vent about WDW bus passengers

[kaytieeldr]

Well...

One night at the Magic Kingdom, my husband decided to take our youngest son back to the resort at closing, while the older kids and I stayed and shopped on Main Street. While the older girls shopped, I sat and played checkers at a table on Main Street with our 9 y/o.

About an hour later, as we walked to the buses, I called DH to ask if the little guy went right to sleep. "NO," he said, "we are still waiting for a bus!"

They had CM's doing MOB control, and were saying there was an accident and the roads were blocked off... buses were being re-routed. They kept telling everyone the buses were on their way.


We watched as they finally made it onto the first bus to arrive, the other kids and I were only about 20 minutes behind them on the 3rd bus.

Not knowing where the accident was, we didn't know if there was any point in going to the ticket and transportation center or grabbing a cab.

Ah, but that's not a reasonable comparison - accidents, especially those of a magnitude so great as to prevent any buses from reaching a park being SO rare.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I am well aware of the law I'm saying I don't agree with it big difference. Yes it is easier for them to load first WHEN and that is the big difference WHEN it is their turn. The don't need absolute front of the line passes all the time. Sorry most can and should wait just like all the rest of us do. Why does being on an ECV make you unable to wait your turn like everyone else?

If the ECV/wheelchair user doesn't board first, how do you determine when it's their "turn"? The lines at the parks are difficult, at best, for many inexperienced ECV users to maneuver; there ARE no queues at most of the resorts - it's a free-for-all.

also don't agree with letting 15 people on with them. If they want front of the line access then it should be them and 1 person or wait your turn

Actually, it should be the predetermined wheelchair/ECV Guest and up to five members of their party - and that number should be enforced.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The ones that tick me off are the big families that get on first just because they are with someone on a scooter. I have to wait in line and dont understand why they get to jump on before everyone that waited in line for a half hour already. They need to let one person go with them and the rest wait in line like everyone else.

Well, first, it averages out. Of ALL the times I've used an ECV on a bus, I have been a party of three once, from Pop Century to Animal Kingdom. EVERY SINGLE BUS RIDE other than that, I have been alone. Even going from Downtown Disney to Old Key West, my friends waited in line with everyone else. Surely that balances out against some of these apparent big families? Do you feel a little better now?

Also you never see those people get up or just stand when they get on. They all sit and dont move. You see someone get on with their scooter and jump right up and take a seat. Who needs a fast pass for the day when you can just rent a scooter and get on all the rides and buses first

I have no control over what people with whom I don't travel do. As for someone getting on a bus with their scooter and then "jump[ing] right up" to take a seat, well (a) IT'S NOT SAFE TO STAY IN THE ECV!!!! And (b) please let me know the next time you see me move in any fashion other than slowly and painfully, limping and leaning on a cane.

And I GIVE UP on from where this "get on the rides first" asinine misconception comes. MOST lines at Walt Disney World are mainstreamed, meaning ALL Guests use the SAME line the ENTIRE way from the Greeter to boarding. ONLY when the line's design doesn't accommodate wheelchairs and/or ECVs are they sent off in a different direction.
Example: Splash Mountain has stairs. ECVs and most wheelchairs can't climb stairs. Partway through the line, they're diverted.
Example: the wheelchair-accessible truck at Kilimanjaro Safari boards in a different location than the regular trucks, and there's a ramp for wheelchairs. Guests are diverted most of the way through the line. There are only one or two such trucks operating at a time, so if two or more Guests in wheelchairs approach the loading area at a time when only one truck is running, the second/third Guests have to wait ADDITIONAL FULL CYCLES - up to an hour longer than Guests in the standard queue.
Example: ECVs can't fit through the turnstiles at Pirates of the Caribbean. I didn't ride it at Walt Disney World for four years - because I can't manage a wheelchair well on slopes.
Example: ECVs aren't allowed through the queue at Tower of Terror, period.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Isn't the scooter strapped down? Its no less safer than standing on a bus. Also, if the scooter isn't strapped down, that would be extremely dangerous to all on the bus.

