Wheelchairs and busing

[wendow]

We bought our 17yo dd a wheelchair for this trip rather than renting each park day like last year. She needs the chair outside of the parks as well. So my question is how does this work with busing. She can transport out of the chair and onto the bus on her own but after a long park day, it'd certainly be easier to just stay seated. Is that an option or does she have to get out of the wheelchair? I remember seeing people using ECV's stay on those but cannot remember anyone staying on a WC. If she has to get out, is there a place to store this on the bus? We will probably have a stroller also.

 

[mamabunny]

She can certainly stay seated in the wheelchair if she prefers; just let the driver know that as you are boarding the bus (rolling up the ramp). He will use the tie downs to hold the chair in place, then he will help her put on a seat belt (it goes over the shoulder, not unlike a car seat belt) for safety.

If she chooses to transfer, just let the driver know that she will be transferring.

 

[wendow]

She can certainly stay seated in the wheelchair if she prefers; just let the driver know that as you are boarding the bus (rolling up the ramp). He will use the tie downs to hold the chair in place, then he will help her put on a seat belt (it goes over the shoulder, not unlike a car seat belt) for safety.

If she chooses to transfer, just let the driver know that she will be transferring.

Thank you for the response. Where does the wheelchair store if she transfers out?

 

[DisneyOma]

Thank you for the response. Where does the wheelchair store if she transfers out?

It can remain in a tiedown spot, or you can fold it and hold it. Depending on who is traveling with you, (as in, there's someone who can hold it/balance it safely) it would be polite, but not necessary, to fold it if she's not planning on sitting in it. That would give a few more people a seat on the bus, and room for those standing too. It would also keep a stranger from sitting in it or putting stuff in the empty seat. But if no one can handle the chair, don't feel obligated to fold it - it has to be held well to keep people safe. If it were me, I'd just stay in the chair.

 

[SueM in MN]

To add to what was already posted, follow the link in my signature or look near the top of this board for the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You will find complete bus info (with pictures) about using buses in post #4.

 

[wendow]

It can remain in a tiedown spot, or you can fold it and hold it. Depending on who is traveling with you, (as in, there's someone who can hold it/balance it safely) it would be polite, but not necessary, to fold it if she's not planning on sitting in it. That would give a few more people a seat on the bus, and room for those standing too. It would also keep a stranger from sitting in it or putting stuff in the empty seat. But if no one can handle the chair, don't feel obligated to fold it - it has to be held well to keep people safe. If it were me, I'd just stay in the chair.

I remember seeing people stay on their ECV's but I also knew that 'ate up' regular seats sometimes so I won't do that unless she is just really hurting or she'd be forced to stand on the bus (which I guess in that case there wouldn't be room for her to stay seated anyways). But I am having trouble visualizing holding the folded WC on some of the packed buses we get on!

 

[wendow]

To add to what was already posted, follow the link in my signature or look near the top of this board for the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You will find complete bus info (with pictures) about using buses in post #4.

Thanks! I wasn't where to look but headed to check it out now.

 

[gap2368]

I remember seeing people stay on their ECV's but I also knew that 'ate up' regular seats sometimes so I won't do that unless she is just really hurting or she'd be forced to stand on the bus (which I guess in that case there wouldn't be room for her to stay seated anyways). But I am having trouble visualizing holding the folded WC on some of the packed buses we get on!

people using mobility devices load first. if you would like you can fold the wheel chair and hold it in front of you ( like people do with strollers) if they will tie down the wheel chair in one of the tie down spot. It is up to you to decide what is best. I have had people almost sit in my lap when I was on a bus and using a wheel chair. Yes having a wheel chair tied down takes up 3 spots, and then another spot if the person decides to sit in a set, I think this is one of those times you need to do what is best for your 17-year-old and if mean having the wheel chair tied down, and sitting in a set then that is what you need to do, This is where safety comes first. I know others will have other opinions but do what you need to do to keep your family safe if someone does not get a set on the bus and they need one they can wait for the next bus ( I have done this before, they will more than likely live). Have a great vacation

 

[DisneyOma]

I remember seeing people stay on their ECV's but I also knew that 'ate up' regular seats sometimes so I won't do that unless she is just really hurting or she'd be forced to stand on the bus (which I guess in that case there wouldn't be room for her to stay seated anyways). But I am having trouble visualizing holding the folded WC on some of the packed buses we get on!

It's actually rather unsafe to ride on the ECV on the bus - makes them very top heavy. You should look in your owner's manual to see if your ECV is safe to sit on.

people using mobility devices load first. if you would like you can fold the wheel chair and hold it in front of you ( like people do with strollers) if they will tie down the wheel chair in one of the tie down spot. It is up to you to decide what is best. I have had people almost sit in my lap when I was on a bus and using a wheel chair. Yes having a wheel chair tied down takes up 3 spots, and then another spot if the person decides to sit in a set, I think this is one of those times you need to do what is best for your 17-year-old and if mean having the wheel chair tied down, and sitting in a set then that is what you need to do, This is where safety comes first. I know others will have other opinions but do what you need to do to keep your family safe if someone does not get a set on the bus and they need one they can wait for the next bus ( I have done this before, they will more than likely live). Have a great vacation

It would be safer to sit in the wheelchair with the seatbelt in place than in a regular seat, IMO. The CM should belt the person in, BTW.

