ºoº Newbie Scooter (ECV) Rental, Travelling, Adventure Experiences at WDW (retitled )

[RaySharpton]

I thought that I would change the title of this thread and add some information in case any newbies would like to hear my experiences.

The best place for information is in a sticky at the top of the board by Sue.

I'll put the thread's page number and the post's number followed by a description of what I wrote.

ºoº Page-#3, Post-#34: My rental experience from calling outside rental agencies for prices.


First, I want to thank everyone for all of the information that you gave me here on the Disabiltiy forums.

I had the best time ever. I can't remember when I have had a better time at WDW. And I think that it was because I rented a scooter to use for my whole trip from an outside rental agency.

I have rented ECV's from WDW parks for years because of walking, mobility issues.

I had no idea how much difference it made to me using a scooter outside the park, too.

These are my impressions and feelings that I experienced renting a scooter and using it to go everywhere at WDW:

1.- My first feeling was that I was "smiling" all of the time. I was so happy all of the time. Everywhere.

2.- I never had to think about planning ahead of time how to space my walking and the time to make it to certain places. Or even if I did think about it, I realized that it didn't make any difference. I had a scooter to go everywhere. For those that don't understand, I just wouldn't go if I didn't think that I could make the trip. I would stay in the room rather than worry whether or not I would have to ask for help getting back to my room for inability to go any further.

3.- If I was late waking up, or if I had to go from one park to another park or resort, I just said to myself, "I have a scooter." I can go anywhere and not worry about the pain of walking, getting out breath, then getting agitated and irritable because of the former. I could just "smile" and enjoy the magic. It is amazing how much that I missed having to watch the ground as I walked.

4.- Alan delivered my scooter to the OKW lobby 15 minutes after I called him. I arrived early around 8:00 A.M., checked in and got my key, but my room wasn't ready, yet. He gave great instructions about the steering tiller adjustment, the 360 degree seat swivel, the arm rest adjustments, the unlocking of the wheels that the Castmembers use if they need to move the scooter without power, the nifty automatic, retractible, electrical cord in the back of the scooter, the red light indicators for recharging and a phone number to call anytime if I needed his help, which I didn't.

5.- My first trip was to check out the pool, and ramp to the boat dock. Then I hit the road and walked the trail from OKW to SSR to DTD. Then I got on my first WDW bus lift back to OKW to check in, and then another WDW bus ramp to MK to watch Spectromagic and Wishes. Then rode right into my room. Wow. I was so happy and smiling all day.

6.- I went somwhere every single day, instead of everyother day or not at all.

7.- 99% of the guests and castmembers were all wonderful about me using a scooter on the WDW buses, boat launches and everywhere.

8.- Using the WDW buses always took some readjusting to get on the RTS lift, and the NOVA ramp backing up to get on. The Gillig ramp was the easiest going forward. But I just took my time, just the "SLOW SPEED". I was never hesitant about getting on the buses.

9.- I found a lot of convenient electrical outlets to plug into to recharge while dining, watching fireworks or parades.


10.- I went on trip around the Boardwalk lake, and the Carabbien Beach lake and island, the POFQ an POR river and trails, and so many others.

11.- I got to the park without being exhausted, tired or in pain.

12.- Did I say that I was smiling the whole trip.

I'll be glad to answer any questions about my trip.

Sincerely, Ray

[rascalmom]

So glad to hear you had a wonderful trip!

[Belle1962]

Ray--great to hear you had such a great trip!

[Sue & Co.]

Ray- glad everything worked so well for you - it makes such a difference to a holiday.

I will be taking my own wheelchair for the first time next year when we go to California rather than renting and I'm sure it will make life easier (if a little cramped in the car to and from the airport!!).

Sue

[JudithM]

I am glad to read your "smiling" report about using an ECV around WDW. It is wonderful to have your own mobility & freedom!

[disneymiss]

I hope to be smiling too.....I will be leaving this Saturday for my solo Disney trip with a scooter I bought on Ebay for a really good price, I am not sure about using it or the problems I will have but I too can't wait not to worry about getting somewhere and not being able to get back or walking from the bus to the ticket location and realize that I can't go any further, my breathing (asthma is really bad, have such shortness of breathe it is really scary) and being alone does not help.....so I am glad to hear you had a really good time, did you do any rides???? did you have problems with getting in lines or did you buy pass some of them....I am so new to this that I am not sure what kind of problems I am going to run into...wish someone was going with me, but my 23 and 25 year old are too old to go with mom...unless of course I pay for them and a friend....think I will keep going Solo......any advice from everyone would help so much....excited by scared too...

[Mykelogan]

Yay Ray! So happy that your trip went well!!!

Disneymiss, I can understand your concerns and I think doing several things will help. First, be sure to ask at your resort (if your are onsite or at the parks themselves offsite) for the disabilities guides for each park. They will let you know what rides you would need to tranfers on, etc. A majority of the ride lines have adequate space for an ECv to manuver so there is no need to jump ahead. I found the CMs very helpful at each park on my last solo trip. So please do not stay away from a ride because you are not sure how best to access it. :flower:

Mike :moped:

[RaySharpton]

I am glad to read your "smiling" report about using an ECV around WDW. It is wonderful to have your own mobility & freedom!

Thank you, Rascalmom, Belle1962, Sue, Judith, and everyone for your good wishes. I did have a wonderful time and I will never visit WDW without renting a scooter again. It made that such of a difference in my magical experience.

Sincerely, Ray

[eeyore45]

How wonderful!! Thank you for sharing! Invaluable information - I have a friend that is considering, but is 'afraid' since she is so 'young' and doesnt 'appear' to need an ECV - yet her tumor in her back makes it impossible to walk, so I definately share the info many of you post!!

Thanks again!!

[RaySharpton]

I hope to be smiling too.....I will be leaving this Saturday for my solo Disney trip with a scooter I bought on Ebay for a really good price, I am not sure about using it or the problems I will have but I too can't wait not to worry about getting somewhere and not being able to get back or walking from the bus to the ticket location and realize that I can't go any further, my breathing (asthma is really bad, have such shortness of breathe it is really scary) and being alone does not help.....so I am glad to hear you had a really good time, did you do any rides???? did you have problems with getting in lines or did you buy pass some of them....I am so new to this that I am not sure what kind of problems I am going to run into...wish someone was going with me, but my 23 and 25 year old are too old to go with mom...unless of course I pay for them and a friend....think I will keep going Solo......any advice from everyone would help so much....excited by scared too...

Hi, Cheri.

It is a bit scary when you are by yourself and something happens and no one is at your side to help you.

But WDW is such a nice place to be to ask Castmembers to help if you need it, even though I don't like to ask for help, or even think about asking for help. I guess that I'm stubborn.

I see that you are staying in a OKW studio, too. I really enjoyed my OKW studio.

I parked my scooter at the foot of the first bed, as I entered the studio, and plugged my scooter in the electrical outlet.

I could have easily backed the scooter to be more out of the way against the connecting door between the closet and table against the far wall away from the two queen beds. But I like to put my suitcase on one of those suitcase stands against the door. I know no one will enter that way, but I just feel a little better with something always against that connecting door all of the time.

Almost all of the WDW park ride lines for the scooter follow the regular queue line into ride attraction until there is a need to change to a area to enter.

For instance, at MK's Splash Mountain retraction, I entered the same Fast Fass line as everyone else, without difficulty. And also entered the same Standby line as everyone. The trail winded around outside and then went inside until it came to the first steps, then the scooter is directed to the exit area to park against the wall. You may have to wait about 20 to 30 minutes to board. I think that they do this to allow the same amount of time for the other walkers to arrive at the same time as you board. But sometimes there is an open seat and it may only take 10 minutes of waiting. That happened with me one time when someone changed their mine about riding, so I was able to get on after only 10 minutes of waiting at the exit. Of course, the line at the beginning took just as long as everyone else. I think that it took about 45 minutes following everyone until I got to the first stairs and then I was directed to the exit.

