Ok Disney travellers, I’m going to share with you a few tips on using Disney Transportation. Which is a nice way to say I’m going to tell you how to NOT act like you’ve hit your head and forgotten your manners at Disney.
These tips apply to all methods of getting around Disney. Magical Express, Bus, Boat, Monorail, and in some cases Walking.
THE LAWS OF PHYSICS IN RELATION TO DISNEY TRANSPORT
This one is OK to use at home too. I PROMISE you that allowing other guests to exit first will make it easier for you to board. Standing in front of the open doors while they have to push past you, only slows things down. It may also result in a stray elbow to the ribs from people like me. I mentioned walking…again physics. I can not walk through you when you make a dead stop to refer to your Disney Mobile app. Move to the side if you need to stop, this keeps the flow of traffic moving.
OH NO! A SCOOTER IS BOARDING FIRST, NOT FAIR!
Yes, Disney extends a courtesy to those in scooters and wheelchairs. They and their families get to board first. This allows the driver to get them situated and fold up any seats if necessary. It does slow things down but you have three choices here.
- Take a deep breath and relax, you’ve got a few minutes to work on your tan before boarding.
- Go back to the park, lobby or room that you came from. Be grateful you can get through Disney without a scooter or wheelchair.
- Pretend you are family (ohana) and help your new “cousin” on board.
Not an option is complaining to the driver, giving dirty looks or muttering under your breath. It doesn’t make you look good.
YES! I GOT A SEAT AND YOU DIDN’T!
This is a tough subject, especially for guys. As a “man” it is automatically assumed you should give up your seat to a woman. But, you might also think that women are “modern” and don’t need to sit down. Not really, if we are mothers we would give our left arm (if it wasn’t trying to hold the strap and a one year old at the same time) for a seat on a Disney Bus. With seats going first to the elderly or disabled, moms next rate a seat on the bus. Why? Because chances are we planned this whole trip. We were up at 5:30 am making the ADR’s 6 months in advance. We stayed up late the night before the trip ensuring all Mickey Ears, pin lanyard and souvenir penny books got packed. We are probably holding one kid, a diaper bag, two water bottles, and a coffee mug; while another kid hangs off our leg. Our husband is probably still outside trying to fold the stroller and get on the bus. So in advance, this mom thanks those men and women who give up their seats. You are my heroes.
YUP, THESE PEOPLE EXIST!
Back to the crowded bus/monorail/boat etc. Please realize your backpacks or souvenir bags DO NOT need their own seat. I know you probably bought a delicate, Mickey Mouse cookie jar, but put it between your feet. Or better yet, have it shipped to your resort room. Unfortunately I have stared at a seat (while standing) where someones backpack or bags rest comfortably back to the hotel.
If you feel the need to make a phone call, keep it short. I don’t want to hear about your trip as you relay it to the friends back home. Put up a Facebook status update or wait until you are no longer 3 inches from my ear. At the very least, watch what you say. We can hear you!
A PARENTS DILEMMA
Another situation you might find yourself in. Your child has fallen asleep in the stroller while you waited for your transportation. If it’s a boat or monorail you can usually pull in. But if it’s a bus, forget it. You really need to fold up your stroller (all the way) when boarding. Which usually means you have to take the child out of the stroller. Not fun for you or sleeping child. Being rude to the driver when he asks you to do this will not help the situation and delay the bus moving. Just do the deed quickly or find a park bench until your child wakes up from their nap.
THE LINE CUTTER
You’ve seen them, you may even be one. While waiting to board the person that casually comes in from the side. Or maybe they blatantly cut the line. Maybe they didn’t even notice there was a line. At the resorts especially, the line is kind of vague. Many times I’ve seen a Line Cutter split up a family as they board. Look around you and make a common sense decision. I truly belive Karma comes back and gets Line Cutters. I just hope I’m not on the Expedition Everest ride with them when it does.
GETTING OFF MY SOAPBOX
I really hope I didn’t offend anyone in this article. Had to release some of my pet peeves for the good of the visiting Disney public. Sometimes we just forget our manners while at Disney. If I did offend you, then I hope I don’t run into you on my next trip. I’ll be dropping my 1-year-old on top of that Mickey Mouse Cookie Jar.
Related articles
- The Info Mouse – Disney Transportation (disneyonwheelsblog.com)
- Disney to Test Surveillance Cameras on Buses (chipandco.com)
- Disney World Quick Tips – Don’t Make These Newbie Mistakes! (chipandco.com)
- Disney World Quick Tips: Ten Tips for First Timers (chipandco.com)
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We are going to Disney in Sept and this time I will be using a scooter bc of MS. I’m so glad I read this and I hope many others read it as well. I have been a little anxious about this trip because I don’t want my scooter to be an issue. I hope people do remember to use their manners. I wish I could just use my feet as I have on every one of my previous Disney trips.
Thanks everyone for reading my article and I did reply to most of you. However my comments aren’t showing up. Technology! Anyway, I wanted to touch on a few things that were brought up here and on Facebook.
