The bus...

[POOHsie]

Yes! I can't stand this. I can understand one extra with the person to help them, but not a dozen. I could go on with more on the whole bus topic, but what's the point? Things are how they are, and we all have the option of choosing a different way to the parks. We usually rent a car, so we choose based upon what we feel like doing that day.

Disney rules allow the wheeled person plus 5 people to enter thru the back door. You could understand not breaking up a family onto separate buses, right? You wouldn't want your family split up on separate buses, right? When I board the bus with my ECV, I have two with me. When I look around while waiting in the wheelchair line, others have 1 or 2 or 3 with them.

If you see more than 5 enter the bus along with the wheeled person, a complaint is justified. Otherwise, it is Disney bus policy and it is not an issue.

 

[julie4423]

Disney rules allow the wheeled person plus 5 people to enter thru the back door. You could understand not breaking up a family onto separate buses, right? You wouldn't want your family split up on separate buses, right? When I board the bus with my ECV, I have two with me. When I look around while waiting in the wheelchair line, others have 1 or 2 or 3 with them.

If you see more than 5 enter the bus along with the wheeled person, a complaint is justified. Otherwise, it is Disney bus policy and it is not an issue.

I don't think it's fair to split up a family at all. I totally understand the safety issues involved in getting those with wheelchairs etc on first. It makes sense and needs to be done. However, if I've been waiting in a line for a 30 minutes to leave the park, and 2 people show up in ECVs with 5 people each forcing me to wait for yet another bus...is that really fair to me?

 

[POOHsie]

I don't think it's fair to split up a family at all. I totally understand the safety issues involved in getting those with wheelchairs etc on first. It makes sense and needs to be done. However, if I've been waiting in a line for a 30 minutes to leave the park, and 2 people show up in ECVs with 5 people each forcing me to wait for yet another bus...is that really fair to me?

A bus only loads 2 handicapped. If more than 2 wheelchairs/ECVs show up, the 3rd and 4th ones will wait for another bus. If there are 6 wheelchairs in line, chairs 5 and 6 will wait for the third bus to come along. The family waiting with the handicapped person will wait with their loved one, thru 1-2-3-4 or more buses. Not exactly the royal treatment it's made out to be. These same buses load 50+ walking people/each. Often a second bus will pull alongside to take on additional passengers during busy times. No handicapped loading is allowed on these additional buses because there is no room to let down the rear ramp, plus safety issues.

You have stated a fairness gripe. I matched you with a fairness gripe. Let's just say Disney does what is most fair to all involved, in the name of safety and efficiency. And remember, wheelchairs/ECVs load first, but they get off the bus LAST, long after the walking people have arrived at their destination.

 

[Hannathy]

I feel that way also. If I choose to wait another X number of minutes to be sure that I get a seat, then others can do so as well. IF they choose to get on a standing room only bus, they they choose to do so knowing what it means. They can only count on themselves and can not expect others to get up for them.

I think that is what my problem is... some (not all and not any one person in particular) people seem to have an expectation that even if they get on a SRO bus, that someone should get up for them. Then they judge everyone who "looks" healthy enough to stand.

If you need a seat, you can do what the rest of us that need seats do... wait for another bus or rent a car.

This.
SRO really does mean you stand!! You not people already sitting down, but you.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I'm not saying this because it is or isn't my opinion. I do, however, find it interesting that people refer to it as the "gentlemanly" thing to do. I've heard that a lot of what people consider to be "gentlemanly" is considered sexist by a (small) group of people. An example from the thread: An "able bodied" man will give his seat up for a female, child, or the elderly but not for another "able bodied" man. Some might view this as the man feels the female, child, and elderly are inferior.

*shrug*

So if I don't give up my seat, I'm rude, and if I do give up my seat, I'm sexist.

Maybe I'll just stand from the get go.

