Wheelchair/evc bus questions

[ransam]

My mom is going in december and she will need a wheelchair or an evc...
i think my dad and her are bringing their own wheelchair.
so the first question...i've done the magical express and don't remember a way for a handicpped person to get up the stairs of the bus...does anyone know if a wheelchair can be put on the bus?
second question. i think they would be happier w/ an evc. however...i dont think my mom would be able to guide the chair on the bus. she is very arthritic. Will the bus driver put it on the bus for her?

thank you.

[jenny1976]

The short answer is Yes. Disney is very good with this. Just let them know at DME that you need the handicap accessible bus to pick you up. They do have a bus with ramp as do the buses to go to the parks. They can also accomodate ECV's. Have a nice trip :cloud9:

[ElenitaB]

When you make your DME reservations (either online, through your TA or through a WDW CM), mention that a member of your party will be travelling in a wheelchair. There is a special box to tick off on the reservation form that indicates this, so that they can do some pre-planning as well and have the handicap-accessible bus "in the neighborhood," so to speak.

I would suggest going with a happy compromise. Have your mom bring her wheelchair with her so that she is able to use it in the airports. (It's a mighty long walk to the DME counter from the gates, and from the DME drop-off point to the airline counters where you would meet someone with a wheelchair for "wheelchair escort.") At your resort, you might consider renting an ECV. If she is not familiar with the equipment, be sure that she practices with it at the resort before heading out to the busses and parks. The driver will help her, but I'm not sure if they'll be able to work the lifts, etc., and sit in the equipment at the same time. Maybe she can "leave the driving to" another person in your party for boarding and getting off the busses.

Have a wonderful trip!

[Marilyn Michetti]

The bus driver will NOT put your ECV on the bus. I have to park it, but it's much easier now, because the busses have been updated - there's more room to turn around.:thumbsup: