I recommend an
ECV, because it will give your Dad more independence than a wheelchair (since it sounds like he won't be able to self-propel) and will give him more stamina than a Rollator.
Remember that there can be a LOT of walking at WDW - the average guest can easily walk 5+ miles per day without realizing it. To and from buses, to and from food services at the Resort, if you visit Disney Springs... it all adds up. An ECV will give him the most mobility, and allow him to spend the most time with his family.
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I remember very vividly the first time I had to use an ECV at WDW. I thought I was going to die from sadness and humiliation and mortification. We were in the parks, and I had to call a vendor to bring out an ECV because I just couldn't walk anymore.
And then a funny thing happened.
I didn't die! (Look! You can tell, because I'm right here! LOL)
In fact, I had an *awesome* trip! Because I didn't hurt, we could stay and play all day in the parks. Because I wasn't limping from bench to bench, we could actually make progress - and go and see more, and do more. Because I wasn't so physically and emotionally wrung out at the end of the day from dealing with my pain, I was a much more pleasant traveling companion, and so by extension, everyone with me was happier as well.
Over the years, I have learned something important: The people you are with will take their cues from you. If your dad is upset and unhappy and scared and angry about using an ECV, they will be as well. If, on the other hand, he treats it as a non-event, they most likely will as well.
So your dad just needs to tell his sweet grandbabies that he is going to use this ECV here at Disney World so that we can all have fun together. End of sentence. The kids will be so excited to be there that they won't care. I promise!
Using an ECV is not a "cop out". It's not a "fail". It's simply using the best possible available TOOL to get the most possible enjoyment from his vacation.
If he needs glasses, does he refuse to wear them, going through life squinting at everyone and everything? Probably not.
If he needs to use a calculator to do math, does he refuse to touch it, and instead resort to pencil and paper - or counting on toes and fingers? Probably not.
Both of those - glasses and calculators - are TOOLS that we use every day to make our lives more efficient. At WDW, many people use an ECV as a tool to improve both their stamina, and their enjoyment of the vacation, and to manage pain.
There are many people who rent
ECVs only at WDW - in their "regular" lives, they never need one or use one. If he is worried about other peoples perceptions of him, please don't let him be. The likelihood that he will EVER see any other guest from WDW again is so incredibly tiny that he has a better chance of getting hit by lightning AND winning the lottery in the same day.
So that you all can have the best trip possible, here's a few tips from an old pro:
- Plan ahead if you are flying. Remember that long lines at TSA - and long concourses inside terminals - can be problematic. You may want to consider bringing along a folding rollator or a wheelchair that someone in your party could push if you think he will need it.
- Similarly, if flying in to MCO, be sure to let DME know if you will need to use a lift to get in and out of the DME bus.
- Practicing ECV driving and parking skills with the electric carts at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, the grocery store, etc. will help a great deal. If you can tame one of those giant, wheezing beasties, a mere rental at WDW will be a breeze!
- Please remember that WDW has a rule - for everyone's safety - that only one person rides the ECV. You will undoubtedly see people holding children on their laps while driving their scooters, but it's very dangerous, and I hope you will agree that safety comes first. One ECV, one rider.
- Bring a brightly colored scarf, ribbon or bandana to tie on your rental
scooter. It will help it stand out in a sea of similar units (if you park it to ride, eat, or shop a bit).
- Remember to plug the scooter in at night to charge it. The scooter should be delivered with a full battery, but it will be up to you to make sure it is charged every night.
Speaking of your room, you will have to park the ECV in your room every night, so if you need to make a bit of space, ask for the table and chairs to be removed. You are not allowed to park it outside in a hallway or breezeway, or down at the lobby or bell services. If you just can't stand to have it in the room, go to the Front Desk, and work with the Concierge services to identify a location where it can be safely stowed and charged at night.
- If the scooter has a key, always take it with you.
- Don't be surprised if you park the ECV and it is moved when you return. The Cast Members are in a constant struggle to keep walkways clear and safe, as well as making sure that parking areas for mobility devices and strollers stay reasonably tidy. You will typically find it quite nearby, but if you don't, just ask any CM you see, and they will help you find it. (And here, our bandana or brightly colored ribbon will come in handy!)
- Remember to stay sharp and focused while driving the ECV - people at WDW tend to be doing everything but paying attention when they are walking, and many of us here have had folks run right into us, or walk right in front of us as we are moving!
Bipeds don't realize that many scooters can't just stop on a dime; some of them "coast" a bit before coming to a complete stop, even if the driver is hard on the brakes. To help keep everyone safe and whole, I try to make eye contact, smile politely, and offer an cheerful "Excuse me!" when needed, but know that you WILL at some point find yourself nearly running over someone who is either texting, taking a "selfie" or posting their latest selfie to Instagram. Little nuggets are also prone to running out in front of mobility devices because they are blissfully unaware of the laws of physics.
- Probably the hardest things you will do with the ECV all revolves around dealing with the buses. Make sure you are parked in the white painted rectangle at the bus stop (unless another guest beat you to it) so that the driver sees you, and knows you are waiting to ride.
When the ramp comes down, line up on the ramp, and try to go right up the center. At the top of the ramp you will typically have to turn a bit to the right. GO SLOWLY, especially until you are used to the ECV. Even experienced users take this carefully - the last thing you want is to run over the driver, or hit the side of the doorway going in. The drivers will give you instructions and will help as much as they can, but *technically* it is up to you (or a member of your party) to actually get the ECV up into (or back out of) the bus. You will always board first, and exit last.
- Practice a bit with your rental (at the Resort is a great spot for this) prior to going in to the parks. Get used to how it handles, turns, stops and starts. Every ECV is a bit different (just like any other vehicle). I have 2 personal ECVs, identical models and they each have their own "personality" (and name. Because I'm weird like that LOL)
- A few miscellaneous driving tips: anytime at WDW (or anytime using an ECV for that matter) be aware of ramps, hills and slopes. Going up, you will want to lean forward slightly to help shift your center of gravity towards the front of the ECV. Take your time on steep slopes, hills or ramps, and if possible, approach them at a slight angle at the base.
Coming down, be very aware of your speed, and make sure you can brake effectively. This is not the time to try and drink your Starbucks; two hands on the wheel!
When crossing the train tracks embedded in Main Street at MK, be sure to cross at an angle. Otherwise, you risk the wheel(s) getting caught, and you could find yourself dumped rather unceremoniously onto Main Street. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable trip - just for the right reasons!
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I hope that your Dad will find a way - regardless of what it is - to share the wonder and magic of Disney World with his grandkids.
