Christmas 2016 with ECV @ Port Orleans Riverside

[wajones2]

Recently returned from 7 nights at WDW where I used an ECV for the first time. The experience overall was very positive. We had a 1st floor room in Alligator Bayou.We had a total of 2 adults, 3 kids and a double stroller (folded) in the room and managed just fine.

I rented from Buena Vista, and the ECV was there when I checked in to the resort. The Bell Services person gave me a very quick overview and we were set. The battery on the ECV was amazing, I only lost 1 "green dot" on the indicator on the day we were in EPCOT - all other days at MK and HS stayed indicating a full charge. I did charge nightly, just in case but NEVER had to seek out a place in the parks to charge.

No major is getting on or off buses.

I don't recall any specific challenges regarding lines - you just have to put the ECV on the slowest speed and keep creeping up otherwise you will lose your place in the lines for bag check and park entry.

In shops, I noticed others would jump in front of me and ask questions of the sales person or even once in at an attraction I was waiting to speak with a CM and a man just jumped right in front of me. I only had one incident involving another park guest and then walked backwards into me, which was out of my control. If you can park it and stand in Quick Service food line, you will have a much easier time of it as most of these have very small areas were you wait for food. I also, only took it in the ride lines when we didn't have FastPasses and the expected wait was over 20 minutes.

I only forgot to take my key with me one time the entire trip and it was right there when I returned. Bad move, as anyone could have taken it and I would have been left searching.

I wouldn't hesitate to rent and ECV again if I need it at WDW.

Edited to hopefully remove any controversial info from original post. PIXIE DUST TO ALL!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Please check with your rental company or the owners manual before using an extension cord!!! That can potentially damage the unit and/or create a fire hazard.
Also keep in mind that rear baskets are supposed to be removed before boarding a bus. If the driver didn't require this, they were not following Disney's rules.

 

[wajones2]

DELETED

 

[SirDuff]

I had my daughter in my lap or standing in front of me most of the trip - this worked well as we could only handle 1 double stroller so 1 kid was left out otherwise.

I thought that this wasn't allowed?

 

[gap2368]

I thought that this wasn't allowed?

some CM will let someone sit on some ones lap if the child is not driving and the adult can see ( like the Childs head is not over the driver) but for the most part it is not as to drive one you really need to pay very close attion to where you are going/

 

[stitchlovestink]

Please note I brought a heavy duty extension cord, approved by an electrician. I agree a standard cord will not work well. I didn't have the basket, but wish I did have it in parks. Didn't know it would be removed on bus. Thanks.

Does not matter. My owner's manual says NOT to any extension cord period. ANY extension cord will cause damage to the unit. People should check with their rental company before using one.

 

[gap2368]

I know someone with there own ECV ( I know them about a year ago so I do not know what type of ECV she had/has) but her manual said if using an exstension cord using a haven duty one. ( not word for word,) but since it said heavy duty she had to go out and get one I was with her when she got it and she had to make sure it was a heavy duty one, ( my friend was one that followed every thing to the letter and if some thing said not to do something she would not)

I have a friend now and her says something like we do not recommend the use of an edition cord

I think when renting anything you need to know how to operate it and how to keep it in good condition so that other people can use it. SO if you are not sure you can alway call the company ( with what ever you rent) and ask them what they think. if it is your own do what you like as long as you are not putting other people in danger.

 

[mamabunny]

So... We've had the extension cord discussion before. For example, the manufacturer of my personal ECV doesn't care if you use an extension cord, as long as it is properly rated. Other manufacturers do explicitly state "no extension cords"; some because of potential damage to the battery and/or charger, (although this is less and less likely as both batteries and chargers have built-in overload/overcharging protection) but frankly, many manufacturers use that to help prevent lawsuits from people using a frayed, damaged, or insufficient cord, catching their house on fire, and then suing the manufacturer. It's a recommendation from their legal team, not necessarily their engineering/manufacturing teams.

