Disney bus transportation etiquette rant

[wdisney9000]

I've seen bus drivers get out of their seat and usher people to the back of the bus to accommodate additional passengers. And say "we ain't moving until everyone standing moves to the back of the bus so others can get on."

I rode a very crowded bus one morning from POR to the MK and the bus driver did inform riders as he pulled up to the last stop (and saw several mothers holding young children) that any seats vacated by exiting passengers would be for the mothers holding young children at that stop. To which two teenagers moved from standing to the vacated seats. And so my daughter and I gave up our seats to a very grateful mom with two toddlers. And I glared at those two engrossed in their electronic device teenagers the entire ride to the MK. And their equally clueless parents. If they'd been MY kids, they would have gotten a smack to the back of their heads and told to stand. But then I wouldn't have let them take the vacant seats in the first place after the bus driver made his announcement.

I will ALWAYS be grateful for the many slaps to the back of my head that I received growing up. My father would intentionally watch me and wait for me to screw up so he could administer a good smack. I hated it then, but cherish it now.

His favorite was getting me for wearing a hat indoors. I just stopped wearing hats, it was easier, lol.

 

[BuddyThomas]

I will ALWAYS be grateful for the many slaps to the back of my head that I received growing up. My father would intentionally watch me and wait for me to screw up so he could administer a good smack. I hated it then, but cherish it now.

His favorite was getting me for wearing a hat indoors. I just stopped wearing hats, it was easier, lol.

Taking your hat off when you came indoors originated centuries ago when big hats were worn which could have concealed a weapon. Taking it off and your cloak, in case you had a sword underneath, showed you were friendly.

Traditions are sometimes ridiculous many years later.

 

[wdisney9000]

Taking your hat off when you came indoors originated centuries ago when big hats were worn which could have concealed a weapon. Taking it off and your cloak, in case you had a sword underneath, showed you were friendly.

Traditions are sometimes ridiculous many years later.

My Dad would just wait till we got indoors... then smack me and ask, "is the sun in your eyes?"

 

[BuddyThomas]

My Dad would just wait till we got indoors... then smack me and ask, "is the sun in your eyes?"

That doesn't sound fun at all. I too had an abusive father but now I am bigger and stronger and I could potentially return the favor......not that I ever would.

 

[Tom P.]

Forget the Disney buses. *This thread* makes me sad at how many people think basic good manners are "out of date."

 

[BaconPancakes]

Why should an able bodied woman get a seat over an able bodied man? Sorry, but I would only offer my seat to an elderly person, or a man/woman holding a small child/baby. I don't think that what is between your legs should dictate who should sit and who should stand. JMHO...

 

[daisyduckie]

Forget the Disney buses. *This thread* makes me sad at how many people think basic good manners are "out of date."

Sometimes what were once good manners do go out of date. No longer are men expect to walk on a certain side of the sidewalk. Or to kiss the hands of the women they meet. Times change.

 

[Tinkeroo]

I remember having to hold my sleeping 3-year-old on the bus one night back to Pop Century (not a short trip from MK), unable to hold a rail because I was holding a sleeping child, and nearly falling and dropping her while all around me were people who could have let me sit. Trust, me I eye-balled everyone of them, trying to think of any reason why it was okay to make me stand as these were perfectly fine, healthy people who got off the bus and walked just fine back to their rooms. Absolutely no reason they couldn't have given up a chair. It was infuriating. Now, it's the first thing we do now on the buses - my entire family stands if that bus is packed. Disney really should have reminder signs on the bus to give up a chair to people in need.

Why would you eye-ball each and every person? You chose to get on board a bus that was at standing room only. That was a choice you made, you could have waited for the next bus to be sure of getting a seat.
Again you know nothing of these people's situation to be able to say there was absolutely no reason they couldn't have given up a chair... and bottom line is why should they? (which takes me back to my point above....)

If people want to be nice, and offer you their seat, that's lovely. but I am saddened that what was a courtesy is now viewed with expectation. Seems to be the case in so much of life, these days. When we travelled with our child, I had no expectation of anyone offering me a seat, if it was needed that much, we waited on the next bus.

 

[Launchpad McQuack]

I generally will offer a seat. More often than not, the women/girls I offer to will say "no thank you" or something like that, politely turning down my offer. On my last trip, I didn't do it as often because my pregnant wife would sometimes insist that I sat next to her if we had seats (and I do not argue with the pregnant wife's wishes).

On either my last trip or the one before (can't remember off the top of my head), I just remember being really mad because the bus was packed with people standing, and there was a woman in the back with three small children (none over the age of 4-5, I would guess, one full on baby, no more than a year old), and they took up all five seats in the back row. One for her, one for each child, and one for her bag. The baby actually fell out of the seat at one point, and the mom had to catch her. I don't understand why she didn't take that as a sign that maybe she should be holding the child.

