The more I thought about this yesterday the more I realized Disney may be setting up a big fail here. The way some have discussed the lines and such I do not see much good coming of this. I go in a few weeks and will check this out.
I can certainly see someone getting bumped or hurt by a
scooter if the bus is loaded. I would hate to see that as much as anyone. This idea just does not fit the Disney bus system IMO. Especially when all the drivers are different like everyone says. That has to be so darn confusing!
I can understand the pop-out idea if all drivers would board the chairs first. If I have it pictured right in my head and the system works once the kinks are out then this has the possibility to provide what is needed. When I say needed it would cut out all the ones who come to a bus stop and get on first when the line is 3-5 rows deep. Or the ones who say that have witnessed the large loading crowds with them. Tell me in the pop-outs is it just the chair that 'pops out' or do they want the family too? That could make a difference as well. While I could see having to wait an extra bus if your not loaded in time though. I know that is no fun, btdt by choice so we do not stand.
Knock on wood I have only seen massive loading twice, it was not 15-20 ppl but more like 10-12 including kids. So in hindsight those people all got to ride before anyone else no matter what. Sad thing was this was park closing when I saw it and you know how mad hatter that is. So if I saw it and lets say 90% of the ppl here who say the same witness it then I could understand the reason some write to Disney as that is a lot of ppl who were out of space on a bus as well who had been waiting. Is that the main reason for this change? And before the Holidays, I feel for everyone.
I went looking around into the ADA and so far I can conclude it covers mental and physical. Which I knew because Autism and other Mental disorders meet disability laws. But I was not sure how it was handled when it came to making people move who are seated there no matter the condition. I would not want to see discrimination against either. Too bad those seats do not fold up and can be used as standing room or something preventing anyone from sitting. I saw where a state did that in a pdf file.
Disney *could* have an issue here if they meet the wrong passengers sitting or wanting to load. (IE: other disabilities). I could not find in any case or written laws that they must move. Was suggested and of course the morally right things to do. I would certainly hope most would move if they could. I plan on skipping those seats much like I have skipped buses in the past to accommodate my boys needs.
I can see some people crying wolf in those seats who have nothing wrong with them and they refuse to move just as I can see some folks wanting to load getting upset thinking they are lazy and rude even if they have a reason to sit. Can not go well. I feel for the population involved as much as I do the drivers who put up with this.
In this case, how are the bus drivers at Disney trained to handle this? Do you just ask someone to move and accept the answer or require more (a reason) if they decline?
I would like think more kind souls would have no issue in offering their need to sit in the any seat but what if there are none to transfer too? In turn if a seat is needed for a medical condition can the driver assist in moving those people? I can see how this could get sticky. Now your dealing with multiple people who can not stand and how to be equal to all. This would be prevented if all were - boarded first but not before those who have been waiting longer. Perhaps someone at the lines?
I can certainly also see how some could/would remain private if asked. Perhaps some sort of GAC system to be done at the hotel instead of the parks indicating something with a symbol or something so bus drivers know. Heck, just thinking out loud here as I know and support the Autism groups who travel there and we discuss trips often with planning. They would benefit from the right information in keeping things simple for everyone and not harder.
I can see where they are trying to make things equal for those who wait but I am not too sure what they have come up with is the right answer. KWIM? Surely there
is a better way. I can certainly see them wanting to make everyone wait together so everyone boards more fairly but I am not keen on the chairs after ppl are on. Too many risks. Take for example my little guy, he loves wheels on hotwheels or off. He would be in 7th heaven. But I know his ticks and obsessions and can hold him as long as I am also safe with my big boy. But what about the one child who is in the path or the one grown up looking for a free ticket. Oh my.
I know they can not do this but somehow it would be neat if each row was more like an indicator of how many ppl were boarding with those boxes at the front. If you make it before everyone board first. If after then I am sure it could be just as accommodating if the line is not packed and you do not have 10 Joes with you putting everyone out. But still board first for safety for everyone.
Heck I do not know I am just tossing ideas around because I agree with most everyone here. If they are out for an easier situation for everyone I think they need to go back to the white board. As someone who has an uncertain future and respects what people go through this does hold a dear spot in my heart.
Say, maybe I will go work for Disney and create a handicapped/DVC mixed bus only. lol... Cuts down on the amount of ppl needing a ride and opens slots for those in need. Hmm it could be magical, but then I am just dreaming right