Most rides, if they are not as long as Spash Mountain and they don't have a lot of stairs like Splash Mountain, I will park outside the ride attraction and walk in with everyone else using my cane. If you can do this, I think that experincing the queue lines are just as enterataining. I would love to go through that Spash Mountain trail with all the caves, but everyone gets so upset with me about not catching up with the line and wondering if they should pass me or not. I guess that I feel pressure to hurry. So do what you can and enjoy.

You should not have any problems. Most of the castmembers will help you decide what to do and where to go. That is what is so nice about WDW.

Have a great time.

Sincerely, Ray

[RaySharpton]

Yay Ray! So happy that your trip went well!!!

Disneymiss, I can understand your concerns and I think doing several things will help. First, be sure to ask at your resort (if your are onsite or at the parks themselves offsite) for the disabilities guides for each park. They will let you know what rides you would need to tranfers on, etc. A majority of the ride lines have adequate space for an ECv to manuver so there is no need to jump ahead. I found the CMs very helpful at each park on my last solo trip. So please do not stay away from a ride because you are not sure how best to access it. :flower:

Mike :moped:

Hi, Mike.

And thank you. I had a wonderful time.

And I agree with every single advice that you gave.

You should be able to ride just about any attraction that you want to.

To give another example how scooter friendly WDW has made their new rides, the new Epcot Soarin' ride attraction is designed for a larger fastpass area for any scooter to enter and get a fastpass.

And you can follow the regular walker line in your scooter all of the way to your ride attraction seat. You park right beside your Soarin' ride attraction seat. How easy is that. But that is assuming that you can get out of your scooter. If you can't get out of your scooter then there is supposed to be another place to go and view the ride.

Sincerely, Ray

[RaySharpton]

How wonderful!! Thank you for sharing! Invaluable information - I have a friend that is considering, but is 'afraid' since she is so 'young' and doesnt 'appear' to need an ECV - yet her tumor in her back makes it impossible to walk, so I definately share the info many of you post!!

Thanks again!!

Being "afraid" is a common complaint. Being "judged" by others is a common complaint. But don't let that fear stop her from renting a scooter for her whole trip.

I speak from experience.

I used to just rent a scooter when I got to the WDW park. I had a hard time walking long distances at a time, too.

But there was something else that I didn't realize.

When I had to walk from my room to a bus or car and then walk from the bus to the WDW park entrance and to the scooter rental area, I was exhausted, in pain, out of breath and I am ashamed to say, sometimes very irritable because of the pain.

I did not feel this using a scooter outside the park. I did not feel like I couldn't make it because of the walking distance. I had a scooter.

It was amazing how much that I missed of the magic at WDW by looking at the ground at my steps as I walked. I had to put all my concentration in walking, and not falling down.

I say do it. Use the scooter everywhere, and park it whenever you want to to walk. I use a collapsable cane and place it in the scooter basket.

Go to any hardware store and buy at least two velcro strips, about one foot long to attach any cane, or walker, or crutches to the back of the scooter for easy access and carrying it with you if you need it.

Rent the scooter for the whole trip.

Let her explore WDW. Explore the resorts, and their walkways and lakes, and paths, and boat launches, etc..

Sincerely, Ray

[Mykelogan]

To give another example how scooter friendly WDW has made their new rides, the new Epcot Soarin' ride attraction is designed for a larger fastpass area for any scooter to enter and get a fastpass.

And you can follow the regular walker line in your scooter all of the way to your ride attraction seat. You park right beside your Soarin' ride attraction seat. How easy is that. But that is assuming that you can get out of your scooter. If you can't get out of your scooter then there is supposed to be another place to go and view the ride.

Sincerely, Ray

Ray, this is great to here! Thanks for posting your experiences. I did want to ask you as one "pooh sized" guy to another, how were the seats and seatbelts on Soarin?

Mike :earsboy:

[LovePug]

I'm glad you decided to do it. It makes all the difference in the "World". My spouse would never be able to do WDW without a scooter. I finally ended up buying one for our trips because, for the price that I got it for, it'll pay for itself by next summer. After that it'll be "free" :cool1: . I'm so glad you had a great time and an improved experience :goodvibes .

[RaySharpton]

Ray, this is great to here! Thanks for posting your experiences. I did want to ask you as one "pooh sized" guy to another, how were the seats and seatbelts on Soarin?

Mike :earsboy:

Everything about Soarin' is big. The seats were easy to get into for me, but there was no extra wiggle room. I was surprised that the seat belts were plenty large enough. I did have to feel for the buckle attachment on the right side of the seat. Next time I will look for it before I sit down. Sorta like the buckle attachment on the Test Track seat that is sort of hard to feel for on the right side, but I was able to find it and hook it up on my own.

As you enter the Land Pavilion, take your scooter to the left side down the long ramp instead of the longer way on the right side. Once you get on the 2nd level, you will see the escalators and stairs to the third level down on your immediate right. Make a left turn and you will see the single elevator and restrooms.

Take the elevator down to the third level and scoot around following your right side until you see the entrance to the Soaring entrance. On the far right is a area to pick up your fastpass. In the center is the standby line entrance, whick I took after getting a fastpass. And on the left is the fastpass line.

The queue line is very wide, about four to five people wide almost all of the way. Once you get to where they let the fastpass enter, you also enter another queue with standby and fastpass people.

They asked me to drive my scooter in the third queue line.

Let's see if I can describe this about the seats. There are three huge mechanical arms that hold three rows of seats. Each arm loads the same row, one at a time, before being lifted up.

I was in the third row outside. I guess so that it would be easier to turn into the doorway versus being in the first row and make an immediate 90 degree turn. When I drove in the door to get seated, they had already filled rows one and two of all three mechanical arms. It appears that the center, arm rows has ten seats. And the two outside arm, rows has about seven seats each.

I could see already see rows one and two were already up in the air part of the way. So there was plenty of space to drive right past in front of all the rows.

Anyway, they told me to park my scooter in the large space beside the center, arm, column area. I didn't have to turn the scooter sideways or anything. I just hopped in the end seat. The seat have large storage areas underneath each seat. They won't let you hold anything like a backpack. The person next me was holding his backpack, and the castmember layed it on the ground next to my scooter as the show was about ot start.

Each seat shares an armrest, so I just grabbed the end armrest and let the person next to me use the other armrest.

The seat belt was on my left and the receiving end was on the right, back side of the seat. As I said, next time I will look for this site before I sit down. The seat belt was large enough for me.

Then the three arms lifted all of us up in front of the sceen along with rows one and two at the same time and the show started.

Wow......what a show!

I understand that if you are unable to get out of a scooter that they have a static place to watch the movie, but I don't know where.

So you follow the regular walkers all of the way through the queue and ride. WDW did a wonderful job.

Afterwards, they let our third row out first. Sorta of unloading in reverse. We loaded last, but unloaded first depending on whether you were on row one, two, or three.

As you exit, you pass the fastpass on the right.
Then I used my fastpass again. I was hoping to try a different row, but I was on the third row again by chance. I guess that I could have asked, but I was having to much fun.

Have a great time.

Sincerely, Ray

[RaySharpton]

I'm glad you decided to do it. It makes all the difference in the "World". My spouse would never be able to do WDW without a scooter. I finally ended up buying one for our trips because, for the price that I got it for, it'll pay for itself by next summer. After that it'll be "free" :cool1: . I'm so glad you had a great time and an improved experience :goodvibes .


Thank you, I did have a great time. I'll have to look on ebay, too. Just as a curiousity. I don't know if I will buy one yet.

