I know I should just back away
I don't bite, its a friendly forum.

Your experiences are no lesser than mine. And I appreciate when people share their personal experiences with others.
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.
Can't you discern between a crowded bus and an uncrowded bus? One time our family boarded a bus that did not have enough seats and we walked right off. Not quite sure why being a "Disney Newbie" has anything to do with it, its not rocket science.
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.
I would wait, it is my responsibility to make sure my children's safety is not compromised. It is no one else's responsibility but mine. No one is obligated to surrender their seat for me when I have the CHOICE to choose to wait. But I do feel bad that has been your experience. It stinks.
I'm glad you had great experiences, but we have not. I am also surprised you want visual proof. I never thought to squeeze out my camera and try to snap a picture on a crowded bus just so the doubting Thomas's on the DISboards could have their proof that it actually happens.
(YAWN) I never asked you or anyone for "visual proof" of anything. I never asked anyone to "squeeze out their camera" and try to snap a picture on a crowded bus on my behalf. And for the record, my last name is not Thomas -- and I am not "doubting" anyone --since you want to be
"L I T E R A L".
I just don't get it, how people can stand in line all day for "Dumbo" and "Winnie the Pooh" with no problem, but when the fun is over, the idea of waiting in line for a seat on the bus is arduous.
We found the Disney buses to be FAR from pleasurable. My kids were begging me to rent a car by the end of the trip. My wife and I agreed that we will always budget for a rental car from now on. We just found the buses to be quite frustrating and when you add the crowding and rude behavior to the mix, it just made it worse for us. YMMV
It's unfortunate that this is your experience, but I certainly appreciate how you have taken control by renting a car and not continuing to place your family in a situation that is not pleasant for you and your family.
However, I don't like the idea of renting cars at Disney -- just my preference. I would probably find another resort with a better bus system. Different strokes.
Those "neglectful" parents you're judging may just be tired with tired children.
I am not judging. I am a parent that will never be too tired to see to the needs of my children. It is my responsibility to make sure my children are safe and comfortable.
Other people who choose to go on vacation, just like our family, do not have any impact of my enjoyment at Disney (where the buses are concerned). They are not obligated to sacrifice their comfort for us. We will wait or find other accommodations that better suit our needs.
And "desperate" to get into a bed.
Again, as a parent it is my responsibility to ensure that my children are not experiencing any "desperation" of any kind. Some children need naps and they prefer to not deviate from their nightly bedtime schedule or sometimes they get overwhelmed.
My DD had a catastrophic meltdown at 50's Prime Time. Just as we were walking to the table, she burst out in tears. It took five seconds for us to realize it was time to go.
The waitress was very kind and even offered to make "to go" orders for us. We tipped her anyway and politely declined. DD had enough and needed rest. No pot roast for DH, no milkshakes to go and no Fantasmic for us that night. No regrets.
If I know my children need to get to bed, then I am not going to wait until the park closes to leave, because I should know the buses will be crowded. Wishes and Fantasmic are not more important than the overall well-being of my children.
Wishes and Fantasmic are wonderful and if you want to experience this with your children that's great, but don't complain about the buses when you along with the entire park has to exit at the same time.
Again, its okay to wait and stand in line for "rides and fun", but when its time to leave, its time to complain. Why must others sacrifice for our choices and how we choose to vacation?
Most families that care about the well being of their children might just be anxious to get them to bed.
Then you do your your best to exit the park when the buses are not at their peak. Its not the end of the world if you don't get to see the fireworks.
Most of them are not evilly planning to force someone to give up their seat.
Again choosing to place your children in situation that is not conducive to their well-being, all in the name of "fun" suggests otherwise.
Many of them are here for their first time and they haven't had time to overthink this the way we all do

.
Okay, I agree. However, if they are negatively impacted by the buses and continue to return year after year fully aware of the bus situation at the same resort(s), they know what to expect. Either make adjustments by renting a car -- use a cab/town car -- wake up super early or stay especially late.
I do agree with you that the Disney buses are mostly friendly places. I have observed grouchiness at park closing, but for the most part, people have been friendly and kind. I have witnessed some people letting toddlers or older people stand, but not all the time.
Again, it is disheartening to hear this. No child or elderly or anyone in need of a seat should have to stand, it sickens me. If I ever witness anything like that, I probably would not use the buses anymore, because it would be war. But I have yet to see this, thankfully.
My family -- in addition to other families we did not know, made the choice not to board a crowded bus. I don't believe that my children deserve a seat over anyone else. Yes, that includes the guys too. I much prefer to wait.
We rarely get on a crowded bus, we choose to wait the extra time in order to have a seat. In really crowded times, we've passed on two buses so that on the third we would have a seat.
This! I haven't had to wait on two buses yet, but I will wait as long as I have to. If I can wait in that long @ss line for TSM or Peter Pan, the buses are nothing. Rope drop and fireworks are just not that important if it compromises the comfort and happiness of my children.
I believe that if you get on the crowded bus then you are expecting to stand. Posts (not just this thread, because this topic comes up often) that suggest people are rude for not giving up their seat is unfair. No one knows how long the others on the bus have waited to get their seat on the bus. In life we make choices, if your choice is to have a seat, then wait for the next bus.
Great minds....

If I have to stand I will stand. But I would like to think that most people do this as I have witnessed most people along with our family choosing to wait. But I guess not.