Buses and ECV

[disneyfantotheend]

We have been going to Disney with an ECV for quite awhile now, but I read a *just back* thread from early March, that looks like things have changed. You go in the regular line with your scooter now to wait for the bus, and then when you get to a certain point they pull you out and put you in the ecv waiting area? Has anyone experienced this? We never minded waiting in the regular line, but would get corrected, if we tried in the past. Can anyone verify this is a new policy or was it a fluke thing?

 

[arminnie]

I think it must depend on the crowds. I was just there in early March. There was always an ECV (or handicap) spot where I waited. But there were never more than 3-4 people in the line. We did not try to leave at peak times.

 

[SueM in MN]

It depends on the park, the resort and how busy it is.

 

[Bete]

How do you know which line to get into? Is there someone directing you?

 

[mamabunny]

Typically, I look to see how the queue is configured.

If the Handicap lane is "open" (not roped off, or made a part of the larger queue), then I pull into it, and wait for the driver.

If the Handicap lane is "closed" (roped off, and now an "offshoot" of the larger queue) then I pull into the "regular" queue and go along until I come to the Handicap lane.

I hope that makes sense! LOL

Typically, you will find that you just go into the Handicap lane; don't worry about it. Usually if it's busy enough that they have integrated the queues, then there will be a CM there.

Wheelchairs, ECVs, and others needing assistance still ordinarily board first; this is because if they don't, then the driver has to ask other Guests to move, and it takes extra time. That's why it's pretty rare that they will "mainstream" the Handicap lane - to be fair, yes it should be mainstreamed, but to save everyone time, it's better to pull us wheelies out into our own lane!

 

[disneyfantotheend]

Great! Thank you Mamabunny. I was a little worried about how to know which way to go, but your explanation helps a lot. As I said we tried in the past to join the line, but that never went well. We actually got yelled at for doing it. LOL Only one person ever waits with my Mom in the handicap area. The rest of us wait in the regular line. And we have never been on separate buses, so guess we are usually there during less crowded times.

 

[gap2368]

also when the lines are very long a CM ( the ones that drive the bus) will also be there to help with the lines. ) or every time I have been there, and the lines were very long, they have too) and you can ask them, but as mama bunny said they do make it so you really can not get in the wheel chair line, or at lest it is difficult.

 

[Simba's Mom]

This IS new, if that's the case. When we were at WDW in January, I always went to the marked ECV waiting area. One time when I didn't, the bus driver saw me from far away and kind of waved me over to park there. How else would they know to come back and help you get on first?

 

[gap2368]

This IS new, if that's the case. When we were at WDW in January, I always went to the marked ECV waiting area. One time when I didn't, the bus driver saw me from far away and kind of waved me over to park there. How else would they know to come back and help you get on first?

no not new but like the PP and I have said they only do this if the line is very long like it will take 3 or more busses to get every one back if the line is only one or 2 buss long they will have you park in the Handicap spot. I see it mostly at the value resorts and after fire works. But they have been doing this for the past 3 years.

 

[mamabunny]

This IS new, if that's the case. When we were at WDW in January, I always went to the marked ECV waiting area. One time when I didn't, the bus driver saw me from far away and kind of waved me over to park there. How else would they know to come back and help you get on first?

As @gap2368 said, it's mostly occurring in the bus lines for the Value Resorts, and after fireworks.

What happens when the line is "integrated" is that the ECV/wheelchair goes through the regular line *until* they reach the Handicap lane, and then pull out into the Handicap lane. I have never asked a CM to confirm, but our family always guessed that it was so that folks who need to load first are then served in a truly "first come, first served" fashion, and it eliminates any Handicap lane issues. It also helps "spread out" those riders so that a bus doesn't pull up and have 6 riders waiting.

I have seen CMs tell ECV/wheelchairs to go to the end of the queue, and go around the rope line, and line up kind of "in front" of the standard queue (so that you are parked up against the queue, but on the bus side of the queue) and then they can fit a few more people in the queue. That was back at the old Disney Springs bus stop, and it didn't happen often; usually on Friday or Saturday night when it was super busy.

It seems like Disney is giving the Transportation CMs and the Drivers more leeway in how they want to manage those queues; they know better than anyone how to do that. When I stop and really think about the number of riders on (various forms of) Disney Transportation every day... it's kind of mind-blowing!

