Wheelchairs on buses

[Usandthe4kids]

We are going to Disney in September. My mom uses a wheelchair in the parks due to back and feet problems. Last trip we rented a wheelchair everyday in the parks. We have one that folds up that she can bring with us to save money. My question is, can we fold it and stand in the regular line and just carry it on like a stroller? We are a large family (9) and we don't want to hold up the bus or make people angry when the driver allows everyone to board with her nor do we want to be separated on different buses. Not to mention she is perfectly capable of walking onto the bus. It would be awesome if we can just stand in line. I've heard some people say you can and others say it's an insurance liability. Any experiences?

 

[Salty Water]

We always folded our son's wheelchair up before boarding as he is able to walk short distances. We never had a problem and everyone still let us on first. The only problem is holding onto the wheelchair on the bus, always remember to put the brakes on.

 

[SueM in MN]

You can fold it up and hold it on the. Us, as the previous poster mentioned.
We have seen people bring it thru the front door. The issue with using the front door is most wheelchairs are bulky and kind of heavy, so it is much easier to use the back door.
When we have had a larger group, we separated so that only one or two of us got on with our daughter and the rest of our group went thru the regular line.
My daughter can't walk or sit outside of her wheelchair, so we don't have the option of folding it.

 

[MissDrawingDisney]

I am actually in a wheelchair as well, if she wants to stay in her wheelchair while riding, she can be wheeled to the handicap part of the line. When the bus comes, the driver will undo the lift that can raise her to the back of the bus, and they will buckle her up wheelchair and all. For me, after sitting all day, it's just easier for me to stay in the chair. And they are very sure about keeping the wheelchair still while the buss is moving. Just an idea ^_^

 

[minnie mum]

Being able to remain in the chair is a necessity for some, but it is not for me (or for the OPs mom). I remained in my chair in the designated w/c spot until the bus arrived. Then we would collapse the chair and DH would carry it on through the rear door. We tried carrying it on thru the front, but even with the kneeling buses DH found it difficult to do. We sat in the regular seats and DH kept hold of it. A plus for the other guests was that the driver didn't have to fold up any of the regular seats to accommodate us.

 

[Usandthe4kids]

Thank you all for the info and advice My mom feels like a burden to us (though she most certainly is not and we tell her/show her all the time) so anything to help things run more smoothly and make her feel like its no big deal is great.