I need to lose weight. Then maybe I could get a scooter that was not a heavy duty one.

Using a scooter gave me so much freedom to go where any walker could go and not have to think about anything that might compromise my trek. This is so hard to explain to some walkers.

Have a great time.

Sincerely, Ray

[msr709]

So glad to hear of your experience Ray. I'm also going this summer and using an ECV. Which company did you use? I used Walker Mobility last year and they were very good but they do deliver without you being there and since last year I had my nephew and BIL to handle the mechanical stuff I didn't think this an issue but since I'm going solo I think I need someone to teach me where everything is. Was it Randy's? TIA :teeth:

[Nanajo1]

Ray,
Thanks for posting. I'm glad you had such a good time. :goodvibes
It sounds like you did everything you said you wanted to do. I was smiling reading about your trip :) :) :) :)

[disneymiss]

Ray, thanks so much for your advise, I can't wait, there has been so many things over the years that I have not seen or was really able to get to because of getting so tired or scared. And at least I will always have a seat, yeah, I am so excited, thanks again for giving me so much hope...Cheri

[RaySharpton]

So glad to hear of your experience Ray. I'm also going this summer and using an ECV. Which company did you use? I used Walker Mobility last year and they were very good but they do deliver without you being there and since last year I had my nephew and BIL to handle the mechanical stuff I didn't think this an issue but since I'm going solo I think I need someone to teach me where everything is. Was it Randy's? TIA :teeth:

Hi, msr709.

I used Randy's Mobility for the first time. I picked them because of the price and the way they made the totol charge for the week.

They charged me $200.00 total for a heavy duty "Amigo", three wheel scooter for one week from Saturday to Saturday, really eight days. I say that because some of the other companies only charged per day or $39.00 to $40.00 per day. That would make it $280.00 for seven days and $320.00 for eight days. Also, some of the other companies didn't carry heavy duty scooters.

So the price made the difference for me.

The normal size scooter by Randy's Mobility was $175.00 per week. So some of the other scooter rental companies may match closer to price for a scooter that is not a heavy duty scooter.

I have heard a lot of good things about Walker and Medical scooter rental, too. But I have never used them.

I hear that some resort bell services help you learn how to use your scooter.

Do you have to take your scooter apart, or will you be staying in a WDW resort and use the WDW transportation?

I'm sure that the other scooter companies will leave written instructions. And I'm sure that they will give you a telephone number to call incase that you have a question.

I think the personal attention would be great for someone that has never used a scooter, or someone that has to take a scooter apart to load in their car. Especially if the scooter is not the same brand that they have used, in case it is taken apart differently.

If you have used the same scooter before, I think that you will be alright.

If you need to take the scooter apart by yourself and put it in the car, can you physically do that by yourself, since your BIL and nephew helped you on previous trips.

Let me know how it goes, and have a magical trip.

Sincerely, Ray

[RaySharpton]

Ray,
Thanks for posting. I'm glad you had such a good time. :goodvibes
It sounds like you did everything you said you wanted to do. I was smiling reading about your trip :) :) :) :)


I did get to do a lot. I spent more time outside the parks than inside the parks with all of my exploring.

I still didn't have enough time to do everything.

I missed my Konga Toast at the Polynesian resort's Kona Cafe for the first time, so I didn't make time to walk the sidewalks between the TTC, Poly, Wedding Chapel, and GF.

I can't believe that I didn't make it to the AK or the AKL this time either.

And I need to make it to the Coronado Springs Resort next time and walk around their lake.

And the Sport Complex.

I did go somewhere every day, put I slept late and stayed up late. I guess that it is my night shift schedule at work that determines this.

And I need to take the path from WL to WLC.

There just wasn't enough time in the day.

And I did stop plenty of times to smell the roses.

I had a wonderful time. I had an amazing time. I can't remember having a better, more magical time at WDW in my life.

As I have said before, it makes so much difference having to walk and watching the ground and missing everything around you to make sure that you don't fall down or catch your breath, or endure the pain which usually leads to exhaustion and irritability...at least for me.

Thank you. Sincerely, Ray

[Nanajo1]

Ray,
Just think of all the things you can do next trip! :moped:

[msr709]

Hi, msr709.

I used Randy's Mobility for the first time. I picked them because of the price and the way they made the totol charge for the week.. .

Let me know how it goes, and have a magical trip.

Sincerely, Ray

Thank you so much for answering in such detail. Its exactly what I needed. The prices was what attracted me to Randy's. Walker does charge on a daily basis, with Randy, I would only be charged the $175 which is more appealing to my budget. :teeth: I will be staying on WDW property at the POP but will be visiting USO for one day and didn't know whether Mears would want me to take anything off the ECV so I'd rather have someone show me how. Walker did leave detailed written instructions but since my Nephew is a mechanic we just left it up to him and I really didn't pay attention (which in retrospect I should've, knowing that I would be back :blush: ). I did find out on these boards that Mears does have a ECV accessible van but since we stayed onsite while at USO last year, we never really used the shuttle so I don't know what to expect from them. Have you used the Mears van for r/t to USO? Thanks for all your help! You've been a fountain of information. :worship: :moped:

[RaySharpton]

Ray,
Just think of all the things you can do next trip! :moped:

Isn't that the truth. I have a whole lifetime of places to visit and see at WDW. And I want to experience many of the same things again, too.

Sincerely, Ray

[RaySharpton]

Thank you so much for answering in such detail. Its exactly what I needed. The prices was what attracted me to Randy's. Walker does charge on a daily basis,

Have you used the Mears van for r/t to USO? Thanks for all your help! You've been a fountain of information. :worship: :moped:

You're welcome.

I almost called Mears to ask for trip from OKW to MK when I needed to be at MK very early for the Regis and Kelly Live Show, but I didn't end up needing them and found out that WDW picks people up very early at 0645 for character breakfasts.

Does anyone else have any experience. I would like to know, too.

Sincerely, Ray

[BCV23]

Ray, I'm so glad you had such a wonderful trip. I was smiling reading your post.

Soarin' is awesome isn't it?!

[poohbear7]

Ray I'm glad you had a great trip and ECV really makes a difference. I know it did for me but I was stuborn and it wasn't until my family rented a scooter for me and then I had to use it that I noticed a hugh difference in touring the parks. I missed so much before I used a ECV it also made me a lot happier and easier to be with. :flower:

[RaySharpton]

I did find out on these boards that Mears does have a ECV accessible van but since we stayed onsite while at USO last year, we never really used the shuttle so I don't know what to expect from them. Have you used the Mears van for r/t to USO? Thanks for all your help! You've been a fountain of information. :worship: :moped:

Hi, msr709. I found the following information from some different threads. It appears that Mears does have transportation for wheelchairs and scooters to use to go USO, or just about anywhere in Orlando as long as you let them know in advance of your needs.

Here is Mears Transportation's website:

www.mearstransportation.com

And the Mears telephone number to call for attraction transportation is 407-423-5566. I didn't see a special telephone number for wheelchair or scooter transportation, but maybe you could call or try a link on the website to ask what number to call.

We had 2 ECVs for our trip to Universal in one van and were only charged $14 per person round trip.
(We are able to transfer, so they could take two of us together that way.)
Carol

Mears shuttle service at MCO has wheelchair vans with a rear lift that can take one (or possibly two at a squeeze) seated wheelchair or ECV passenger, plus around fourersons in regular seats plus their luggage.
Andrew

[msr709]

Ray, I've just put the phone no. into my cellphone so I'll have it when I need it. Thanks :worship: again Ray! :cool1:

[muffyn]

Thank you, Rascalmom, Belle1962, Sue, Judith, and everyone for your good wishes. I did have a wonderful time and I will never visit WDW without renting a scooter again. It made that such of a difference in my magical experience.

