Wheelchair, double stroller and single stroller, oh my!

[Jester6]

We will have our hands full loading and unloading buses. My 5 yo has CP and cannot walk or even sit up, so her wheelchair is a must. We have a large family (10 children), so we are definitely on a budget. I'm not interested in renting strollers instead. Any other tips? The strollers we are bringing are lightweight and a necessity. I am feeling overwhelmed trying to load our daughter in a wheelchair, holding s sleeping 2yo and trying to fold up a stroller!

 

[margot31]

If staying on property and you have your own cars....I would maybe drive each day. Those who stay on property get free parking.

 

[Jester6]

Oh, I didn't know that about free parking for resort guests. Unfortunately we are flying. Renting a 15 passenger van is too expensive. Thanks, though!

 

[lanejudy]

What resort? You might be able to avoid using buses at least some of the time depending on your resort. The monorail doesn't require folding strollers, nor do some of the boats (the larger ones). If you are staying at an Epcot area resort, you can walk to both DHS and Epcot rather than deal with transportation.

I'm guessing at least a couple of those kids must be old enough to help with younger siblings -- nobody likes to make kids responsible for sibs even on vacation, but sometimes everyone in the family has to step up and help. I would think this is one of those situations, even if it's the older kids managing the bags while mom/dad fold strollers and carry tired toddlers. If you have a teen, maybe offer to pay them like you would a babysitter -- extra souvenir money for helping carry a little one onto the bus.

One thing I definitely recommend -- either travel by bus at off-peak times, or be willing to wait for another bus so you can sit. I can't imagine trying to stand with a stroller, holding a baby/toddler, and keeping an eye on another child in a wheelchair (plus the other kids).

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Gracie09]

You don't say the ages of your children, other than the 5 year old. But I don't think it will be as bad as you think. Assuming her wheel chair can be safely tied down, she can stay in it. When the bus rolls up, you will enter the back door, with your party. You will have to fold your strollers though. I would take some time as you are waiting for the bus to get any kids out of strollers or at least ready to jump out. Don't take the whole world into the park! I would try to limit it to 2 back packs if possible. Pack them back up while waiting. Have one of the older kids responsible for one or two of the younger. Have one parent do the wheelchair. The other the strollers. Each have a backpack. Lock the wheelchair in and make sure everyone is aboard.

 

[danielocha30]

Do not overwork yourself, Disney will happily acomodate, they will radio a bus with handicap ramp and extra large if they need to, and just this weekend I boarded by myself with my toddler and the driver held the baby while I fold the stroller and he unloaded for me at the resort, there still god people willing to help, take your time and do things at ypur own pace. Have a great trip!

 

[DisneyOma]

We will have our hands full loading and unloading buses. My 5 yo has CP and cannot walk or even sit up, so her wheelchair is a must. We have a large family (10 children), so we are definitely on a budget. I'm not interested in renting strollers instead. Any other tips? The strollers we are bringing are lightweight and a necessity. I am feeling overwhelmed trying to load our daughter in a wheelchair, holding s sleeping 2yo and trying to fold up a stroller!

Since strollers are not allowed in the queues at WDW, there are going to be plenty of practice times for who gets which kid, etc. Just keep the system up for the bus queue. You just need to assign someone to be responsible for stroller folding duty on top of it all.

Also - if you are staying at a resort with multiple bus stops, be ready to have to wait for another bus if you are not at the first stop. The tie down spots could already be filled, or there just may not be room for your very large family to board. You might want to be prepared to split up. The bus driver should call for another bus to come get you, but that doesn't always happen quickly.

 

[katyjeka]

I'm not sure of the ages of the kids so this may be of little help. When we travel with a large group we assign "buddies" for the day. They wait in line together, use the restroom, etc... As my dh states you are glued to one another today. Maybe you could assign a more mature buddy with one who is not so that they could help one another on the bus, with drinks, etc...