Disney Information Station Logo

Go Back   The DIS Discussion Forums - DISboards.com > Disney Trip Planning Forums > disABILITIES!
Find Hotel Specials & DIScounts
 
facebooktwitterpinterestgoogle plusyoutubeDIS UpdatesDIS email updates
Register Chat FAQ Tickers Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 08-13-2012, 07:13 PM   #1
mackay_j
DIS Veteran
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 660

Used an EVC & GAC - so glad I did- report on using them

For anyone not sure about getting an EVC - in my experience it made our holiday. If not my DH would have been pushing me around in the heat. After all day walking, he would have really struggled.
I had reservations about it because I can walk (a little with sticks) and so would be getting off and on it, so I was worried about how others would think/react (and had also read bad reports about this). My expectations could not have been further from reality, the people we met were fine and their reactions friendly, eg placing me infront of them for the e-parade also someone put a bag over my seat in the rain. I was there for 14 nights and did not come across any bad looks/stares at all. Most people moved aside without asking to let me through gaps (I had dreaded moving the evc about a very busy 4th july week).

Now to the GAC- so glad we also did this ( note- getting this was not linked to using the EVC).

Hope this info helps others to just use the EVCs

Last edited by SueM in MN; 08-13-2012 at 07:58 PM.
mackay_j is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
The DIS
Register to remove

Join Date: 1997
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 1,000,000
Old 08-16-2012, 09:57 AM   #2
ZPT1022
DIS Veteran
Dreaming of my Disney honeymoon!
Beware the troll dolls in Norway...they're creepy!
 
ZPT1022's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: CT
Posts: 7,445

I'm so happy to read a good report on the ecv, I am using one for the first time this trip and I am nervous about it. I'm glad to hear that it made your vacation easier
__________________
*~*Becky*~*
ZPT1022 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2012, 12:24 PM   #3
Schmeck
Funny thing is now my 17 year old naps almost every day and so do I!

 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Massachusetts Strong!
Posts: 7,290

Just got back yesterday from WDW, and I have to say I agree with the OP's post - the parks are very ECV friendly, the buses load very quickly (except for the older lift buses) and the ECV population is pretty small during the heat of the summer. Never had more than 3 parties waiting to board a bus, usually 2 parties could get on at a time, and a bus was called for the 3rd.

Saw a bit of ECV 'abuse' - kids sitting on laps and steering, people going way too fast in the parks, one kid about 8 years old driving someone else's scooter (a Walker rental) but no accidents, no crashes, etc. For the summer, it was pretty calm and organized.

Saw lots of ECVs in the queues for shows and some rides, there are very few 'alternate entrance' attractions now, even at MK. CMs seem very well trained to handle the situations that may occur.

If my mom ever joins us again at WDW, she'll definitely be on an ECV, so I kept an eye open to how they were received in queues, etc. I think she can do it, can't wait to get her back down there!
__________________
Mar '13 - PC Aug '12 - PC (Best Trip Ever!)
Aug '10 - PC June '08 - ASMo (school trip)
Aug '05 - BC Aug '04 - PC, AKL
Oct '02 - AKL, POR May '99 - CBR
May '96 - CBR Dec '80 - offsite
Schmeck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2012, 12:45 PM   #4
bedogged
DIS Veteran
 
bedogged's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,000

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schmeck View Post
Just got back yesterday from WDW, and I have to say I agree with the OP's post - the parks are very ECV friendly, the buses load very quickly (except for the older lift buses) and the ECV population is pretty small during the heat of the summer. Never had more than 3 parties waiting to board a bus, usually 2 parties could get on at a time, and a bus was called for the 3rd.

Saw a bit of ECV 'abuse' - kids sitting on laps and steering, people going way too fast in the parks, one kid about 8 years old driving someone else's scooter (a Walker rental) but no accidents, no crashes, etc. For the summer, it was pretty calm and organized.

Saw lots of ECVs in the queues for shows and some rides, there are very few 'alternate entrance' attractions now, even at MK. CMs seem very well trained to handle the situations that may occur.

If my mom ever joins us again at WDW, she'll definitely be on an ECV, so I kept an eye open to how they were received in queues, etc. I think she can do it, can't wait to get her back down there!
On my trip in May, I just could not believe the number of people with children on their laps while driving an ECV. I wonder if the CMs are even enforcing this anymore?
bedogged is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-17-2012, 07:43 PM   #5
stitchlovestink
DIS Veteran
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Bel Air, MD
Posts: 3,437

Quote:
Originally Posted by bedogged
Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmeck

Just got back yesterday from WDW, and I have to say I agree with the OP's post - the parks are very ECV friendly, the buses load very quickly (except for the older lift buses) and the ECV population is pretty small during the heat of the summer. Never had more than 3 parties waiting to board a bus, usually 2 parties could get on at a time, and a bus was called for the 3rd.

Saw a bit of ECV 'abuse' - kids sitting on laps and steering, people going way too fast in the parks, one kid about 8 years old driving someone else's scooter (a Walker rental) but no accidents, no crashes, etc. For the summer, it was pretty calm and organized.

