Polynesian transportation and ECV's

[7thdwarf/dopey]

This will be our first trip where DW and I will require ECV's. I have read several posts on DIS, ALLEARS, and Tikimans that there have been problems with ECV's and the Polynesian Bus loading/boarding area being to small or steep (?) to the point that ecv's have tipped over. A couple of these posts also mention that the monorail loading area can be tricky too.
As we are still getting use to our ecv's, has anyone had any experience with this problem?

 

[BCV23]

I think those reports may have been about the old bus stop. The new one is in a flat area. The old one was a pain for my DD in a power chair.

Not sure what problems you've read about boarding the monorail? The little portable ramps aren't especially wide but that is true at all monorail stops. My daughter does just fine. If you take your time, I think you will be fine. I would practice a little first if you don't use an ECV on a regular basis. You may have to back off the monorail at Epcot if I'm remembering correctly.

If you do go to Epcot from the Polynesian, be sure to just motor over to the TTC and pick up the monorail there.

To go to/from the MK, you could also use the ferry if you're not comfortable with the monorail. It is very easy on/off.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

HMMMM.....The post were that old, they were 2004. I shud have mentioned, DW and I have the larger wider ecv's for us big folk.

 

[BCV23]

Boy, I don't know then....unless people were posting about old experiences. I think the new bus stop opened in July 2003.

The old bus stop was both steep and small but the new one isn't unless my memory is totally gone. Doesn't Tikiman have pictures of it?

Can't help about the wider ECVs on the monorail. Perhaps people on the disAbility board can help you more. But any problems you might have on the monorail will be true at all the monorail stops not just the Polynesian.

And the ferry at the TTC would be very easy for you and is very close to the Polynesian.

Good luck with your trip.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Quess we'll just have to wait and see.....thanks for your help.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Here are some pictures of the Polynesian bus stop:

Here are some pictures of the Gillig's ramp:

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Long time no talk to

Thanks for posting the pictures. The ramp area looks clear. Were the shots taken at the actual w/c loading zone? Is the bus ramp wide enuf for the large ecv's?

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

The ramp shots were taken at the French Quarter... which, for all intents and purposes will be exactly the same experience as the Polynesian stop.

It's DEFINETLY the old stop that any complaints came from. The new stop will have ZERO problems.


As for the large ECVs, they should fit on 98% of our bus fleet. 116 of our buses have the ramps, and about 150 or so buses will have larger sized lifts. Only a small handful (if any at this point) still have the older lift which MIGHT be too small. Width is not the issue, but rather length is.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

whoops

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Understood...thanks. R u still on the night shift? Did WDW get anymore than the 45 Gilligs?

Gary

 

[BCV23]

Tyler, thanks for posting those pictures of the Polynesian bus stop.

I didn't think my memory was THAT bad!

 

[LittleMermaidsMom]

My mother used a larger size ECV when we stayed at the Poly last December... she didn't have any problems getting on or off the monorail. Sorry, I can't help you with the bus questions - we had a rental car so we used the car when we couldn't use the monorail.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Understood...thanks. R u still on the night shift? Did WDW get anymore than the 45 Gilligs?

Gary

I will be working the night shift with Disney Transport up until May 7th.

Currently, Disney Transport only has 45 Gilligs, and 71 Nova low-floors. Rumor has it that the Novas lease is up soon, and more Gilligs are on order to replace them as the Novas leave us.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Thanks for the info Tyler. Maybe we'll get to see you when December rolls around.

Gary