As far as having a small child onboard the ECV while it is in motion, Disney has long had a "One ECV, one rider" policy. Yes, a lot of CMs will look the other way, but just because no one said anything this time, don't expect to get away with it every time. I know that in the moment, it seems like it's no big deal - after all, your child didn't cause any problems, and you didn't have a wreck, and so no harm/no foul. Except that it only takes one millisecond for that to change - and you, and/or your child to be injured, possibly seriously. It's simply not worth the risk.

Thousands of people use ECVs every day at WDW - and although I don't know what the exact number of ECV-related injuries is on a daily basis, I have a feeling you would be surprised at how many people manage to dump an ECV over at WDW. It can happen in any number of ways - going up or down a hill, slope, ramp or curb cut too fast or at an angle that is too acute. Catching a wheel on a curb, or in a trolley track. A careless Guest walking into you (and the ECV). Doesn't take as much as you think. Overall, the vast majority of ECV riders are careful and cautious, but it only takes one moment - one heartbeat, and you AND your sweet liittle girl could be lying on the pavement, under the ECV. I could not/would not have ever taken a risk like that with my child when she was younger, and I don't think you would have either if you weren't inside the "Disney bubble" where we all feel so safe and happy. I understand that you have more kids than stroller space. However, holding a child - or having the child stand between your legs - (I've seen both) while you operate an ECV is not the answer to your problem and could potentially cause a far greater problem.

And let's just be really clear: I'm *not* calling you a bad parent - I'm letting you know *why* Disney has that policy, and why a lot of folks here are going to tell you the same thing I just did. Not one of us wants to hear that your child was injured in an ECV accident. The focus - the concern - is for the safety of your little girl, and you.

As far as the buses go - I'm actually very surprised that the drivers would move the ECV off the bus for you. Typically, the rider or a family member moves the ECV on and off the bus. It's not something that drivers are supposed to do, or are expected to do. If you are not comfortable driving down the ramp, or parking the ECV for whatever reason, then your husband can/should help. The bus drivers are an awesome group of people; I genuinely have a great deal of respect and admiration for what they do, and how well they do, day in and day out. I'm just trying to set a realistic expectation for you; in the future, be prepared to get that ECV on and off the bus on your own, or with a family member's help. The drivers don't have to do that for you, and eventually you will meet the driver that "pushes back" and tells you that s/he will help you get the ECV down the ramp with verbal instructions, but you have to ride it off the bus. TL;DR You got lucky this trip.

When I was a newbie ECV driver, I told the first bus driver I encountered that I was scared to drive on and off the bus - I didn't want to hit someone, or drive off the ramp. He was great, and as he coaxed me up, and then down the ramp on that first trip, he told me jokes and kept me laughing, and before I knew it, I had done it once - and I was no longer afraid! One of the best ways to "practice" driving on/parking on/driving off the bus is to make a round trip to Disney Springs, or if your Resort has multiple stops, around the Resort loop. It's typically less crowded during the daytime - and it really can be worth it to take a bit of time to learn how to properly use the ECV.

I'm truly and really glad you had a great trip. I promise that I'm not trying make you feel bad - but I did want to let you know *why* you may get some push back on some of the things you reported here.

As someone who has to use a mobility device on a daily basis (not just at WDW), I work really hard at WDW to leave other Guests (and CMs) with a positive impression of ECV riders. There was a time several years ago when I (and others here) experienced outright hostility from able-bodied Guests on several different occasions, and it was very disheartening to both me and my family. Over time, we have seen a shift in the Guest population to be more tolerant and aware that ECV riders aren't just lazy sloths who can't be bothered to walk. But a lot of that shift is due to the folks in this forum trying very hard to be considerate, careful and polite ECV drivers. As you experienced, some of the ambulatory Guests are just determined to cause problems, and there's nothing you can do about them, except to dodge them the best you can! But I hope that on future trips to WDW, you will continue to join us in working to create positive experiences, and leave positive impressions of ECV drivers with Guests and employees alike.