 

[mickey&minnie04]

I don't have a problem with ECV's at all....my problem is when I have stood in line for 30 minutes and the bus pulls up and people start running to where the ECV's load and along comes an ECV. They get on and the bus leaves and I don't make it on the bus and have to wait another 15-20 minutes for another bus. It's not fair to anyone, I understand they need "special" treatment but maybe there is a better plan for all that Disney can come up with. I have seen well more then 5 load onto a bus with an ECV and the driver allows it. If it's Disney's policy then the bus driver should enforce it.

 

[julie4423]

A bus only loads 2 handicapped. If more than 2 wheelchairs/ECVs show up, the 3rd and 4th ones will wait for another bus. If there are 6 wheelchairs in line, chairs 5 and 6 will wait for the third bus to come along. The family waiting with the handicapped person will wait with their loved one, thru 1-2-3-4 or more buses. Not exactly the royal treatment it's made out to be. These same buses load 50+ walking people/each. Often a second bus will pull alongside to take on additional passengers during busy times. No handicapped loading is allowed on these additional buses because there is no room to let down the rear ramp, plus safety issues.

You have stated a fairness gripe. I matched you with a fairness gripe. Let's just say Disney does what is most fair to all involved, in the name of safety and efficiency. And remember, wheelchairs/ECVs load first, but they get off the bus LAST, long after the walking people have arrived at their destination.

Maybe it's only been my experience in waiting, but I have only seen a wheelchair/ECV have to wait for another bus one time. I don't even consider it waiting as they came up to the doors after the bus was already half loaded, and there were still people left in line after the bus was full. I'm not saying it never happens, just that I've not experienced it. I don't think it's right for ANYONE to have to wait for 4 buses to load. I really don't know what the answer to that is but more buses, or perhaps a bus that can handle more wheelchairs/ECVs to be called when there is a long line.

As for the fairness gripe, doesn't getting on first kinda cancel out getting off last? I'm not trying to be snarky, just saying how it seems to me. Everyone will have a different view on things based upon our own thoughts and experiences.

 

[skater]

I bet most people with ECV's would gladly trade that getting on first privelege to not need an ECV . I've traveled with and without my Mom who uses one (really bad knees and surgery that seems to have made them both worse ). It was way more fun without the ECV and while I admit, there have been times I've enjoyed getting on first, its also embarrassing and time consuming in the long run to be with someone in an ECV. And I'll tell you for a fact, she would trade places with most of you if she could. She'll be in a lot more pain at the end of the day than most of you will - even with the ECV.

We'll be traveling with her again this year and I'm sorry for the inconvenience we'll likely cause some of you. On the plus side, most of us will give up our seats for you if you need them more .

As far as fair goes, life ain't fair. Some of you are richer than me, thinner than me, prettier, etc. Some of you will be at WDW longer than me . And sometimes someone in an ECV will get on the bus before you do - and so will their family - maybe even 6 of them instead of 5. Life just ain't fair .

 

[clanmcculloch]

As for the fairness gripe, doesn't getting on first kinda cancel out getting off last? I'm not trying to be snarky, just saying how it seems to me. Everyone will have a different view on things based upon our own thoughts and experiences.

That was exactly the point. People are complaining that it's not fair that ECVs get on the busses first. It DOES balance out because they also get off last.

 

[POOHsie]

That was exactly the point. People are complaining that it's not fair that ECVs get on the busses first. It DOES balance out because they also get off last.

Thank you for understanding.

 

[Schmeck]

That was exactly the point. People are complaining that it's not fair that ECVs get on the busses first. It DOES balance out because they also get off last.

But they do get on that bus, no matter how many other people were there before them. One ECV tie-down takes over 3 seats and standing room for many more, plus that person will take a seat, as will the up to five people that get on as well. That means at least 4 seats and standing room taken by one person, and up to five more seats by friends/family. So, by boarding first, I'd estimate that up to 12 people who were there before that ECV have to wait for another bus.

