Transportation Complaint

[FmrCastMembr]

if possible, don't leave the parks with everyone else. hang out until they are literally pushing you out. buses won't be as crowded.

if i see a pregnant woman standing, i don't care how tired i am, she's getting my seat. it's hard enough standing if you're NOT pregnant! those bus drivers can be like mario andretti sometimes.

if i see someone holding a small child, man or woman, they're getting my seat.

and i will put one of my kids in my lap if i have too...

 

[VAN]

Okay, my DD (college age) and I were just down there at POP. All of the buses were packed. In most cases, if an elderly-fragile person or someone holding a child boarded when there was SRO, there was always someone offering their seat.

My problem was when we would board one of those buses with the wide middle aisle and few seats ... the standing people would go 3/4 of the way down the aisle and then stop. The next few people would space themselves out and then the front half of the bus would be jammed like sardines!! In many cases, we would have to leave about 6 people to wait for the next bus.

Now if those first people who were standing would have just moved ALL THE WAY to the back of the bus, everyone could have boarded and been on their way instead of having to wait 20 minutes for the next bus.

Usually the bus driver would say - "Move on back" - but these people were oblivious!!! A couple of times, I would tap the people and say "I think you can probably move back a little more so others can get on." They would look surprised (like "Oh, I didn't know others wanted to ride the bus") and then would move back a little.

The buses seemed more crowded because of less seats.

Also, the aisle are designed to have people standing two abreast, but (see above) those in the back would just be single-file.

Yes, I know we all hate to be packed in, but I hate to have to wait another 20 minutes STANDING at the bus stop too ... especially after we'd already been there 15 minutes!!!

 

[Dead-metal]

Having tried Disney Buses I'm so glad we stay off site and travel in by car. My family always get a seat.

 

[tinawv]

Honestly, if everyone who felt entitled to having someone give up their seat for them got a seat, no one would ever be standing.

Yes, I think it's nice to give up your seat if you are able to stand but I don't think it's a requirement. (I also don't know why people think men should have to stand but not women.) In my experience with Disney buses, people were generally pretty polite and I saw lots of people giving up seats. I only remember one rude bus incident during my whole trip and that was a lady with a child in a stroller who thought that she could just go to the front of the line while waiting for the bus.

I agree with this. I have given up my seat many of times, but don't feel it should be expected of me. I also don't expect anyone to give up their seat for me. If I want to guarantee that I get a seat and I see the bus is getting full (you can pretty much tell by the line of people getting on), I will wait for the next bus to come along.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Why don't we talk about the TRUE problem here......Disney simply does not run enough busses. At the prices we pay for resorts, we should not have to stand more than sit.

Until last year (as an example), the following hotels SHARED busses....in this order of stops.....

Swan
Dolphin
Yacht Club
Beach Club
Boardwalk

Guess how many Boardwalk guests got a seat......and they were paying over $300 p/night for the pleasure (Value season that is).

We stayed at Beach Club two years ago - week after Thanksgiving. We NEVER road the bus because the lines were too long to get on the first one which arrived (generally full from the first 3 stops).

Now the Boardwalk shares with the Swan and Dolphin only.....and they pickup AFTER Boardwalk. I still think that a $325 room should have a dedicated bus to all locations.

This is why we ALWAYS rent a car.....not because they are free with my travel awards, but for the convenience.

There was a time, years ago, that this was never a problem. Disney understood their responsibility to offer appropriate service for the $$$$ we spend. Now we are simply open checkbooks to empty and their goal is to do it while spending the least amount possible.

Disney could solve the problem, they know their busses are overcrowded. They choose NOT to.

I'm going to say it again......wait until these new NON-Disney hotels begin to opon on property. Disney is in for a BIG wakeup when people see what REAL service is!!!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Disney understood their responsibility to offer appropriate service for the $$$$ we spend.

