transportation help

[OrthoDad]

Hi everyone! I am mostly a lurker on these boards these days, as my medical practice keeps me busy. My wife and I have 2 boys who have cerebral palsy, and this board has been one of the true blessings in our lives. When the kids were little (they're now 13), and we were struggling with their diagnosis and future, everyone on here was always so supportive and uplifting. And, so helpful in learning the ins and outs of traveling to WDW! Again, we say a heartfelt "thank you."

We've been living in AZ the last 5 yrs and have become veterans of DL, but we're heading back to WDW tomorrow and I had a couple of questions.

Since both the boys are in wheelchairs, the busses are obviously a concern for us. I remember someone posting (maybe Sue?) that recommended calling the Transportation number before arrival, just to let them know we're coming, where we're staying, etc. Does everyone recommend that? What number to call?

And, I remember great advice about having #'s programmed into the cell phone to call if we're experiencing a long wait for buses that have slots for the wheelchairs...is that correct? I saw on the FAQ to call the main number and ask for the transportation coordinator?

Thanks again everyone, and God bless you.

W

 

[peemagg]

You might be lucky and have both spots on the bus free when it arrives. If so you can all get on at the same time. If one of the spots are full, you could split up or wait for a second bus.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi everyone! I am mostly a lurker on these boards these days, as my medical practice keeps me busy. My wife and I have 2 boys who have cerebral palsy, and this board has been one of the true blessings in our lives. When the kids were little (they're now 13), and we were struggling with their diagnosis and future, everyone on here was always so supportive and uplifting. And, so helpful in learning the ins and outs of traveling to WDW! Again, we say a heartfelt "thank you."

We've been living in AZ the last 5 yrs and have become veterans of DL, but we're heading back to WDW tomorrow and I had a couple of questions.

Since both the boys are in wheelchairs, the busses are obviously a concern for us. I remember someone posting (maybe Sue?) that recommended calling the Transportation number before arrival, just to let them know we're coming, where we're staying, etc. Does everyone recommend that? What number to call?

And, I remember great advice about having #'s programmed into the cell phone to call if we're experiencing a long wait for buses that have slots for the wheelchairs...is that correct? I saw on the FAQ to call the main number and ask for the transportation coordinator?

Thanks again everyone, and God bless you.

W

Looks like the OP is already at WDW, but for anyone else who is wondering - each bus can hold at least 2 wheelchairs/ECVs (or a combination of one wheelchair and one ECV). A few buses have space for 3.
As was pointed out, if the bus arrives and already has one spot full, you can choose to send one part of your party on the bus and part wait for the next bus.

If a group has 3 or more wheelchairs in their party, they can call WDW transportation when at their resort. In the past, there were some buses that are just for wheelchair transportation.

For GETTING to WDW using the Disney's Magical Express bus, it is a good idea to call DME and advise them that you have a wheelchair (this might be what the OP was remembering). If you forget to call, they will still provide a wheelchair accessible bus for you, but your wait may be longer.