Magical Express and mobility issues

[pigby]

I thought we might get a town car company to transport us to airport we won't have an ecv at the time although renting at both resorts we are staying at.

I was concerned that DH wouldn't be able to use the steps on a ME bus.

On a separate post Mamabunny said that there is a lift would this just apply to those in wheelchairs or would someone walking be helped with this?

We are also transporting the ecv from Universal to Disney I asked Tiffany towncar re suggested vehicle not only whether a van would be big enough but also how high the step into the van would be because if a high step, DH may struggle or whether a suv would be more appropriate. Their answer was that it was up to us to ensure that the vehicle was big enough and it would be our responsibly to disassemble. He has never used one before so I was asking for their expertise - clearly they would not provide it and were less than helpful. But we still need a towncar to take us to universal and then to disney I am now waiting for FL Tours to email me back but they are being a bit slow in responding at the moment.

 

[Bete]

I don't believe you can use the bus lift as a stand alone. This would put Disney in the liability zone if the the person fell.

If you are transporting a scooter I can tell you a travel, portable one like pride to go will fit in a trunk of a town car. We have done it. This is a small one. There are videos on u-tube to show you how they disassemble. The battery alone weighs 35 pounds. The base is awkward and is much easier to do with two people, one on each end. Some luggage can fit with the scooter in the trunk, but you may have to use the back seat, too depending on how much luggage you have.

Although, it might cost you slightly more you could always do two, separate ECV rentals, one at Disney and one at Universal. Then, you don't have to transport the ECV. In your case I think this would be the best answer.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I do not like sitting in my wheelchair on the lift on the ME. It scares me! So I ask if I can just stand seperately and they said no. As PP said I think it is dangerous incase you fall. I agree the stairs are step. Even when I was more mobile and could walk a little more I could never get up those stairs.

 

[happymommy]

A towncar may be nicer than taking DME, so I would look into it to get to your resort. Our last trip, we ended up arriving with a lot of other folks! Waited almost 90 minutes in the line to board the bus. Luckily we had my DD's wheelchair with us, so she could sit comfortably in line (but I had wished when I saw the line that I had just gotten a taxi!).

Instead of a towncar to Universal, you can call an Uber XL. They're large SUV's and it will likely cost less! We took one from Pop to AKV in the spring so we could fit all our luggage and the wheelchair in the trunk. It may be large enough for the scooter?

 

[SueM in MN]

Having owned both SUVs and minivans, I would say an SUV would be a higher step in and a higher lift into the back of the SUV. A towncar might be similar to an SUV, depending on what exactly they are using as the towncar.
Since Tiffany didn't give you the service you need, I would suggest contacting some of the other towncar/transportation companies.

As was already suggested, your best option for getting the ECV over to Universal might be for the ECV rental company to take care of that. Let them know that you have a split stay when making the reservation for the ECV.
They may want to set it up as 2 separate reservations, they may keep it as one reservation, but transport it for you from one resort to the other. Or, they may suggest a transportation option that their customers have had good luck with.

As was already mentioned, guests are not allowed to stand on the Magical Express bus lift.
I copied the information about Magical Express from the disABILITIES FAQs thread for you. If you lose track of this thread and want to look at the info again, you can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board (or follow the link in my signature).

There are DME -Disney Magical Express - buses available with lifts to lift a wheelchair into the bus. It is recommended that you request a lift bus when making your DME reservations if you will need one.
If you didn't prearrange it for your trip from the airport to your resort, they will still provide one, but your wait may be longer. If you need one when returning to the airport from your resort, it is vital to prearrange getting one. If you don't, you might risk getting to the airport on time. My family usually asks to leave for the resort extra early to allow for any issues - like a wheelchair bus not coming or the equipment not working.

Here is a picture of the DME bus lift in its highest position:

DME Bus steps

Someone using a wheelchair or ECV can ride it up the lift and then the wheelchair will be fastened down to the floor of the bus.
A wheelchair or ECV can also be placed underneath the bus in the luggage storage compartment, but the person will need to climb the steps.
People have posted before that they were allowed to stand on the lift and ride it up for boarding because they were unable to climb the steps, so you may see past posts that was possible.
A DME bus driver posted in late 2008 that this was not allowed and only a person with a wheelchair or ECV is allowed on the lift. No one may stand on the lift.

If you have mobility problems or other disability, but can climb the stairs, the first row of seats is reserved for guests with disabilities.

If you feel you can't climb the steps, let the CM know when you are making your reservations for DME and again when you check in. They will need to come up with some alternative for you.
I have seen people using an airport wheelchair to ride up the lift, get out of the wheelchair to sit in a seat and then borrow a wheelchair at the resort to get out.
On our trips in the last 4 years, I noticed that there were 2 wheelchairs in the under bus storage area. Since we were the first on, the wheelchairs were on before the bus arrived at the stop.

