Recent ECV bus (etc) experience (Nov '24)

[Goldelpack]

Wanted to share my recent experience with my rental ECV - (rented from Gold Mobility, 3 wheel Pride Victory) Keep in mind that I am a very experienced ECV user but didn't inform bus drivers of that to see how they'd interact with my me and the machine. Used busses from a variety of resorts and parks. In total I had 6 busses equipped with the "new" contraption on busses. Probably less than 10% of all my bus rides this trip. Of the 6, I used the "new" spots 3 times. On 2 of those occasions the driver asked if they could maneuver my chair for me and I let them. On 1 the driver asked if I'd like to try myself explaining I had to back in and park and they were ready and willing to help- to which I eagerly said "Oh I'd love to attempt it" and proceeded to accomplish it quickly. On the 3 trips I got the regular hook up - 1 bus had zero occupants in the "new" thing and the other had 2 already parked and the third was random - I was the 3rd in line.
I didn't speak to enough drivers to make a definitive statement, but it did seem to me that overall they are less than thrilled with the new machines. Of course, this has no bearing on those of us that use it - but it did seem that the drivers are more comfortable with the loading process. Overall I would say that bus riders shouldn't worry at all about ECVs and WDW busses. Same for monorail rides and pretty much all transport since the drivers, attendants, etc are experienced and able.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks. On our most recent trip, I only had one of the "new" bus configurations once. And that time, the driver put me in the regular style spot, not the new ones with the squeeze thing. I was actually dissappointed-I was looking forward to trying it. Glad to hear things should be OK.