 

[gap2368]

I have seen one fight/ shoving break out at Disney ( about 3 years ago) when there was a long line waiting for the buss ( I know I waited though 5 busses and had attest 2 more to go when some one in a wheel chair ( they had the ones with the poll on it) and the person in front started to yell and then some shoving happens, CM where there right a way, not sure if this help start the whole wheel chair go in the regular line thing with the bus line are long.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have never asked a CM to confirm, but our family always guessed that it was so that folks who need to load first are then served in a truly "first come, first served" fashion, and it eliminates any Handicap lane issues.

While reducing the likelihood of fistfights, along with the even more common gripes about preferential treatment.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

When we stayed at AoA I had to wait in the general queue at MK, and it took 5 buses before we were able to get on one. Imagine my fury when someone just rocked up at the last minute and drove straight to the front of the queue! I've seen this happen several times when returning to a hotel from a park.

One time, we were in the general queue to get back to AoA from Hollywood Studios and the driver called me forward (even though I was nearly 3 rows back). I had one do-gooder who wouldn't let me past him even though I was being called forward. In the end I shouted something like "For God's sake, just get out of my way!" Until I was safely on, no-one else was going anywhere!

Another time we were at MK having left early because of the Christmas party, and DD and I decided to go to EMH at HS for a last look at the Osborne Lights. I was told to get in the general queue, so I did. It was very busy - probably everyone else had the same idea. We waited for ages and then a bus drew up. Someone then drove straight to the front again, even though I was in the queue. I have a funny feeling the CM at the stop was looking for me because I saw someone come round and peer round. But we'd just rounded the corner and I think she didn't see me. Once they started loading everyone else, that was it. A bus to Wilderness Lodge came in right opposite and DD said, "Let's go there instead." so we did.

And yet another time we finally got to the front to load and he told me to get into position while he dropped the ramp - and another scooter rocked up to the front. I said quietly to the CM at the front, "I've waited in the queue, and he's just driven up to the front." He replied, "That's okay, I'll load you first." Yeah, great. I went in first, so he naturally got off before me!

Again while staying at AoA, we turned up at the wheelchair queue while the bus was loading from the general queue. I said to OH and DD, "We won't get on this one, but that's okay." I saw the driver close the front door and thought 'that's funny, the bus doesn't look full'. Through the windows I watched as he turfed 3 people off one of the benches and then opened the back door to drop the ramp. I told OH to go and tell him not to, that we'd wait until the next bus. The driver came over to me all concerned and said, "Are you sure, ma'am? I can put you on if you want." "No," I insisted, "we've only just got here; we're more than happy to wait for the next bus." He told me that the last person he'd dealt with that morning had insisted that she be put on the first bus! I earned a lot of 'Brownie points' that morning! In the end, the bus which was sitting to our left pulled into position the minute the full bus pulled away anyway, so we really didn't have to wait at all.

The lack of a hard and fast 'rule' on this is so frustrating. I'm not surprised no-one seems to know what to do. It just annoys me that having been told in no uncertain terms to get in the main queue, they then don't bat an eyelid when someone just drives to the front of the queue.

 

[mamabunny]

When we stayed at AoA I had to wait in the general queue at MK, and it took 5 buses before we were able to get on one. Imagine my fury when someone just rocked up at the last minute and drove straight to the front of the queue! I've seen this happen several times when returning to a hotel from a park.

One time, we were in the general queue to get back to AoA from Hollywood Studios and the driver called me forward (even though I was nearly 3 rows back). I had one do-gooder who wouldn't let me past him even though I was being called forward. In the end I shouted something like "For God's sake, just get out of my way!" Until I was safely on, no-one else was going anywhere!

Another time we were at MK having left early because of the Christmas party, and DD and I decided to go to EMH at HS for a last look at the Osborne Lights. I was told to get in the general queue, so I did. It was very busy - probably everyone else had the same idea. We waited for ages and then a bus drew up. Someone then drove straight to the front again, even though I was in the queue. I have a funny feeling the CM at the stop was looking for me because I saw someone come round and peer round. But we'd just rounded the corner and I think she didn't see me. Once they started loading everyone else, that was it. A bus to Wilderness Lodge came in right opposite and DD said, "Let's go there instead." so we did.

And yet another time we finally got to the front to load and he told me to get into position while he dropped the ramp - and another scooter rocked up to the front. I said quietly to the CM at the front, "I've waited in the queue, and he's just driven up to the front." He replied, "That's okay, I'll load you first." Yeah, great. I went in first, so he naturally got off before me!

