After going yearly to disney for over 15 years, I will honestly say that for me it depends on the situation whether I give up my seat or not.
I agree that if someone definitely wants to sit during the bus ride and waits in line for a bus that has seating, then there is no reason that they should feel guilty for staying seated.
Parents of young children are perfectly capable of also waiting for the next bus for seats. I have visited many times when our children were young and if I felt that we just had to sit, then we would wait for the next bus.
I don't think it is fair to say that someone is rude just because they have waited for a seat and actually want to stay in it.
But I do think it's rude for someone to expect something just because they have children. I never did and when we bring our grandchildren, once we have some :animwink:, we still will not expect or feel that we are "entitled" to a seat because we have children with us.
A question for those of you who feel that not giving up your seat is rude- do you also give up your ADR's to families with young children, the elderly or disabled just because they are also waiting for a meal?
I do not expect this because I have children. My wife and I have been going to Disney World for years, long before we had kids. I always gave my seat to a child standing because, in the event of an accident or hard brake stop, I know I have a much easier time maintaining balance and remaining safe. I don't think anyone expects anything because they have kids. When I was in middle and HIgh school going with my parents, my father and I always offered our seats to standing senior citizens, children, and ladies. It is the way we have been raised.
This is not expectation as I see it. I see this as a matter of courtesy and safety for youngsters. They could wait for the next bus, sure. But, when you have been at the Magic Kingdom or any other park all day, like most of us, you just want to get back to your room. The longest trips from any of the parks is about 20 mins. If I can stand in line for an hour in 95 degree heat to ride Big Thunder or RNRc, I can handle standing on a bus in the air conditioning for another 20 mins. No one HAS to do this, as some do not and will not in the future; however, regardless of this, it is always common courtesy and gentlmanly behavior to offer a seat, whether on a a bus or in a room, to a lady. And, for safety reasons, it is also common courtesy to offer a bus seat to children, ladies, prgnant ladies, and senior citizens. It's a matter of putting others ahead of yourself. It is what used to make this country great. (one of the things, at least.)
Redfoxrunner, I agree about people who have their small children take up a seat. My wife and I always put my son in our lap and slide over so someone else can have a seat. Also, in reference to the strollers, we have brought strollers with us, also, pretty big ones too. What I always did with those is I would sit then slide the stroller between my legs and the back of the seat in front of me. We never take up valuable seating space on a full bus with unnecessary items. In fact, I would argue that placing a small child or stroller in a seat on a full bus with people standing is the rudest thing someone can do. This is worse than not offering a seat to the elderly, children, or pregnant women. So, I agree with you on your points. I have seen this and it urks me too. I still say, however, that we, as Americans, or citizens of the world even, should always strive to put others before us if possible. It just makes the world a better place. Also, I always feel extra courteous when I am at WDW. It just puts me in a mindset like no other place can.