Magical express and steps

[Bertie131]

My mom has difficulty with steps. We are getting her a wheelchair for our trip, but won't have access to it until we reach resort. Does Magical Express have accomodations for riders that are not in a wheelchair but can't do steps? Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

Let DME know that she will have a problem with the steps.
Some people have reported using an airport wheelchair and riding the lift up to get on the bus and then using a resort wheelchair when getting off the bus.

Not all the buses are equipped with lifts though, so it's best to call ahead to let them know you need one. This is especially important when going back to the airport.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

As Sue said, you may well be able to borrow a wheelchair for her to use on the lift. Another option is that most bus lifts will accommodate a standing passenger, so she may be able to stand on the lift to get in and out of the bus. However, if she's wobbly on her feet, this might not be the best option, as those lifts can judder a bit. It has hand rails on each side, but you need to decide whether that would be enough stability for her. Page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQ has some photos which might help you.

 

[tinka-belle]

If it's only that first big step that is a problem and she can take a small step up and handle the other two or three steps slowly, ask for a "kneeling bus". Not every bus has this feature and you may have to wait a few bus cycles but they will call for one.

If she can't handle the few steps then wheelchair to the lift is the answer. When you arrive AT your resort though, will she be able to go down the steps? You may have to go claim your wheelchair from the bell desk to facilitate getting off the ME bus. A kneeling bus will lower closer to the ground, but if you don't get that the last step can be quite a jump getting off.

 

[KPeveler]

DME buses cannot kneel, so she would have to use a lift.

She will NOT want to stand on the lift, even if they allow it. the lift for the DME buses go about 6-7 feet in the air.

When I got there, they told me they have a wheelchair they could put me in, since they did not think my wheelchair would fit (it did with ease, btw), to get me on the bus.

The buses ride higher due to the storage under it.

 

[lovetoscrap]

DME buses cannot kneel, so she would have to use a lift.

She will NOT want to stand on the lift, even if they allow it. the lift for the DME buses go about 6-7 feet in the air.

The buses ride higher due to the storage under it.

I just started hyperventilating just reading that! I haven't take ME with my scooter yet and apparently I never will! And I thought that the regular lifts were terrifying. Very good to know. Fortunately I can actually fold mine up and put it under the bus with the luggage. That must be what I have done because I know I have used ME since I got it.

 

[dclfun]

Actually, it is unsafe and not allowed for a guest to stand on the lift. They do have w/c's for usage at the boarding area in the airport, but as Sue mentioned, be sure to request a lift bus and to be able to use a w/c for boarding. I'm not sure about the resort w/c and how that is arranged so that you don't have lots of waiting when you arrive. Perhaps you can ask DME how this is handled and whether they'll make the request or if you'd need to call the resort directly.---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

Some DME bus drivers have posted that they are not allowed to let guests ride up on the lift (even though there are printed instructions on where to stand and hold on).
Here is a picture of the bus lift in it's top position:

And a picture of the steps to get on the bus:

I do not know if there are any kneeling DME buses. I have never seen one and there would be no real assistance to them kneeling because the steep steps would not be level then.

 

[popgfd]

DW (NanaJo) uses a scooter getting thru the airport and onto the DME where she rides the lift without issue --except waiting a while for a lift bus. My input here is assuming you have an ECV waiting for you at the hotel, you should be able to have bell services get it for you without much wait or difficulty and then send it up the lift.

the drivers are very accommodating but walking up the steps and expecting an up front seat is a separate issue.

DW is not a thrill rider and is quite comfortable with the lift and its use. one time there was a minor glitch and i went to assist but was advised not to go near the lift so i suspect you need some form of assistance to use the lift.

Hope this helps.

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