 

[OliveMcFly]

In 2005 I fractured my hand on vacation but hadn't realized it yet. I went to First Aid and was bandaged up. When we got on the bus I had to stand and my brother helped hold me up as I couldn't hold on to the hand rail. I understand what you're saying and I see it a lot more. It's a shame.

 

[lebeau]

I remember having to hold my sleeping 3-year-old on the bus one night back to Pop Century (not a short trip from MK), unable to hold a rail because I was holding a sleeping child, and nearly falling and dropping her while all around me were people who could have let me sit. Trust, me I eye-balled everyone of them, trying to think of any reason why it was okay to make me stand as these were perfectly fine, healthy people who got off the bus and walked just fine back to their rooms. Absolutely no reason they couldn't have given up a chair. It was infuriating. Now, it's the first thing we do now on the buses - my entire family stands if that bus is packed. Disney really should have reminder signs on the bus to give up a chair to people in need.

I had a similar situation with a sleeping three-year old. Only when I lost my balance I landed on the healthy people comfortably seated next to me. Ooops. If they were irritated, they had the good sense to keep it to themselves. Even after, no one offered up their seat. It was definitely a safety hazard. Glad those days are behind me as the kids are capable of standing on their own now.

On the other side of things, I know as a relatively healthy man capable of standing on my own two feet for the duration of a bus ride I will rarely ever sit down on a Disney bus. There will almost invariably be someone who needs the seat more than I do. I remember people who made our vacations easier by letting my wife and little children have their seat and I *always* pay it forward. *always* As should anyone reading this who is capable of standing for a 20-30 minute bus ride.

 

[graphite1326]

I had a similar situation with a sleeping three-year old. Only when I lost my balance I landed on the healthy people comfortably seated next to me. Ooops. If they were irritated, they had the good sense to keep it to themselves. Even after, no one offered up their seat. It was definitely a safety hazard. Glad those days are behind me as the kids are capable of standing on their own now.

On the other side of things, I know as a relatively healthy man capable of standing on my own two feet for the duration of a bus ride I will rarely ever sit down on a Disney bus. There will almost invariably be someone who needs the seat more than I do. I remember people who made our vacations easier by letting my wife and little children have their seat and I *always* pay it forward. *always* As should anyone reading this who is capable of standing for a 20-30 minute bus ride.

I remember having to hold my 6 year old on the way back from many parks. He would be sound asleep. No one ever offered me a seat. A 6 year old boy can be a little heavy after about 10 minutes.

 

[lebeau]

I remember having to hold my 6 year old on the way back from many parks. He would be sound asleep. No one ever offered me a seat. A 6 year old boy can be a little heavy after about 10 minutes.

I can sympathize. I have a 6 year old now and she is heavy. The difference between a 6 year old and a three year old is that if I *had* to carry her now, I'd wake her up for the bus ride home. My back couldn't handle bust stop to bust stop carrying a 6 year-old!

 

[NCO91590]

I remember having to hold my sleeping 3-year-old on the bus one night back to Pop Century (not a short trip from MK), unable to hold a rail because I was holding a sleeping child, and nearly falling and dropping her while all around me were people who could have let me sit. Trust, me I eye-balled everyone of them, trying to think of any reason why it was okay to make me stand as these were perfectly fine, healthy people who got off the bus and walked just fine back to their rooms. Absolutely no reason they couldn't have given up a chair. It was infuriating. Now, it's the first thing we do now on the buses - my entire family stands if that bus is packed. Disney really should have reminder signs on the bus to give up a chair to people in need.

Been there! With an 18 mo old! It was a nightmare. Thankfully someone DID eventually offer me a seat after I almost fell forward. I just couldn't imagine not giving my seat to a woman holding a baby. I think there's a dog eat dog mentality to Disney where it's every "man" for themselves. Everyone is in survival mode, so I think people forget their manners.

My first couple of days at WDW is magical and everyone is so nice and smiley...but by the end of my trip I hate people. LOL.

 

[NCO91590]

Why would you eye-ball each and every person? You chose to get on board a bus that was at standing room only. That was a choice you made, you could have waited for the next bus to be sure of getting a seat.
Again you know nothing of these people's situation to be able to say there was absolutely no reason they couldn't have given up a chair... and bottom line is why should they? (which takes me back to my point above....)

If people want to be nice, and offer you their seat, that's lovely. but I am saddened that what was a courtesy is now viewed with expectation. Seems to be the case in so much of life, these days. When we travelled with our child, I had no expectation of anyone offering me a seat, if it was needed that much, we waited on the next bus.

Since you had/have a child, surely you understand that sometimes you HAVE to get back to the hotel. You might not be able to wait an extra 30 minutes for another bus. There are reasons that certain people need special accommodation. 2 single people don't have to race back for another diaper, or a change of pants after a diaper blowout (happened to my son in August), or to nurse, etc. etc. etc. It's not the expectation, but as citizens of the earth, we should actually be considerate toward others and maybe try and make someone's life just a little bit easier. I'm sadded at the thought that people don't think that's necessary anymore.