Maybe I'm the odd one out but I don't think Disney has a responsibility to offer free transportation to its guests. I think it's nice that they do. The price you pay for your hotel room is, just that, the cost of the hotel room. You aren't paying for use of the buses or any other transportation. The prices they charge are comparable to other hotels that don't offer this service.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm probably going to get flamed for my opinion. But everyone on that bus (including children, able bodied men, women and smurfs) is just as tired and wanting of that seat as the next person. The problem is with everyone who choses to get on the bus and then feels that they are entitled to someone else's seat. I am sorry, it really doesn't have anything to do with being polite or kind, as I know plenty of us here are. We waited for a seat on the bus, and if we didn't feel like standing on an already full bus, we probably stood for longer just to get a seat. So sorry, I'm not giving it up for anyone. For what it's worth, I don't agree with the way Disney piles people in the busses, but they do and obviously don't see a problem with it. So I either get on the bus with no complaints or take a taxi.

I totally agree with you. If you feel that your own safety is threatened by not getting a seat on a bus, why use the bus system? If you say because it is free, then you are placing no worth in your own physical well-being, so why are you expecting strangers to?

I was at Disney with my 65yr old mom this past October. She needs both knees replaced, so I did look into renting a car. I didn't want her to be standing on a bus. She assured me she would be fine, but if she was having trouble, I was heading to the Boardwalk asap for a car. I wasn't relying on anyone getting up to give her their seat on a bus. Her health and well being are our concern, and if we don't see to it, then it is our bad. No one elses.

Now we were staying at POR which has a bad rap for their bus service. And you know what? She only had to stand once! We only had one bus that was packed to the gills, and she had a seat. So everything worked out great. Other times she did have people offer her a seat, which she did sometimes take. But she was prepared to stand, and did not get on a bus expecting someone to give up their seat for her.

 

[dreamer17555]

Wow. I never said I expected anyone to give up a seat and stand but that it would be nice for them to hold their small child on their laps. Normally we would be one of the first families on and nab a seat but as the bus filled with people more in need all of us would be poliet and give up our seats to those in need. I don't think it is that safe for my 6 year old to stand but I know it is less safe for a 3 year old boarding after us to do it. So sometimes DD6 had to stand. I am surprised that they don't make it a rule for children under a certain age to have to sit. We have car seats laws in every state I can't figure out how they are allowed to stand on a bus. My husband stood 90% of this trip and if me and my DD weren't standing you can bet we were sharing a seat to be kind to others.

Honestly I marvel at the guys who do stand to help out and their wives who can't even place junior in her lap so someone (even her husband) might have a seat.

-Becca-

 

[DVC Jen]

I personally don't feel it has anything to do with entitlement. I think it has more to do with respect, courtesy, thinking about another before yourself - you know - all those things they did in the "olden days". I think they were called - gosh what was it? Oh yeah - manners. That's it - yeah - manners.

Something you don't see too much anymore - but on those rarely occassions when you do - it really makes that person shine.

If it comes from a teenaged boy and I see Mom nearby - I ALWAYS make a comment to her about what a polite son she has. BTW - my teenaged daughter always does the same things expected from the males - why? Not because she has to - but because showing respect and being kind to others just plain and simply feels good.

 

[Taja]

I keep reading two different takes on this-1) If you don't want to stand then wait for the next bus and 2)The CM's insist you get on the bus and you have no clue when the next one will come along

I would prefer to wait for the next bus but it seems that there is no guarantee of another one coming along very close after the one you let go.

So basically, I am getting more and more confused about the bus transport. BTW we going to be at Music

I'm one of the people who waits for the next bus and a seat. Both of my legs suffer from old injuries and can be re-injured very easily. Half of my WDW visits beginning in 2003 have been with leg injuries.

Don't worry about the CM insisting that you get on a bus if it's SRO and you know you need a seat. Just tell them you will wait for the next bus and stay at the front of the queue, allowing other guests to pass you.

On average, buses run between the resorts and parks about every 20 minutes. It can be a bit more or less, depending on traffic, loading wheel chairs/ECVs, etc. Occasionally you'll just miss the bus and will swear you are waiting for hours for the next one! *LOL*

However, at park closing buses run frequently. Usually every five minutes or so, sometimes with a second bus pulling up before the previous one departs.

