RaySharpton
Retired and going to Disney.
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2000
Here is an excellent description and photos by CastMember Tyler (Chip 'n Dale Express) of what the different Walt Disney World Buses look like when prepared to load the (ECV's) Electric Convenience Vehicle's or wheelchairs.
Quote by CastMember Tyler (Chip 'n Dale Express):
When waiting out at a bus stop that services multiple buses, it's important to let the drivers know when you wish to board. All buses are equipped with large bright easy to read LED destination signs. When you see your bus coming, wave your hand, so that the driver knows you wish to board. This way, the driver knows to align the bus up to the specific markings. Optionally, you can nod your head "no" to let other drivers know that you're waiting for a different bus.
At the parks, or at certain resorts with specific load zones, bypass the queue lines, and wait near where the rear door of the bus will be.
100% of our fleet is wheelchair/scooter accessible, via lift or ramp. There are three styles of buses, each with a different way to board.
1 - The "RTS" bus. These are the older buses with the stairs. The rear door has a fold out lift that will extend out. We ask that you back the ECV onto the lift, however, per Federal Law, you may board in forwards if you wish. However, with the RTS, it's much easier to maneuver inside the bus if you back onto the lift. When the lift is flat with the floor, you just back straight up, and then sharply turn the wheel to bring the front end in.
2 - The "Nova" bus. These are low-floor buses, with extendable ramps in the rear door. Disney policy requires that any electric wheelchair or scooter must board this type of bus in reverse.
3 - The "Gillig" bus. These are brand new low-floor buses, with fold out type ramps in the oversized rear door. Because these buses can kneel lower, and have longer ramps, Disney does allow guests to board in forward on this bus only. However, we still recommend going up in reverse if at all possible, because it is easier to park the scooter in the designated slot.
When maneuvering your ECV, remember, TURTLE SPEED IS YOUR FRIEND. Don't feel rushed, or pressured or anything. Take your time. You're on vacation, we have all the time in the world.
Once parked, if at all possible, we HIGHLY recommend transferring to a regular seat. Don't worry about the crowds, or taking up an extra seat. When on a bus with someone in the seat, scooters tend to have a high center of gravity. Since they don't have good tie down points, they have a tendency to tip during corners. Your safety is #1 with us, so please, if possible, transfer to a regular seat. (Also, just an FYI, the majority if not all of the scooter companies prohibit riding the scooter while on the bus)
Thank you, Tyler (Chip 'n Dale Express)
Quote by CastMember Tyler (Chip 'n Dale Express):
When waiting out at a bus stop that services multiple buses, it's important to let the drivers know when you wish to board. All buses are equipped with large bright easy to read LED destination signs. When you see your bus coming, wave your hand, so that the driver knows you wish to board. This way, the driver knows to align the bus up to the specific markings. Optionally, you can nod your head "no" to let other drivers know that you're waiting for a different bus.
At the parks, or at certain resorts with specific load zones, bypass the queue lines, and wait near where the rear door of the bus will be.
100% of our fleet is wheelchair/scooter accessible, via lift or ramp. There are three styles of buses, each with a different way to board.
1 - The "RTS" bus. These are the older buses with the stairs. The rear door has a fold out lift that will extend out. We ask that you back the ECV onto the lift, however, per Federal Law, you may board in forwards if you wish. However, with the RTS, it's much easier to maneuver inside the bus if you back onto the lift. When the lift is flat with the floor, you just back straight up, and then sharply turn the wheel to bring the front end in.
2 - The "Nova" bus. These are low-floor buses, with extendable ramps in the rear door. Disney policy requires that any electric wheelchair or scooter must board this type of bus in reverse.
3 - The "Gillig" bus. These are brand new low-floor buses, with fold out type ramps in the oversized rear door. Because these buses can kneel lower, and have longer ramps, Disney does allow guests to board in forward on this bus only. However, we still recommend going up in reverse if at all possible, because it is easier to park the scooter in the designated slot.
When maneuvering your ECV, remember, TURTLE SPEED IS YOUR FRIEND. Don't feel rushed, or pressured or anything. Take your time. You're on vacation, we have all the time in the world.
Once parked, if at all possible, we HIGHLY recommend transferring to a regular seat. Don't worry about the crowds, or taking up an extra seat. When on a bus with someone in the seat, scooters tend to have a high center of gravity. Since they don't have good tie down points, they have a tendency to tip during corners. Your safety is #1 with us, so please, if possible, transfer to a regular seat. (Also, just an FYI, the majority if not all of the scooter companies prohibit riding the scooter while on the bus)
Thank you, Tyler (Chip 'n Dale Express)
