DM is now at the stage that I need help on Special Needs DME info

[pjpoohbear]

Ok, we are planning a trip to WDW and DCL in Feb. We might be renting a car, but this is only because DM can't climb the stairs on the DME/DCL buses. She did do the DME bus on the way to WDW last trip, but was so scared that her leg would let go when getting down from the bus that two CMs had to help her and it still took several minutes. She does not want to go through this again.

Is there alternative transportation offered by DME/DCL for type of guest. She uses a walker but not a wheelchair yet. Is there a special contact phone number/person to make such arrangements if there are available?

Thank you for any knowledge you can send my way!

Pj

[SueM in MN]

There are wheelchair lift buses for DME and the Cruise Line buses. Not every bus is accessible, so you do need to let them know when you make your reservation. There is not a special number or anything; you just tell the CM making your reservation that you need a bus with a lift.
If you forget to mention it when making arrangements for the bus leaving the airport, it may take a bit longer for the bus to arrive. You will still get a lift bus though.

Here's a picture of a lift bus with the lift in the fully raised position. We use the lift with DD's wheelchair, but it can also be used by a standing person either with a walker or holding onto the handrails.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/2590PC290222-med.JPG

It's important to make sure the CM making arrangement knows you will need a lift bus for the trip back from your resort/cruise to the airport. That trip arrangement is normally done at the airport when you check in for your trip from the airport to the resort.

[Cheshire Figment]

One thing that can be done for a person who cannot do stairs, especially if with a walker, is to use a DME lift bus. She would be able to just walk onto the platform and raised up to the bus seating level. Liewise for getting off she would walk onto the platform and be lowered to the ground. It would just be like standing in an elevator.

[pjpoohbear]

Thank you both for sharing. I don't want DM to go through the embarrassment that she did last trip. She can't do the steep bus steps, but she tried for me last time and we both now know that she can't do it. So if she can use this option it will be great for her.

Pj