 

[wendow]

@DisneyOma We actually don't have an ECV. My dd is too young to rent one and I hope that this mobility problem is not long term and once her treatment begins working, she gets back to being a kiddo who can get around easier

 

[bluecruiser]

It's actually rather unsafe to ride on the ECV on the bus - makes them very top heavy. You should look in your owner's manual to see if your ECV is safe to sit on.

Never knew that. Makes me curious then why Disney lets us sit in our ECV's on the bus, even with the ECV fastened down front and back and a seatbelt across us attached to the bus. Especially if the bus is full, they seem to prefer we stay on our ECV's.

 

[DisneyOma]

Never knew that. Makes me curious then why Disney lets us sit in our ECV's on the bus, even with the ECV fastened down front and back and a seatbelt across us attached to the bus. Especially if the bus is full, they seem to prefer we stay on our ECV's.

Some may be safe, others, not so much - it would say in the owner's manual.

 

[Kaytie]

Never knew that. Makes me curious then why Disney lets us sit in our ECV's on the bus, even with the ECV fastened down front and back and a seatbelt across us attached to the bus. Especially if the bus is full, they seem to prefer we stay on our ECV's.

That way you're only taking up two seats instead of three. And as with the unoccupied wheelchair, if you're sitting on the ECV then an unauthorized person can't.

 

[lanejudy]

Never knew that. Makes me curious then why Disney lets us sit in our ECV's on the bus, even with the ECV fastened down front and back and a seatbelt across us attached to the bus. Especially if the bus is full, they seem to prefer we stay on our ECV's.

Just my theory, but I think it's because the drivers get tired of arguing (or just don't want to argue) with guests who insist on doing it. Some guests simply won't listen. It's a shame, because they are likely also the first ones to blame Disney if they get hurt.

 

[gap2368]

Never knew that. Makes me curious then why Disney lets us sit in our ECV's on the bus, even with the ECV fastened down front and back and a seatbelt across us attached to the bus. Especially if the bus is full, they seem to prefer we stay on our ECV's.

I have seen more people on ECV tip over on the buss then I care to count. ( ok I think it has been 4 or 5) and one was a lady that almost tipped about 2 or 3 times befroe she went down They were all tied down and strapped in. Some ECV and people are more top heavy than others are.

 

[bluecruiser]

That way you're only taking up two seats instead of three. And as with the unoccupied wheelchair, if you're sitting on the ECV then an unauthorized person can't.

Good points.

Just my theory, but I think it's because the drivers get tired of arguing (or just don't want to argue) with guests who insist on doing it. Some guests simply won't listen. It's a shame, because they are likely also the first ones to blame Disney if they get hurt.

I have seen more people on ECV tip over on the buss then I care to count. ( ok I think it has been 4 or 5) and one was a lady that almost tipped about 2 or 3 times befroe she went down They were all tied down and strapped in. Some ECV and people are more top heavy than others are.

Thanks to everyone for your responses. When I sat on the ECV on the bus I always held onto whatever I could on the side on the bus for added security. I never really liked sitting on the ECV while the bus was moving, and in the future I will try more NOT to do so and sit in a bus seat. Will just have to tell the bus driver I won't do it due to safety issues.

 

[wendow]

I never really liked sitting on the ECV while the bus was moving, and in the future I will try more NOT to do so and sit in a bus seat. Will just have to tell the bus driver I won't do it due to safety issues.

I've seen plenty of people stay seated on their ECV's which is why I asked about my dd in a WC. It sounds like staying in an ECV is definitely not safe and I would not want anyone to do so just to save a bus seat. It's not a big deal to wait for another bus. We've done it many times and really don't mind. I had no idea that the ECCV's could tip. How scary.

 

[mamabunny]

I've seen plenty of people stay seated on their ECV's which is why I asked about my dd in a WC. It sounds like staying in an ECV is definitely not safe and I would not want anyone to do so just to save a bus seat. It's not a big deal to wait for another bus. We've done it many times and really don't mind. I had no idea that the ECCV's could tip. How scary.

The ECVs that tend to "tip" (or "tump over" as we say at our house LOL) are *typically* the three wheeled variety; they are, at best, a motorized adult tricycle. I have seen a four wheel ECV tip over on Main Street, when they got their right side wheels caught down in the groove of the tracks (this was several years ago) and the driver tried to quickly yank the steering wheel to get up out of the groove while moving, instead of stopping, getting off the ECV, and getting assistance.

A wheelchair, properly tied down on the bus, should be safe; you have four wheels as points of contact with the floor, and if the brakes on both sides are properly set (so it can't roll around even while the restraints are clipped on) with the rider properly belted in, I would personally sit there, or sit any of my loved ones there. That's just me.

Any time you have questions or concerns about the wheelchair and the bus, be sure to talk directly to your driver. We have found nearly every single one of them to be the most delightful and helpful people! (There was one driver, one time... we don't count him LOL) Let them know that your family is not used to traveling with the wheelchair, and that you appreciate their guidance. They tie down wheelchairs, strollers, and ECVs of all kinds, all day, every day.

 

[DisneyOma]

They tie down wheelchairs, strollers, and ECVs of all kinds, all day, every day.

Just want to point out that strollers do not usually get tied-down, unless they are ones that are specifically designed to have safe tie-down spots. Most strollers are not made to be used on buses.

 

[jo-jo]

Has the procedure for waiting in line changed? DH will be using a wheelchair this trip , but he can walk. I was thinking we'd use the fold up the chair and sit in normal seat procedure. But will it cause issues if we entered the normal line? We won't need the special spots for tie downs.