Sincerely, Ray

I agree!
for many years "I" was the comando in the family,, I 'hated' just walking around at a snails pace.. hey lets get things done gang! (g). then I had bouts of knee trouble & then surgery on my foot last year which I needed an ECV for several visits to the parks. (sigh). IF I did not have those machines I would have not made it an hour of walking! 3 months ago we were at disneyland, & I 'thought' I was much better so we walked the parks,,,,, man what a mistake, I was in misery....

[RaySharpton]

Ray, I'm so glad you had such a wonderful trip. I was smiling reading your post.

Soarin' is awesome isn't it?!

Thank you, I had a wonderful time, and boy did I go Soarn'.

[RaySharpton]

Ray I'm glad you had a great trip and ECV really makes a difference. I know it did for me but I was stuborn and it wasn't until my family rented a scooter for me and then I had to use it that I noticed a hugh difference in touring the parks. I missed so much before I used a ECV it also made me a lot happier and easier to be with. :flower:

Thank you, it showed me all the things that I have been missing just because of the distance to walk versus not going at all.

[RaySharpton]

I agree!
for many years "I" was the comando in the family,, I 'hated' just walking around at a snails pace.. hey lets get things done gang! (g). then I had bouts of knee trouble & then surgery on my foot last year which I needed an ECV for several visits to the parks. (sigh). IF I did not have those machines I would have not made it an hour of walking! 3 months ago we were at disneyland, & I 'thought' I was much better so we walked the parks,,,,, man what a mistake, I was in misery....

I'm glad that we all finally gave in and swallowed our pride. We all deserve to experience the magic.

I think that I might write down my experiences about researching the scooter rental companies in the Orlando area, and what I found out.

[RaySharpton]

Scooter Rental Review:

I have rented scooters at the Walt Disney World parks for several years because I have trouble walking even short distances. These scooters, called E.C.V.'s or Electrical Convenience Vehecles, are all heavy duty scooters that can carry pooh size people. But the E.C.V's can only be used, and rented inside the WDW parks, and cannot be taken outside or from park to park.

The WDW E.C.V.'s are first come, first serve, and they do rent all of them out sometimes. Except for the backup E.C.V.'s for those that lose their battery charge and need to be replaced. They charge you $40.00 for the day, but they also return $10.00 after you return the key, so it costs essentially $30.00 per day.Update, on 7/5/05 WDW charge you $40.00 for the day, but they also return $5.00 after you return the key, so it costs essentially $35.00 per day or a $5.00 increase.


If you save your receipt and card, you can use it to obtain another E.C.V. at another park by showing your receipt and giving WDW the $10.00 for the key. But this is only for the same day. That is if another E.C.V is available when you arrive. You could spend the day at Animal Kingdom, and then go to Epcot and watch the Illuminations fireworks.

I was finding it harder and harder to walk from the resort room to the bus to the park, and then to another park, and to the bus, and back to my resort room. And then renting a WDW E.C.V., if it was available when I arrived.
I finally broke down, and swallowed my pride, and started to check on the possibility of renting a scooter from an outside vendor that I could use everywhere inside the WDW campus from the resort room, to the various WDW bus and WDW boat transportation systems since I was staying on the WDW property.

I began my research by reading mobility articles and F.A.Q.'s on the AllEarsNet website, and on the DIS Disability forums. I found a lot of information and advice about who to call and rent from. I'll list the names of the scooter rental companies that I researched below.

So after writing down all the websites of the different scooter rental companies, I started to look them up. I was more interested in reading information from their websites, or sending email inquiries than talking to a live person. I guess that I just wanted to see everything in writing so that I could save the information.

I discovered that most companies rented scooters in two price ranges. One standard size scooter for piglet size people that weigh less than 300-lbs., and those large pooh people, like myself that weigh greater than 300 pounds and require a heavy duty scooter.

Then I looked for the best price. Most of the piglet size scooters cost about the same per day or week, but the pooh size scooter cost more to rent because they are bigger.

I researched for a "Pooh" size, heavy duty scooter. I based my prices on the WDW scooters of $30.00/day for a total of $210.00/week. But remember you can't take the WDW scooters outside the parks. The outside scooter rental agency scooters can be taken anywhere, including inside the WDW parks, etc..

I found that Randy's Mobility rented the scooter that I needed for $200.00 per week and if I stayed another week, they would only charge an additional $100.00. I didn't check how much they charge per day, but the website said to email them for daily prices. Also, Randy's Mobility required that the renter be present to receive the scooter, and receive personal instructions and return their scooter while the other rental companies just leave the scooter at the resort or bell services with detailed instructions on how to use the scooter.

Randy's Mobility was the only rental company that required the renter to actually be present to accept the scooter. All of the other companies left the scooter at the resort's lobby or bell services. Most people that I heard from liked the idea of having the scooter already at their resort waiting for them in the lobby or the bell services.

Alan, the representative from Randy's Mobility said that many newbies never used a scooter and did not know how to recharge the unit or how to turn the seat around, or even take a scooter apart and put it back together if that particular kind of scooter was rented to transport in a car.

I didn't really care about waiting for the scooter versus having it already at the resort, because I was looking a the lower cost. I also wasn't interested in renting a scooter to take apart and transport in my car.

The scooter was called Amigo, heavy duty, three wheel scooter. It had a basket on the front to put my collapsable walking cane, water bottle, a small umbrella, a $.99 disposable rain poncho, a $1.99 disposable rain tarp to cover the scooter in a heavy rain, and one of those weird Glad Saran Wrap thingies that have a elastic band around them (they were supposed to be used to stretch over bowls easily because of the elastic band). The seat was a very wide 22 inches, with fold up arm rests, and fold down seat back. The seat also had a fabric covering instead of a plastic covering. I'm sure the plastic covering would hold up better in rain, but the fabric seat was much more comfortable. That is why I had a plastic tarp to place over the fabric seat if I thought that it was going to rain while I was inside a restaurant. Oh, and the Glad Saran wrap thingie fits really good over the electrical part of the steering tiller in case of rain. There was a retractable electrical cord buildin to the back of the scooter which made it easy to recharge in my room or at any restaurant, parade, or fireworks, or show. Yes they had electrical outlets everywhere. Since this was my first time using a scooter outside the parks, I walked everywhere from sun rise to after midnight. So sometimes I would recharge once a day.

Most of the fully charged scooters could travel 10 to 20 miles without a recharge in between. But increased weight, frequent hills, running the scooter all day will decrease the actual milage. Most of the time, I did not have to recharge during the day, I just did it because I was cautious.

I reserved my heavy duty scooter for one week, from Saturday to Saturday for $200.00 from Randy's Mobility. Some of the scooter rental companies charge for eight days instead of seven days. This added another $40.00. So I chose Randy's Mobility.

If you are curious about what your scooter will look like, ask the company that you rent from for three possible pieces of information. First for a "brand or maker name", second for a "model name", and if available a "model number". Use this information and perform a computer google search until you find a good web site for the "specifications" of the scooter. You don't have to do this, but I was just curious.

Here are the rental companies that I contacted and the prices that they charged for the daily, weekly use of a heavy duty, pooh size scooter. I didn't reseach for a piglet size scooter, but I included those prices from their website, too.

*Randy's Mobility at http://randysmobility.com (http://randysmobility.com/) or 863-679-1550 and open Mon-Thu: 1000-1900, and Fri-Sat: 1000-2100, and Sun: 1200-1800.
A Pooh size, heavy duty scooter for 301-450-lbs. cost $200.00 for the first week which came out to $28.57 per day. (for the second week only $100.00.)
A Piglet size, standard duty scooter for less than 300-lbs. cost $175.00 per week which comes out to $25.00 per day. (for the second week only $100.00.)
They ask to call for daily rate.
They said that they rent www.PrideMobility.com (http://www.pridemobility.com/) , www.Amigo.com (http://www.amigo.com/) , www.Pacesaver.com (http://www.pacesaver.com/) , and www.Bruno.com (http://www.bruno.com/) brand scooters.