Is it fair? I think it is, as there's no other way to do it right now. You've got to get the wheelchairs and ECVs on the bus first to have space to get to the right spots.

Is there a better way? Heck, yes, more open style buses that allow everyone to load from the same spot. Buses that have the whole side lift up for access, and people wait in queue spots to get on. Part of the base slides out to make a full ramp, all the way across. Then there's no accessibility issues, and people get on in the order they arrive.

Will it happen? I don't now, but I think Japan had something similar in the works.

 

[Sappermont]

I bet most people with ECV's would gladly trade that getting on first privelege to not need an ECV . I've traveled with and without my Mom who uses one (really bad knees and surgery that seems to have made them both worse ). It was way more fun without the ECV and while I admit, there have been times I've enjoyed getting on first, its also embarrassing and time consuming in the long run to be with someone in an ECV. And I'll tell you for a fact, she would trade places with most of you if she could. She'll be in a lot more pain at the end of the day than most of you will - even with the ECV.

We'll be traveling with her again this year and I'm sorry for the inconvenience we'll likely cause some of you. On the plus side, most of us will give up our seats for you if you need them more .

As far as fair goes, life ain't fair. Some of you are richer than me, thinner than me, prettier, etc. Some of you will be at WDW longer than me . And sometimes someone in an ECV will get on the bus before you do - and so will their family - maybe even 6 of them instead of 5. Life just ain't fair .

 

[mmmbop]

I bet most people with ECV's would gladly trade that getting on first privelege to not need an ECV . I've traveled with and without my Mom who uses one (really bad knees and surgery that seems to have made them both worse ). It was way more fun without the ECV and while I admit, there have been times I've enjoyed getting on first, its also embarrassing and time consuming in the long run to be with someone in an ECV. And I'll tell you for a fact, she would trade places with most of you if she could. She'll be in a lot more pain at the end of the day than most of you will - even with the ECV.

I've traveled with my grandmother who requires the use of an ECV. She would absolutely love to trade places with someone and be able to walk, rather than deal with the stares and comments.

I do rely on Disney transportation. And I will say, on the crowded buses, I prefer to stand. I get extremely claustrophobic - just by the people aspect (Enclosed spaces don't bother me. But wall to wall people in a bus? Yikes!) I need to be by the door, so if there is room, I will either stand by the rear door or by the front door - doesn't matter. Whichever is more feasible. If the bus is half full, I will go to the rear exit. I will stand out of the way, so people can move around me, but I need to be near the open-ness that the door has, and not have people completely surrounding me (I face the windows). I know, I'm weird.

And I suppose next I will be flamed for NOT renting a vehicle, but have you seen the surcharges for people under 25 to rent a car?! Outrageous.

 

[bluejasmine]

I dont think youll see too many elderly or young children at 3 am but I have no doubt there will be some. I feel everyone has the right to be on any bus at any time. My family will always give up a seat for a young child or the elderly at any time, no matter how tired b/c its just the right thing to do. I believe in karma.. Anyway sometimes they insist they dont need the seat and we dont move..

As far as the scooter thing.. I dont mind them on the buses at all, sometimes when your tired, hot it can be frustrating b/c he process can take awhile but hey..it could happen to any of us right? I only had a problem once. Lady and her husband both had one, we saw them all over WDW, they were quite rude, running into your heels over toes and then when you looked at them or said something they yelled that you should move, or you were in my way! They would cut through lines they were absolutely horrible! Im just thankful I havent seen anyone like that since.. With the exception of the lady who purposely ran her stroller into my DH ankle on purose and then I kid you not chased him down Main St trying to hit him again! I wish I would have recorded it, it was unbelievable, and I was shocked and proud DH kept the Disney spirit and didnt curse her out..

