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.

1. Take a deep breath and relax, you’ve got a few minutes to work on your tan before boarding.
2. Go back to the park, lobby or room that you came from.  Be grateful you can get through Disney without a scooter or wheelchair.
3. 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)

MickeyMom (60 Posts)

Mickey Mom, aka Maria is a Mom, Blog Writer and Travel Planner. Sometimes more than one at any time. She loves to offer tips and tricks to those traveling with small children. If you like her articles, be sure to follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.