I appreciate all the readers that mentioned hidden disabilities. I agree wholeheartedly that others should not judge you or glare at you for not giving up your seat. My comments are aimed at those who are ablebodied. I would add to my article that most certaintly you should never force someone to give you their seat if you perceive them to be able to. You never know! Yelling at them falls under bad manners on Disney Transportation. I didn’t include them in my isssues because I had never experienced anything like that. I write from my own experiences. I hope your comments open some eyes!
I do not think as a mom I am entitled to a seat. Especially over someone elderly or disabled. I do think it is good manners to give up your seat, if you are able to a mom who is holding young children or pregnant. Thats my opinion, thats all. If I’m not holding my kids, I’m standing if need be. If you want to keep your seat, that is your right. Just look around and see if there is an opportunity for you to be courteous. Everyone appreciates it!
LOVE IT! All FABULOUS “suggestions”! :o)
Don’t get me wrong I don’t have a probable with people
In wheelchairs or scooters especially now because we are going with someone In a wheelchair this fall it will be out first time. Like I said I usually don’t have a problem but one time this group of seven or eight got one the bus and two in there group where on scooters and after they where on the bus they got out of there scooters and took up some seats that others could have used.
I really wish there was a line cue at the resorts. You could be the first to arrive but when the bus pulls up people rush to the doors and you get left out. Especially if you have small children. It has made us drive to the parks becuase of these acts. Even boarding the monorail with a stroller I’ve had people try to come in from the side while my husband tries to maneuver the stroller in. I’ve developed a “box out” method where I block others but my husband and stroller to enter the monorail safely. It probably looks crazy and I’ve gotten looks but people will shove and push to get in! Families with older kids expecially have offended me. Like they don’t remember how hard it is with small ones and strollers. Our last stay was the best with the transportation. I thought for sure we were going to get ousted at the resort bus line again but a mom stopped her family and said let the people who were here first board first. Wow what a concept! I wanted to hug her.
Thank you for reading my article! I’m not sure if you know this already but Guest Services can issue you a Guest Assistance Pass for your child. It will state on there what are issues for your child (heat, noise, crowds) and Cast Members can do thir best to help.
I don’t mind the front of the line jump since there are only a limited number of scooter slots per bus and more could come up behind them. However, I feel the party size that can jump to the front should be limited (maybe 6).
Many years ago we were at Epcot for New Years Eve & had waited for 3 buses (45+ minutes because the park roads were jammed with people leaving & accidents) when a scooter came up with their extended family of 20+ people. To their credit, some of the younger generations (early 20s) tried to go to the back of the line, but their grandparents called them up to join them.
I actually had someone offer to hold my 1 yr old on the last trip. That was a first and he loved being spoiled by his temporary Grandma.
I was raised that way too. It warms my heart when I see young people give their seats to someone who needs them!
Actually, I’m not one of those women. If my husband has the kids, I stand. If I don’t have a seat, i may stew quietly, but never stare anyone down. I don’t know their situations. My frustration is never with a particular person in this case. The purpose of that portion of the article was to awaken those who ARE healthy enough to help out and don’t. Maybe next time they will give up their seat. As your husband has a disability I hope he gets a seat as often as possible. I appreciate your bringing awareness to those who may look healthy and are not.
That’s a good reminder. I try not to judge any particular person because you don’t know their situation. I just judge the bus in general. Feels to me there is someone that can help out! I wouldn’t dare to speak to anyone rudely, no one should.
I went when I was 6 months pregnant and it was exhausting! That’s what I get for booking our trip 7 months ahead of time;)
Being considerate of others is always appreciated! I love talking with people on the bus too.
I agree, my 5 yr old sits on my lap if it’s crowded.
I love Disney transportation and I have seen the best and the worst things happen while riding it. It ruins the trip or at least the day for many people to be treated rudely. If you don’t like riding crowded transportation, then don’t wait until the parks are closing to head back to your resort. The honest truth is that the value resorts have the most crowded buses and sometimes the most frazzled drivers because they deal with craziness throughout their entire shift. I have seldom rode a packed bus back to Old Key West or Fort Wilderness. And if you can’t offer up your seat, which I understand may be the case for a multitude of reasons (no judgement), be willing to offer up your lap to a tired infant or toddler or at least a moment of distraction to a cranky child.
Great points! There are many hidden disabilities, but you can usually tell if someone who is sore getting up the stairs, needs to sit down etc. She is referring to loud yelling in to their cell phones I have money so I come first selfish jerks, you’ve all seen them come on now. Don’t be rude to the person writing the article. It is nice to point out manners. So many people forget them. We only go off season to avoid these issues. I am missing a lumbar and have a hard time walking or standing too long, I also have an autistic child who does not do very well in crowded packed in areas. He loved the buses though, and by going in February, we never had a really full bus that caused an issue. The boat to Wilderness lodge was a nightmare with a stroller though, we won’t do that again. Thanks for the article! Hope it teaches someone some manners, but I doubt it. If they don’t know them by now….
