Tips for maneuvering ECV onto Disney transportation?

[bafleyanne]

We will have a vehicle so most days we plan to drive to the parks, but I know we must ride the monorail from the TTC and to transfer between MK and Epcot, plus we may need/want to ride the bus a few times, particularly the first day if our room isn't ready when we check in and we have to leave luggage in our car. I have experience driving the ECV as I rented one several days last trip inside the parks, but this will be my first trip with a full time one and I'm very nervous about getting it on and off the buses and monorail. Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We . . . Any tips would be appreciated!

1) Just ask the bus driver.
2) He/she will instruct you.
3) After all, they know how to load their vehicles.


4) They also know ALL the rumors and park upcoming/breaking news.

 

[ttintagel]

Seconding the above - the Disney bus drivers are very patient and helpful, and will talk you through the entire process. They're very used to people who don't use ECV's at home every day and understand that you;re still getting the hang of it. I've even had drivers steer for me, and once or twice even offer to drive it on for me. (Getting on is the harder part because it involves more backing up.)

The Monorail is much easier because you just drive straight up the ramp and there you are - no turning or parallel parking required. The ramps aren't built in; they have CM's standing at the station with portable ramps. One of them will most likely see you first, but if not, just grab any CM and they'll get one for you. before you board, they ask you where you plan to get off so they can have someone with a ramp ready there to get you off.

Occasionally, some overeager guests will try to slip into the bus or monorail car ahead of you (which isn't safe for either them or you during the loading process), but the CM's do a good job of stopping them.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

another vote for following directions of driver or CM as they are used to helping ECV drivers

 

[The Hunchback]

All of the above plus........

GO SLOW!

I double check that I am in turtle before I go to get on anything. I usually have to speed the ECV up to make it up the monorail ramp but make it a point to check the speed at the top.

I have never done a bus but expect it is the same concept. Slow is always better.

 

[SueM in MN]

Agree with the others -

1) go slowly

2) listen to the bus drivers carefully