Manual wheelchairs on buses

[Sleepy]

If someone has the ability to walk short distances and get onto a bus by foot, what is the procedure for getting a manual wheelchair onto buses and monorail? Renting in the parks is not an option as the distance from bus/monorail to park entrance is an issue. Renting ECV is not an option due to crowds and short temper in frustrating situations. We will strictly be using a manual wheelchair.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Talking Hands]

You can either fold it up or you can remain in it and use the ramp. Your choice.

 

[Sleepy]

Thank you for the reply.

If we fold it up, does it mean we don't have to use the ramp to load it?
I am trying to avoid having to utilize the ramp unless it is a requirement. I could really do without the nasty comments from those around us when trying to load it.

One more question:
Does a folded wheelchair have to be secured anywhere on the bus or can it just be held anywhere once on board? In other words, is it viewed as a sort of large stroller?

 

[friendofgusgus]

I've done Disney in a manual WC and I'd tell you to have them stay in it unless the bus is empty - in which case the loading is no problem. If the buses are full, the stand can be pretty difficult and hard on one's legs and arms.

The buses can be still be full in "off-season" if free dining or another promotion has been issued or on fall weekends during Food and Wine or the Holiday season.

Either way, I'd wait in the WC line and speak to the driver. A loose WC can cause a lot damage to someone's shins if moves around "while the ride is in motion."

 

[Talking Hands]

Thank you for the reply.

If we fold it up, does it mean we don't have to use the ramp to load it?
I am trying to avoid having to utilize the ramp unless it is a requirement. I could really do without the nasty comments from those around us when trying to load it.

One more question:
Does a folded wheelchair have to be secured anywhere on the bus or can it just be held anywhere once on board? In other words, is it viewed as a sort of large stroller?

No you do not have to use the ramp but you may to make it easier. Don't worry about nasty comments. That is their problem not yours. Ignore!
The w/c doesn't have to be secured and won't be unless it is not folded. If there are crowds on the bus I would stay in the W/C simply because you may not get a place to sit of you don't. Many guests do not give up their seat for people in need.

 

[Schmeck]

If there are crowds on the bus I would stay in the W/C simply because you may not get a place to sit of you don't. Many guests do not give up their seat for people in need.

We've waited for the next bus when I've felt I've needed to be seated and the bus was rather full. I'd never expect someone else to give up a seat for me. That person might need it even more than I do. I don't expect someone else to give up something for me. Another alternative is to rent a car, then you've always got a guaranteed seat.

Staying in the wheelchair might mean waiting for a few buses to come by as well, depending on how many other ECVs and wheelchairs are waiting ahead of you.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is a section about bus questions and answers in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
As was already mentioned, you can fold the wheelchair and carry it on board - one thing you may not have thought about is the weight of the wheelchair. Those rental wheelchairs are not light and are kind of bulky. So, even if you are planning to have it folded, entering by the back door might be a lot easier (heck, even people with big strollers want to load thru the back door).

 

[mays]

If someone has the ability to walk short distances and get onto a bus by foot, what is the procedure for getting a manual wheelchair onto buses and monorail? Renting in the parks is not an option as the distance from bus/monorail to park entrance is an issue. Renting ECV is not an option due to crowds and short temper in frustrating situations. We will strictly be using a manual wheelchair.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Just back from a week at WDW we got mom a chair last year. Medline Fire Engine Red and less than 20 lbs. Since she can walk a little we kept her in the chair in line with us, unless directed by Disney staff otherwise. We simply wheeled her to the door, folded the chair and walked on.

Becareful though we did encounter two rude Bus Drivers that 1. intentionally didnot pull up to the resort bus stop so as to "not deal with the chair". Before she opened her door to let people off my husband went and talked to her and she said she was not required to pull into the stops. I don't know what he said but the bus moved up and the people from the resort were great getting her on... Several told her about her attitude.

#2 the second said if she can walk on she doesn't need a chair. Luckily I didn't hear the comment the person in front of us in line did, and boy they were not happy to hear it.

All in all we had no other issues, and found 99% of drivers and guest were great. Maybe the people at POFQ are just more kind.

Go for it!