So, if you need a seat on a bus or any other WDW transportation, don't be intimidated by the CM. Politely, but firmly, let them know that you cannot stand on a moving vehicle and will wait for the next one so you can have a seat. They're fine with it.

 

[lizardqueen]

It really has nothing to do with having good manners. That would be like saying you should continually let people in front of you in line for the attractions because they are seniors, pregnant, traveling with young children. You would never accomplish your goal. Why should someone else have something that I waited for if they can wait for the same thing? If someone is able enough to go to a theme park they are able enough to wait for a seat on a bus if they wish. Is it nice when someone gives up their seat for another? Certainly. Have I done it? You bet. But nobody should feel that someone should make room for someone else just because they can.

 

[dreamer17555]

It really has nothing to do with having good manners. That would be like saying you should continually let people in front of you in line for the attractions because they are seniors, pregnant, traveling with young children. You would never accomplish your goal. Why should someone else have something that I waited for if they can wait for the same thing? If someone is able enough to go to a theme park they are able enough to wait for a seat on a bus if they wish. Is it nice when someone gives up their seat for another? Certainly. Have I done it? You bet. But nobody should feel that someone should make room for someone else just because they can.

I don't think that is a fair comparison at all. There is a difference in safety and line cutting. I don't believe it is safe for young children to stand on buses and I do what I can to correct that, but I don't allow people to cut me in line at rides. If both you and your child can sit (I think a child sitting in his mother's lap is still sitting, no?) then why not do such a simple thing to make life easier for others.

-Becca-

 

[snow88]

And to finish serial posting...
A quick glance at this makes me think Florida does require car seats in a taxi. I would call and ask the taxi company if they provide car seats/boosters or if you need to provide your own.

http://flsenate.gov/Statutes/index..../SEC613.HTM&Title=->2003->Ch0316->Section 613

Thanks Amusement and 123SA for all the information. I didn't know that the taxis had car seats with them. Now, I don't have to worry about carrying a bulky car seat on vacation.

 

[EltonJohn]

Having tried Disney Buses I'm so glad we stay off site and travel in by car. My family always get a seat.

Valid point.

I don't see a problem with children riding in their own seat~it's first-come first-serve. Perhaps parents with small children should leave the parks earlier if they don't want to stand up during a bus ride. And if some small children are sleeping isn't that an indication that the parents need to leave the park earlier to get the kids to bed anyway?

 

[123SA]

And if some small children are sleeping isn't that an indication that the parents need to leave the park earlier to get the kids to bed anyway?

Parenting is a constant balancing act. If you have children of varying ages, you can't attend perfectly to their varying needs all of the time. Sometimes we leave the park if the littlest is tired and too bad for the bigger ones. Sometime we opt to please the bigger ones and the little one will have to sleep for a little while in less than optimal conditions.

If someone wants to give me a seat when I am holding the sleeping child on the bus, great I'll take it. If not, well, I knew what I was getting into and I'll have to stand.

 

[Kitzer]

I've kind of given up on expecting others to be polite and kind. From people running me over with their stroller, to people pushing and bumping me in line, to people not watching their child as they run around me, bump into me or do whatever else. I myself would not expect someone to give up their seat. Have I given up my seat? Sure. I can stand and my wife and daughter sit together.

You have a choice to ride the transportation or take your own vehicle. You also have the choice to wait for a seat for the next ride (which I've seen people do).

Right On Troynkasey!!! I got tired of dealing with all the same issues you identified so last year we rented a minivan and I will never go back to buses again. Way nicer knowing exactly where your going to sit, a place to store your stroller, a cooler full of cold drinks waiting for you in the car. The Disney buses are a great perk considering they don't have to provide it, but for a few hundred dollars, I am King of the Road in LBV/DW.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Maybe I'm the odd one out but I don't think Disney has a responsibility to offer free transportation to its guests. I think it's nice that they do. The price you pay for your hotel room is, just that, the cost of the hotel room. You aren't paying for use of the buses or any other transportation. The prices they charge are comparable to other hotels that don't offer this service.

....but people here say that's the BONUS for staying...on property and we should be willing to pay a premium for these services.