 

[disney david]

So... We've had the extension cord discussion before. For example, the manufacturer of my personal ECV doesn't care if you use an extension cord, as long as it is properly rated. Other manufacturers do explicitly state "no extension cords"; some because of potential damage to the battery and/or charger, (although this is less and less likely as both batteries and chargers have built-in overload/overcharging protection) but frankly, many manufacturers use that to help prevent lawsuits from people using a frayed, damaged, or insufficient cord, catching their house on fire, and then suing the manufacturer. It's a recommendation from their legal team, not necessarily their engineering/manufacturing teams.

As far as having a small child onboard the ECV while it is in motion, Disney has long had a "One ECV, one rider" policy. Yes, a lot of CMs will look the other way, but just because no one said anything this time, don't expect to get away with it every time. I know that in the moment, it seems like it's no big deal - after all, your child didn't cause any problems, and you didn't have a wreck, and so no harm/no foul. Except that it only takes one millisecond for that to change - and you, and/or your child to be injured, possibly seriously. It's simply not worth the risk.

Thousands of people use ECVs every day at WDW - and although I don't know what the exact number of ECV-related injuries is on a daily basis, I have a feeling you would be surprised at how many people manage to dump an ECV over at WDW. It can happen in any number of ways - going up or down a hill, slope, ramp or curb cut too fast or at an angle that is too acute. Catching a wheel on a curb, or in a trolley track. A careless Guest walking into you (and the ECV). Doesn't take as much as you think. Overall, the vast majority of ECV riders are careful and cautious, but it only takes one moment - one heartbeat, and you AND your sweet liittle girl could be lying on the pavement, under the ECV. I could not/would not have ever taken a risk like that with my child when she was younger, and I don't think you would have either if you weren't inside the "Disney bubble" where we all feel so safe and happy. I understand that you have more kids than stroller space. However, holding a child - or having the child stand between your legs - (I've seen both) while you operate an ECV is not the answer to your problem and could potentially cause a far greater problem.

And let's just be really clear: I'm *not* calling you a bad parent - I'm letting you know *why* Disney has that policy, and why a lot of folks here are going to tell you the same thing I just did. Not one of us wants to hear that your child was injured in an ECV accident. The focus - the concern - is for the safety of your little girl, and you.

As far as the buses go - I'm actually very surprised that the drivers would move the ECV off the bus for you. Typically, the rider or a family member moves the ECV on and off the bus. It's not something that drivers are supposed to do, or are expected to do. If you are not comfortable driving down the ramp, or parking the ECV for whatever reason, then your husband can/should help. The bus drivers are an awesome group of people; I genuinely have a great deal of respect and admiration for what they do, and how well they do, day in and day out. I'm just trying to set a realistic expectation for you; in the future, be prepared to get that ECV on and off the bus on your own, or with a family member's help. The drivers don't have to do that for you, and eventually you will meet the driver that "pushes back" and tells you that s/he will help you get the ECV down the ramp with verbal instructions, but you have to ride it off the bus. TL;DR You got lucky this trip.

When I was a newbie ECV driver, I told the first bus driver I encountered that I was scared to drive on and off the bus - I didn't want to hit someone, or drive off the ramp. He was great, and as he coaxed me up, and then down the ramp on that first trip, he told me jokes and kept me laughing, and before I knew it, I had done it once - and I was no longer afraid! One of the best ways to "practice" driving on/parking on/driving off the bus is to make a round trip to Disney Springs, or if your Resort has multiple stops, around the Resort loop. It's typically less crowded during the daytime - and it really can be worth it to take a bit of time to learn how to properly use the ECV.

I'm truly and really glad you had a great trip. I promise that I'm not trying make you feel bad - but I did want to let you know *why* you may get some push back on some of the things you reported here.

