Is this my only option with an Anxiety prone ASD Kiddo, big stroller *UPDATED*

[stitchlovestink]

The rear entrance is only for use by those in scooters or wheelchairs. Disney is strict with this, as they don't want it to turn in to a free for all by the rear door.

Actually that isn't quite true. The back door is available for ANYONE who needs special assistance in boarding that cannot be accomplished through the front door. For example if someone cannot do steps and needs to walk up the ramp, the are Entitled to do so. They do not have to be in a WC/ECV. Also the guests traveling with the disabled person are always welcome (and almost always encouraged) to board through the back door once the driver has the disabled person situated.

Had this happen at Pop Century - the bus driver loaded an ECV, then a family with a stroller pushed in, and then 3 more jumped out of the queue and went in the back! Bus driver didn't say peep to them, so I got his name and reported it.

Wow! I hope you didn't cause trouble for this bus driver unnecessarily!! First off the LAW says strollers have to be folded while the bus is in motion. Some drivers will allow a parent of a disabled child to stay in the stroller until the board and then have them transfer and fold the stroller. As long as the stroller is folded or tied down before the bus moves, the laws are met. And do you know for fact that the people that supposedly jumped the line weren't traveling with them?? And even if they weren't, how do you know the bus driver didn't say anything? Just because he didn't make them get back off of the bus doesn't mean he didn't speak to them or address it. Honestly you are making an awful lot of assumptions. It just sounds like you did not like the way it was handled because they weren't made to exit the bus. But without knowing all of the circumstances, it really is not any other guests' business. Let the drivers do their jobs. It's not an easy one!
MANY times I have had private conversations with the driver while I am loading and no other guest is privy to that conversation. So one doesn't know what was said or not said while they were on the bus alone.

 

[maxiesmom]

Actually that isn't quite true. The back door is available for ANYONE who needs special assistance in boarding that cannot be accomplished through the front door. For example if someone cannot do steps and needs to walk up the ramp, the are Entitled to do so. They do not have to be in a WC/ECV. Also the guests traveling with the disabled person are always welcome (and almost always encouraged) to board through the back door once the driver has the disabled person situated.

I must say in all of my trips I have never seen a person walk up the ramp in to the back of the bus. The vast majority of Disney buses are now one very small step up, thank goodness!

 

[Mrsjvb]

OP here

Doing so avoids Kiddos anxiety trigger and allows us at the back of the bus to surround her so she has enough personal space that the crowds would be a non issue.

you keep mentioning this. be advised that even if you are first on the bus you will NOT be allowed to create a large 'zone' surrounding her. they will tell you and everyone else to move as far back as possible and to take up all available space. and many of the buses have that step up just past the back entrance where the aisle is beyond narrow. 2-3 rows of 2 seats with no room to stand with a stroller at all and then the back row that has even less room; you are not going to be allowed to leave those seats empty as a buffer zone

 

[DisneyOma]

Actually that isn't quite true. The back door is available for ANYONE who needs special assistance in boarding that cannot be accomplished through the front door. For example if someone cannot do steps and needs to walk up the ramp, the are Entitled to do so. They do not have to be in a WC/ECV. Also the guests traveling with the disabled person are always welcome (and almost always encouraged) to board through the back door once the driver has the disabled person situated.


Wow! I hope you didn't cause trouble for this bus driver unnecessarily!! First off the LAW says strollers have to be folded while the bus is in motion. Some drivers will allow a parent of a disabled child to stay in the stroller until the board and then have them transfer and fold the stroller. As long as the stroller is folded or tied down before the bus moves, the laws are met. And do you know for fact that the people that supposedly jumped the line weren't traveling with them?? And even if they weren't, how do you know the bus driver didn't say anything? Just because he didn't make them get back off of the bus doesn't mean he didn't speak to them or address it. Honestly you are making an awful lot of assumptions. It just sounds like you did not like the way it was handled because they weren't made to exit the bus. But without knowing all of the circumstances, it really is not any other guests' business. Let the drivers do their jobs. It's not an easy one!
MANY times I have had private conversations with the driver while I am loading and no other guest is privy to that conversation. So one doesn't know what was said or not said while they were on the bus alone.

I was standing right there - he was busy strapping in the ECV, they walked right by him, sat down, etc. So I do know the circumstances. I also spoke to the people who pushed past us in the queue to jump into the bus. He should have closed the door after the ECV got on. No, I did not like the stampede mentality, nor that fact that people behind us in the queue were shoving in the back door to get on. The bus driver screwed up big time, and he should be spoken to so that it doesn't happen again. He needs some info to do a better job.

Also, very, very few of the buses have steps anymore - now they drop down and the little ramp pops out. It's not a ton of steps, etc, and it's not a big "ramp", more like a little tongue that covers the gap.

