? about renting an ECV at the parks

[Melodious]

Hi. My friend's foot is currently in a moonboot and she won't be able to walk very far on our trip to WDW. She has used an ECV before but doesn't use them in day to day life, but is thinking of renting an ECV at the parks each day. I just had some questions. Where does one rent an ECV? Is it inside or outside the parks? What time does it normally open, before or after the park opens? We'd love to get there early and get her set up before opening. Also I read that the ECVs and wheelchairs can be returned at the International Gateway in Epcot as well as the front of Epcot, are there multiple locations at any other park? Thanks so much

 

[lovetoscrap]

Please take a look at the FAQ thread at the top of this page. There is lots of information you will find helpful including some places to rent ECVs off site. If you will need the ECV for the entire trip, which it would appear you do, then it is really best to just rent from an offsite company. WDW ECV's sell out very quickly in the mornings and are quite expensive compared to an off site rental cost.

 

[Melodious]

Thanks. I did read the fact at the beginning, but didn't notice it saying the time that it opened or whether it was inside the park or not. Perhaps I need a map. The fact did say that offsite companies would not rent to someone who did not already use an ECV regularly, ie they would only rent to those who left theirs at home so as not to deal with it on the plane, etc. So I assumed that we could not actually rent from an offsite company

 

[Melodious]

See looking at the map of the Magic Kingdom, it looks like the first wheelchair/ECV renting location is just inside the park so they can't be rented prior to the opening of MK, but in Epcot, it says there's a rental location just outside of the main entrance, does that one open earlier than the park? In DHS it says just inside main entrance, and in AK it says inside main entrance. I guess that I sound stupid, but I'd just like to know if it is possible to rent park ECVs before the opening of the park or do they only open after the park opens?

 

[peemagg]

The outside companies will rent to someone who doesn't use one regularly, put powerchairs is what they don't want to rent to an inexperienced person. Powerchairs are much more difficult to get used to and manuever so they only want experienced drivers for them.

Most of the rental places are where they rent strollers. I believe you can try and rent one after going through security at any of the parks.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Thanks. I did read the fact at the beginning, but didn't notice it saying the time that it opened or whether it was inside the park or not. Perhaps I need a map. The fact did say that offsite companies would not rent to someone who did not already use an ECV regularly, ie they would only rent to those who left theirs at home so as not to deal with it on the plane, etc. So I assumed that we could not actually rent from an offsite company

You are confusing Power Chairs and ECVs. A powerchair is the think like "hoverround" that you see advertised on TV. It looks like a chair. An ECV or scooter is the 3 or 4 wheeled thing you see more often, much like the have at the grocery store. It has a frame with a seat, floor for your feet and a tiller you use to steer and power it. Any one can rent and use an ECV and they are really pretty easy. I will say that the ones from the off site companies are MUCH easier to use than the ones Disney rents.

Keep in mind that you don't just have the walking around the parks. The walk from transportation to the gates and just getting around your resort can be a lot. Those boots are hot and heavy and really tire you out quickly.

See looking at the map of the Magic Kingdom, it looks like the first wheelchair/ECV renting location is just inside the park so they can't be rented prior to the opening of MK, but in Epcot, it says there's a rental location just outside of the main entrance, does that one open earlier than the park? In DHS it says just inside main entrance, and in AK it says inside main entrance. I guess that I sound stupid, but I'd just like to know if it is possible to rent park ECVs before the opening of the park or do they only open after the park opens?

You can rent them before the park opens. That is the best time actually because they often run out. I am pretty sure you can get them a guest services location that is set up after security but before the turnstyles-- the same place you would get a stroller usually. I think it is set up so you pay outside but pick it up inside. Also if you decide to park hop make sure to get a receipt and show that at the next park and if they have them available you can get another one that day with no additional charge.

But I really do recommend the off site option over the Disney ones, both because of price and ease of use.

 

[maroo]

It is possible to rent a power chair instead of an ECV, even if you don't technically use one all the time at home.

I have a great deal of experience driving one because I coach a power wheelchair soccer team - so I have used them for many hours and going at a pretty high rate of speed.

But if you know how to use them, some companies will rent them to you, even if you don't own one yourself.

For me, traveling alone for most of my trip - no one to push me - it allowed me to ride several rides that I would have had to miss out that allow power chairs but not ECV's.

They are HARD to drive...and you will really need to do some major work on making sure you know how to use it before you try to rent one. They look easy...but everything is backwards on them and you can really hurt yourself or others if you get them confused.

 

[Melodious]

THanks so much for responding. I was confused about the difference between a power chair and an ECV. I guess we have another decision to make if renting from offsite is a possibility. My friend is walking a good bit in her boot though (all around the Atlanta airport) and she said she would be able to walk around the resort. I haven't looked into how easy or difficult it will be to keep an ECV in the room or get it loaded onto buses. Thanks also for the information that it is possible to rent an ECV from the parks before the park opens for the day. That is great news if we decide to go that route. OUr trip is fast approaching but I guess I need to do some quick research and may have other questions. Thanks again

 

[lovetoscrap]

You won't have any problems with the ECV in the room. It will fit through the doorway (it may be tight but it will go through) and then you can just pull it up to the side and plug it in to charge.

From the Grand Floridian it will be a piece of cake to take the monorail to MK and Epcot. Buses are a bit more of a pain but are completely doable. There will either be a ramp that comes out or a lift, both at the back door. You drive on and basically parallel park it and the driver ties it down while you transfer to sit in a seat.