wheelchair and buses? how does this work?

[Anna_Marie]

I have resigned myself to the fact that I will have to be in a wheelchair in the parks due to my knees. However they have deteriorated so much that I am thinking I will not even be able to walk to the bus stop without alot of pain.

I am very self conscious about being in a wheelchair because I am so overweight. My question is, if DH and I rent a wheelchair and bring it with us, (there is no way I trust myself on a scooter ), how will that work with the bus situation? Is it possible to just fold it up and get on? (I don't see how, but...)

Basically I want to be as inconspicous as possible. I do not want to call attention to myself. I really don't want to be lifted into the bus in the wheelchair. This is worrying me to death and I am almost to the point of cancelling our trip over it!

Any help you can give would be so appreciated! Has anyone used a wheelchair from resort to park via bus?

 

[seashoreCM]

At most bus stops the waiting spot for wheelchairs is where the back door of the bus would line up.

Most buses have a ramp directly into the passenger cabin; a few have a motorized lift that you first roll yourself onto.

Either way you have to roll the wheelchair on yourself or have someone push you.]

On the bus, some drivers insist that you move to a regular bus seat, others let you stay in the wheelchair.

Yes, you can get out of the wheelchair before the bus arrives, and either you or someone with you folds up the wheelchair and carries it on board the bus using the same door everyone else uses.

Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be taken aboard the parking lot trams, everyone must climb aboard and sit on the tram seats. There is handicapped parking somewhat near the front concourse although it may still be a long walk (or push).

 

[I Love Pluto]

You are at Disney. You are entitled to take the bus with or without a wheelchair - whether you're short or tall, thin or heavy, male or female, etc.

Do NOT let anyone make you feel that you should not be on the bus. You need to be on that bus - Mickey & the gang are waiting for you at the park!

Forget what you feel others think. Did THEY pay for your trip? Please be kinder to yourself. You deserve it!

 

[brat]

I agree with Sea and Pluto, you are there to have fun and you will have more fun if you are not hurting.

 

[wdw_nutz]

I don't want to say I understand how you're feeling - because I think no one can know exactly how someone else feels! But... I am in a wheelchair or ECV for every trip and so I know something of what you're dreading.

It's isn't an ideal system for feeling inconspicuious - there's no way around people seeing you loading on to the bus. Personally, I would say the easiest option for you would be... Queue in the correct place for wheelchair entry, and then when the ramp/lift is lowered, get out of your chair and let your companion fold it and get it on to the bus for you. Concentrate on walking on to the bus (if you're able) and then you don't need to worry about getting on the lift (backwards) or being pushed up the ramp which is quite steep.

But you know, the thing is, this is *your* trip. And every other family will be talking/arguing/discussing/looking at pictures/sleeping on their feet and not thinking about you in your wheelchair. Your weight is irrelevant - you matter, and Disney is ready and waiting to celebrate you.

Relax and have fun - the 10 minutes at the beginning and the end of each day isn't amazing but the trip will be and you'll love it. It's sooooo worth it.

D
xx

 

[Eeyore5]

I would suggest going to your local mall and practice using a scooter. While I would rather walk, they are not horrible to use. If you use a wheelchair, you will need someone to push you a fair amount to the time since you don't usually use one and your arms aren't used to the work. Pushing a rental wheelchair (they are heavy then most of the ones poeple who use them every day have) is tiring and can be hard on the person doing the pushing. I am fairly overweight and use an ECV at Disney. I focus on the fun and ignore the few time things were said that were hurtful, but I chose to ignore them and have fun. Most people were kind. Riding on the bus lift isn't as bad as it sounds. I used a wheelchair to travel as a teen and find an ECV is easier.