Saw lots of ECVs in the queues for shows and some rides, there are very few 'alternate entrance' attractions now, even at MK. CMs seem very well trained to handle the situations that may occur.

If my mom ever joins us again at WDW, she'll definitely be on an ECV, so I kept an eye open to how they were received in queues, etc. I think she can do it, can't wait to get her back down there!

On my trip in May, I just could not believe the number of people with children on their laps while driving an ECV. I wonder if the CMs are even enforcing this anymore?
Oh my goodness!!!! you just opened a HUGE can of worms with me regarding this issue!! I just addressed this with management on my last trip!!!
I was in Epcot one day and it was POURING and there was an older lady driving fairly quickly with an INFANT asleep on her lap in the pouring down rain on a wdw scooter and I watched TWO different CMs LOOK right at her and walk on past her. So I asked another member of mgt (I know what they look like...business casual w/ the badge) and asked, "was it not their job to address it if they saw a guest blatantly breaking a rule?" That manager went after the lady and told her she had to stop... I couldn't believe this woman would risk holding this child in such conditions! It was pouring & windy! If that baby slipped!! and you know chances are they may have attempted to sue. I guess I don't understand why people think they don't have to abide by the terms of the contract they sign?? They really do need to start pulling them from people who break the rule and then blacklist them from the outside rental companies too. I know it will never happen but we can dream, right? It's really for the safety of the children! And actually others, they could actually hit a control and lurch the machine forward into someone hurting them....not that it couldn't happen without the child on there but it's just one more risk...and an unnecessary one. sorry, I will step down from my soapbox now...


Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android
stitchlovestink is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2012, 08:38 PM   #6
tinkerpea
DIS Veteran
 
tinkerpea's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: RAF Henlow England
Posts: 1,369

I was just curious after reading this thread about the rules of havingchildren on laps of ECV driver!

Is it only a rule for people renting ECV from Disney? and other outside rentals? As im guessing that nothing can be said or done to those who are doing it with their OWN ECV's as its nothing to do with anybody else.

To the Op im really pleased you had a great trip and that the ECV helped you out,I know that the last trip my mum gave in and got one after 50yrs of going to the parks and felt that she would be a huge bother to us,when infact it was much better for her and us, she kept up and could go back to resort when she wanted without help "and we could store our drink cups in her basket"
tinkerpea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2012, 09:26 PM   #7
ppony
Artist in residence
 
ppony's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Cottage Grove, MN
Posts: 4,797

Quote:
Originally Posted by ZPT1022 View Post
I'm so happy to read a good report on the ecv, I am using one for the first time this trip and I am nervous about it. I'm glad to hear that it made your vacation easier
I concur!!!! Glad you had a great trip and people were filled w/ Disney magic!
__________________
ME-Stephanie (42) Brian (DH 47) , Nicholas (DS13), Daniel (DS5)
~1994, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2009 DCL, 2010(1st DVC), 2012 (twice), Dec. 2014 DCL


ppony is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2012, 09:45 PM   #8
Cheshire Figment
Friend of Figment
 
Cheshire Figment's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Poinciana, FL (20 miles to WDW)
Posts: 36,632

It does not matter the ownership of the ECV. I know in my manual it warns against carrying any passenger. It is a safety issue.
__________________
41 WDW Stays Totalling 321 nights between 1987 and mid-2003.
Animal Kingdom Lodge; All Stars(2); Beach Club; Boardwalk Inn; Caribbean Beach (9); Contemporary Tower (13); Courtyard (2); Disney Institute; Dixie Landings; Grand Floridian; Grosvenor; Hilton; Old Key West; Polynesian; Port Orleans; Royal Plaza; Shades of Green; Wilderness Lodge; Marriott World Center (3); Other Off-Property (Other Than just 1st or last Night) (8).

Now Working Part Time at Walt Disney World! (Guest Services/Ticket Sales/Turnstile Greeter)
A few very helpful links which are on DisBoards:
Everything About WDW Tickets and this one disABILITIES FAQs
Cheshire Figment is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2012, 12:16 AM   #9
SueM in MN
It's like combining the teacups with a roller coaster
 
SueM in MN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Twin Cities area,Minnesota,USA
Posts: 28,585
DISboards Moderator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheshire Figment View Post
It does not matter the ownership of the ECV. I know in my manual it warns against carrying any passenger. It is a safety issue.
And, when people sign the rental agreement for park rental ECVs or renting from off-site, they agree that they will not carry any passengers.
__________________
SueM in MN
Moderator of disABILITIES
Link to disABILITIES FAQs thread

Spaceship Earth: We are all passengers together.
Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans......John Lennon
Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud. Dr. Maya Angelou
trip report link in Memory of eternaldisneyfan, who lived these words: Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses. Alphonse Karr
SueM in MN is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply



Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

facebooktwitterpinterestgoogle plusyoutubeDIS Updates
GET OUR DIS UPDATES DELIVERED BY EMAIL



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:12 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

Copyright © 1997-2013, Werner Technologies, LLC. All Rights Reserved.