Downtown Disney to the parks

[minkydog]

We're going to be there in August, just me and DH. He has severe heart/lung disease and will need to use an ECV. We're staying at a hotel at DTD. It has a shuttle. My question is, can they transport an ECV or should we just rent one at the park when we get there?

He has no trouble walking around, but he can't walk far in heat. For instance, walking up Main Street he would probably have to sit down by the time we get to Caseys or even before that. And it will only get worse as the day goes on. But he should not have trouble at the hotel or in restaurants because it will be mostly indoors.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

All Disney buses can handle the ECVs, but I just want to clarify that you cannot get direct transportation to the parks from DTD. Are you talking about staying at one of the hotels that is off-site NEAR DTD? I would call the hotel to ask if that is the case.

 

[lilwhiterabbit]

It depends on the hotel whether the shuttle can handle ECVs or not. You'll probably need to call them directly and ask. Most hotel shuttles cannot, in my experience, however, so you would be better off renting one at the parks, or renting a car/van for transport.

 

[videogal1]

It depends on the hotel whether the shuttle can handle ECVs or not. You'll probably need to call them directly and ask. Most hotel shuttles cannot, in my experience, however, so you would be better off renting one at the parks, or renting a car/van for transport.

If an off-site hotel advertises that they provide free shuttle service and then refuse to accommodate your ECV or wheelchair they must call an accessible taxi to provide you with transportation and pay for it themselves, including the return trip, if they would normally provide the free shuttle to do that. I spent several weeks wrangling with off-site resorts (Vistana, and others) until they complied with the law. I don't know how these places manage to ignore the law but don't let them push you around. If they offer free transport, they have to accommodate ECV and wheelchair users with the same service...even if it means their calling MEARS (the night before, preferably) and paying for it. GRRR!

 

[minkydog]

Thanks for the suggestions. i think i will call the hotel and find out exactly what kind of shuttle transportation they provide.

 

[lilwhiterabbit]

If an off-site hotel advertises that they provide free shuttle service and then refuse to accommodate your ECV or wheelchair they must call an accessible taxi to provide you with transportation and pay for it themselves, including the return trip, if they would normally provide the free shuttle to do that. I spent several weeks wrangling with off-site resorts (Vistana, and others) until they complied with the law. I don't know how these places manage to ignore the law but don't let them push you around. If they offer free transport, they have to accommodate ECV and wheelchair users with the same service...even if it means their calling MEARS (the night before, preferably) and paying for it. GRRR!

Some of them don't provide free transportation, however, so that may be how they're getting around it. Some hotel shuttle services are offered for an extra fee. It obviously varies from place to place, but it's sort of like hotel roulette depending on what you get.

OP, which hotel are you staying at?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you are staying at one of the Hotel Plaza Blvd hotels, or the Buena Vista Palace, they have regular free shuttles to all the Parks. I have checked with two of the hotels and they state that all of their shuttles are accessible with either lifts or ramps. These buses go to all the hotels, so as long as you are somewhere on Disney property you will have free accessible transportation.

 

[kaytieeldr]

On behalf of the OP - thank you, Cheshire Figment . Thats exactly the information she was seeking.

Most people aren't aware that "the DTD hotels" are seven specific properties, distinct from both Downtown Disney (the shopping area) and 'Downtown Disney-area hotels'.