Yes the ECV (can we PLEASE stop calling them scooters?) is tied down; and yes, an ECV not tied down would be unsafe.

But a PERSON on an ECV on a bus - even tied down/strapped in - creates an EXTREMELY UNSAFE, much higher center of gravity. They and the ECV can tip, injuring that Guest and anyone on whom they or the ECV fall.

Doesn't make a lot of sense, especially given the much safer, much more sensible option of having the ECV user transfer to a seat.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just trying to get the point across that just because someone is on a scooter doesnt mean the rest of their group shouldnt have to wait in line like the rest of us. Plain and simple. When they arrive at their destination then they can wait on the rest of their party instead of making everyone they cut in front at the bus stop wait even longer then they already did.

How is it equal treatment by ANY standard that you can spend (or not, by YOUR choice) every moment of your vacation with every member of your party - yet the ECV Guest be required (again, according to your 'rules') to be separated from their party for unknown periods of time for transportation purposes?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Again I have no problem with someone using an ECV (although I do think they are abused) and I understand the need for them to load onto the bus first BUT it should be first when it is their turn after waiting in the line. It is extremely maddening to have waited 20 minutes for a bus knowing you will get on cause you are half way back in the line and then just as the bus is pulling in someone in an ECV comes rolling in followed by 6 people and goes right to the front of the line and they all get on and you don't. I'm sorry but that isn't right. They should wait until the next bus comes since they did not wait for 20 or so minutes like everyone else.

In no particular order:
1...Disney has no set or required "wait time" for a bus. It may be twenty minutes, it may be twenty seconds, it may - in an extreme situation as described earlier in this thread - be an hour and a half
2..."Halfway back" in line varies greatly depending on the length of the line. It could mean you're number 25, it could mean you're number four, it could mean you're number 100. It's NOT a good standard on which to base anything.
3...It's nice to see your large party has dropped from twenty people to six; since Disney allows the wheechair/ECV Guest to be accompanied by up to five other people, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect that sixth person to wait in the regular line (where there IS a line, remembering that actual controls exist only at the parks and the Value resorts).
4...Loading the ECV when it's that Guest's "turn" by your standards would VERY likely be in the MIDDLE of loading a bus. This would be logisitically difficult or impossible, aggravating the (even temporarily) displaced Guests; and as maxiesmom has pointed out several times - if the ECV can't be loaded, even if there's other seating or standing room on the bus nobody else can board either.
5...The lifts on the older buses can be temperamental or sensitive. Even if one worked all day, it may not work in a specific situation (example: if the ground is not 100% flat). So now the ECV Guest has waited their "turn" according to your standards, plus they could not get on what should have been "their" bus (i.e. that extra person from their party would have been/was able to board), plus the lift didn't work on the next bus. How is THAT reasonable?

 

[kaytieeldr]

All it takes is one day on an ECV or in a wheelchair to see that there is absolutely no perk to be had by using one. First off, you get to stare at people's rear ends all day.

And sight isn't the only sense at risk at that level

 

[maxiesmom]

As for feeling " bad" I feel very uncomfortable speaking to an elderly person, a CM, the lady behind the counter in a store, the person that carries my groceries to our car or the random strangers that I have on the other side of the phone.
I tell them thank "you".
The word "you" makes me curl up my toes because this word is very disrespectful to others than very close relatives in my country. Pronouncing my aunts,uncles or grandparents "you" is so
I even don't know if the States have a third form to speak to others. I know cultural differences.

How about saying just "Thanks!" or "I appreciate the help" Either of those should work.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I noted in my earlier post on this thread how this whole problem could be solved with a no stand rule.

My family and I were discussing this over dinner last night. We thought of dozens of rides that were less of a risk than standing on a bus going 50mph.


Maybe if we voiced all these complaints to Disney, something could be done.

