mkla2015
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2015
ECV in Restaurants
- Thread starter mkla2015
- Start date
minnie mum
Unapologetic Disney Fan(atic)
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2011
Most people park them either outside the restaurant, or in an out if the way spot in the waiting area of some TS restaurants, and then walk to their table. Tables are placed very close together and it can be difficult to navigate. But I have seen some guests who aren't able to walk that far stay on their ECVs while dining. At TS restaurants, please let the hostess know when you check in at the podium so they can allocate an appropriate table.
At BOG, ECVs are parked just outside the castle doors as a rule. But again, if she can't walk, she can take it inside. Parking it at the table, and out of the way of the serving trolleys may be a bit of a challenge.
At BOG, ECVs are parked just outside the castle doors as a rule. But again, if she can't walk, she can take it inside. Parking it at the table, and out of the way of the serving trolleys may be a bit of a challenge.
GranJan
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2011
I ride a small ECV & have never had an issue taking it in a restaurant but my husband usually parks it out of the way after I'm seated...sometimes he parks it outside. Even though my ECV is small, I don't use the basket on the front because it's more difficult to manage in crowded spaces with the basket on. I don't think I'd want to try one of the large ECVs in a restaurant. If she's not familiar with driving a scooter, make sure she turns the speed down in tight spaces. We're at WDW now & I've seen more elderly people crashing in to objects & almost crashing into people if they hadn't hopped out of the way. We saw a woman drive off a curb today...it was one of the big WDW rentals so it didn't tip over but she had to get off while others got it back up for her. I always wonder why family members traveling with elderly people who are obviously not used to driving ECVs don't advise them to turn the speed dial down.
mamabunny
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2012
Just ate at BOG in February - my personal scooter (TravelScoot) - has drop down handle bars, so I can literally drive right up to the table, drop the handlebars, and sit on my scooter while dining. We did elect to park my scooter a couple of times, but the CMs always made sure we knew that we didn't have to.
I never had any issues driving my scooter right in to any dining room at WDW, and the CMs were always super helpful
Obviously, just use common sense; go slowly if it's crowded, and be mindful other guests, and you'll be just fine!
I never had any issues driving my scooter right in to any dining room at WDW, and the CMs were always super helpful
Obviously, just use common sense; go slowly if it's crowded, and be mindful other guests, and you'll be just fine! 
Elevationist
Princess No-Pants
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2004
I would say that it also depends on the size of the scooter. I'm a big lady so I use a larger model, the Maxima. As such, I make a point not to take it into shops or restaurants due to the close quarters and limited maneuverability (and fortunately, I can typically convince my legs to last me long enough for this, even if some pain is involved). But a smaller or standard size scooter? I think you'll be okay. 
Bete
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 14, 1999
I wouldn't do a scooter in a restaurant. My husband and I are experienced with one and I still wouldn't do it. Be Our Guest is a bigger place and more crowded than most of the restaurants. Most people in a restaurant and especially kids are not expecting a scooter there; I consider this a safety hazard especially with someone who doesn't do a scooter all the time. Most of the restaurants lack enough aisle space to do a scooter safely. One wrong move and a table could be turned over or whatever. I really feel you are putting too many others at risk.
Try to get a table near the exit/entrance for less walking and help her to the table by holding her or her holding you. Maybe, bring a foldable cane with you to help her if she knows how to use it.
Try to get a table near the exit/entrance for less walking and help her to the table by holding her or her holding you. Maybe, bring a foldable cane with you to help her if she knows how to use it.
Glittercat
Mermaid on Wheels! ^_~
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2010
I'm really nervous now. 
It looks like my future/present is going to be in a scooter or a power wheelchair and as I've only had manual chairs I'm really scared that this won't work at Disney World. Because of stability issues, rheumatoid arthritis, ehlers danlos syndrome, and blood pressure problems I'll need the vehicle near by and won't know what to do if asked to park it outside. 
