Handicapped access to Wilderness Lodge

[Joy from Illinois]

WE just came back from over a week's stay at the Wilderness Lodge. I was really worried by reports that handicapped access might be difficult in riding the buses or boats to the parks. I had a few misgivings but it all worked out fine. I have very bad arthritis in my knees (3 operations and one pending) so I rented a ECV from Walker Mobility--it was worth the $199 per week! At the prices of Disney tickets and hotels this is a very cheap price to pay for being able to go to the parks with little pain. Once I learned the knack of getting on and off the boat I had no difficulties. I tried to get there early and get on first when the boat wasn't weighed down by guests and a waited til last to get off. Sure enuf, the boat slowly rose and became very level. A "cast member" clued me in to this after my first try and it really worked. Also, I learned to rev down and then give the ECV power just as I came to the bump and got on with no trouble. We shared the buses with folks from the Fort Wilderness and I never had trouble with the buses, all had lifts or could "knee down" and road with more than one ECV bound person with no trouble. One driver when it was busy did chide me for waiting at the back fearing I wouldn't be able to get his attention to alert him before the bus was full. He didn't realize my husband had been waiting at the front of the line to tell him I was there. No worries, no hassles otherwise and I was able to do most anything I wanted. Such a relief!

 

[cupcake]

Good for you! It sounds like you did great, and I will definitely make a mental note about the boats--excellent tip!

I have previously used a folding wheelchair and am going to be renting a scooter from Walker, for the first time, for our upcoming trip. Since there are no stupid questions . . . . I have never seen someone with an ECV on a bus (when my dh is with me, we tend to drive most of the time). When you get on the bus, did you have any problems steering your ECV into the right place? Also, do you secure it (if so, how) or somehow lock it into place? Can you tell that I am paranoid?!?

Any thoughts would be *greatly* appreciated.

Cupcake

 

[SueM in MN]

I can answer the "how do they lock it down on the bus question" . There are 2 seat sections in the back of the bus near the back door that are folded up to make room for a wheelchair or ecv. The buses can carry a total of 2 wheelchairs or ecvs. After you get on and in position, there are straps that attach to the front and back of the wheelchair or ecv to tie it down. There is also a seat belt for you to use. A lot of people using ecvs prefer to get off the ecv while on the bus and just sit on the seat near it.
As for where to wait for the bus, you are supposed to wait in the open approximately where the back door of the bus will be when it stops. Look at the bus as it comes and wave your hand, nod or whatever to get the bus driver's attention that you want the bus. That is the official waiting spot, if you wait by the front door, chances are good that the driver won't see you and you may not be able to get thru the people to get to the back door. We sometimes send a member of our party to wait at the front, but then you risk having the person in the wheelchair or ecv getting on, but not the rest of the party. So the person with the wheelchair or ecv should tell the driver that a member of their party is at the front. Usually, the driver will tell the other members of your party to get on before the other guests.
Here's a link to a thread about buses.

 

[Nanajo1]

The bus drivers will give you directions on how to move the ECV. When the drivers says turn now! Turn! They are very good at instructing you. Take your time. It becomes easier.
I wait in the open to flag the driver. DH usually waits with me and points to me to let the driver know I will be boarding that bus. I also vigorously shake my head NO if it a bus I won't be taking. At OKW stops sometimes it is difficult to read the bus destination from a distance. At least for me. Relax, have a great time.

 

[Joy from Illinois]

Yes, Cupcake, It is important to get the driver's attention as the other posters noted. He then closes the door to stop folks from loading, goes to the back of the bus, asks anyone seated in the seats to please move (no one minded and there was a notice posted telling folks that they might be moved for the handicapped). He lifts up the unit of seats and then goes to the back door where, hopefully, you are waiting. He converts the stairs into a chair lift or does some hydrolics thing to cause the bus to "kneel down" to make it level with the pavement. He then directs you to back in or pull in and directs you to turn this or that way. Then he takes essentially two large seat belts to belt the chair in at the front and back. If you can't exit the seat, there is even one to strap you in, though they prefer you to move to a seat if possible. After you do it once or twice you get to be good at it so don't worry. I never even got a cross look from folks waiting to get on the bus. My husband went to the front of the bus to get the drivers attention in case he didn't see me and then returned to wait by me at the back of the bus (with my sons) while the driver got the seats and chair lift ready. They then boarded by the back door with me so we all got on. Once you're loaed and everything is strapped in, the driver went back to the front door and opened it for the rest of the riders. As the other poster noted, there is room for two ECVs or wheelchairs on each bus. No problems getting on the buses when I went Aug. 10-18th.

 

[cupcake]

To Joy and everyone who has been so reassuring about how to get the EVC on a bus. I will be calling Walker up today to reserve mine!! I'm starting to get excited about the trip. We will be at one of the Epcot resorts (Yacht, Beach, Swan or Dolphin) -- bc my dh is at a conference, we don't find out which one till right before-- beginning October 4th and then are going on the 7 day Western Caribbean Disney Cruise on October 12th! Unfortunately, we are going on this special trip bc of something sad, so there are some mixed feelings, but I am hoping that it will be a special time for us. I am confident that it will. (I lost my 8th pregnancy right when we found out that my dh could go to the conference at Disney, and obviously at this point things look bleak).

A big thank you to everyone here--what a great board! I really appreciate all the help.

Cupcake

 

[SueM in MN]

Sorry to hear about your sad reason, but I hope you are still able to have a wonderful time at WDW.

 

[Nanajo1]

My heart aches for you. I'm so sorry for your loss. PD to both you and your DH.