MCO wheelchair to Magic Express?

[leastman01]

We have requested wheelchair assistance when we arrive at MCO and requested accessible Magical Express bus. Does anyone know if we will be allowed to board the bus using the airport wheelchair? Will there be a wheelchair available for unloading when we get to the resort (Saratoga Springs)? We've rented a ECV and it should be waiting once we get off the bus. This is our first visit with a person with a disability. Any advise welcomed. Thanks.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to both DisBoards and disABILITIES!

Normally the wheelchairs in the Airport Teminal are restricted to use within the terminal. I would expect that a person would not be allowed to board a bus using one of these chairs.

Likewise, loaner wheelchairs may be available at SSR when you arrive, but normally they will not expect to be needing one to get a person off the ME bus.

What is the physical limitations for the person needing this assistance? Can they negotiate any steps at all (even with assistance)? Note that generally a person using an ECV tends to be more mobile than a person who is a full-time wheelchair user. If you provide a little more information we may be able to provide better assistance.

 

[leastman01]

Thanks for the reply.
Mother-in-law can not walk up steps - can not lift feet very high and little strength. She uses a walker at home. I know she can not get up the steps of the regular buses so I requested one with wheelchair lift. Even the kneeling buses would be a challenge. She's not a small person so helping lift her is probably not an option. I want to make the trip as easy as possible for her as I doubt she will be doing much traveling in the future. Any suggestions?

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the reply.
Mother-in-law can not walk up steps - can not lift feet very high and little strength. She uses a walker at home. I know she can not get up the steps of the regular buses so I requested one with wheelchair lift. Even the kneeling buses would be a challenge. She's not a small person so helping lift her is probably not an option. I want to make the trip as easy as possible for her as I doubt she will be doing much traveling in the future. Any suggestions?

I agree with what Cheshire Figment wrote. I'm quite sure she will not be able to board the bus using the airport wheelchair. The wheelchairs at the resort are not at the bus stop, so even if they have one, getting one would not really be an option.

The DME (Disney Magical Express) buses are large tour-type buses that are quite far off the ground. Getting on one involves climbing up more steps than the regular park buses. Another option would be to use the lift without a wheelchair, standing on it while being it is going up. When we used the DME bus lift for DD's wheelchair, I noticed instructions printed on it for use by a standing guest.

If you don't think using the lift would work, I'd suggest calling DME, explaining your situation and ask what they would suggest. The DME buses are operated by Mears, under a contract with Disney, so Mears might have some other options.

 

[Schmeck]

I'd suggest getting a wheelchair for your MIL at home, and bringing it with you - it sounds like she's going to need one for the entire trip, and wouldn't it just be so much easier to have one dedicated for her? You'd have it at both airports, and for use at WDW.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

If she can walk a little, you could take the terminal chair to the bus and she could stand on the lift to get onto the bus (they should have no problems at all with this, if you just explain the situation briefly). Then, when you get there, she can come back down via the lift and walk the short distance into the main building. While you're checking in, she can sit on a bench or chair somewhere close by (Disney are very good at providing seating). Then you can just ask to have a bell hop take you to your room in one of their golf-cart type cars. Or is the ECV going to be waiting at bell services for you? Either way, this will mean the least amount of walking without you bringing your own chair.

Hope this helps!

 

[leastman01]

Thanks all. I called the MCO airport and the person I spoke to said it would not be a problem. After reading the posts, I decided to check on availability of getting one from local supplier. I was quite surprised to find out that I can rent one for $15 for the week. So that is the route we will go - then mother-in-law can sit in it in the resort room and move (or get moved)around easier. We're headed to DW for a magical gathering in 17 days. Can't wait. Happy Holidays!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Just a quick note, if she may want to push herself, even for a short while, you will need a self-propelled chair (the ones with the big wheels at the back). If she's not going to push at all, a transit chair (4 small wheels) will work perfectly fine. Just wanted to make sure you were aware of the 2 different types of chair.