It looks like my future/present is going to be in a scooter or a power wheelchair and as I've only had manual chairs I'm really scared that this won't work at Disney World. Because of stability issues, rheumatoid arthritis, ehlers danlos syndrome, and blood pressure problems I'll need the vehicle near by and won't know what to do if asked to park it outside.
mamabunny
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2012
@Glittercat: Oh geez, please don't worry! The key to using a scooter (or any assistive device) in a crowded place - regardless of whether it is a dining area, or not - is simply to go slowly, and be aware of others around you. (This obviously applies to everywhere and anywhere you might go in a powered device - not just at WDW) As always, use your common sense, and everything will be fine!
In February, we saw ECV's, powerchairs, wheelchairs, and a whole range of assistive devices being actively used in the restaurants. I promise - I never had an issue once with using my ECV in any restaurant or QS dining area at WDW. I did allow it to be "parked" only ONCE - and only after I was seated at the table, and then I allowed a family member to park it, with the clear understanding that it would be returned to me at the end of the meal, when we were ready to leave. That was at Hoop-Dee-Doo (we arrived early to insure that we could get me to the table prior to the dining hall becoming crowded).
Get on that thing, and ride, girl! You hold your head high, look everyone straight in the eye, and smile that blockbuster smile of yours! (a Princess wave, while not required, could certainly be utilized as well! LOL) Seriously, you are experienced, and already know the realities of daily use of an assistive device - please don't worry.
@Bete: I use an ECV all the time, every day. As a result, I'm quite experienced, and during our last trip, I had no problems with any place I wanted to go at WDW, dining rooms included. My ECV is - because I own it, and because I selected the model myself - very compact. It does not take up much more space than a standard powerchair - and even if it did, it doesn't matter, because my ECV *IS* MY LEGS. I choose to use an ECV right now, instead of a powerchair for multiple personal reasons that are not relevant to this discussion. But trust me when I tell you - I more than "qualify" to utilize an assistive device of my choice all day, every day.
It is well known - as much here, as it is anywhere - that many of the people who utilize ECV's at WDW do so because while they can walk, they simply cannot walk *as much* as is required to tour the parks. So renting an ECV may increase their stamina, or reduce their pain, or simply allows them to spend more time in the parks with their family. I actively encourage anyone who would benefit from using an ECV to do so at WDW - because if it will make their vacation experience better, less painful, easier - then I sincerely hope they will utilize an ECV (or whatever assistive device that fits their needs best) and go on, and have fun.
People who use ANY kind of assistive device to either supplement or replace their ability to walk should never be told that they can't or "shouldn't" use that device. WDW has (to my knowledge) never limited the use of any assistive device anywhere on the property, other than in certain well-documented cases regarding ride lines/ride vehicles and even in those instances WDW will offer accommodations for those unable to walk. WDW is, and hopefully remains, one of the most friendly places for everyone of all abilities to be.
If someone *can* walk, then certainly, it makes more sense to park the scooter outside the dining room, and walk in. If however, that person relies upon their device to replace the ability to walk - whatever distance is required - then they must use the ECV to go wherever they need to. And there needs to be no further discussion of the matter at that point.
In February, we saw ECV's, powerchairs, wheelchairs, and a whole range of assistive devices being actively used in the restaurants. I promise - I never had an issue once with using my ECV in any restaurant or QS dining area at WDW. I did allow it to be "parked" only ONCE - and only after I was seated at the table, and then I allowed a family member to park it, with the clear understanding that it would be returned to me at the end of the meal, when we were ready to leave. That was at Hoop-Dee-Doo (we arrived early to insure that we could get me to the table prior to the dining hall becoming crowded).
Get on that thing, and ride, girl! You hold your head high, look everyone straight in the eye, and smile that blockbuster smile of yours! (a Princess wave, while not required, could certainly be utilized as well! LOL) Seriously, you are experienced, and already know the realities of daily use of an assistive device - please don't worry.
