Any solos use ECVs at WDW?

[Simba's Mom]

If so, how easy/difficult is it to get around solo with an ECV? I just returned with very painful knees, seems I have arthritis coming on. I've never used an ECV, but with all the distances in WDW, it's been recommended. But how easy is it to negotiate with one in WDW? Any particular times it's OK/not so good-buses, resturants (and any certain ones), particular rides?

 

[Simba's Mom]

No solos have used one?

 

[deanie]

I am curious also.

 

[deanie]

Actually, Simba's Mom, it might be better to ask this question on the Disabilites forum.

 

[honeydiane1953]

If so, how easy/difficult is it to get around solo with an ECV? I just returned with very painful knees, seems I have arthritis coming on. I've never used an ECV, but with all the distances in WDW, it's been recommended. But how easy is it to negotiate with one in WDW? Any particular times it's OK/not so good-buses, resturants (and any certain ones), particular rides?

Yes even though i don't own an ECV at home I use them say at Target etc. At Kroger I can bend slightly on buddy for grocery shopping. But it is a MUST at WDW. I had a back fusion five years ago and though the pain is ALOT better I could never hold out for the amount of walking say even in the resort. I look for an outside scooter rental and they deliver it to my door at which ever resort I am staying.

 

[honeydiane1953]

They r sooo easy to maneuver and they come with a battery so I charge at night. The person delivering it to you or a CM will show u how to operate. Believe me once you've tried it u wouldn't think of doing the World again without one.

 

[Simba's Mom]

They r sooo easy to maneuver and they come with a battery so I charge at night. The person delivering it to you or a CM will show u how to operate. Believe me once you've tried it u wouldn't think of doing the World again without one.

Thanks-you make me feel so encouraged about using one there.
BTW, I did also post this on the DISabilities forum.

 

[Judy in Texas]

I have a friend who started getting arthritis in her knees. Her doctor recommended a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement. She swears by it. It's helped her greatly.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I have a friend who started getting arthritis in her knees. Her doctor recommended a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement. She swears by it. It's helped her greatly.

Great to hear, thanks for the encouragement! I did buy the Chondroitin snf Glucosamine, but I haven't started taking it yet. I wasn't sure it would help, but now I feel a little more hopeful. Also, the doctor gave me some medicine to take for a week, so I thought I'd wait til I finish that.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I injured my knee last year and decided against surgery and to take the long road of therapy and time. On this last trip I rented an ECV a couple of days when my knee just couldn't take it anymore.

I don't drive a car because of an anxiety issue and had a lot of concern over the ECV (getting behind the wheel so to speak) but it is very easy to drive, easy to get off and on, and most lines are easy to manouver (but I recommend a little bit of practice doing sharp turns in an uncrowded area since you need to be able to do that for many ride lines).

I also found people to be VERY HELPFUL when I was trying to do stuff that proved a little stuggling.

For instance, at the food and wine festival, at first I would park the scooter, get off, get the food samples, put them in the basket and then drive over to where my mom and dad had a table. Eventually I just found it easier to go through the line on the ECV - the CM's were extremely helpful and even the other guests.

Disney makes it very easy to be in a wheelchair or ECV.

And since you do have some mobility, if there is anywhere you don't feel comfortable driving it the ECV, park it, take your key and walk a little (which I recommend anyways, you don't realize it but you can really stiffen up sitting on that thing - every 45 minutes, I'd get up and walk for a couple of minutes or my knee would lock).