I absolutely think for the prices Disney charges we SHOULD expect bus service and GOOD bus service. Transportation is offered to Disney parks by hotels outside of WDW - for free - and the hotels and amenities are far less expensive outside and the other FREE services are far better than what is offered at WDW.

Checkout some of the all-suite hotels......1 and 2 bedroom hotels for the cost of POP or ALL Stars - free (fabulous and complete) breakast buffets - big rooms, fridges, coffee pots, hair driers in each room (We didn't get coffee pots in Delux resorts until a few years ago).


as an example - just checked with Expedia, Travelocity and WDW.....

October 16 - 23

WDW Moderates - $ 165/$185 2 1/2 stars
Wildie $ 295/$330 <--woods & courtyard 3 stars
BC/YC/BWI $ 370/$450 3 stars


all on list below - 3 stars
Marriott Courtyard - 1 BR suite $ 149
Regal Sun - Disneyview/mini suite - $ 97
Marriott Village - Delux (breakfast & fridge) (3 1/2 stars) $ 144
Blue Heron Beach - family suite $ 141
Staybridge Suites - 1 br suite $ 150
Buena Vista Suites - 1 br suite $ 114
Nickelodeon Suites - 1 br $ 144 2 br $ 178
Residence Inn - studio suite $ 129
Springhill Suites - studio suite $ 139
Embassy Suites - (3 1/2 stars) 1 br suite $ 140



For what we pay on property - we SHOULD expect better service than standing-room-only busses.

 

[maxiesmom]

Disney already can't fill all of the postions they have open. I doubt that they can just come up with a whole bunch of bus drivers, even if they were inclined to add more busses. Which, with the cost of gas, I'm thinking is doubtful.

You don't have to use a Disney bus if you stay on property. Not everyone does. It is just a perk. It has its good points and its bad points. It is up to you to evaluate it and see if it works for you.

And a huge part of what we are paying to stay on property for is themeing, and location. Things that all of those off-site properties you listed cannot compete with Disney on. Not to mention those hotels have worse bus transportation. Very few scheduled busses, plus you are dropped off out in the parking lot, not anywhere near the gates to the parks. So in my mind they do not measure up at all!

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Disney already can't fill all of the postions they have open. I doubt that they can just come up with a whole bunch of bus drivers, even if they were inclined to add more busses. Which, with the cost of gas, I'm thinking is doubtful.

You don't have to use a Disney bus if you stay on property. Not everyone does. It is just a perk. It has its good points and its bad points. It is up to you to evaluate it and see if it works for you.

And a huge part of what we are paying to stay on property for is themeing, and location. Things that all of those off-site properties you listed cannot compete with Disney on. Not to mention those hotels have worse bus transportation. Very few scheduled busses, plus you are dropped off out in the parking lot, not anywhere near the gates to the parks. So in my mind they do not measure up at all!

You are right - in my mind the Disney bus system simply does not measure up to what is promised in a "themed resort". They can be horribly crowded and in my mind......a safety issue with children <--- their most special guests!

$140 for a 1 bedroom suite offsite - $440 for a DVC 1 bedroom suite....that will pay for a very nice rental car and I would hardly call some of these beautiful resorts off-property a hotel and parking lot.

Again.....wait until 2010 & 2011 when the on-site competition arrives and offers TRUE customer service to us on property. It will be interesting to watch Anaheim finally offer Disney Customer Service once again.

I guarantee the Four Seasons will not have any trouble filling positions - there are plenty of potential employees in the Orlando area. I suspect the new Four Seasons positions will be filled by underpaid Disney castmembers who will be racing over for the pay raises!

I bet more than the bus service will improve at WDW.....maybe they will even keep the bathrooms clean in the parks all day like they used to!

 

[DisneyMusician2]

I don't know if the Four Seasons will affect Disney in the least...if they knew it would, why allow the build?

As bus services go, Disney happens to do a remarkable job with the amount of people and locations they handle per day with a constantly changing schedule.

Crammed busses are a side-effect, yes, but it has never been so bad that I didn't get back to my hotel or ever thought about renting a car. (Which is certainly your choice!)

In my mind, if you don't like the service, don't use it! More room on the busses for me and my fam