how hard is it to back up ECV on buses?

[karliebug]

We go to WDW in 8 days and I threw my back out. I am hoping to be better by then , but in case I am not I am looking into renting a ECV. My concern is backing it up onto the buses. I am afraid I won't be able to manuver it. How hard is it to do? I am nervous that it will take me 10 tries and hold up the already impatient people waiting for the bus. Any tips?

 

[Debbie Jean]

We go to WDW in 8 days and I threw my back out. I am hoping to be better by then , but in case I am not I am looking into renting a ECV. My concern is backing it up onto the buses. I am afraid I won't be able to manuver it. How hard is it to do? I am nervous that it will take me 10 tries and hold up the already impatient people waiting for the bus. Any tips?

It's only the older buses that you need to back onto the platform and the drivers are very good at giving you instructions to get it properly positioned.

With most of the buses you will drive the ECV straight on and pull up in the aisle so you can parallel park it in the handicapped spot. This can be tricky and takes practice. Fortunately, most bus drivers are happy to give you a hand... if you get off, they can put the ECV into neutral and easily guide it into the space.

It may seem intimidating, but you will get the hang of it... and seriously for all the negative feedback I have read on the disboards about buses and ECV's, I have rarely had a negative experience from either drivers or other guests.

 

[iuki]

We go to WDW in 8 days and I threw my back out. I am hoping to be better by then , but in case I am not I am looking into renting a ECV. My concern is backing it up onto the buses. I am afraid I won't be able to manuver it. How hard is it to do? I am nervous that it will take me 10 tries and hold up the already impatient people waiting for the bus. Any tips?

If it's too difficult for you, have your spouse/significant other/family member do it for you. Although I have parked my ECV in very tight spots without a problem, I still get very nervous having people stand around watching me. So, I have my husband do it for me. I just tell the driver he's my personal "valet."

iuki

 

[peemagg]

I have been known to back it on to the ramp with me off the scooter and just steering it on with the tiller, then get back on the scooter before it is lifted.

 

[DaraAllen]

We go to WDW in 8 days and I threw my back out. I am hoping to be better by then , but in case I am not I am looking into renting a ECV. My concern is backing it up onto the buses. I am afraid I won't be able to manuver it. How hard is it to do? I am nervous that it will take me 10 tries and hold up the already impatient people waiting for the bus. Any tips?

Karliebug, first of all, if you are even remotely considering renting an ECV, do it now. You are cutting it close with outside rentals. I've had good experience with www.walkermobility.com/, and no, I have no affiliation with them whatsoever.

With that out of the way, practice makes perfect. Tool around your resort, back up into a tight space, get on and off the monorail a few times (the monorail ramps are wider and more forgiving than the bus ones) if you can. It just takes time and practice. If you have a significant other who is more confident, go that route. Many of the bus drivers will maneuver it for you if you are having trouble.

Yes, there may be a few glares here and there, but you know what? Life goes on for everyone. To reduce that kind of feeling, you may not want to wait until the crush of just after the fireworks. Go shopping for a bit, let the mass of humanity die down a bit, then go. Conversely, in the mornings, maybe hold off on being the first at the gate to MK and have breakfast in your resort. It's your vacation, so slow it down.

Also, it's going to take longer to do some things, just know that. Allow extra time for loading and unloading onto buses and monorails. I prefer the monorails to the buses because they are easier to maneuver on and off. I also am a DVC member so I bought points at Bay Lake Tower so I can just "scoot" over to MK and then TTA to Epcot. MK and Epcot are my two favorites so it works well for me. There are no options for Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios than bus.

If your back is bad, don't get in line for Space Mountain or the Test Track or Big Thunder Mountain! Trust me on that. I hang out and people watch when my family goes on those rides.

 

[wdwnut76]

Just remember: the slow speed is the way to go! I would get into trouble when I'd forget to turn the speed down.