As someone who has to use a mobility device on a daily basis (not just at WDW), I work really hard at WDW to leave other Guests (and CMs) with a positive impression of ECV riders. There was a time several years ago when I (and others here) experienced outright hostility from able-bodied Guests on several different occasions, and it was very disheartening to both me and my family. Over time, we have seen a shift in the Guest population to be more tolerant and aware that ECV riders aren't just lazy sloths who can't be bothered to walk. But a lot of that shift is due to the folks in this forum trying very hard to be considerate, careful and polite ECV drivers. As you experienced, some of the ambulatory Guests are just determined to cause problems, and there's nothing you can do about them, except to dodge them the best you can! But I hope that on future trips to WDW, you will continue to join us in working to create positive experiences, and leave positive impressions of ECV drivers with Guests and employees alike.

Your right the drivers are not allowed to touch the ecv or wheelchair it against Disney policy. But most drivers feel bad and want to help as it will speed up the process and help you out. But as pp said I would not expect that every time you go. The drivers just want you to be safe and have a great time on their bus so sometimes they break policy to make the guest happy. But since most are it Disney not enforceing it tough enough or they letting happen as they understand it helps the guest in the ecv out and speeds up loading.

I was their two weeks ago and saw a driver unloading a guest in a wheelchair he pushed it down the ramp. The guest did have to other guest with her but he was smiling and talking to hem so he seemed happy to do it.

 

[wajones2]

sending pixie dust to you all for a wonderful and happy New Year.

 

[disney david]

sending pixie dust to you all for a wonderful and happy New Year.

Have a very great and safe new year to go and your family and may the new year bring lots of Disney trips your way.

 

[SueM in MN]

I am going to address a few things that have come up; that will be the end of discussion on those items since the OP apparently edited them out. Any further discussion on these subjects will be deleted.

Children or other passengers on ECVs
Disney and almost all of the rental companies have a "one person on the ECV and no passengers" rule. This is also generally part of the rental agreement that ECV renters sign.
The reason is safety. A child could easily accidentally hit the driver's hand and make the ECV go out of control or block the driver's view. I have seen this multiple times in the parks/resorts. The best case scenario is a near miss accident, but I have also seen someone who got pinned between the ECV and a fence.
Another possibility is a child jumping or falling off. I have both and the child fell to the ground.
Many CMs won't say anything, partly because they are used to being ignored or the driver becoming angry. I've been told by CMS that they are supposed to call a supervisor/lead or security for those reasons.

Bus
Bus drivers are not expected to drive or push ECVs onto or off the bus. It's generally been reported that they are not only not expected to, but are actually not supposed to.
Many bus drivers will 'take control' if the guest seems uncomfortable, but you can't count on it because the next driver may not.

Rear ECV basket on bus
expect to remove it if you have one. Whether these need to be removed or not depends on whether they stick out behind the body of the ECV and whether they interfere with using the tiedown straps to secure the ECVto the bus. If the basket is an issue, it will need to be removed.

Extension cords
in the past, use of extension cords was not actually addressed in the ECVuser manuals, so people did use them (I actually used to suggest a power strip with a built in circuit breaker. I don't anymore because many of the companies that make ECVs actually specify that the cord should be plugged directly into the wall outlet without using a power cord/strip of any kind. Asking the rental company is a good idea or if you know the btbrand/model being rented, you can often find the user's manual online.
The reason I've been told for not using an extension cord is that if the ECV/power wheelchair has built in circuit breaker in the charger, using an extension cord can slow down the charger's protection.

 

[SueM in MN]

To the original poster -
Thanks for reporting your experience and glad to hear you had a good time in such a busy period.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks for reporting on your experience. I just have one question about your stay at POR. Did you ever eat in the food court there, and if so, how was it for navigating your ECV around? We plan to eat there on our next trip-ate there several times in my pre-ECV days and enjoyed it. But now that I'll be using an ECV next trip, I was wondering how it is for negotiating around with an ECV.

 

[wajones2]

Thanks for reporting on your experience. I just have one question about your stay at POR. Did you ever eat in the food court there, and if so, how was it for navigating your ECV around? We plan to eat there on our next trip-ate there several times in my pre-ECV days and enjoyed it. But now that I'll be using an ECV next trip, I was wondering how it is for negotiating around with an ECV.

I only attempted it once. It was so crowded, I started parking it before I entered the good court.