transportation question

[daughtersrus]

My youngest daughter has a very rare genetic disease. As a result, she has many medical problems (vision, hearing loss, seizures, can't sit, stand or walk...). She has her own custom fit wheel chair. We've decided to take our travel trailer to Ft Wilderness for this trip. Last time we were there in '99 we stayed in a cabin at FW. We had some problems with the bus transportation there. I understand that they've changed the trans system there since but I'm not sure if it will be any better. Last time, we couldn't use the boat due to low H2O level in the lake. We also had to wait past some buses since they all didn't have lifts. Do all of the buses have lifts now or would we be better off driving ourselves to the different parks? We'll have to take one bus to the Out Post or Trading Post then get off there and switch to another bus to go to the parks. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to the disABILITIES Board.
We haven't stayed at FW, but we did stay at WL and we have taken the boats to MK with my DD's manual wheelchair. One time, even though the level was about 6 inches different between the boat and the dock, we lifted her on (not as hard as we thought, considering her wheelchair is about 45 pounds with the seating system and she is close to 80 pounds). When we went last March, we were able to roll her wheelchair on without a problem. There was probably about 1/2 inch difference.

I know in general that bus drivers told us 2 years ago that over 95% of the buses were equipped to transport wheelchairs. They bought some new buses about 1 year ago that have ramps and kneeling systems instead of lifts. We kept an eye out for them on our last trip, but we haven't seen any yet.
Several posters to this board have stayed at FW and hopefully one of them will be along to give more info.

 

[eeyorefanatic]

I just got back from a trip at FW and an ecv. I never had to wait for a bus with a lift or ramp, although when I checked in they did tell me that there might be a wait as not every bus was equiped. They do have a new bus system at FW and while the route I happened to be on (orange) was having some problems, the other 2 routes were great.

The new system in place is (imho) much better than the old system. It used to be that you had to take a bus to the Settlement and then to TTC and then switch to a park bus now you just take a bus to either the Settlement or Outpost and then only one transfer to a bus that takes you straight to the parks. I would call FW and ask to be clost to the Settlement so that you could walk to the bus stops there, and the boat to MK and only have to take a bus to Outpost if you were going to Epcot or AK.

As for the water levels, it just really depends. They are pumping a mil gallons of water into Bay lake to try to keep it up, but in the heat and drought there are really taking its toll. I did not have a problem during my stay but that does not mean you won't have a problem during yours. If the water levels are too low, just take the bus to TTC and then the monorail to MK. I always do this once, just cause I love riding the monorail

I would not advise driving to the parks. Even if you can park in the handicap areas its still a decent walk to the park entrance, not to mention the additional cost, while small is $ that can be spent elsewhere.

If you have any other questions I can help with just ask

 

[SueM in MN]

I would not drive to MK, because the bus or boat leave you off right at the gate. If you drive, you will be at the TTC and still have to get to MK gate.
For the other parks, if you choose to drive, guests staying on site have free parking. I am almost sure that also includes guest camping at FW, althought I am not positive.
Bring your handicapped parking permit. You will need it to park in the handicapped parking areas. The parking at Epcot and AK is similar to the distance from the bus to the park entrance. We have had problems with the lot being full when we come to Epcot in March, but we've been there at the height of Spring break when half of the handicapped lot is covered with tents for a robotic contest involving high school students. At the Studio, the buses let you off right in front of the handicapped parking area, so the distance is pretty similar.