Our son will be in a wheelchair at Disney and we will be using the buses. I have been told that we will fold the wheelchair and keep it by us on the bus. Does that mean that someone should stand with it by the doors or would it work to have it in front of us? I am assuming it would be in front of 2 of us due to width. If we just held it close to our legs, does that work, or is it in the way of other passengers?
I am a bit anxious about how this whole thing will work out. We rented a wheelchair for him last trip, but we rented from the parks so didn't have it on the bus.
Don't worry!
You will have options, and the bus drivers are just tremendous about helping out!
First of all, remember that if you need to push your son into the bus while he is seated in the chair that you will always load first, but unload last. At the Resorts, look for the white painted rectangle box on the ground at the bus stops; (unless someone else is already parked in that box) park there to wait for your bus. If someone else is already there, you can park behind them, beside them or nearby; the idea is to make sure that the bus driver can see you.
If your bus stop serves more than one Park, pay attention to which bus is arriving at the stop - either smile and nod "yes" if the bus is one you want to board, or shake your head no as the bus approaches - although typically the driver will double-check with you to make sure you do/don't want to ride.
Once the bus doors have opened, and everyone who is getting OFF that bus has stepped off, the driver will then close the doors, and walk to the middle of the bus. He/she will "kneel" the bus a bit further if possible, and then the doors will open, and the ramp will deploy. When the driver indicates it is time, you will push your son up the ramp into the bus.
If your son needs to/prefers to stay in the chair, then let the driver know that he will be riding in the chair and
cannot transfer. That phrase is important because it tells the bus driver (or any Cast Member you work with) that he can't just jump up and walk away from the chair.
If he can transfer (on his own, or with assistance) to a bus seat, and would prefer to sit on a regular seat, then you can still roll the wheelchair up the ramp (with or without him in it) and ask the driver if they want to tie it down folded, or have you hold it. If you have to hold while the bus is in motion, be sure to set the brakes on both of the big rear wheels to help keep it from rolling around.
When you get to your destination, everyone will get off the bus. The driver will again close the doors, walk back to the middle of the bus, open the doors and deploy the ramp. You can then roll the chair (with or without your son in it) off the bus.
Remember that each bus at WDW holds at least 2 personal mobility devices, so you may have to wait while other devices (such as
ECVs, wheelchairs, power chairs, etc.) loads/unloads. Build in some extra time to your schedule if you are the kind of folks who run off the bus and straight to bag check - this will add several minutes to each bus trip minimally.
Remember to let the drivers know that your family is new to using a wheelchair at WDW, and don't hesitate to ask them for advice; they are experts in dealing with wheelchairs, ECVs (aka "scooters") and other personal mobility devices because they deal with them all day, every day.
Have a great trip!