I agree with this because it is extremely frustrating to wait through several buses while someone in a scooter gets loaded with their huge party.
I don’t mind at all when someone disagrees with what I write. I’ve just been running errands and haven’t had a chance to reply to all the comments. Thank you for reading my article.
As someone with a “hidden disability” , I am 37 and have had RA since I was 17, I am always grateful when someone gives up their seat for me. I do have to add that it has only actually happened twice on Disney transport and I’ve been going several times a year for the last 14 years. :(. There are those who, like me, suffer in invisible silence and struggle to ” look normal” so that they don’t draw uncomfortable attention to themselves. However, it has just become somewhat common for these courtesies to be unobserved in our society. But I like to do my part to keep it alive by giving up my seat if I see anyone else struggling with a condition or small children :). I have my daughter give up her seat whenever there is anyone older than her standing (she’s 15). I totally agree with all of your points and add that (unless I’m missing something and that’s totally possible). It does bug me to see a 2 or 3 year old occupying a seat to themselves on a bus with standing room only, especially if mom and dad have totally empty arms and laps. I suppose the point to all of this is to be considerate and think of others 😉
This is a great reminder (article & comments) for people not to judge – there are so many people with disabilities & conditions that are not visible and this reminds me to be thankful that I am able-bodied.
I have no problem with Disney loading ECVs on the buses first but I do have a problem that they put them on the next available bus rather than waiting their turn. I have been in a number of lines which were 3-4 bus loads long – waiting patiently – when someone in an ECV comes up and gets on. It seems to me you could have the able-bodied people in the party wait in line and when their turn for a bus comes, then load the ECV rider and their entire party on that bus first. I don’t fault the scooter riders; this is Disney’s way of doing things; I just don’t agree with it, but again, I am lucky not to need a scooter and maybe I’m just not able to see it from their perspective.
As a mom, I have always been grateful to the people who let me have a seat when I’m carrying my sleeping child. On my most recent trip, we traveled in a group of 14 people, and liked to sit together, but not once did any of the men in our group, who are healthy and whole, hesitate to stand to allow a tired mom or elderly person to sit. My sister and I were both more than willing to pass our children off to the grandmas so we could stand to allow others to sit. I think that as long as people do what they can to help, it’s the thought that counts. Always,
I’ve been guilty of getting a little irritated about scooters getting on the bus because it causes me pain to stand for long periods of time, and those scooters limit how many seats there are, and if I don’t have my sleeping kid, I get dirty looks for staying in my seat. The crazy thing is, the people who do that don’t actually need a seat, they just feel entitled, and that they should be allowed to sit because they’re older than I am. I’ve been more than willing to spread some magic on the bus while helping to entertain kids on the bus, or talk to some of the older people on the bus who are always looking for people to talk to. You never know who you might meet.
I would add also to let preganant women sit. I have actually seen grown men sit in front of a pregnant woman all the way to the resort. Get up dude!
Same here! I have a hidden disability and I’ve actually had mom’s says “Well you don’t look sick-get up” right to my face! It drives me nuts-people don’t understand. I actually try to use my own car when possible but it isn’t always possible. I usually just apologize and explain my condition but most people assume I’m lying to keep my seat because I’m so young. I just wish people were more understanding about hidden and invisible illnesses
I hate when people try to state their fact on Disney transportation. I try to avoid using Disney transportation unless necessary since I have a “hidden” disability. People always get mad when I won’t give up my seat since I’m a female in my 20’s but I can’t stand-I don’t have the option because I literally topple over lol. I refuse to carry my cane because I’m stubborn and hate the looks. I’ve gotten yelled at by people more times than I can count on the monorail so I try to use my own car if possible but if I’m having a bad day I can’t physically drive because my legs don’t work 🙁 So if you see a younger male/female sitting (even without their crutches or wheelchair-they aren’t always needed or they might be stubborn like me) don’t assume they are being rude-they may actually need a seat just like anyone else with a disability.
Don’t like comments that don’t agree, huh?
I sort of got the feeling that you are one of the women who feel entitled to a seat and glare at the men who don’t jump up and give it to you. Please, don’t judge by appearances. My husband is invisibly disabled. If he gave you his seat, we would probably end up in the ER later as he has balance issues that will trigger other problems and cannot stand on the bus. I am half tempted to make cards that I can slip to the glaring women so that they will stop guilt-tripping my husband for not giving them his seat. My husband did address one woman who not only glared but made loud comments. “Ma’am, I would love to be healthy enough to give you my seat. But sadly, I am not. I waited for a second bus so that I could have a seat. I would appreciate it if you would keep your comments to yourself.”
Great article – To add to your who stands or who sits portion – I love seeing kids stand up and letting adults sit. When I was younger we never got to sit if there were adults standing…it always bothers me to see kids and teens ignoring the situation as elderly or moms (or any adults) try to juggle what they have going on. Good chance for parents to teach those kids a valued lesson – though sadly I rarely see it happen!