*Walker Medical & Mobility Products at www.walkermobility.com (http://www.walkermobility.com/) or 888-726-6837 from Mon-Sat: 0800-1700, and Sun: 0800-1400.
A Pooh size, heavy duty scooter, 301-425-lbs.. No weekly charge. $39.00 per day which comes out to $273.00 per week. But they were going to charge me for eight days for Saturday to Saturday for $312.00.
A Piglet size, standard scooter, less than 300-lbs.. No weekly charge. $30.00 per day which comes out to $210.00 per week for seven days, not eight days.

*Scootarama at www.scootarama.com (http://www.scootarama.com/) or 877-736-8328 and open seven days from 0830-2100.
A Pooh size, heavy duty scooter for 301-450-lbs.. They did not have a weekly rate. They charged per day only. $40.00 per day which came out to $280.00 for a week.
A Piglet size, standard scooter for less than 300-lbs.. They did not have a weekly rate. They charged per day only. $25.00 per day which came out to $175.00 for a week.
They carry the some scooter that look really nice called the ( www.PrideMobility.com (http://www.pridemobility.com/) ) "Revo" and "Maxima" scooters. I really liked the look of the Maxima scooter.

*Care Medical Equipment at www.caremedicalequipment.com (http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/) or 407-856-2273 and open Mon-Fri: 0830-1700, and Sat-Sun: 0900-1600.
This company also rents and sales all sorts of durable medical equipment.
A Pooh size, heavy duty scooter, 301-450-lbs. for $270.00 per week and $40.00 per day.
A Piglet size, standard scooter, less than 300-lbs. for $200.00 per week or $30.00 per day (second week, $25.00 per day.)

*Colonial Medical has a poor website, no heavy duty scooters. You can email them for prices. I didn't bother.

*Scootaround Mobility Product Rentals at www.scootaround.com (http://www.scootaround.com/) or 888-441-7575.
A Pooh size, heavy duty scooter for $225.00 per week, and $285.00 for 8 to 10 days. This is not the same as Scootarama. I didn't research much after this.

So, go for it. Do some research yourself. This was all done in May, 2005, so prices or items might have changed, so double check yourself.

You can see why I chose Randy's Mobility for $200.00 per week for a Pooh size, heavy duty scooter.

Here are some web links to give you an idea of what to look for if you want to see more specific specifications of the particualar scooter that you want to rent or even buy. I'll use Pride company as an example. The rental company may say that they will rent you a Maxima scooter. Maxima is made by Pride. Do a google search after asking for the Brand name, model, and if possible a model number for the scooter you want to see more information on.

"Pride" brand, company is at www.pridemobility.com (http://www.pridemobility.com) website. Look for their product or scooter link on the front page, and look for the "Maxima" model link. There you will find a very good website with a manual, and brochure, and streaming video, and more importantly "pictures" of the Pride Maxima scooter and "specifications" showing the weight, parts, milage, if it can be taken apart and put in your car, etc..

If you can't find a website to the scooter that you are looking for, here are some websites that I found while I was thinking about buying a scooter that I could use and take apart and put in my car. It may not have the scooter that you are looking for, but it will help you get started in your research.

www.easymobilityco.com (http://www.easymobilityco.com/) has great specifications of different scooters and even a streaming video.

www.mobilitytoys.com (http://www.mobilitytoys.com/) has a lot of specifications of scooters, but some of the models are older. That is why it is nice to have a proper or current model number for the brand name of the scooter. The scooter improve every model and every year. So don't get caught looking at an older model with the same brand and model name, but with a different, older model number.

www.usatechguide.org (http://www.usatechguide.org/) is a scooter review and description webpage that lets you read what a rider, or caregiver thinks of their scooter. I think that you can even leave a review of your own scooter that you own.

www.spinlife.com (http://www.spinlife.com/) has some of the cheapest prices for scooters if you are thinking about buying one.

Please let me know if I made any mistakes or to update prices.

I am a novice at this, after all, but not for long.

Sincerely, Ray Sharpton

[Nanajo1]

I've rented a regular size ECV from Walker's many times. Last Feb/Mar I rented for 20 days and my cost was around $28/day. I have always rented for more than 7 days and my cost average about $27-29/day.

[RaySharpton]

I've rented a regular size ECV from Walker's many times. Last Feb/Mar I rented for 20 days and my cost was around $28/day. I have always rented for more than 7 days and my cost average about $27-29/day.

Hi, Nanajoi. That is what I wrote about Walker Mobility scooter rental company. Thirty dollars ($30.00) per day for a standard scooter for someone weighing less than 300 pounds. That is what they quoted me.

I was not going to rent a standard size scooter. I was going to rent a heavy duty scooter. Walker Mobility quoted me $39.00 per day for a scooter for anyone weighing greater thatn 300 pounds.

I have heard a lot of good things about Walker mobility, but they were going to charge me significantly more for a heavy duty scooter than what Randy's Mobility charged me.

www.walkermobility.com/products.htm

[Nanajo1]

Ray,
I was just wanted to confirm what you were reporting from my own experiences. When I have talked to Walker's they often don't charge me for the last day:moped:

[RaySharpton]

Ray,
I was just wanted to confirm what you were reporting from my own experiences. When I have talked to Walker's they often don't charge me for the last day:moped:

For being such a good customer as you are, especially on those wonderful twenty (20) day WDW trips, they should give you better deal than someone that rents for only four or seven days.

After all you are bringing in a lot of money for them and I'm sure they consider you a very reliable and trustworthy customer.

Have you thought about buying a scooter. But then if you had to fly down to WDW, that could be a hassle, too. I'm seriously thinking about buying a used scooter that can be taken apart and put in my car since I usually drive down to WDW.

But it sure is convenient to have them bring a scooter to you while you are at WDW.

I hope to see you sometime in WDW. I'll be going in December again for the 2005 Mousefest. I'll be able to attend so many more meets with a scooter. December is a beautiful time to visit WDW with all of the christmas lights and trees.

Sincerely, Ray

[Nanajo1]

Ray,
Maybe I should look for a FF discount :goodvibes. I own both a power chair and a Pride scooter but I'm reluctant to entrust the airlines with either of them. I read every thread about folks taking their own equipment but I'm so nervous that something will happen and I'll be left at the airport with a broken chair/ecv. Hopefully one day I'll take the plunge and bring my own.

[RaySharpton]

I absolutely agree with you. What if your scooter or power wheelchair did breakdown at the airport or at WDW. Then you would have to worry about getting it fixed, and worry about getting another scooter to rent. And if the scooter could not be fixed easily, then you have to worry about getting back home on the plan, along with another renta scooter to use at the airport, etc..

Plus what if the airline was not careful with your scooter and damaged it or lost it by sending it to another city.

You would have to worry about getting around the airport and to the resort until they found your scooter or you received another rental unit.

I don't think that I would trust the airlines transporting a scooter.

There is something about the piece of mind having a rental scooter at WDW and knowing that the rental agency can bring you another scooter if you had any problems.

I don't think that I made you feel better about taking your own scooter.

[RaySharpton]

I just had to post this personal experience from another thread that I had. I was laughing so hard.

Has anyone experienced not being able to board the boat to MK with an ECV? We are planning for Dec., and my mom will be in an ECV. I have "heard" that ECVs might not be able to board the boat with certain water conditions. Any actual experience?


You want to hear something funny. It happened to me. First, I didn't have any trouble boarding or unboarding any of the boat lauches or pontoon boats while I was at WDW. Sometimes I could drive right on the boat launch because the boat entrance was level with the dock.