 

[seashoreCM]

Feeling scared about sitting in the wheelchair as the bus lift rises or not having a wheelchair at that moment, I would venture to ask about sitting on the lift (as if it were Aladdin's magic carpet) to ride it up. After the lift stops, then get up and walk into the bus. (If someone subsequently replies saying that this was not allowed then skip this paragraph.)

Normal tolerances for taking Magical Express back to the airport include a significant chance of having to run for your plane. As this is difficult if there is a disabled person in your party it is a good idea to (a few days in advance if not upon initial arrival into Orlando) request a bus earlier than the usual 3 hours in advance of your flight. This becomes your assigned bus; if you miss it you do not have a reservation on the "normal" 3 hours in advance bus.

It is not a good idea to arrive at the DME welcoming area, take one look at the 90 minute waiting line, and then turn around and head for the taxi or rental car area if you have yellow tagged bags headed for automagical delivery to your room. You would need to go to the DME counter and explain your plans and go through the motions of asking about getting your bags back. Depending on how far the bags went so far, it may be impossible to get them back but the welcoming CM should at least make a note of that. At any rate you need to follow his instructions (possibly consisting of, "You may go rent a car; have a good day.). Otherwise, in the rare event your airline lost your bags forever DME normally as last entity to handle your bags will not compensate you for them.

 

[SueM in MN]

Feeling scared about sitting in the wheelchair as the bus lift rises or not having a wheelchair at that moment, I would venture to ask about sitting on the lift (as if it were Aladdin's magic carpet) to ride it up. After the lift stops, then get up and walk into the bus. (If someone subsequently replies saying that this was not allowed then skip this paragraph.)

That has already been established as not allowed (you quoted my post where I mentioned only a person in a wheelchair or ECV is allowed on the lift.

Normal tolerances for taking Magical Express back to the airport include a significant chance of having to run for your plane. As this is difficult if there is a disabled person in your party it is a good idea to (a few days in advance if not upon initial arrival into Orlando) request a bus earlier than the usual 3 hours in advance of your flight. This becomes your assigned bus; if you miss it you do not have a reservation on the "normal" 3 hours in advance bus.

The majority of people don't need to 'run' for their plane.
If someone with mobility problems has concerns about getting from DME drop off point to their plane, they should contact their airline and ask for assistance, such as Skycap. They can provide a wheelchair with someone yo push it in the airport.

It is not a good idea to arrive at the DME welcoming area, take one look at the 90 minute waiting line, and then turn around and head for the taxi or rental car area if you have yellow tagged bags headed for automagical delivery to your room. You would need to go to the DME counter and explain your plans and go through the motions of asking about getting your bags back. Depending on how far the bags went so far, it may be impossible to get them back but the welcoming CM should at least make a note of that. At any rate you need to follow his instructions (possibly consisting of, "You may go rent a car; have a good day.). Otherwise, in the rare event your airline lost your bags forever DME normally as last entity to handle your bags will not compensate you for them.

It would be VERY seldom to see a 90 minute wait at DME, and probably only during the busiest of times, if even then.
We have used DME during Spring break and just before New Year and our wait was nowhere near 90 minutes - and that was having to wait extra for an accessible bus.
Even if it was a 90 minute wait (which is very unlikely), going thru all the things you mention would take a lot more time than just waiting for DME - if you were even able to rent a car without a reservation. If it's busy at DME, it will be equally busy other places.

 

[happymommy]

Our wait last trip (two weeks ago) was very unusual! I've gone over spring break many times, and not had to wait long at all. Also we were going during a slow period. We could have gotten a cab quickly, but since my daughter was happy sitting in the wheelchair reading her book, it was fine.

I do agree to ask for assistance walking down to DME. It is a long walk, and the skycaps are helpful. We saw many folks using their service (and I did see one person tipping them - since I've never used them I guess I didn't know but I would tip them too).

The stairs may not be too bad? They have railing to told onto, and reserve the first row of seats for folks that need them.

 

[SueM in MN]

I edited the information about DME in the disABILITIES FAQs thread to avoid misinterpretation or misunderstanding about use of the lift. This is what it now says:

...
People have posted before that they were allowed to stand on the lift and ride it up for boarding because they were unable to climb the steps. This is no longer allowed for safety reasons after 2008, but you may see older posts saying they did this.
Only a person seated in a wheelchair, ECV or other mobility device is allowed on the lift. Manual devices need brakes locked. Power devices must be turned off.
No one may stand on the lift or sit on the floor of the lift platform.