It would require too many additional buses, along with either more new drivers or more full-time drivers (both greatly increasing expenses) or GREATLY extending the length of time it would take to transport Guests at peak times.

 

[AirGoofy]

This a great place to vent but not for making a solution. Outside of ECV, it is considered a courtesy for someone to get up and give you their seat on a crowded bus. Since it is a courtesy, you can not expect it. If you are unhappy with it, then do not get on a crowded bus. You should be able to tell how crowded a bus from where you are in line and how the bus is loading. If you think it close, stand aside and let others get on the crowded bus so you can be first to sit on the next bus. Or, travel by other Disney transportations, other times, or at a Disney resort in walking distance. I will stand on a bus to allow a person w/ infant or a person who is elderly or disabled have a seat. I will not make my dds (8,5) give up their seat. When they are older, then that may change.

 

[TwinsinCA]

I have read this entire thread and there is one point I have not seen brought up. Unless you are staying at the Contemporary, even if you DO rent a car, there is no way you can avoid public transport if you want to go to the MK. You either have to take the ferry or the monorail. And you have the same problems there as you do with the busses.

We have only been to WDW once and one of the reasons we rented a car was to avoid these exact scenarios. We stayed at the WL and thought the boat would be better than driving and dealing with the TTC. Even on the boat we ended up having to stand once on the way back to the resort. The way it was set up there was no way to know if it was full until we were on the boat and then it was too late. It ticked me off because I thought I had done everything possible to avoid that exact scenario. But then the CMs let too many people on the boats. I would have absolutely waited for the next one if I had known there would be no more seats.

 

[ShannonMB]

I have mixed feelings on this issue. I am all for being kind and offering seats to those who need it, but I can not help but feel irritated when people begin thinking that they are entitled to a seat on a standing room only bus/monorail. Is it rude to enter a obviously crowded bus/monorail and expect people to shuffle around to accomodate you or your family's needs? I am not sure which is more rude - the sense of entitlement or the lack of kindness.

I haven't gotten all the way through the thread yet, but this is my favorite comment so far. I also really liked the long one from the person who explains how they plan their trips around her hatred of crowds and crazy busses. Honestly, I have given up my seat on a bus, have had a 6 year old DD fall asleep standing on a bus, have been so anxious to get back to the resort that I pack in with the rest of the sardines, and have decided ahead of time that I really wanted a seat and waited for the next bus. I have also had gentlemen offer ME a seat, for no other reason than they were just genuinely gentlemanly.

The bottom line is I would never leave my "fate" on the bus to the other passengers. If I'm bone tired and want to sit, I wait. If my child falls asleep standing up, I brace myself against the bar and hold her with all my might. It has never once occured to me to shoot someone else the stink-eye because they had the good fortune to find a seat. It certainly is a nice surprise when someone offers a seat to anyone else, but I just don't get the whole, "Your not giving ME YOUR seat is rude!". Huh??

 

[gandycat]

I try to assume good intent in situations like these. I would give up my seat if needed but I'm sure there have been times when I've been so occupied with my own kids or just distracted not to notice, and I think that's how it is for some people. Sometimes it's already so crowded as people continue to pack in that it's too hard to even have room to stand up (on the buses). I've taught my kids to try and notice people around them and be considerate (like hold the door for someone, don't push your way in, etc.) but I can't control other people. If I get on a monorail or bus where there are clearly no seats, I don't expect someone to get up for my kids. But if I saw a mother with a child almost falling over, of course I would give them my seat. I do have to admit to sometimes secretly wishing that someone who is rude will have the same thing happen to them, lol.

 

[seashoreCM]

Trip in October on DME a family of four adults (two parents and a married couple in their 20's) all sat separately. One in each two seater, sitting in the outside seat - done to discourage anyone from "squeezing" past them to the window seat. The 20 something women I could tell was embarrassed as me and my DD3 were scouting for a seat. She got up and squished past her husband, giving up her two seater to us. He was obviously annoyed and then proceeded to recline his seat back as far as he could (which put him almost in my lap!). I guess this was his way of discouraging me to move - umm, there were no other seats on the bus! (My DH took a single seat up front and sat apart from us). I would understand such childish behavior from a bunch of college kids but the parents in this group where in there 50's and the younger couple where old enough to know better. Seriously people??