 

[Yellosno]

i have no problem giving up my seat for anyone who needs one i stand at work for at least 5 hours with out sitting and i hate to see people who are in perfect condition to stand not give up their seats to young children and women or the elderly

 

[kaytieeldr]

Maybe it's only been my experience in waiting, but I have only seen a wheelchair/ECV have to wait for another bus one time. I don't even consider it waiting as they came up to the doors after the bus was already half loaded, and there were still people left in line after the bus was full. I'm not saying it never happens, just that I've not experienced it. I don't think it's right for ANYONE to have to wait for 4 buses to load.

Try being the person it happens to .
I've had drivers claim they didn't 'see' me - despite me being hard to miss, staring and smiling at the driver and waving expansively to indicate that's the bus I need.
I've had a driver tell me the bus was too full to let me on.
On a hot (surprise) sunny afternoon when the buses don't run as frequently, I skipped the first bus because it was boarding when I got there*; the next driver 'didn't see' me; the lift was broken on the next bus and when the driver said he'd call for another bus to come right away, I asked him to ask for a ramp bus; the next bus had a lift that worked except the lip wouldn't drop.

It took five buses to get back to my resort (OKW or SSR) on a September afternoon. No, that's not typical - but nobody on foot would have had to suffer through it.

As for the fairness gripe, doesn't getting on first kinda cancel out getting off last? I'm not trying to be snarky, just saying how it seems to me. Everyone will have a different view on things based upon our own thoughts and experiences

I'm genuinely not sure how. It's not that guests on wheels get to board first; for safety and convenience, we have to board first. Skilled operators can maneuver onto the bus and into a slot with reasonable ease while unfamiliar ECV users would likely run over feet.

But being on the bus longer than anyone else is the least ideal situation. Look at it this way: You're in a race. Do you want to
A. Start last/finish first
B. Start first/finish first
C. Start last/finish last
D. Start first/finish last
Note that A is the fastest, B and C are a out comparable, and D has to take the longest length of time.

 

[Cherinva]

We are fans of the Disney Buses. We don't like renting cars....we know that some times we will have to wait...and that ECVs get loaded first...we are just fine with that...and if we have to wait for another bus, so be it. Also, my DBF always gives up his seat to a woman, elderly or anyone else that needs it. He's just that way. When I've traveled with my DGD...she was on one of our laps so that someone else could have a seat.

I guess we've been lucky too....we've not seen much of the problems that others have

 

[radev104]

I used to give my seat up but during and after my 2007 trip I had issues with my knees and had to get some physical therapy but even that didn't work. My knees can give out on me whenever and I don't think its safe to be standing on a bus after walking all day.
I told my fiance to give up his seat before we even got to WDW. He is healthy and can stand on the way back to the resort. He did give it up the very first night of our trip to an elderly lady. He got no thank you and the rest of her family kept bumping, hitting and kicking my fiance. He didn't tell me that until we got back to the room. And I decided that after that he wasn't giving his seat up for anyone. He said that was fine with him.

 

[DustyPixie]

The bus situation at WDW is not always ideal, but it's complimentary, and it gets us where we want to go. I support a greater show of common courtesy and understanding of the human condition, and I think that the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone else who looks like they need to sit down should be offered a seat by the more able-bodied, male or female. It's definitely a good lesson for our children, too.

Granted, it's not always possible to move if you are really wedged in, and I know that almost everyone ends a long day a the parks with sore feet. But, it's a "pay it forward" situation. Some day it may be you who really needs that seat and you'll be grateful for the offer.

 

[Sappermont]

The bus situation at WDW is not always ideal, but it's complimentary, and it gets us where we want to go. I support a greater show of common courtesy and understanding of the human condition, and I think that the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone else who looks like they need to sit down should be offered a seat by the more able-bodied, male or female. It's definitely a good lesson for our children, too.

Granted, it's not always possible to move if you are really wedged in, and I know that almost everyone ends a long day a the parks with sore feet. But, it's a "pay it forward" situation. Some day it may be you who really needs that seat and you'll be grateful for the offer.