I have been to WDW in the past when I have heard Castmembers say that they could not let a scooter board a boat launch at the dock of Wilderness Lodge because he said that the lake levels were so low with no rain for the past several weeks.

But I digress.

My funny story. Magic Kingdom had just closed, and I boarded the boat that was going from Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge. I drove right on the boat with no ramp needed because the boat entrance was level with the Magic Kingdom dock.

The boat completely filled up.

We got to the Wilderness Lodge dock and because of the weight of all the passengers, the boat entrance was almost one foot lower than the dock.

I am not kidding. And he could not use the ramp because of the way the boat is designed. There is a wall, or stairway for the captain of the boat to go up and sit. So when you get on, you drive to the right around it, or to the left around it. Same when getting off. It's hard to explain since it is such a big boat.

With a standing room only crowd.

The Castmember told everyone to standup. Remember, this is after midnight, after Magic Kingdom closed. Everyone was exhausted.

A few people got up.

He again asked everyone to please standup and move to the left.

Everyone stand up...now move as far to the left side of the boat as you can.

Can you believe it...it raised the boat so that I could drive right off. It raised the boat over a foot.

That was a hoot!

So I guess anything can happen at WDW.

Everyone had a good laugh and applauded, including me.

I felt like tipping the Castmember...lol.

Have a great vacation and no worries.

Sincerely, Ray

[SueM in MN]

I've seen other people report the same thing, but never in such a humerous and deescriptive way.

[eeyore45]

Ray... :rotfl2:

I wouldnt have ever imagined!! What information you learn here!! Thanks for sharing that wonderful story!! :goodvibes

[RaySharpton]

Well...I finally did it.

I have been watching ebay for a couple of months now for a scooter.

There are so many scooters being offered on ebay. Usually at least an average of 200 scooters any given day.

Some of scooter are used, some of them new, some of them recognizable brand names, some I have never heard of before even with a computer search, some that will only allow local pickup, and most that can be mailed.

Their was one ebay seller that I was watching that was consistently selling new, Pride-Mobility scooters close to 50% off what the other sellers were selling the same scooter for.

I was outbid several times. Probably because I use a slow WebTV internet access device. And certainly because I did not bid enough.

The scooter that I was looking for was the new Pride-Mobility Revo 3-wheel scooter.

I saw several at WDW last year and I liked the way it looked and that it could easily be broken down into five parts. It had a front and rear light, too.

The first time, the starting bid was for $600.00. I was just looking and I didn't really know what I wanted and I wasn't really ready to bid for a scooter. I was shocked that one bidder won it for $600.00.

I did some research and located the same scooter and specifications on www.pridemobility.com/products/Scooter/Revo/revo.html . I liked what the scooter offered and the way it looked. Searching for prices resulted in an average of about $1,500.00 for a new Revo 3-wheel scooter.

So, for the price, I bid again. I got busy and bid to low again and the Revo 3-wheel scooter sold for $659.00.

I was surprised that the seller was selling another new Revo 3-wheel scooter. He stated that his father had died and that he had received these scooter as part of the will.

I searched his evaluations from his buyers and they were all positive. And there were several that bought his scooters.

So I bid again for another Revo 3-wheel scooter and bid $724.00 and I lost that one by $10.00.

I didn't see him offer anymore scooters for over a week after the last one sold and then he put one up for bid again.

This time the starting price was $700.00. Boy I wish that I had won that earlier bid for $600.00. I bid $700.00 for the first bid with plans of putting a higher bid on the last day.

Someone bid $710.00, but it was retracted several days later.

I woke up early one morning the day the bidding was to end and decided to place a higher maximum bid of $850.00. The bid was still at $700.00.

When I woke up later, I won the bid at $700.00 as the only bidder.

I am the owner of a brand new Revo 3-wheel scooter to take to WDW and maybe to go see my first Atlanta Braves baseball game in over a decade.

I can't believe I did it.

Now I have started dieting again. While on ebay I bought the "South Beach Diet" book and I am going to try so hard to stick to it.

If you are interested in who sold me the scooter on ebay, his ebay name is chuxluv.

Chuxluv does sell other Pride scooters and electric wheelchairs, too.

I am a novice at all of this stuff, but for $700.00, almost 54% off other prices, I think that I got a great deal.

O.K., now time to prepare my broccoli, squash, and hamburger dinner.

Sincerely, Ray

[Mykelogan]

Hi Ray!

Congratulations! So happy for you to get a good deal on such a helpful tool. If you are interested in some weight loss support as you said you bought South Beach Diet book, I wanted to encourage you to join the fun over in the WISH threads on the DIS forums. I am amazed every day by the people in there!!

Have a great night!
Mike :goodvibes

[SueM in MN]

Congratulations to you, Ray!
:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[RaySharpton]

Hi, Mike. Well, you encouraged me to restart my journal on WISHes and add my clippie. Last time I was on Atkin's Diet, but this time I am going to try South Beach Diet. I hope that I can make it this time.

Thanks, Sue.

I saw several newbies asking about renting scooters again, so I changed my title to maybe help the newbies see my experiences and adventures.

I just found out that DHL should be delivering my scooter pretty soon.

I think that there is a Braves baseball game in my near future.

Sincerely, Ray

[RaySharpton]

I went to this attraction for the first time and first time using a scooter.

The fastpass is located to the left and is large enough for scooters to enter. You get in the same queue lines with the rest of the walkers to enter the fastpass or standby line.

when I got past the fastpass entrance they directed me to the left. They said to follow the black, asphalt pavement around the outside of the left side of the attraction.

I saw that the standby line had a handicap gate that was beside the walker's entrance which I thought that I was going to use. This appeared to lead in the same direction as the walkers but inside the gated attraction.

So with fastpass access, I followed the asphalt pavement all the way to the back side of the attraction. I could see the other walkers inside the gate going the same direction but inside the attraction while I was out in the open.

A WDW Castmember met me and directed me under the concrete stands to a waiting queue. Then another castmember took two to four wheelchairs or scooters to one of two elevators. These elevators were under and behind the attraction concrete signs. I got the impression that no one else could use them.

They took us up to the middle part of the stands. We went through a concrete gate made especially for wheel chairs and scooters.

As we entered the parking/sitting area, I saw that it looked like I was in the middle. There were just as many seats below me as above me.

If I remember correctly, there were five scooter spaces on the left and right for a total of ten scooter spaces. I think that I saw a total of three of these sections to the left and right of me along the length of the stands in between the regular seating which was metal benches like at Fantasmic.

I also noticed that there was an eletrical outlet behind me on a eight foot wall that I used to recharge my battery. Above this wall was where the regular seating continued up to the top.

Below me was regula bench seating.

I'll try to describe the one sectin that I was in. It was surrounded on three sides by concrete walls, but in front was regular bench seating.

Starting on the right was a two seat bench, then a two scooter space, then a two seat bench, then a two scooter space, then a two seat bench, then a one scooter space. Then there was a large concrete support column which was directly in front of the scooter entrance. Continuing on the left side is a mirrow image seating area with one scooter space, then a two seat bench, then a two scooter space, then a two seat bench, then a two scooter space, then a two seat bench, then a concrete wall.

I couldn't see any scooter spaces up front, but when I left the same way that I came in, I saw a wheelchair exit a concrete ramp that looked like it might have come from the front, bottom row section. This might be the section that you are talking about.

It was a very nice view.

After I got settled in after plugging in my scooter to recharge, I saw that all the lines of walkers being escorted down the front from my right side to the far left side.

They appeared to try and seat everyone on the far side first, then the middle section. By this time the left and middle section appeared fairly full and I saw many people walking from from the left side to the right side before the castmembers filled up the first sections.

