So - This will be our 71st trip to WDW but our 1st time staying at FW. Because I have read that the bus system at FW is cumbersome, I'm thinking that we may drive to the parks. My mother has a handicapped tag and we will have an ECV with us. Can anyone tell me about the parking at the parks? Are the spaces near the bus areas more than out in the boondocks of the parking lots? Are they severely limited?
Also - Any thoughts on the WDW transportation at FW? Quicker to drive with the ECV in tow or just bus it?
Thanks so much!!
Handicapped spaces are reasonably plentiful. However, they aren't always convenient. Obviously with an ECV you can't take the trams and have to walk to the ticket window. DAK the parking is fairly close to the front. As close as you can get. At DHS the parking is behind the bus drop off so you have to walk all the way around the buses to get to the gate. At MK you walk from the parking lot to the TTC. At Epcot it varies but is not too bad from the parking lot into the front gate. Unless you're there at one of the busiest times of the year you shouldn't have a problem finding a space, but just be aware the parking can be a bit of a haul. Not bad, just not right at the gates.
Chris, aka Strmchsr
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning, Guests with Special Needs, and Weather Guru
I would recommend taking the bus to MK. The handicap parking is at the front of the parking lot, but it is a fair walk to the TTC, and then you have to take the ferry or the monorail to the MK entrance. For that one, much easier just to take Disney transport direct to MK.
For the others, they are fairly close to the front, easy for the ECV and not too bad for those walking at all.
Heather aka ibelieveindisneymagic
INTERCOT Staff
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ibelieveindisneymagic;2430311 wrote: I would recommend taking the bus to MK. The handicap parking is at the front of the parking lot, but it is a fair walk to the TTC, and then you have to take the ferry or the monorail to the MK entrance. For that one, much easier just to take Disney transport direct to MK.
For the others, they are fairly close to the front, easy for the ECV and not too bad for those walking at all.
I agree. Travelling from the Magic Kingdom parking lot is a pain no matter how you do it. If you really don't want to do the bus, it is fine but the walk from the handicap section to the monorail/ferry is definitely a walk and does have an uphill portion.
Cindy aka AgentC
INTERCOT Staff: Accommodations, Dining, Movies, TV, Music & Musicals
ibelieveindisneymagic;2430311 wrote: I would recommend taking the bus to MK. The handicap parking is at the front of the parking lot, but it is a fair walk to the TTC, and then you have to take the ferry or the monorail to the MK entrance. For that one, much easier just to take Disney transport direct to MK.
For the others, they are fairly close to the front, easy for the ECV and not too bad for those walking at all.
AgentC;2430371 wrote: I agree. Travelling from the Magic Kingdom parking lot is a pain no matter how you do it. If you really don't want to do the bus, it is fine but the walk from the handicap section to the monorail/ferry is definitely a walk and does have an uphill portion.
I'm in agreement with Heather and Cindy. Use the bus for MK. It is the better option. I travel with someone who uses a wheelchair, so it is easier to get it into the car, but we use bus or monorail for MK. For the other parks, the handicap spaces are close and not difficult for wheelchair/ECV users.
I will add that I recommend the bus for Downtown Disney as well. Handicapped spaces were difficult to get before the construction and now it is nearly impossible.
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ibelieveindisneymagic;2430311 wrote: I would recommend taking the bus to MK. The handicap parking is at the front of the parking lot, but it is a fair walk to the TTC, and then you have to take the ferry or the monorail to the MK entrance. For that one, much easier just to take Disney transport direct to MK.
For the others, they are fairly close to the front, easy for the ECV and not too bad for those walking at all.
:thumbsup: Agreed! Handicap parking at MK is ridiculous. My husband uses and ECV and I occasionally use one but if I'm not using that and we park there, it really is a tough walk down and up that hill just to get to the TTC.:confused:
Can an EVC take the boat over to MK? Might be a better solution if possible.
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Pirate Granny;2434934 wrote: Can an EVC take the boat over to MK? Might be a better solution if possible.
An ECV can go on the ferry from the TTC.
Chris, aka Strmchsr
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning, Guests with Special Needs, and Weather Guru
Strmchsr;2434944 wrote: An ECV can go on the ferry from the TTC.
As a reminder, you can take the ferry from TTC, the boat transportation from the Epcot Resorts to Epcot and DHS and the boat to the MK from Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. The smaller boats used to transport between MK and the Poly and GF, as well as the DTD boats from Riverside/POFQ and SSR/OKW do not accommodate ECVs or wheelchairs.
Christine ºoº
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Hammer;2435043 wrote: as well as the DTD boats from Riverside/POFQ and SSR/OKW do not accommodate ECVs or wheelchairs.
The boats from OKW and POR do take ECV and wheelchairs. I use an ECV from both of these locations all the time.
KAY
DVC MEMBER - OKW & HHI
First trip to WDW - Dec, 2005
Last visit to Disneyland - 2014
First trip to Disneyland - 1955
Several years ago when we stayed at FW, we had to wait quite some time for a boat from MK back to FW. Turns out the long wait was due to them sending another (larger) boat for an ECV user. I don't know if this is stil the practice.
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TheDuckRocks;2435082 wrote: The boats from OKW and POR do take ECV and wheelchairs. I use an ECV from both of these locations all the time.
Oh, the boats must have changed from the last time I stayed at these resorts with my Mom. It has been a while, so I am glad to know this has changed. I wonder if they have changed the boats at GF and Poly to MK as well. Previously, it was just the smaller boats where you had to step down to get into the boat and no place for an ECV or wheelchair to just roll on. I'll be checking in at VGF a week from Sunday (though Mom is not coming with us this time), so I'll make a point to take the boat at least once instead of the monorail to see if it has changed.
Christine ºoº
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