Requesting tips when using an ECV and buses at POR Riverside

[maggymouse]

We will be doing a split stay with my 70 year old mother who has MS & she will be using an ECV.

Our first 4 days we will be staying at the Contemporary…which I have no worries with Disney transportation.

The final 3 days of our vacation will be at POR Riverside and I have read terrible reports about the buses.

What have your experiences been and do you have any tips & hints that you would like to share?

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

I'd suggest you check the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is a whole portion about travel by buses.
My biggest suggestion (especially if she is not experienced) would be to practice and get comfortable with driving the ECV. She needs to be able to drive straight forward, turn in either direction while going forward and while going backward. She also needs to be able to sort of parallel park to the left to get into place on the bus. If that is difficult for her, she could get off the ECV and someone else could either drive it on for her or put it into 'free-wheel' mode so it can be pushed on.

 

[maggymouse]

Thanks for responding!

We have been practicing driving the ECV….I never thought about parallel parking.

She got so made at me when we were at Costco the other day….I kept walking in front of her and then I would just stop. I stated that it will be so much worse at Disney!

Our next outing will be Wal-Mart on a Saturday or Sunday during peak hours. That is the only place I can think of that will remotely simulate people traffic at Disney World.

 

[cooper14]

Ive been to Disney with my chair 3 times and never ad any problems. Some buses require you to back on the ramp but thats about as bad as it gets. Walking in front of you mom and stopping is very good practice for what she will find in Disney