A first-timer scooter report at Epcot, AK

[Simba's Mom]

Half way thru this trip I broke down and rented a scooter at two different theme parks. Both times, obviously, it was direct from Disney, which has the 4 wheel scooters, probably larger than some off-site companies. I found that it went very well. With the exception of one ride in Epcot, I brought my scooter everywhere or left it by my choice. For Soarin, I chose to leave it upstairs so I don't know how it would have been handled. The only place that I thought wasn't "scooter-friendly" was Test Track. There, they made me leave my scooter outside the attraction, walk through the line with my cane, then what I thought was a long walk/hobble back to my scooter. Journey into Imagination was great-brought my scooter in the queue and they had it very soon after I got off the ride. No problem negotiating crowds (I don't THINK I ran over any toes!) Frankly, as a solo, I liked getting my food at the F&W booths and not having to find a place to sit while I stumbled around with my food. AK park today was NOT for a first timer. I wouldn't recommend that as a park for anyone to rent a scooter for the very first time-the paths are too narrow, congested. Although it didn't happen to me, I saw a few scooter/walker run-ins. One woman walking yelled at a man on a scooter to watch where he was going, and he yelled back the same thing. On my first time on KS, I transferred from my scooter, but then it wasn't where they'd said it would be. Fortunately, a nice manager found it. But lesson learned-think twice about transferring if you have a choice! The second time, although I transferred, I stayed with the scooter group, rather than going on a "regular" safari truck, as I'd been encouraged to do. Seating for the "Nemo" show went very smoothly, and my scooter was right outside afterwards. Being solo, I was somewhat concerned about opening doors, but I found so many people were so nice and helpful. Even though I know it would have been cheaper to rent a scooter from an off-site company for the entire stay, I'm kind of glad I started with just renting ECVs at parks. Backing up onto the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch was enough-I can't imagine backing onto buses yet!

 

[mrsksomeday]

I can't imagine backing onto buses yet!

You do not have to back onto the buses. You just drive regularly and the bus driver tell you where to park it, you might have to back up a little to parallel park, but you do not have to back up the ramp.

 

[elmoandzoey]

Thanks for the insights! I will have to get an ECV for the next trip as well - and frankly, I'm a bit scared about it because I will never have used one up until the point I get to Disney. ECV are just not common in my part of the world so there isn't a company around that will let me practice on one.

Can I ask a few questions? You mentioned a scooter group at KS. Is that a special vehicle or did they load everyone on a scooter into a regular vehicle separately? Also, you mention leaving your scooter outside for Nemo. Did they ask you to do that or did you volunteer to do that? Did you then get to choose a random seat or did you still have to sit in the handicapped seats? Plenty of questions but I am still mortified about having to use an ECV on the next trip.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Please don't worry. There are many newer users. My suggestion, if you get one delivered to your resort, practice there. Take your time and explore the resort, that will help you get more comfortable with the ECV.

 

[tobikaye]

At Safari, you enter the main line and then just after you get to the point where the regular and FP line merge, there is a line to the right that is set up for loading and unloading mobility devices. This way the devices are all left in that area so you do not have to go far to find your device. Most of the rows are set up with regular seats, but the front row has a spot that a wheelchair can be secured.

The last two times I was at WDW with my sister, she had either a rollator or ECV with her so we would get directed to that line. If we did not use FP, then sometimes the CM would catch us before we got in the main line and direct us to the FP to go through. Sometimes we would already be in the regular line and a CM would be going through the line and see us and go ahead and direct us to the HA line. If we got to the merge, usually the CM at the gate for the HA would see us and start directing people away so we could get through to the line.

When you get to the parks, look at the map guides they have out and see if there is a guide map for mobility disabilities. If there is not one out, you can check with Guest Services. I hope they still have them as I found them very helpful with my sister. It gives you an idea of where to go with a mobility device. Many you go through the main line, but on some you might go a different route or be directed elsewhere once to a certain point in them main line.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you for posting, SM! I am glad it went well for you! I definitely recommend using the ECV when you need one.

I have managed busses , and often the bus driver offers to help.

 

[Simba's Mom]

At Safari, you enter the main line and then just after you get to the point where the regular and FP line merge, there is a line to the right that is set up for loading and unloading mobility devices. This way the devices are all left in that area so you do not have to go far to find your device. Most of the rows are set up with regular seats, but the front row has a spot that a wheelchair can be secured.

Exactly. The problem for me, as a scooter "rookie" dealing with (I think) a CM rookie, was that she told me that if I could transfer, I could go in the regular line and that she'd just have the scooter put over with the strollers. I did my part, but the scooter stayed with the other scooters, causing confusion. The second time I did KS, I just stayed with the truck, but got off my scooter onto the truck you're talking about. And then, my scooter was right there because that truck took us bak to where we'd gotten on. Rookie mistake.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I forgot to add that since it was a solo trip, I was initially very worried about opening doors. However, in my experiences, I found that chivalry is alive and well at WDW. Everywhere I went, someone immediately opened the door. Whenever I had trash or was carrying a tray, someone would rush to my aid. I had only one exception-going into the room at Panjani Forest Trail. I think that was just because no one was around for all of about 10 seconds, just long enough for me to get a good "NOW what do I do?"

 

[TinkerShellyBell]

Thank you for sharing your experience! We are going in December and my mom will be using an ECV for the first time. She has practiced here at Sam's club and that has made her feel less afraid. AK is the park I am most worried about, so thank you for the tips!

 

[ThistleMae]

I've used a scooter once, so far. I too was worried about the buses. After the first couple days, I did get the hang of it. The only thing you need to learn to do is to back it up into the parking section on the bus. Once you get how it handles, it's really pretty easy. And....if you have trouble, the bus drivers are very helpful. The monorail is really easy as are the boats. As far as the rides, most are very simple and the CM's are really helpful. They do a great job leaving the scooter where it needs to be when you get off the ride. The only ride I went on that requires you to leave the scooter outside was Pirates of the Caribbean. The line is pretty long....but it moves quickly. I felt that Disney is very accommodating for folks who have disabilities and the CM's were exceptional in directing you where to go. And yes....there are some rude people in the parks. One time a girl walked into the back of my scooter....mind you....she was behind me and she yells "she just ran over my foot!" She walked right into the back end of my scooter and blamed me for running over her foot. But that was one bad experience. Just drive slow, watch where you are going, even if other people don't. I could not have gone to Disney without the scooter. It saved my trip. My knees and feet just can't do the walking....I would be suffering something awful and sometimes my knees just buckle, right out from under me for no apparent reason. Drive Safe! The Scooter will Save Your Life in Disney!