trips...we are talking bus to the park in the morning, bus back to resort for naps when kids were little, to dinner, back to the park, back "home" after fireworks.

I've never had a problem in all those hundreds of times on the bus. I've been offered a seat when the kids were toddlers, I've given up my seat when others are in worse shape than me. DH always stands when the busses are full.



Maybe I'm not paying attention.

Honestly? I think it is more an issue for on-lookers than people on the bus. I know the last time I took my mom to WDW (she is in her 60s) she was offered a seat every time. Most of the time she declined, but some people were pretty insistent she sit. I had decided too that trip if she wasn't able to stand on the bus we would rent a car. I felt (and still feel) it is my responsibility to see to it she always has a seat if she needs one.

I sometimes wonder if people look at me and think I should be standing. Truth is, sometimes I can't. I have had knee surgery which has improved things, but sometimes my balance isn't the best. You really don't want me falling on you when my knee pops out.

Now, a few years later, there is no way I wouldn't rent a car if I took mom along. I don't think she could stand and keep her balance anymore.

 

[LilyWDW]

Honestly? I think it is more an issue for on-lookers than people on the bus. I know the last time I took my mom to WDW (she is in her 60s) she was offered a seat every time. Most of the time she declined, but some people were pretty insistent she sit. I had decided too that trip if she wasn't able to stand on the bus we would rent a car. I felt (and still feel) it is my responsibility to see to it she always has a seat if she needs one.

I sometimes wonder if people look at me and think I should be standing. Truth is, sometimes I can't. I have had knee surgery which has improved things, but sometimes my balance isn't the best. You really don't want me falling on you when my knee pops out.

Now, a few years later, there is no way I wouldn't rent a car if I took mom along. I don't think she could stand and keep her balance anymore.

Walking is much different then trying to balance yourself on a moving bus... especially for those of us with knee issues. My mom and I will sit when we can and if we NEED to, then we wait for a bus with free seats. We both have issues, she has a bad ankle and I have a bad knee.

I have only once been glared at on a Disney bus for not standing for another... I just glared back. No one knows anything about anyone else on that bus (minus their own family)... so don't judge.

Also, there are times the bus gets SO packed that it is literally impossible to stand up and move so someone can take a seat. I ran into this issue before. Instead, we just scooted together so that a small child could sit with us and we spent the trip talking to the rest of the family.