Question: ME....and a wheelchair?

[ThisIsJason]

Some family friends are planning their first trip to Disney and asked me this question tonight:

"What about taking a wheelchair on ME?" I didn't have an answer. I believe they are just asking about storing it while traveling, the daughter in question would be able to walk up/down the steps of the bus.

Anyone know procedure?

Thanks in advance!

 

[alizesmom]

You should find what you're looking for on the disAbilities forum.

 

[BroganMc]

If the daughter can walk up the steps to board the bus (it's a tour bus so there are 3-4 really tall steps), then the wheelchair just gets loaded underneath with the luggage.

They do the same with my dad's scooter. If the chair is a lightweight/manual one it can just be lifted and wheeled into the loading bay. (The bay is about 3 ft high.) If it is a heavier device (100lbs+) then the driver has a ramp he/she can use to wheel the chair into the loading bay.

If the daughter can not climb the steps to board, then they'll need to request a bus with lift. You let Magical Express know that when you call to make arrangements (also remind them at the check-in desk).

My dad can climb the bus steps so just stores his scooter under the bus with the luggage. I cannot climb the steps and use a power wheelchair (125lbs.) so need the lift bus.

Oh, make sure the daughter doesn't tag the wheelchair with e ME tag. It is better to gate-check those devices so you have it when you get off the plane.

 

[CleveRocks]

I just want to second everything BroganMc wrote!

 

[ThisIsJason]

Thank you BroganMc! I will just be printing off your response and giving it to them.

 

[SueM in MN]

To add to what was already posted. If you need a wheelchair accessible bus, arrange it ahead of time to avoid a long wait for the bus.
Here is a picture of the DME bus lift in its highest position:

DME Bus steps

Someone using a wheelchair 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 if the person is able to a walk up the steps onto the bus.

If the person is walking onto the bus and storing the wheelchair underneath in the storage compartment, there is no need to let DME know ahead of time.
There is more information in post #16 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

Also, for air travel with a wheelchair, follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread and look for post #15 on page 1. There are some general air travel hints and information about gate checking a wheelchair.