Availability at Christmas

[RNMOM]

I am new to this board and due to two "bad" knees and arthritis in my back, I have trouble walking and standing in lines.

Our last trip in 2000 I rented a scooter and did pretty well. I am worried I might not be able to get a scooter due to high demand when we go 12/21-29. Is this something I should be concerned about? When I spoke with DH about renting ahead he did not seem to want to. He is not ready to be "old" and in need of assistance. Don't get me wrong, he is very supportive and a wonderful guy but I don't think the idea of dealing with a scooter is his cup of tea.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am also worried about the "hassles" of the busses. I am a "large" lady and hate being stared at anymore than usual. Thanks again.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You may be better off renting an ECV offsite. That way it is available at all times Some information for off-site rentals are:

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I have used Walker a few times. They will ask for a credit card and charge it the day before arrival. They will deliver the ECV to your hotel bell services before your arrival and pick it up there after your departure. Their rates, especially for longer than a week, are much better than Disney's. Also, their scooters are much better. Also, they have different sizes and can handle up to about 400 pounds.

You don't say if you are renting a car or what. If you are using a car for getting around, the ECVs break down into five pieces, the heaviest about 39 pounds. They take about a minute or so to take apart and about two minutes (once you are used to it) to put it together.

The valets will usually volunteer to assist in loading/unloading an ECV. (I will normally tip the valets $5.00 if they assist in the breakdown and loading the trunk or unloading the trunck and putting the ECV back together instead of my normal $2.00 tip.)

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with Cheshire Figment about renting from off-site.
You might be able to get one at the parks, if you are there early, but there probably won't be any left to rent if you park hop.
If you don't want to rent from off-site ahead of time, you could take the numbers with you so that you can contact one of the off-site places after you are there. I would imagine that they are also busy with rentals over Christmas, so that might be a gamble.