 

[OpiesMom]

When I say "enough personal space" I mean the normal space mom kiddo and dad plus the stroller ( folded up) would take up, not anything extra. For kiddo the space mom and dad take up are part of her space since she's familiar with us. We have been in the back and yes it can be crowded - the stroller (folded up) will probably be knocking my knees but will also prevent over crowding (getting too close for Kiddo) there.

If we were to sit anywhere else in the bus it would make it extremely hard for others to get by us- going to the back is the polite thing to do in this situation. ( at lest that's how I see it)

Again I'm not getting anymore room then 3 people and a large stroller folded up would normally take, that room we do get is enough room for Kiddo to be comfortable enough not to have a meltdown. ( others she not familiar with sitting next to her or banging into her or even touching her could trigger it- with the kid in the middle of mom and dad and the stroller(again folded up) should give enough room keep all that from happening.

 

[DisneyOma]

The newer buses actually have a lot of aisle space - don't worry about people getting past you.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I must say in all of my trips I have never seen a person walk up the ramp in to the back of the bus. The vast majority of Disney buses are now one very small step up, thank goodness!

I have on occasion seen some...not tons but every now and again....sometimes someone using a rollator.

I was standing right there - he was busy strapping in the ECV, they walked right by him, sat down, etc. So I do know the circumstances. I also spoke to the people who pushed past us in the queue to jump into the bus. He should have closed the door after the ECV got on. No, I did not like the stampede mentality, nor that fact that people behind us in the queue were shoving in the back door to get on. The bus driver screwed up big time, and he should be spoken to so that it doesn't happen again. He needs some info to do a better job.

Also, very, very few of the buses have steps anymore - now they drop down and the little ramp pops out. It's not a ton of steps, etc, and it's not a big "ramp", more like a little tongue that covers the gap.

I am very aware of all of the new buses that they use. I have spent over 3 weeks there since May. I go to WDW often, staying on property.
I can assure you that ANY step up would not be managable by my mother and she would need to walk up the ramp in order to remain safe! That is why they allow it so that a guest can board in the way that is safest for them.
And they can't close the back door until the ramp is back in place and they don't raise the ramp until the equipment is tied down. There is an order to which they do things when loading people with disabilities and their equipment. Why don't we let them do their job instead of trying to tell them how to do it. Have you had their training classes? No wonder drivers get frustrated with guests! Geez!!

 

[DisneyOma]

I have on occasion seen some...not tons but every now and again....sometimes someone using a rollator.



I am very aware of all of the new buses that they use. I have spent over 3 weeks there since May. I go to WDW often, staying on property.
I can assure you that ANY step up would not be managable by my mother and she would need to walk up the ramp in order to remain safe! That is why they allow it so that a guest can board in the way that is safest for them.
And they can't close the back door until the ramp is back in place and they don't raise the ramp until the equipment is tied down. There is an order to which they do things when loading people with disabilities and their equipment. Why don't we let them do their job instead of trying to tell them how to do it. Have you had their training classes? No wonder drivers get frustrated with guests! Geez!!

My guess is that the bus driver will have to do training again then, as he screwed up. Geez!

 

[stitchlovestink]

My guess is that the bus driver will have to do training again then, as he screwed up. Geez!

That is for a leader/boss to determine if as you say "the driver screwed up" and whether additional training is needed....NOT a GUEST!
I feel bad for the drivers having to be constantly critiqued by quests who think they know the job better!

 

[lanejudy]

Let's get this thread back on track, please! The questions at hand revolve around a family of 3 taking WDW transportation as they won't have a van available until later in the week; they have a rather large special needs stroller; the child needs personal space. They plan to sit at the back and be in transit only during off-peak times of day. Any more suggestions for OP...?

 

[OurBigTrip]

OP, I would be ready to use a cab at any time during the days you don't have a van. I realize it is an extra expense, but I'm just so concerned that it's going to be very difficult for you to use the back entrance of the bus and get the seats you want/need on a consistent basis.

Best wishes for a great trip!

 

[aaarcher86]

Yes, definitely have a plan B.

 

[serenitynow]

Uber

 

[DisneyOma]

That is for a leader/boss to determine if as you say "the driver screwed up" and whether additional training is needed....NOT a GUEST!
I feel bad for the drivers having to be constantly critiqued by quests who think they know the job better!

Reporting a driver gets the situation looked at, if he needs more training he gets it, etc. Yes, the manager will determine what/if anything needs to be done. No need to shame here.

Uber

How does that work for gettting past the guard at the resort, and through the parking gates? Does Disney allow uber on property?

 

[aaarcher86]

Reporting a driver gets the situation looked at, if he needs more training he gets it, etc. Yes, the manager will determine what/if anything needs to be done. No need to shame here.



How does that work for gettting past the guard at the resort, and through the parking gates? Does Disney allow uber on property?

There are drop off points for the park they can use. You just tell the park booth person.

I'd assume they just do the same thing at the resort, but I don't think Pop has a parking attendant there?

