Disney Transportation

[Jennasmomma]

Is there a bus schedule? And how long would it typically take with 2 ECVs from The fort wilderness cabins to any given park? We are relying on only disney transportation

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Internal buses run on fixed schedules, every 10 minutes. You'll then have to transfer to an external theme park bus (or a boat for the MK) External buses run approx every 20 minutes, give or take. Boats run about every 20 minutes as well.

Allow for extra time to load and secure the ECVs to the buses.

 

[Jennasmomma]

Thank you. Ive never been to disney so can you explain to me the difference between internal and external buses? I know my sister requested 2800 loop for our cabin.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Internal buses only run inside Fort Wilderness. They take you to the main check in (Outpost) and Pioneer Hall (Settlement)

You catch the theme park (external) buses at the Outpost (Bus to MGM and boat to MK are at Settlement)

 

[Jennasmomma]

oh ok thanks ... is there a duh smiley anywhere? LOL

 

[magicaldisney]

Your question has already been answered but I just wanted to say... have a great first Disney trip!!

 

[DeterminedOne]

Allow for extra time to load and secure the ECVs to the buses.

Isn't that the truth? We were on a bus whereas it took the driver 20 minutes
to unload and ECV passenger. He couldn't get the bus lined up to the curb right. It was painful to watch. He kept saying "I don't know what my problem is. I never do this."

So ... allow a little extra time for a driver who might be having a bad day.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

The other thing to keep in mind is that the buses have a limited number of spaces for wheelchairs and ECVs. (I think it's 2, but it may be more. There are also at least two different types of buses in use, so the number of tie down locations may change from one bus to the next.) If there's someone else waiting ahead of you or already on the bus (Fort Wilderness shares buses with Wilderness Lodge in most cases), you may have to wait for a second bus to get two ECVs on.

Another tip: if the bus isn't crowded and you're able to transfer from your ECV to a seat, this will make things go a little faster. The driver doesn't need to strap down the ECV to the same extent if you're not going to sit in it for the trip.

 

[Jennasmomma]

We can both transfer from the ECV to a regular seat. We just cant stand/walk for long periods so we need them for the parks. So I'll make sure we transfer out of them

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Regardless of crowds, I *STRONGLY* recommend transferring to the regular seat.

ECV's (especially the three wheeled kind) are not very stable when on a bus, as the center of gravity changes. When the bus takes a corner, even with the best strapping, the ECV can sometimes tip slightly.

 

[SueM in MN]

Regardless of crowds, I *STRONGLY* recommend transferring to the regular seat.

ECV's (especially the three wheeled kind) are not very stable when on a bus, as the center of gravity changes. When the bus takes a corner, even with the best strapping, the ECV can sometimes tip slightly.

I agree with Chip 'n Dale Express.
ECVs are not designed to be ridden on while being transported. Most of them don't have any good spots to securely tie them down.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the buses have a limited number of spaces for wheelchairs and ECVs. (I think it's 2, but it may be more. There are also at least two different types of buses in use, so the number of tie down locations may change from one bus to the next.) If there's someone else waiting ahead of you or already on the bus (Fort Wilderness shares buses with Wilderness Lodge in most cases), you may have to wait for a second bus to get two ECVs on.

The buses do have room to tie down either 2 wheelchairs or ECVs. Sometimes, if someone has a wheelchair that can be folded, it might be possible to get more than 2 on (2 will be tied down and an additional 1 or 2 might be folded and held by the guest).
We also had one situation where DD was already in the bus in her wheelchair. A man was waiting to board at the next stop, but was not able to because he had an oversize ECV and could not fit in the space that was left.