I was amazed at how large the stadium was and how many people filled the stadium. The stadium faced the front entrance. And the sets on the attraction show stage were awesome.

I saw a concrete road with tire skidmarks up front. Then a water river thing parallel to that with a bridge over it in the center and on the left side. Past that is a large area with tire skid marks in a semicircle. Behind that is all sorts of buildings of stores, shops, hotels, cafes, apartments with balconies, etc.. Some were five stories tall.

I also counted a total of about seven entrances for all of the cars in the show.

You had a larger view than at Fantasmic show.

Have a great time.

Sincerely, Ray

[RaySharpton]

Scooter Soarin' Attraction Ride Review.

As you enter the Land Pavilion, take your scooter to the left side down the long ramp instead of the longer way on the right side.

Once you get on the 2nd level, you will see the escalators and stairs to the third level down on your immediate right. Make a left turn and you will see the single elevator and restrooms.

Take the elevator down to the third level and scoot around following your right side until you see the entrance to the Soaring entrance. On the far right is a area to pick up your fastpass. In the center is the standby line entrance, whick I took after getting a fastpass. And on the left is the fastpass line.

The queue line is very wide, about four to five people wide almost all of the way. Once you get to where they let the fastpass enter, you also enter another queue with standby and fastpass people.

They asked me to drive my scooter in the third queue line.

Let's see if I can describe this about the seats.

There are three huge mechanical arms that hold three rows of seats. Each arm loads the same row, one at a time, before being lifted up.

I was in the third row outside. I guess so that it would be easier to turn into the doorway versus being in the first row and make an immediate 90 degree turn. When I drove in the door to get seated, they had already filled rows one and two of all three mechanical arms. It appears that the center, arm rows has ten seats. And the two outside arm, rows has about seven seats each.

I could see already see rows one and two were already up in the air part of the way. So there was plenty of space to drive right past in front of all the
rows.

Anyway, they told me to park my scooter in the large space beside the center, arm, column area. I didn't have to turn the scooter sideways or anything. I just hopped in the end seat.

The seats have large storage areas underneath each seat. They won't let you hold anything like a backpack. The person next me was holding his backpack, and the castmember layed it on the ground next to my scooter as the show was about ot start.

Each seat shares an armrest, so I just grabbed the end armrest and let the person next to me use the other armrest.

The seat belt was on my left and the receiving end was on the right, back side
of the seat.

As I said, next time I will look for this site before I sit down.

The seat belt was large enough for me.

Then the three arms lifted all of us up in front of the sceen along with rows one and two at the same time and the show started.

Wow......what a show!

I understand that if you are unable to get out of a scooter that they have a static place to watch the movie, but I don't know where.

So you follow the regular walkers all of the way through the queue and ride. WDW did a wonderful job.

Afterwards, they let our third row out first. Sorta of unloading in reverse.

I loaded last, but unloaded first depending on whether you were on row one, two, or three.

As you exit, you pass the fastpass on the right.
Then I used my fastpass again.

I was hoping to try a different row, but I was
on the third row again by chance. I guess that I could have asked, but I was having to much fun.
Have a great time.

Sincerely, Ray

[Nanajo1]

Thanks Ray for the detailed description of those attractions. I'm eager to do both of them. Congratulations on your scooter purchase. It will give you so much freedom at home. I have one that we keep in DH's car so we don't always have to use my van. It certainly gives me more options.

[RaySharpton]

Thanks Ray for the detailed description of those attractions. I'm eager to do both of them. Congratulations on your scooter purchase. It will give you so much freedom at home. I have one that we keep in DH's car so we don't always have to use my van. It certainly gives me more options.

You're welcome, Nanajo1. Actually, I will be keeping my scooter in my car for long walking excursions like WDW or an Atlanta Braves baseball game. I can still walk, but not for long distances without sitting down.

This will give me tremendous freedom, too.

Sincerely, Ray

[ElenitaB]

Ray, thanks for all your helpful information. I'll be in the midst of medical treatment during our upcoming trip and I will definitely need a scooter. I was planning on renting by the day, but I now think it makes way more sense to rent one for the entire week. Hopefully I'll be piglet-sized by the time November rolls around (I'm doing The Zone diet and hope to keep it up, even when they have me on steroids... blech).

Anyway, just wanted to say THANKS! :love2:

[disneymiss]

I bought a scooter for my trip and well lets just say I had 2 1/2 days of fun, fun,fun, then I went to It's a small world and the CM said he would take care of my scooter, well it never worked again, I had to push it back to my hotel, and that was just the beginning of my trouble, I could not make it very far and could not get help, Jimmy from Casey's (the piano guy) tried to help, but he said that everyone was on lunch break and seemed to be no on to take over for the ones who were gone.....great!!! so I had to push it all the way, now with my asthma and dysnea, this was not good, did get to my room at OKW and asked if someone was able to help and look at it, WELL, Disney is not allowed to touch anyones personal scooter, so I was stuck, too far a way from the food and too far away from the bus stop....... lucky I had food in my frig, but could not do anything for the rest of the trip, and no one would help.....then it was time to go home, well they did not know what to do with the scooter after I pushed it to check out and get my boarding passes and they could not put it in luggage, so guess what, I had to push it to and thru the Airport, now I have to say the TSA guards wanted to help but they were on duty and they could not, so on I went pushing until I got to my gate and then they put it under the airplane and on the way home it was........

to this day that scooter is not working and no one can figure out why it is not working, this is from electrical engineering team from Lehigh University, Great if they can not figure out what is wrong with it who can, I got this scooter from a dealer on ebay, never again, so everyone please be very careful......

Disney did say they did not know what to do and there was nothing I could do.....and they did not have any kind of procedure or paper work that would tell them what to do about this kind of situation, but I do have the phone number to call Disney Claims, may have to try that number...

I do have to say they all would just say, your party can help you, well I have no party, I go solo now and have been for a few years, so it was very upsetting, I did let them know that more and more people are getting thier own scooters and bring them and are also come solo and they just may have to figure something out for it may and will happen again.....hopefully not to me.....LOL

So now I had to get another one, this time it is a used one, only 6 months warranty, and I hope it makes it for my Halloween trip and Christmas trip......just don't let a CM park your scooter, that is what Disney told me.

Its not that I can't walk but I can't breathe after about 200 feet and have to stop and rest and then try to go on....the scooter was so nice for I was able to see things I have not seen in a very long time.

Ray I do understand the freedom you were talking about, it was great, now I just have to get it back again.....

[SueM in MN]

Wow!
Sorry to hear about your bad luck.

[msr709]

I bought a scooter for my trip and well lets just say I had 2 1/2 days of fun, fun,fun, then I went to It's a small world and the CM said he would take care of my scooter, well it never worked again, I had to push it back to my hotel, and that was just the beginning of my trouble, I could not make it very far and could not get help, .....

I'm so sorry to hear about your misfortune with the scooter. It's a shame that Disney didn't have a phone for a repair place or at least some mechanic that could've looked at this for you. What would they have done if you were completely reliant on the scooter, like you couldn't walk at all??? I can only imagine the stress you must of felt. I rented my scooter from Randy's Mobility and at least they have an emergency no to call if the scooter breaks down. I would suggest that if you are going solo you rent one from one of the outside rentals, with Randy you would have to be there to receive the scooter, but they do show you how to work it and answer any other questions. At least this way you know you won't be left stranded. Hope your next trip is uneventful and fun! :teeth:

[SueM in MN]

An other good point is to make sure you have a phone number for some place that can do repairs on mobility equipment you own. You might be able to get a recommendation from the place you deal with at home, just in case you need it. Otherwise, find the website for the brand of equipment you own, look for local Orlando dealers and bring the information along with you.

[Janet2k]

Scooter Soarin' Attraction Ride Review.

