ECV loading on transportation question

[CLR4321]

We will be traveling with my mother-in-law, who will require an ECV while out and about. Of all of the times we have been to WDW, I never really paid much attention to ECV loading, aside from them being loaded before others board.
When you are in line to take a bus, does the ECV user go thru the normal line or do they (and their party) automatically get loaded on the first bus that pulls up (assuming there aren't multiple ECV users waiting)? What about monorails and ferries?

 

[MinnieMSue]

At MK they had people on ECV's going through some of the line (if it was long) but then you pulled into a separate area. Everywhere else we went I believe they went straight to the handicap loading area and get in line behind any other people using handicap boarding (if anyone else is there). They load the bus first but if the bus makes multiple stops they may have to get on when people are already on the bus. The driver moved people as appropriate to let them have room to board.

 

[mamabunny]

It doesn't take long to get the hang of it - keep an eye open for the universal blue wheelchair symbol for starters. Typically (especially when boarding boats and the monorail) there will be a CM to help direct you.

At the Parks, typically there is a little separate-but-not-separate queue within each Resort's bus stop. They are all pretty similar. Always stay behind the yellow painted line while the bus is pulling up - and don't approach the ramp until the driver motions you he is ready.

At the Resorts, you will just hang out either in the white painted box, or at the gate-like area. The main thing is to make sure that the driver knows you want to take that bus. A simple "yes" or "no" nod as the bus pulls up at the Resort is usually enough - if you aren't planning on taking that bus, then try to be back away from the curb while it unloads/loads. When you see the bus you want to take, make sure you are in the white painted box on the bus stop floor - that's another cue for the driver that you want to ride. Just like at the Parks, stay behind the yellow line, and wait for the driver to tell you it is safe to drive on to the bus.

On all buses at WDW, usually mobility devices load first, and unload last. At the monorail, you will be escorted to the car by a CM with a portable ramp. At a lot of the boat docks, you will have to wait for a CM to get the portable ramp so that you can load/unload. There are some boats where there is no ramp (thinking now of the docks at MK & FW & WL) - if the water level is too high or too low you may have to "walk" the ECV on and off the boat if it isn't safe.

Some of the boats (the smaller launches) you can't take an ECV or any device that doesn't fold up, because you have to be able to step down into the boat, and then back up to get out at the destination.

Y'all will be fine - I promise! Don't hesitate to ask CM's questions - just let them know it's your family's first time traveling with an ECV. I promise, WDW is the easiest place in the world to get around with a mobility device.

 

[Selket]

I can't add much except to second the suggestion to ask the CM's in the transportation area to help you - they are very helpful! Often they will see you coming and tell you where to go in order to board the vehicle/boat.

At the resort bus stop - I remember at All Star Movies there was a separate que for each destination (MK, DHS, Epcot, etc) and a clearly marked que area for wheelchairs next to each. At CSR each park bus stops so other ECV's may be going somewhere you're not. The bus driver would look at us and if we needed the bus we waved and said yes - or shook our heads no. It wasn't too complicated really.

 

[SueM in MN]

Follow the link in my signature or look near the top of this board for the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
The first post is an index to the thread to help you know which post to look for which information.

There is a post about buses and a separate one about other transportation

 

[Simba's Mom]

I just wanted to mention that when I was a first time ECV user, I found that other ECV users were incredibly nice and helpful whenever I had a question. I remember the first time I went to the restroom I didn't know where to park my ECV. After a few seconds of driving around looking panicked, I mustered the courage to ask another ECV driver. She was so nice and helpful. After that, I found that any time I had a question, other ECV users were real helpful. We've mostly all been first timers!

 

[weetot]

I just wanted to mention that when I was a first time ECV user, I found that other ECV users were incredibly nice and helpful whenever I had a question. I remember the first time I went to the restroom I didn't know where to park my ECV. After a few seconds of driving around looking panicked, I mustered the courage to ask another ECV driver. She was so nice and helpful. After that, I found that any time I had a question, other ECV users were real helpful. We've mostly all been first timers!

You've mentioned something I've been wondering about. Where DO you park your ECV when going to the restroom? I'll be at WDW for the first time and using an ECV. So many questions have been answered by these threads. I sure do appreciate them!

 

[Simba's Mom]

You've mentioned something I've been wondering about. Where DO you park your ECV when going to the restroom?

Since I was solo, they recommended that I just park it right next to the building (and of course, take my key with me). On this trip, DH will be with me, so I imagine he can "take custody" of it wherever he waits.

 

[mamabunny]

You've mentioned something I've been wondering about. Where DO you park your ECV when going to the restroom? I'll be at WDW for the first time and using an ECV. So many questions have been answered by these threads. I sure do appreciate them!

It depends on the restroom - nearly all of them it's obviously better to park outside, (not blocking foot traffic) and then walk in. There are some family/companion restrooms that are situated so that you can literally park right outside the door.

There are a few restrooms (and of course, I can't think of any specific examples at the moment LOL) where you *can* drive your ECV into the restroom - but you would likely still have to leave it outside the stall... so it's just better to park outside, and take the key.

I carry a folding cane on my personal ECV at WDW, so that when I have to walk a little bit (like for the restroom) I have that for support.

In general, wheelchairs don't have that issue because they can make the tighter turns needed to get in and out of the HA stalls.

@weetot remember that there is a SEARCH box at the top of every page here - try searching for some of the questions (or topics) you want to learn about! And if you can't find it, just make a new post, and ask away! Everyone here is super helpful!

 

[weetot]

It depends on the restroom - nearly all of them it's obviously better to park outside, (not blocking foot traffic) and then walk in. There are some family/companion restrooms that are situated so that you can literally park right outside the door.

There are a few restrooms (and of course, I can't think of any specific examples at the moment LOL) where you *can* drive your ECV into the restroom - but you would likely still have to leave it outside the stall... so it's just better to park outside, and take the key.

I carry a folding cane on my personal ECV at WDW, so that when I have to walk a little bit (like for the restroom) I have that for support.

In general, wheelchairs don't have that issue because they can make the tighter turns needed to get in and out of the HA stalls.

@weetot remember that there is a SEARCH box at the top of every page here - try searching for some of the questions (or topics) you want to learn about! And if you can't find it, just make a new post, and ask away! Everyone here is super helpful!

Thank you! I have a folding cane for balance, but can't stand too long. I think I'll try parking outside when I can.

I'll try out the search bar next time I have a question. Thanks again!

 

[CLR4321]

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[kshark1958]

A little side note from all the great answers you got so far. The last couple times my mom went with us to WDW she used an ECV. Not all bus drivers were the same but some would ask her if she was able to walk on and off the bus herself so they could load or unload the ECV themselves. Other drivers would ask if she was comfortable driving the ECV on and off herself, and if not they would take care of it. After the first couple tries she was driving like a pro. I make this point because while at MK we noticed a gentleman driving off the bus himself and took a turn before the end of the ramp and went tumbling over. Don't be too worried all the CMs are helpful and everything is marked real well.