 

[piccolopat]

I know from past experiences with kiddo that we will have no troubles on the bus if we can get on it while it's low or no occupancy and we can position mom and dad and folded up stroller around kiddo so as to give her a nice large person space to play her I pad while we're in transit.

You need to be prepared that if the bus gets crowded, that stroller will most certainly be nudged into this large personal space you are trying to create for your child. How will she react if she thinks her bubble is caving in? People can be packed like sardines on those buses, especially at park close, and no one is going to be happy if they see your family taking up a lot of space. You really should consider renting the van for the duration of your stay, even if that means going to a lower cost off site hotel and not going to the parks for a couple of days to save the dollars you would need. Maybe a couple of beach days would be a nice change and give your child some much needed down time after the stress of being in the parks.

It also sounds like you expect to take this stroller into restaurants. You may be able to for some but there are others where you will not. You might want to check before you go as that might influence your plans.

 

[disney david]

Here some tips for using the buses

At hs,ak and Epcot the que is chain link so their a separate line for wheelchairs you can use. At mk you have enter the main wue to you get to a door that splits the wue up for the wheelchair line. So for that I would recommend waiting on the outside towards where the back door would be. Once the bus pulls up and guest get off either you or your husband goes without the tag and talks to the driver. They are very nice and helpfully just afraid if they see the tag some might say no becaus their not allowed to accept it. So you talk to them they help you they close the front door and then go and either lower the ramp if you want to stay in the stroller or if you feel you can fold it and keep blocking her at the stop or the driver could just open the back door tilt the bus you guy enter alone. That if no other guest in ecv. Get your seats and get settled with her then driver closes back door goes to open front door and then let other guest on.

As other said they will pack the buses as much as they can they can hold over 60. And if your at mk going to pop they have new big buses hat hold over 120 people and the isle are little more narrow on those.

The best bus for you would be the nova because it has two seats right behind the driver that face toward. It dark and she could sit on the inside and not be bothered but who knows if you get the nova or gillig. most of the time at theme park bus stops their always bus drivers waiting to pick up a bus you could talk to them and ask them for help they 99.8 percent of them all very helpfully and friendly.


Again I know it sounds like the buses are bad but their not They might not be the best option aAll the time for her but the driversbwill do everything they can to help.

Do what best for you if it to ask to bring the stroller on the bus then fold it do that. But as other said just be prepared for crowed buses. Not just at park closing also at meal times guest needing to get back to change for diner or lunch. I know around 5-530 the monorail are a nightmare.

 

[lanejudy]

Maybe rather than the far-rear seats, I'd suggest choosing a set of forward-facing seats where DD can sit next to the window with mom or dad on the aisle. That should give her some space without worry about the stroller getting bumped/pushed into her knees, and what I find most challenging is when people's butts or backpacks/bags or little kids feet stick into my face when I'm seated; the stroller can't block that stuff. The other parent can then find a space to hold the folded stroller, which may or may not be immediately near. But the kiddo is somewhat protected simply by the structure of the bus seats and window.

As to rental -- I think I've missed when your trip will be and for how long. If you already have the rental planned for 3 or 4 days, it is usually a minimal amount more to make that a full week. The extra amount to make it a week could even be less than a taxi fare. Weekly or longer-term rentals are not priced at the per-day rate of shorter rentals. Plus if you are still several months out, I find car rental deals come out about 4-6 weeks prior to rental, so you might not be finding the best deal right now. There are lots of discount codes available for various car rentals, you might check if anyone on the Transportation Board knows of a good source to check - I think the Mousesavers website has several (some may not work for you so it can take trial-and-error to find one).

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

 

[Mrsjvb]

Let's get this thread back on track, please! The questions at hand revolve around a family of 3 taking WDW transportation as they won't have a van available until later in the week; they have a rather large special needs stroller; the child needs personal space. They plan to sit at the back and be in transit only during off-peak times of day. Any more suggestions for OP...?

even during off peak times it gets crowded. my concern is that even if they ARE the first people to board, the bus is otherwise empty, they are STILL going be mushed as the driver tries to allow as many people as safely possible to board. when I am tied down, more than once I have been eye level with bulky strollers, large bags and general bodies they DO tell people to crowd a into the aisles and if the OP tries to stand their ground they may find themselves none too gently shoved closer to the child and there goes that bubble.

 

[zela02]

I hope you find a scenario that works best for your DD. We do our best to avoid buses, as I always worry about safety should an overly crowded bus be in an accident, and I myself get a little anxious amidst that many tightly packed people. I think your plan to go a little later in the morning - we've found mid morning to work best - and return before the afternoon/evening crowds is your best bet!

I will say, my daughter's (with ASD) ability to handle crowds at Disney has grown exponentially as she has gotten older. Perhaps your little one will handle more than you think, but like you, we always have a plan B, C, and D. Have a great trip!