Again while staying at AoA, we turned up at the wheelchair queue while the bus was loading from the general queue. I said to OH and DD, "We won't get on this one, but that's okay." I saw the driver close the front door and thought 'that's funny, the bus doesn't look full'. Through the windows I watched as he turfed 3 people off one of the benches and then opened the back door to drop the ramp. I told OH to go and tell him not to, that we'd wait until the next bus. The driver came over to me all concerned and said, "Are you sure, ma'am? I can put you on if you want." "No," I insisted, "we've only just got here; we're more than happy to wait for the next bus." He told me that the last person he'd dealt with that morning had insisted that she be put on the first bus! I earned a lot of 'Brownie points' that morning! In the end, the bus which was sitting to our left pulled into position the minute the full bus pulled away anyway, so we really didn't have to wait at all.

The lack of a hard and fast 'rule' on this is so frustrating. I'm not surprised no-one seems to know what to do. It just annoys me that having been told in no uncertain terms to get in the main queue, they then don't bat an eyelid when someone just drives to the front of the queue.

We've seen those folks who "cut and run" straight to the gate to try and beat anyone in the queue. Maybe we are too laid back; we figure that Karma will take care of anyone selfish enough to behave like that.

We've had drivers try to load us when we knew good and well we needed to wait for the next bus, but we just wave them on. I'm *not* going to be "that person". Even if I have to wait in line at Disney World, I'm at Disney World for crying out loud! There are *far* worse places to wait in line!

If going forward, we can all (politely) give feedback to Transportation CMs (especially those folks with the clipboards we have all met at Resort bus stops) about this issue, maybe Disney will consider either making the "rules" more clear, or being more consistent with how the Handicap lanes are handled.

 

[kam23]

I so dread the ECV on the bus!! Just the thought of trying to get into the right line, board the bus and get off the bus all the while listening to the crowd grumbling sends me into anxiety. I am going in October and really should have an ECV full time but just can't seem to get over the fear of the buses.

 

[gap2368]

I so dread the ECV on the bus!! Just the thought of trying to get into the right line, board the bus and get off the bus all the while listening to the crowd grumbling sends me into anxiety. I am going in October and really should have an ECV full time but just can't seem to get over the fear of the buses.

I think I have only heard one person in all the time of going with a friend that uses an ECV say something to her. and she was in the bus I was out side waiting for her to get in her spot. Now I have heard people complain at rides, more but really this dose not happen much either, since most lines are ECV wheel chair friendly. If you need an ECV all the time get one of site it really is not that bad.

 

[mamabunny]

I so dread the ECV on the bus!! Just the thought of trying to get into the right line, board the bus and get off the bus all the while listening to the crowd grumbling sends me into anxiety. I am going in October and really should have an ECV full time but just can't seem to get over the fear of the buses.

As my buddy @gap2368 said, you won't hear anyone grumbling - it's really unlikely. And if you do, who cares? You will never see those people again! The chances that you will run into them in "the real world" outside Disney? Slim to none, and Slim just left town. If anyone ever does dare to say a thing to you, just nicely remind them that although you do board the bus first, you are always last off, and they will be long gone into the Parks, Resort or Disney Springs by the time you are coming down the ramp. I learned a long time ago that looking people directly in the eyes, smiling my biggest smile and telling them to have a great day stops a lot of nonsense.

Next, don't worry about getting in the right line. Take your time as you approach the bus stop, and figure out where you need to be/go. Remember that at the Resorts, typically the first person on wheels will take the spot in the white painted box on the ground - that's where the drivers look automatically. If someone is there ahead of you, just line up behind them. If your Resort serves more than one Park from that stop, then politely ask if they are going to the same Park as you. Keep an eye out for the bus you want, and then wave and smile at the driver of the bus as he/she pulls up to let them know you want to board.

But before you ever board the first bus with your ECV, take some time at the Resort to practice! Practice driving through the Resort shop and/or the Quick Service slowly and carefully to get used to tight spaces. Practice driving up and down the "curb cuts" (ramps) and practice stopping quickly (because you will need to have that skill in the Parks!) Practice making tight turns, and practice backing up. And most importantly, you can practice parking on the bus by driving straight forward (like you would go up the ramp), and then making a 90 degree right turn (like when you are going to park) and then backing in - or parallel parking your scooter! Even 10 minutes of practice time will give you so much more confidence!

