Bus Transportation

[LindaDVC]

We just got back from WDW/Vero. The buses ran great this trip! We often found one waiting on us! This is the first trip that we never had one without a wheelchair lift! One bus however almost put a damper on the pixie dust. We were all tired at MK and decided to sit at the end of mainstreet to be able to head home rather than head to the castle like we usually do. After the parade mom and dad got to the bus first and tapped on the window. The driver was about to leave and with exasperation opened the door for them. A few minutes later she hadn't pulled out and I arrived and knocked on the window. She sighed even more and when I smiled and said do you have room for a wheelchair--- well lets just say she was NOT A HAPPY BUS DRIVER!!!!! She loaded Dan and by the time she finished the half empty bus had grown to standing room only and lots more people were now waiting for the next one. She then looks at me ( she never talked to Dan and even had insisted that I get off the bus to help him drive his power chair?????) I did since I wasn't sure if he had requested me and was having a problem. He hadn't !! anyway she looks at me and says what bus stop. In my tired state by mistake I said Polynesian! Dan quickly told her I meant Peninsula (an OKW stop)!!! She thought she had done all that loading and we were on the wrong bus!
If looks could kill-- however I started laughing and by the time she got to the front of the bus the driver put on a more cheery attitude and started saying we are on our way to Disney Institute , etc and the rest of that bus ride and the rest of the trip we joked about going to the Polynesian !!!

Our new van worked great except for a leaky valve stem! Glad we noticed it and got it repaired before we had a flat or a wreck! So even though it delayed the trip a little -- felt blessed to arrive safely!

Linda

 

[SueM in MN]

That bus driver needs some "Be Nice Pixie Dust - Extra Strength", but it sounds like you gave her a dose.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Can I ask a slightly off topic question?

I note you are a regular visitor to both Vero Beach and Hilton Head. What are they like for wheelchair users? I am a DVC memberso know what the guide book says, but there isn't much information for wheelchair users.

I use an electric wheelchair and transferring in and out is difficult - something I like to do just in the safety of my room. I like 747s with big seats and direct flights to London. I can't manage connecting flights with steps up from the runway. I don't want the expense of renting an expensive wheelchair van. I can go just about anywhere my wife can walk except on sand. If I am on my own, I have a battery range of 15 miles so I can go a long way on cycle paths or sidewalks.

Are either of VB or HH vacation destinations that I would enjoy or would I find myself confined to the resort? Is there wheelchair accessible transport to attractions, shopping and restaurants nearby? What is the nearest International Airport to HH? (I assume VB is accessible from Orlando and Miami.

Is it worth renting a wheelchair van for a few days and combining WDW with VB on my next trip?

Andrew

 

[LindaDVC]

Dan loves both resorts and refuses to transfer to the beach chair since he wants his "power". Vero has a ramp right to the ocean -- Dan loves to sit there and watch the waves! Our other favorite thing to do at Vero is go out to eat at the seafood restaurants in the area. So you would need a van for that. They do have 2 onsite restaurants if you prefer to eat at the resort. The best ocean views are in the Inn rooms. They are the most accessible too. The layout of the studios are awkward if you have more than 2 and need to open the couch!

As for Hilton Head the ocean is not as visible from the beach house. We were told pre-construction that it would have a ramp like Vero BUT it didn't happen and I remind them every trip. They say they don't hear many complaints so those who visit please mention they need a board walk or ramp for ocean viewing. Dan regularly drives his chair from the resort to the beach house. He enjoys the trip. They have a van with a lift but typically use the smaller shuttle due to the small number of people who use the service.
We drive to most of the restaurants around Hilton Head but several close by. The resort has lots of paths to roam around, accessible pier, and next door is a marina and shops so plenty to look at around the immediate area.

Both are nice resorts and we enjoy them! As much as I love WDW nice to have some rest and relaxation too! If you have any other questions let me know!

Linda