 

[Wildflower]

I agree to an extent with some of the comments, however, I most agree with the topic post!
We originally planned our vacation (this coming August) to stay for the first time at a Disney Resort and use the bus system but the more I hear about them the more horrified I am. We decided last week to add a rental car to our package.

I would also like to add that during our last visit to Disney in 2009 we had direct problems with people that were obviously locals. Mind you, Florida residents get into the parks at a fraction of what the rest of us pay to vacation there and they treat us like crap!!! I'm sorry to say it but if Disney wants to maintain quality they're sadly going to have to bump up the prices for FL residents. It goes beyond stubbornness when you have to spend the rest of your vacation in fear that you may or may not be physically attacked by a "gang" of people.

Generalize much? Being a "local" doesn't automatically turn you into a barbarian. If fact, I would venture some of us that you are disparaging are even MORE cognizant that other families don't have the opportunity to visit frequently and act in accordance. We know we will be back so the urgency and exhaustion that plagues some others isn't as much of issue...we can afford to take a more relaxed approach (and tends to translate to being MORE polite, not less). If my family is on a crowded bus, most often we will take one seat and the other three will stand, IF we don't just decide to wait for another bus or choose alternate transportation. I think it's fair to say there will be rude people from ANY group and none are exempt... it's unfortunate. Courtesy is something we should all choose and teach to our children (for those of us who have them), perhaps the little we all do can make a change back for the better.

 

[BigRedDad]

Welcome to America. This is the "me" country. People believe they are more important than everyone around them. They feel it a threat if their time is not more valuable than your time. It is not everyone, but it is a greater than average and growing percentage. When we do take a bus, my daughter always asks why I stand. I tell her others need to sit. After the bus is ready to go and there is room, I will sit. On another trip I sat no matter what. I had just been in a car accident 2 days before. I tore the cartilage around my knee. I could walk OK, manage the pain. However, the jerking of the bus from starts and stops would damage it more. So, I sat.

If you want to see really rude behavior, wait to you get some glances and stares from "bulb breakers". These are some (definitely not all, but you can easily tell the ones) of the people at the top resorts. They can sense you are not in the wealth class they are and look down upon people.

 

[rob0519]

Disney provides the bus service as a convenience to their guests. Nowhere do they state you are guaranteed a seat on a bus, boat, monorail etc. Now, would it be courteous for someone to give up their seat, to which they are entitled to as much as everyone else, to someone holding a toddler or in some cases even a 6 year old? Yes, it would be nice, courteous, well-mannered, etc., but no one should ever expect that. Would I give up my seat for a parent holding a sleeping child or offer the seat to an elderly person who appeared to need it more than I do? Yes, I would, but that's how I was raised and that is how we raised our daughters.

However, parents can see if the bus is already standing room only. If you choose to get on that bus instead of waiting for the next one where you will be able to get a seat, be prepared to stand and hold your child. You could have left earlier, taken a later bus, taken a taxi or heck, even rented a car for your stay. We have a special needs son and after the first few visits decided it was worth the extra money to rent a car and avoid the buses as much as possible for his safety and comfort.

 

[BJones82]

Taking your hat off when you came indoors originated centuries ago when big hats were worn which could have concealed a weapon. Taking it off and your cloak, in case you had a sword underneath, showed you were friendly.

Traditions are sometimes ridiculous many years later.

Another random fun fact, having your hands above the table at meals also originated from centuries ago because people were worried you would try to kill them with a sword under the table

 

[J_Carioca]

Since you had/have a child, surely you understand that sometimes you HAVE to get back to the hotel. You might not be able to wait an extra 30 minutes for another bus. There are reasons that certain people need special accommodation. 2 single people don't have to race back for another diaper, or a change of pants after a diaper blowout (happened to my son in August), or to nurse, etc. etc. etc. It's not the expectation, but as citizens of the earth, we should actually be considerate toward others and maybe try and make someone's life just a little bit easier. I'm sadded at the thought that people don't think that's necessary anymore.

Just because people don't have children doesn't mean that they might not HAVE to get back to the room just as badly as someone with kids. Adults get sick/have emergencies as kids do. I've had to leave the park due to being very very sick and needing to get back to the room (it was either that or vomit all over the park; I chose to go back to the room - as quickly as possible). You can bet I was sitting on that bus ride back, and I wouldn't have offered my seat to someone with a small child because I felt I needed it just as badly or more.

My point is, you can't judge if someone needs to be sitting or not. People have all kinds of invisible illnesses and conditions; you simply CANNOT tell just by looking at someone whether they're in good shape or not. Even if they were able to walk back to their room after and "looked fine", you don't know what is going on inside.

Yes, some people are rude a******s, and people in general should try to be courteous when possible. But it is also important not to make assumptions about people based on appearance only.