@Bete: I use an ECV all the time, every day. As a result, I'm quite experienced, and during our last trip, I had no problems with any place I wanted to go at WDW, dining rooms included. My ECV is - because I own it, and because I selected the model myself - very compact. It does not take up much more space than a standard powerchair - and even if it did, it doesn't matter, because my ECV *IS* MY LEGS. I choose to use an ECV right now, instead of a powerchair for multiple personal reasons that are not relevant to this discussion. But trust me when I tell you - I more than "qualify" to utilize an assistive device of my choice all day, every day.
It is well known - as much here, as it is anywhere - that many of the people who utilize ECV's at WDW do so because while they can walk, they simply cannot walk *as much* as is required to tour the parks. So renting an ECV may increase their stamina, or reduce their pain, or simply allows them to spend more time in the parks with their family. I actively encourage anyone who would benefit from using an ECV to do so at WDW - because if it will make their vacation experience better, less painful, easier - then I sincerely hope they will utilize an ECV (or whatever assistive device that fits their needs best) and go on, and have fun.
People who use ANY kind of assistive device to either supplement or replace their ability to walk should never be told that they can't or "shouldn't" use that device. WDW has (to my knowledge) never limited the use of any assistive device anywhere on the property, other than in certain well-documented cases regarding ride lines/ride vehicles and even in those instances WDW will offer accommodations for those unable to walk. WDW is, and hopefully remains, one of the most friendly places for everyone of all abilities to be.
If someone *can* walk, then certainly, it makes more sense to park the scooter outside the dining room, and walk in. If however, that person relies upon their device to replace the ability to walk - whatever distance is required - then they must use the ECV to go wherever they need to. And there needs to be no further discussion of the matter at that point.
Glittercat
Mermaid on Wheels! ^_~
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2010
You made my day dear! Thank you so much! *happy tears* I've been in a chair for years so I am pretty good at watching and being aware. Thank you for your response!
I also prefer when a family member moves my chair, so this makes perfect sense. I used to have panic attacks when it was taken away once I was at a table, but don't as much anymore.
Seriously, I burst into tears from your message and let so much of the fear and stress go!!!
This is the one I'm looking at, it has an okay turning radius and can be broken down for transport as we have a sedan. http://www.spinlife.com/Pride-Trave...Scooter/spec.cfm?productID=91834#first-config I bought my manual chair through SpinLife and they were really easy to work with. You're quite correct I do know the realities of living with assistive devices, thank you for that and I think I'll work on my Princess wave! *giggle* 
Very solid point! wheelchair/power chair/ecv/scooter they are our legs. They give us the freedom to live life and be independent, and that is beautiful thing! I agree with @mamabunny if you need an assistive device use it whether at Disney or in your own life.
mamabunny
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2012
@Glittercat - awwww, geez! I didn't mean to make you cry! I really do think that just the cutest little scooter! I realized when I went back and looked at it just now that I have tried that model - I remember the seat being nice and supportive!
You will have to post pix when you get it, and *especially* when you get it decorated Glittercat-style!
You will have to post pix when you get it, and *especially* when you get it decorated Glittercat-style!
CampbellzSoup
Son. Husband. Father.
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2014
I'm really nervous now.
Relax don't worry take it in if you have to whatever makes you comfortable.
Remember you don't have to explain your disability to no one: you're not a nuisance, in the way, or odd for bringing the scooter in its what makes you comfortable and the restaurant and guests would love to have you eat there
POOHsie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 4, 2010
When I'm in the parks, I'm on my scooter. Period. I don't park my scooter, then use my walker at rides and restaurants, as I don't have stamina to stand in a line or walk thru a big restaurant. There were a few places that asked for my scooter to be moved after I was seated at our table. One was Kona Cafe. Can't think of the others. But the point is, I was able to scoot to the table, get seated, then someone in my group took the scooter away to a corner somewhere and brought it back to me when we were finished.I'm really nervous now.
