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

[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...

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

 

[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

 

[SueM in MN]

Congratulations to you, Ray!

 

[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!

 

[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!

 

[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.

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).