OT: The Magical Express is different. The driver is subject to disciplinary action for moving the bus with guests standing so he could just as well get up and announce that he cannot go anywhere until everyone is seated. And Disney is responsible for providing immediate transportation back to the airport (possibly via taxi) for anyone with a proper reservation told to get off the bus.

 

[KandD]

When we were there in September my bf offered his seat to a woman or her children. She praised him and said that he was the first to offer a seat to her kids all week and that they had been so worn out from the heat and parks all day (we were on a bus on the way back from Fantasmic)
As much as I enjoyed seeing her happy face I did tend to think, if they are that tired then you should probably take them back earlier.

 

[Britgirlus]

It was not at all uncommon for someone to board carrying a basket with a couple of chickens in it or have a dog or goat on a leash. If we were lucky someone boarded with a guitar (this is the one person that people ALWAYS offered a seat to!) and played as we rode. I stood on those with babies/toddlers in my arms and loved almost every minute of it.

Or getting on a bus in Israel, sitting next to a soldier with their machine gun over their shoulder

 

[luvmy3]

I'm sorry but I have to ask.

Why were you holding the bag and baby while trying to open the stroller? Why didn't you have your son open the stroller or hold the bag/and or baby?

I was wondering what this poster is talking about, was she opening the stroller ON the bus, or mad that when she got off and nobody helped her open it My kids always helped me, eithet by opening the stroller or holding the baby. Amazing what people won't expect of their own, yet expect strangers to do for them

Yes the ECV (can we PLEASE stop calling them scooters?) is tied down; and yes, an ECV not tied down would be unsafe.

But a PERSON on an ECV on a bus - even tied down/strapped in - creates an EXTREMELY UNSAFE, much higher center of gravity. They and the ECV can tip, injuring that Guest and anyone on whom they or the ECV fall.

Doesn't make a lot of sense, especially given the much safer, much more sensible option of having the ECV user transfer to a seat.

Yes, I understan I wasn't really thinking that way. I still swear I saw a woman sitting on hers when we were there, maybe the driver didn't notice or was one that was okay with it.
FTR, I never said I had an issue with someone using an ECV talking up a seat

 

[honugirl]

Yes, I understan I wasn't really thinking that way. I still swear I saw a woman sitting on hers when we were there, maybe the driver didn't notice or was one that was okay with it.
FTR, I never said I had an issue with someone using an ECV talking up a seat

Some drivers will ask if you want to stay on the ECV and give you a seat belt. Some will make you move to another seat. And other times, people on a crowded bus assume that my ECV is another seat for them to sit on so while I'm not sitting on it, someone else is (this has happened a number of times. Sigh).

 

[disneyjunkie]

I was wondering what this poster is talking about, was she opening the stroller ON the bus, or mad that when she got off and nobody helped her open it My kids always helped me, eithet by opening the stroller or holding the baby. Amazing what people won't expect of their own, yet expect strangers to do for them

I asssumed she was off the bus. I'm wondering why a 9 year old couldn't help out.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Some drivers will ask if you want to stay on the ECV and give you a seat belt. Some will make you move to another seat. And other times, people on a crowded bus assume that my ECV is another seat for them to sit on so while I'm not sitting on it, someone else is (this has happened a number of times. Sigh).

Oh, I fold down the seat back! I also try to sit right next to the ECV, so I can keep an eye on people attempting to use it as their own seat (plus, okay, that way I don't need to empty the basket ). I will even advise nearby standing parents to tuck folded strollers behind it, and even hold them myself - nothing wrong with my arms. But if I'm not sitting in it with the benefit of seatbelts, nobody else is sitting on it independently either!