Any tips for a solo traveler using an ECV?

[Euby]

A lot of the tips that I have seen assume that the person in an ECV is traveling with someone. Does anyone have any for someone going on their own? I did see a good one somewhere; use a door stop when driving the scooter into and out of your resort room.

 

[gap2368]

my friend uses an ECV and goes alone some I think it will depend on how much you can do on your own

my friend can walk just not all day at Disney so she can get up and get some food, walk around the stores or even a short line. I know some can not walk more then 2 or 3 steps

I think the door stop is a great idea the door at Disney are heavy

 

[Euby]

my friend uses an ECV and goes alone some I think it will depend on how much you can do on your own

my friend can walk just not all day at Disney so she can get up and get some food, walk around the stores or even a short line. I know some can not walk more then 2 or 3 steps

I think the door stop is a great idea the door at Disney are heavy

Normally, I am pretty mobile. Due to arthritis and a degenerative disc in my lower back, I can't stand for very long with out pain. I also have some nerve damage in my left foot from when I had a herniated disc. So when I'm not on the ECV, I'll be using a cane. Like most things like this, some days are better than others. Any tips from your friend will be appreciated. This will be my first solo trip in over 10 years, and I was much more mobile then.

 

[Simba's Mom]

The first time I used an ECV I was solo. And lots of the time when I use an ECV, I'm solo in the parks (DH golfs..a lot). I was amazed at the politeness of people, holding doors open for me, carrying my trays at CS, etc. Only one time did I have to wait more than a few seconds for someone to open a door for me. Just be real careful about where you park your ECV, if you ever park and leave it. One time in AK, I parked it where one CM told me to, only to come out of the ride and it wasn't there-it had been moved.

 

[SMD]

Bring an extension cord that you can leave plugged in so you don't have to reach a wall outlet every time you need to charge. Consider a second cord of you need to charge in the parks.

 

[mamabunny]

Bring an extension cord that you can leave plugged in so you don't have to reach a wall outlet every time you need to charge. Consider a second cord of you need to charge in the parks.

Let's make that a HEAVY DUTY cord - many standard extension cords can't handle the current required to charge an ECV. Some manufacturer's do say to not use an extension cord at all; the manufacturer of my personal scooters has no such restriction, so I carry a heavy duty extension cord for each of my chargers (I have a charger for each of my batteries). If you charge your battery fully overnight, every night, you will most likely be able to go all day at WDW with no problems!

Be sure to put the Rental Vendor's contact information in your phone, including office hours, and after-hours emergency information (what to do/who to call if your unit fails after regular office hours). Having that info at your fingertips will help save you a lot of stress if you need it! (And you most likely won't!)

Since you are traveling alone, you may want to have any purchases you make at the Parks either sent to the front of the Park, or back to your room, so that you don't have to worry about carrying everything around by yourself all day.

Bring along a length of brightly colored ribbon, or a brightly colored bandana to tie on your rental scooter. That way, if a CM does move your scooter, it is easier to find.

When you get your rental (I'm assuming you are renting an ECV from an outside vendor) take 15 minutes or so at the Resort to learn all of it's features, and get a good feel for how it handles. Take the time to practice driving up and down sloped/ramp areas. See how tightly you can (or can't!) turn, and get used to backing up. Practice at the Resort driving through shops & QS locations to get used to those types of venues - at the Resorts is a great place to practice your new skills because it will be less crowded than the Parks or Disney Springs!

When it's time to drive on the bus, just let the driver know that you are traveling alone, and let him/her know if you will need any assistance with the ECV for loading/unloading. If you have time in your schedule, a "practice run" to Disney Springs is a great way to get used to not only the ECV but loading/unloading from buses and even boats (if you use the Water Taxis)

If it helps, many folks carry along a walker or a folding cane on the ECV; you can use bungee cords or Velcro One Wrap to strap the walker to the back of the ECV seat.

Using the door stop is a great suggestion - if you can, once the door is "stopped" open, "walk" the ECV through (or use the slowest "Turtle" speed you can) because Resort room doors are one place where a lot of folks get frustrated. You didn't say which Resort type you will be staying at; Values & Mods all open outside to the sidewalk, and so have the higher doorsill you will have to "bump" over every time. Deluxes (with their interior hallways) have relatively flat doorsills by comparison, and so are easier to manage.

I hope you have a lovely time!