Glittercat, I ride my scooter all the way to the ride car because without my walker with me, I can't walk at all. That has been fine with Disney for the past ten years. There are a few rides where you have to switch to a manual wheelchair (furnished at the ride), such as Pirates, It's a Small World, Little Mermaid. That was fine. The only problem I have is rides where you step down into the ride car. In those cases, it's hard for me to step up and out at the ride finish. Space Mountain, Splash Mountain come to mind. I just avoid both. Can't do Peter Pan or WEDWay People Mover because there's an unstoppable moving belt and no way to do it with mobility equipment. Two rides with moving belts which can be slowed or stopped are Little Mermaid and Haunted Mansion. For HM, I drive the scooter right up to our ride car, with the belt stopped. For Little Mermaid you switch to a wheelchair, they slow the belt, and they load the chair onto a special ride car.
Believe me, Disney World is way ahead of you in trying to figure out how to get us disabled folks on their rides, in their restaurants, in their resorts, and in their pools. You won't find better handicap access any other place on the planet.
Betty Rohrer
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 19, 2010
I remember one time we were at Garden Grill when I was asked if I could walk to table no mention of the couple of steps. by the time I had ECV brought to me I was about to go down. was able to then ride to table and transfer to chair. Manger came to try to improve things saying he was sorry that ECV could not take me to the table as there just was not room. I told him that was interesting as one of his CMs had just taken my ECV out to park it. he had go find him to believe that the ECV had been up there. it was brought back to me at the end of meal. the 20 walking steps tom the table no problem for me but 2 stair steps up with no hand rail were
disneyfantotheend
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2003
We let them know when we made our ADRs that my mother was mobility impaired and would need to bring her ECV in the restaurant to get seated. If there was limited space, one of those in our group who were not impaired would take the scooter somewhere out of the way and park it. The only time we had a problem was getting out of RFC. We got in just fine, because it was empty, but when we left it was packed and there was no way to get the scooter back to the table for my Mom. We got it as close as we could, and luckily she was able to make it the rest of the way to get on. So it probably would not hurt to ask for a table closer to where they park the scooters, just in case this would happen to you.
Glittercat
Mermaid on Wheels! ^_~
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2010
Oh they were the tears of relief and happiness!
Thank you dear! At first I planned on another slightly cheaper model, but realized there was no way we could fit it in our sedan. One that comes apart will be vital for us, and the more I look at it the more I like it.
It is so neat that you've tried that scooter! I'll just be taking a deep breath and ordering it without trying one out, but sometimes I have to use the BIG clunky one in grocery stores.
Took awhile to get familiar with and I had some VERY near misses with mid isle displays! 
I've finally gotten the hang of those though 
!I will dear! In fact I'm going to post what I plan to do to the thing in my PTR today. I love that you've named your scooter Angus, such a fitting name!You will have to post pix when you get it, and *especially* when you get it decorated Glittercat-style!
Thank you so much for that support!
I truly appreciate your perspective (and Positive attitude!) and vow to keep it in mind, especially when I get shy and feel in the way!
I totally understand this! Every time I take a step whether on crutches or off I'm damaging already damaged bones.
This makes good sense. I do have one more question...Do they ask that it be moved outside, or is it placed somewhere within the restaurant?
Thank goodness! I'm not too nervous about the transfer process as have done it for years in chair- but admit I've never tried from a scooter.
*nod* I'm with you there! For me without my crutches
I just can't walk at all, and on crutches am dangerous (to myself) still lol. This is good information!
Never done Space Mountain, but do enjoy Splash- it is hard though. My husband sort of just lifts me into and out of the ride, as there really is no way to step or down. Rats about People Mover, I've always wished to experience that one. I did not know that about Peter Pan either, so I made note of it in wishlist.
Yay! I may give Little Mermaid a shot then!
Oh good! Those are SO nice and such a relief!!!
I like your attitude and thank you for your wonderful information and advice!
I had the best luck so far in Las Vegas, and even was traveling alone- meeting up with friends- but even had my own hotel room! It was so easy to get around there on wheels!
Oh my goodness you had to do stairs?
You poor dear.
I'm so sorry that happened to you! I hope nothing like that happens to you again. This is handy advice!
I'm sorry but I don't know what "RFC" is.
That is panic inducing, but I'm so glad she was able to make it back on!
Very sound advice thank you for it!
