2 ECVs on a Bus?

[robinb]

Is there room for 2 ECVs on a bus? Last time we went to WDW with my in-laws we drove the ECVs early to the parks and met my morning-challenged in-laws later in the day. It would be nice if they could just take a bus with their ECVs and meet us. Can they both fit on the same bus? Also, my MIL has some problems in negotiating the ECV in tight quarters. She can walk up the stairs to the bus. Can the driver park her ECV for her?

Thanks!

 

[CarolA]

I know they can get two ECVs on a bus because I saw them do it. I can't help with your other quetions though.

 

[lisapooh]

You can get 2 ECVs on the bus with no problem. She will have to get it on the lift. If she isn't able to manuever to do that , she really should not be driving an ECV. Getting them on the lift isn't that difficult. The bus driver can help once it is in the bus but will not drive it. He will help move it inot place if it is a short distance to get it in.

 

[robinb]

If she isn't able to manuever to do that , she really should not be driving an ECV.

Gee. Thanks for positive words. She's used an ECV twice in WDW. There is no way she could walk for more than a block or two. She has problems with tight quarters ... she tends get nervous and then presses the throttle too tightly and releases it suddenly so the ECV jerks. Then, she gets even more nervous. She is fine in all other situations and I make sure to run interference for her in crowded situations. She has never hit me.

I am glad to hear that the bus driver will position the EVC once it's up on the bus. I think that she will be able to get it onto the lift, but I don't think she'll be able to get it into place.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't think lisapooh meant any offense, just that if she's not comfortable doing that type of manouvering, maybe she would not be comfortable driving an ecv. There was just a thread on another board where someone was indicating a member of their party became so nervous driving the ecv, that the increased independence wasn't worth it.
In a past post, someone indicated that he drove the ecv onto the lift for his mom. There is no rule that says she has to be the one that drives it on. So if it would make her too nervous, someone else can do it.

 

[JudithM]

Robin, last week I rented a ECV at the WDW parks each day. I found most CMs, if not all, I encountered to be very accommodating to my needs/wants. For example, on the train to Conservation Station at the AK, the CM helped guide me to back into the spot on the train. I actually "drove" the ECV, but the CM was very helpful in telling me which ways to go, etc. Try not to worry.

 

[lisapooh]

Castmembers are very cooperative. Bus drivers on the other hand are a different breed. I have had more nasty bus drivers than any other type a of Disney cast. Some just plain don't want to deal with handicapped guests especially those with power equipment. They are very condescending and downright insulting at times. I've been insulted and lied to frequently. I have had more than a few talks with the transportation supervisors about attitudes and poor treatment as well as the fact several drivers choose not the even tie the wheelchair down but left it unsecured. One even told me to hang on to the side of the upraised seat and hang on. (got him fired)
I have been doing Disney by ECV and then powerchair for about 10 years now. CAstmembers and access for the most part have gotten better and transportation is the only area where they still have major problems.
That said, I would say that the bad drivers are only a small percentage of the drivers you meet but going 4-6 times a year makes you very aware of them.

 

[robinb]

One even told me to hang on to the side of the upraised seat and hang on. (got him fired)

Good for you!

I think that my hubby and I will take them on the busses the first time. It may mean that we'll have to return to OKW to bring them to the park though.

They are late risers and I know not to call them before 11 a.m. We have a 21 month old DD who gets us up at 6 a.m. . We waited for them to get a move-on the first time we went to WDW with them and it made me crazy! We didn't get into the parks until 11:00 a.m. and that was with me nagging at my MIL. Of course, we got to the parks too late and things were busy and my MIL got up too early. None of us were happy. It's much better for all concerned that they be able to get to the parks when they want to.

 

[lisapooh]

One suggestion is to let them know that they may have to be assertive with some drivers and not to take any guff off the few nasty ones. Insist that the ECVs be properly tied down and transfer to a bus seat if at all possible.