 

[Mrsjvb]

the buses are hydraulic and they WILL lower the pressure to let the stairs be closer to the ground( I too cannot make that first very high step) but no one may use the rear lift unless they are seated on their device.

as for your rental vehicle: get a child's 'potty' stool or similar. you know those very small steps that kids use in order to reach the bathroom sink at home. my in laws keep one in their mini van for the short one( my MiL ) and the gimpy one( me)

 

[SueM in MN]

the buses are hydraulic and they WILL lower the pressure to let the stairs be closer to the ground( I too cannot make that first very high step) but no one may use the rear lift unless they are seated on their device.

as for your rental vehicle: get a child's 'potty' stool or similar. you know those very small steps that kids use in order to reach the bathroom sink at home. my in laws keep one in their mini van for the short one( my MiL ) and the gimpy one( me)

Yes - the buses can 'kneel' to get the first step closer to the ground, which is an option if the first step is too high, but the rest are OK.
(The resort buses all kneel when opening the door).

The step stool is a good idea. There are inexpensive, lightweight folding ones like this.


I got a similar one at Bed, Bath and Beyond so I can sit on it when I catheterize my daughter's Mitrofannof in the van when we are on road trips (it's a stoma in her abdomen that leads to her bladder).

If you search on Amazon.com, you can find similar ones in various sizes.

 

[pigby]

It would be a good idea to use a step stool - except we are travelling from the UK and are relying on a taxi and not a rental vehicle. I don't think we would get a step stool on an International flight (not the way I pack anyhow lol)

 

[stitchlovestink]

Check with the transportation company taking you from Disney to Universal (or vice versa). Whenever we have used a car service that has a higher vehicle (whether it be a large van or a SUV) the company has always had a step stool in their possession. They were prepared knowing more than a few guests would need the use of it to get in and out safely. That would avoid you needing to take one.

 

[Bete]

A helping hand goes a long way when getting someone in and out of a vehicle. Also, look for the grip handles in the vehicle. That adds support.

There are vans with lifts, but then you would need a wheelchair, too.

 

[seashoreCM]

Would you and one other person (driver? stranger?) be able to provide enough helping hands to get DH up the Magical Express bus front steps without a step stool?

The 11 inch step stool pictured above is higher than going up one step to the next into the DME bus. If the bus steps are still too high I would think that a 4 inch high step stool that is not too wide and with a rectangular bottom (not feet) would be ideal and might be small enough to bring in your luggage. You would move it from one step up to the next in the bus stairwell so DH would in effect be going up half a step at a time.

Getting off the bus some folks find it easier coming down the steps backwards. DH might try this at home first to see whether he finds it easier.

 

[pigby]

Thanks all - update - I saw a recommendation for a guy called Tony Hinds who has a car service in Orlando and some great reviews on here (thanks macraven) - already been in contact with him and already being very helpful and does have a footstool to aid DH get into his van.

I am going to be cancelling the ME and doing the three way trip using the car service instead - have to go with comfort over price I think on this one.

 

[SueM in MN]

Would you and one other person (driver? stranger?) be able to provide enough helping hands to get DH up the Magical Express bus front steps without a step stool?

The 11 inch step stool pictured above is higher than going up one step to the next into the DME bus. If the bus steps are still too high I would think that a 4 inch high step stool that is not too wide and with a rectangular bottom (not feet) would be ideal and might be small enough to bring in your luggage. You would move it from one step up to the next in the bus stairwell so DH would in effect be going up half a step at a time.

Getting off the bus some folks find it easier coming down the steps backwards. DH might try this at home first to see whether he finds it easier.

The step stool was meant for if they needed something for an SUV or a van, NOT for DME.
As was already mentioned, there are better options for getting into the DME bus (and it sounds like the OP has come to a better decision).
No matter what height stool, it would be for initial getting into a vehicle from the ground; a stepstool of any kind would not work on the DME bus steps. They are shallow and make a turn into the bus.

The picture showing an 11 inch high stepstool was to illustrate what I happen to have and show a folding stepstool that folds into a small package. It happened to be the first one with a clear picture.
But, when searching Amazon.com
similar stepstool sod various sizes are available, from 4 inch high, to 6 to much higher than the pictured one.
That was why I said to do a search.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I know this is an old post, but I was searching for this information. My mother will have wheelchair assistance at the airport. I called DME and the airline and asked, if they would allow her to use the lift with the airport wheelchair. After being boarded, my husband and I will return the wheelchair to the airport entrance. They said it would be fine, but has anyone ever tried doing this? I do not want to use another form of transportation, because we love the convenience of DME and not needing to get our luggage. But if we encounter a problem once we get there, my mother and I could take a taxi while my husband, daughter and her friend take DME.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have not personally because our daughter uses her own wheelchair.
I have seen people do it though.

As far as I know, the MDE buses that are equipped with lifts also carry a wheelchair in the luggage area under the bus. I've noticed them down there when we put luggage under there. Since we are first on the bus, it's not likely to belong to another guest.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I don't believe you can use the bus lift as a stand alone. This would put Disney in the liability zone if the the person fell.

1) Correct.
2) You must be seated in an ECV or wheelchair.
3) Standing or sitting on a bus-lift is also called Permanent Employment for Lawyers.