POOHsie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 4, 2010
Target has the worst scooters. Like Blue Whales, only red.... but sometimes I have to use the BIG clunky one in grocery stores.
Once, I half-way took out an end-cap.For us, it's been somewhere within the restaurant. But I think MK Liberty Tree Tavern makes you put it outside. (I barely remember reading this one time.) They're closed July 6 'til November 20. Les Chefs de France in Epcot has you park your scooter outside, and transfer to a (furnished) wheelchair. Real tight seating, but doable in a wheelchair. Haven't been to Biergarten (Germany) in Epcot since my ailments. They have everyone sit together at long tables. So that might be a challenge for a scooter. Perhaps they set aside ends of tables for disabled parties.
I could believe this. So much of LV is new and up to latest codes. And LV is shows, eats and gambling -- which are all rather passive, sit-down doings. At WDW it's more physically challenging. There's rides, entering & exiting cues, and Disney transportation which can take you everywhere (with your scooter) that you might want to go in a day's schedule. I hope you try the buses, monorail, the MK ferry, and the large boats with your scooter.
I didn't know about Garden Grill. I not sure if the steps are a problem within that entire restaurant, or just parts of it.Oh my goodness you had to do stairs?
Rain Forest Cafe. Not sure if poster was referring to DTD or AK location. The people I visit with would have no problem asking folks to make a path for the scooter. Strangers at other tables, I have found, are very gracious and don't mind standing aside to give a disabled person room to go by. After all, it's just for a few moments.I'm sorry but I don't know what "RFC" is.
I've been to WDW on solo trips with my scooter. I drive down from W.Va. I have a scooter lift in my minivan. I book a roll-in shower room. Then I can pull right up and transfer to the shower seat without lifting my legs over a tub. All Disney resorts have roll-in shower rooms by request.
Here's a tip to remember. When at a theme park Quick Service restaurant with your scooter, don't ever enter an ordering line that doesn't have a blue handicap sign on it. Handicap lines are usually the first and last ordering stations on either end. Otherwise the lines will be too tight to maneuver and you'll have to back up, along with 25 people in line behind you.
I had a CM point me to a line that wasn't for handicapped. I ignored her and went to the "line with the sign." She was wrong and I was right. If a person is not handicapped, sometimes he or she doesn't consider accessibility strategy. It's human nature and not a criticism. The person on the scooter has to learn and apply what works, and learn what doesn't work. That person will soon become the best judge of what works best.
disneyfantotheend
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2003
Sorry RFC is Rainforest Cafe. Didn't mean to panic you, but thought it would help if you could try for a table closer to where they park the scooters.
Nanajo1
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 23, 1999
When I used an ECV I would ride to the table and DH would park it outside. I preferred to transfer to a chair,I could get closer to the table. I now use a powerchair and I've taken it in to many TS restaurants BOG included. Relax. Your Mother will do fine.
Glittercat
Mermaid on Wheels! ^_~
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2010
Hehe good to know! I'll try them out, I'm always in my own chair there so have never tried them, but last night I told my husband about the advice here and will use them.Target has the worst scooters. Like Blue Whales, only red.
easy to do
Good to know, just had my own chair last time and we folded it up.
I'll try and find out, and report back.
True that! I did only a couple miles a day in Las Vegas, but they do have some switchbacks outside lol.
I have serious fear of busses there, the rest though will be good.
This is true
Solo trips sound like great fun!
this makes good sense. For me I need the bathtub for pain relief and to reduced swelling of joints.
I had no idea they even had different lines for handicap accessibility! Is this new? Has it always been like that?Here's a tip to remember. When at a theme park Quick Service restaurant with your scooter, don't ever enter an ordering line that doesn't have a blue handicap sign on it. Handicap lines are usually the first and last ordering stations on either end. Otherwise the lines will be too tight to maneuver and you'll have to back up, along with 25 people in line behind you.
Indeed.
RFC makes sense now, thank you.
I know this is silly but I worry about a personal scooter being taken if it is outside.
How do you like your power chair? Is it better for you than your scooter was?
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