But even before then - you have lots of time to practice AT HOME! Grab an electric cart when you go to Wal-Mart, Target, the grocery store, Lowes, Home Depot... Practice driving one of those when it's crowded, practice backing up. Practice and practice some more - you *will* begin to feel more confident, and trust me - if you can master one of those giant wheezing beasties, anything you drive at WDW will be a breeze by comparison.

You will be fine - I promise! I'm willing to be you will feel *MUCH* more comfortable after your first day!

 

[weetot]

As my buddy @gap2368 said, you won't hear anyone grumbling - it's really unlikely. And if you do, who cares? You will never see those people again! The chances that you will run into them in "the real world" outside Disney? Slim to none, and Slim just left town. If anyone ever does dare to say a thing to you, just nicely remind them that although you do board the bus first, you are always last off, and they will be long gone into the Parks, Resort or Disney Springs by the time you are coming down the ramp. I learned a long time ago that looking people directly in the eyes, smiling my biggest smile and telling them to have a great day stops a lot of nonsense.

Next, don't worry about getting in the right line. Take your time as you approach the bus stop, and figure out where you need to be/go. Remember that at the Resorts, typically the first person on wheels will take the spot in the white painted box on the ground - that's where the drivers look automatically. If someone is there ahead of you, just line up behind them. If your Resort serves more than one Park from that stop, then politely ask if they are going to the same Park as you. Keep an eye out for the bus you want, and then wave and smile at the driver of the bus as he/she pulls up to let them know you want to board.

But before you ever board the first bus with your ECV, take some time at the Resort to practice! Practice driving through the Resort shop and/or the Quick Service slowly and carefully to get used to tight spaces. Practice driving up and down the "curb cuts" (ramps) and practice stopping quickly (because you will need to have that skill in the Parks!) Practice making tight turns, and practice backing up. And most importantly, you can practice parking on the bus by driving straight forward (like you would go up the ramp), and then making a 90 degree right turn (like when you are going to park) and then backing in - or parallel parking your scooter! Even 10 minutes of practice time will give you so much more confidence!

But even before then - you have lots of time to practice AT HOME! Grab an electric cart when you go to Wal-Mart, Target, the grocery store, Lowes, Home Depot... Practice driving one of those when it's crowded, practice backing up. Practice and practice some more - you *will* begin to feel more confident, and trust me - if you can master one of those giant wheezing beasties, anything you drive at WDW will be a breeze by comparison.

You will be fine - I promise! I'm willing to be you will feel *MUCH* more comfortable after your first day!

Mamabunny (and all): Thank you for this discussion. I'm going to WDW for the first time in May and staying at AoA. This thread is an eye-opener with its candid discussion. I've been anxious also, but will practice my parallel parking. We will have two scooters in our party and were hoping things would go well. It didn't realize AoA was so busy. Now I'm preparing to wait patiently for the bus, even if I miss one because there's too many scooters waiting.

 

[gap2368]

Mamabunny (and all): Thank you for this discussion. I'm going to WDW for the first time in May and staying at AoA. This thread is an eye-opener with its candid discussion. I've been anxious also, but will practice my parallel parking. We will have two scooters in our party and were hoping things would go well. It didn't realize AoA was so busy. Now I'm preparing to wait patiently for the bus, even if I miss one because there's too many scooters waiting.

you will be surprised how nice people at disney to people with disabiities. I go quiet often ( about ever 4-6 weeks from any where from 1 day to 6 and a few longer) and for the most part CM and other guest are very nice to me ( I do not use an ECV but have other need, and they are also very nice to my friend that uses an ECV. and like @mamabunny said just smile and wave at any one that make a rude commit to you I mean this is Disney after all if they are being rude then they really do need some pixie dust, but you will find a lot more nicer people then rude ones. And if you have any question while down as someone e lee in a scooter for the most part they will be nice and helpful and it was ever one first time.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Mamabunny (and all): Thank you for this discussion. I'm going to WDW for the first time in May and staying at AoA. This thread is an eye-opener with its candid discussion. I've been anxious also, but will practice my parallel parking. We will have two scooters in our party and were hoping things would go well. It didn't realize AoA was so busy. Now I'm preparing to wait patiently for the bus, even if I miss one because there's too many scooters waiting.

AoA has clearly designated HC waiting areas for each bus stop. You won't be confused at all. It is very well marked at AoA. Have a Magical trip!