 

[Euby]

The first time I used an ECV I was solo. And lots of the time when I use an ECV, I'm solo in the parks (DH golfs..a lot). I was amazed at the politeness of people, holding doors open for me, carrying my trays at CS, etc. Only one time did I have to wait more than a few seconds for someone to open a door for me. Just be real careful about where you park your ECV, if you ever park and leave it. One time in AK, I parked it where one CM told me to, only to come out of the ride and it wasn't there-it had been moved.

That happened to me last trip. My sister and I parked at Pooh at MK where a CM told us to. When we came out of the ride, her ECV was across the way by the stroller parking. Mine, after my niece and a CM went hunting for it, was found down on the other side of the Teacups. I'm going with the attitude of expecting it not to be where I left it. I'm also decorating it so it will be easy to describe to any CM in case I do need to hunt for it.

 

[Euby]

Be sure to put the Rental Vendor's contact information in your phone, including office hours, and after-hours emergency information (what to do/who to call if your unit fails after regular office hours). Having that info at your fingertips will help save you a lot of stress if you need it! (And you most likely won't!)

It's already there. LOL I'm using Buena Vista Scooters.

Since you are traveling alone, you may want to have any purchases you make at the Parks either sent to the front of the Park, or back to your room, so that you don't have to worry about carrying everything around by yourself all day.

I was planning on having just about everything sent back to the resort. Except on my last park day, then I'll pick it up at the front. Depending on the item, I may even have things shipped back home.

Bring along a length of brightly colored ribbon, or a brightly colored bandana to tie on your rental scooter. That way, if a CM does move your scooter, it is easier to find.

I'm actually planning on decorating my scooter with a plush animal on the basket (held in place with zip ties).

If it helps, many folks carry along a walker or a folding cane on the ECV; you can use bungee cords or Velcro One Wrap to strap the walker to the back of the ECV seat.

I've reserved a cane holder and a cup holder for the scooter. It was such a pain last year pulling my folding cane out of the basket last trip. Everything else would come with it or it would find it's way through the bottom/side of the basket.

Using the door stop is a great suggestion - if you can, once the door is "stopped" open, "walk" the ECV through (or use the slowest "Turtle" speed you can) because Resort room doors are one place where a lot of folks get frustrated. You didn't say which Resort type you will be staying at; Values & Mods all open outside to the sidewalk, and so have the higher doorsill you will have to "bump" over every time. Deluxes (with their interior hallways) have relatively flat doorsills by comparison, and so are easier to manage.

I'm staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, so hopefully no bumps.

I hope you have a lovely time!

Thanks mamabunny!

 

[Kaytie]

Try to get an ECV with forward/backward controls on both sides of the tiller. I can usually open store/restaurant doors that open outward by pulling up to one side, opening the door while backing up and turning, and driving through the door while holding it open. Of course, that's easier if you use the automatic door .

I use the cane to help me get out of the room. Pull up next to the door, open it, wedge the cane in by holding it toward its bottom, back up slowly a little bit, turn the tiller and push the door open more. Back and forth as needed. If anybody is walking by, you can ask for help.

To get back in the room, back straight up to the door slowly until you can't go any more. Turn your torso if necessary and possible, or just reach back with your MB wrist and unlock the door and open the handle. With the other hand, steer the ECV firmly but slowly straight back until you're in the room.

Oh, you should be able to get a cane holder from the rental company.

 

[arminnie]

I went solo with an ECV several years ago when I had walking pneumonia - didn't know what it was at the time - just knew that I had zero stamina. I had a great time. Opening doors was the hardest part - but it was definitely doable.

I now have my own ECV and will making my first WDW trip with it. My DH is great - he's willing to make the 12 hour drive to get us there, but he doesn't want to spend as much time in the parks as I do. So I will be doing some park time alone. Which I don't mind at all - having made many solo trips in the past.

I made a solo trip last year that was a lot of fun - but I got so exhausted by mid afternoon (I am very old). I'm really looking forward to this trip with the ECV. Having the ability to go check out that little nook and cranny without worrying about whether it's worth the effort to go there is great.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Bring an extension cord that you can leave plugged in so you don't have to reach a wall outlet every time you need to charge. Consider a second cord of you need to charge in the parks.

please check with Buena Vista Scooters before using an extension cord. Many ECVs are not meant to accommodate an extension cord and It can damage the unit or be a potential fire hazard. My owner's manual specifically states not to use an extension cord.