I was hoping to try a different row, but I was on the third row again by chance. I guess that I could have asked, but I was having to much fun.


Ray, I recently returned from WDW. While we were there, one of the folks in my party was using a motorized scooter (ECV). As we approached the queue area for the actual ride (the pre-boarding area), my friend requested the front row. The Cast Member told her that motorized scooters could not use the front row because the turn is too sharp from the front row's queue area into the ride area. She asked him if she could wait in the second or third row's queue line but still ride in the front row since she could walk from wherever the scooter needed to be parked inside the ride. He told her "no" and wouldn't budge on that. He stated that rules were rules and no scooters and their riders were allowed in the front row, only the second and third rows.

Just passing on what we were told by one Cast Member (hopefully it was the truth).

[JudithM]

Interesting about Soarin' ... last April when we were able to do two previews - AP on Saturday & park on Tuesday - I was able to let my party go through row one & save me a seat while I rode the ECV in row three. I didn't want guests dangling feet in my view :)!

[Janet2k]

JudithM, thank you for sharing your experience. It gives me hope that my friend might be able to sit in row one on Soarin' at some point in the future.

[Janet2k]

Since Ray had attempted to describe what the ride vehicle looks like for the Soarin' ride, I thought I would post a link to the official WDW website where they give a glimpse of this: click here (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/parks/attractionDetail?id=SoarinAttractionPage).

If your computer is set up to play QuickTime videos, you'll see (and hear) a little bit of what someone experiences on the Soarin’ ride. It's a shame, however, that you can't smell what you smell on the ride, ~sigh~ (I think that's my favorite part of the ride).

[Talking Hands]

When I rode Soaring I rode in the front row. Maybe it was allowed because my power wheelchair is no bigger than a manual wheelchair.

[msr709]

When I rode on Soarin in DL I was allowed to sit in the front row, I just had to leave the ECV by the last row. When I rode in WDW Soarin I did ride the 3rd row but I just assumed it was because the 1st two were full, I really didn't ask since I had done it already. Sometimes it depends on the CM. I really don't see why she wouldn't be allowed to ride the first row and just park the ECV in the back, it was really no hassle at all. :goodvibes

[mckryan]

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to thank you for all the resources listed for scooter rentals. We're doing a family (16 people) trip in February, and my MIL is coming. She just cannot walk for long distances, and while it might be worthwhile to rent a scooter or w/c at each park, I just can't see her making it from the bus stop to each entrance. So, I asked her this weekend if I could look into scooter rentals for her. I think she realized that this would be a good thing and didn't even argue. The trip may be enjoyable now that we won't have to worry about "mom" keeping up with everyone!

[msr709]

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to thank you for all the resources listed for scooter rentals. We're doing a family (16 people) trip in February, and my MIL is coming. She just cannot walk for long distances, and while it might be worthwhile to rent a scooter or w/c at each park, I just can't see her making it from the bus stop to each entrance. So, I asked her this weekend if I could look into scooter rentals for her. I think she realized that this would be a good thing and didn't even argue. The trip may be enjoyable now that we won't have to worry about "mom" keeping up with everyone!

Believe me you WON'T be sorry, it will be best thing for everyone. It takes a little time for getting on the buses but it is soooooo worth it. The rentals are usually much, much better than the ones at the park. I hope you have a wonderful vacation, we did an 11 family member visit and there were 2 ECVs and we loved it!

[mckryan]

I'm thankful that MIL can walk, so if worse comes to worse, one of us can put the ECV on the bus if she's not comfortable driving it on there. I heard back from Randy's on a rental, but they quoted me the week price. I am curious if they have a 5-6 day price since we are only going to be there 5 nights.

[clkelley]

Thank you so much for answering in such detail. Its exactly what I needed. The prices was what attracted me to Randy's. Walker does charge on a daily basis, with Randy, I would only be charged the $175 which is more appealing to my budget. :teeth: I will be staying on WDW property at the POP but will be visiting USO for one day and didn't know whether Mears would want me to take anything off the ECV so I'd rather have someone show me how. Walker did leave detailed written instructions but since my Nephew is a mechanic we just left it up to him and I really didn't pay attention (which in retrospect I should've, knowing that I would be back :blush: ). I did find out on these boards that Mears does have a ECV accessible van but since we stayed onsite while at USO last year, we never really used the shuttle so I don't know what to expect from them. Have you used the Mears van for r/t to USO? Thanks for all your help! You've been a fountain of information. :worship: :moped:

I've used the accessible van from Disney to Universal and it is a breeze.

You can drive the scooter straight into the van from the lift ramp, and then they ask that you transfer to one of their little side seats with seatbelts. You don't have to take anything off.

It is same rate as the regular Mears bus, but you "usually" get a private ride!

To reserve the van, dial "0" from your resort phone the day before your wish to leave.

When the Disney operator answers, ask to be transferred to Mears.

Tell Mears that you want to go to Universal the next day, approximately what time, where you are staying, and stress that you need the accessible van.

They will give you a pickup time and location (out front at POP).

Be at the location 15 minutes before they state.

When the driver arrives you will pay him $15 RT in CASH (might be $16 by now, ask when you call).

When you get to Universal, you can schedule a pick up time then, or you can call the phone number on the back of your return trip voucher two hours before you are ready to go back to schedule your return time. Remind them you need the accessible van.

When it is time to return to your Disney resort, simply return to the location where you were dropped off. You will then be transported back to POP.

[clkelley]

Hi, Mike. Well, you encouraged me to restart my journal on WISHes and add my clippie. Last time I was on Atkin's Diet, but this time I am going to try South Beach Diet. I hope that I can make it this time.

Thanks, Sue.

I saw several newbies asking about renting scooters again, so I changed my title to maybe help the newbies see my experiences and adventures.

I just found out that DHL should be delivering my scooter pretty soon.

I think that there is a Braves baseball game in my near future.

Sincerely, Ray

The Atlanta Braves folks are SUPER DUPER helpful to those in scooters and wheelchairs!! We went to a Braves game a couple of years ago and hubby brought his scooter and they bent over backwards helping us out. They made sure we could get to the will call window for our tickets. A host personally helped us through the turnstiles and directed us to our seats.

As we were leaving, many of the hosts made sure wheelchairs and ECVs got priority on the elevators.

There is a $10 charge for parking in the handicapped area, but that was about what we expected.

[Blueberry]

I am renting a scooter for the first time this March, my arthritis is not allowing me to walk all day any longer without being in real pain so I am going to give it a try.

We have opted to rent one for the whole trip and we have a question about carrying it in a rental car. DH is very worried over me driving it in long distances from the parking lot, I do not have a handicap sticker so do not qualify for those lots. He thinks it may run the battery down a lot say in the MK parking lot,just getting to the TTC.

Can anyone tell me, are there any drop off points for handicap or people with scooters at the parks and I could just wait for him to park it and meet up with me??

Thanks for your help...

[SueM in MN]

We have opted to rent one for the whole trip and we have a question about carrying it in a rental car. DH is very worried over me driving it in long distances from the parking lot, I do not have a handicap sticker so do not qualify for those lots. He thinks it may run the battery down a lot say in the MK parking lot,just getting to the TTC.

Can anyone tell me, are there any drop off points for handicap or people with scooters at the parks and I could just wait for him to park it and meet up with me??

Thanks for your help...
There are drop off points at each park and also the parking lot CMs wil be able to direct you to parking areas that would be appropriate. Just let the CM know that you need to park close, have an ECV and don't have a handicapped parking permit.

If you are staying at one of the WDW resorts, I's highly recommend using the bus to get to MK. If you park at MK, you need to get from the parking area to the Ticket and Transportation Center. There, you will catch either a monorail or boat to get to MK. If you take the bus, you are taken directly to MK (pretty much the same place that the monorail or boat leaves you off).