Disney eliminates outside vendor drop off/pickup services. Must meet vendor for drop off/pickup (mobility devices only so far it seems)

[Disneypro1]

I started travelling with my kids solo when they were 2 & 3 years old. This was before they had ME and I had to get a private towncar. I somehow managed to travel with 2 toddlers, luggage and stroller and was able to get the the resort, go to the parks, feed them, bathe them, etc, etc, etc. I can't imagine what has changed so much on the planet that doing so is impossible for parents now without everyone catering to them. Kids are hard, life is hard. You do what you need to do and if you can't then you stay home. Simple. Sorry if this comes off as rude but it is a bit insulting to other parents that some people act as if having a child is some kind of disability that others have to make all of these accommodations for you. People should be meeting the vendors when they drop off their ECV or stroller. You should make sure that it is working properly and that they can show you how to use the items. No one should expect a business to be a go between for you and another company. Do you go into Target to buy a few things and expect them to accept and hold a delivery from Walmart for you because you don't want to make 2 stops?

Best post I have read on this subject.
100% correct.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

There are lots of places EVC's can't go at Disney. What do people do in those situations?

My family member who uses an ECV at Disney has mobility limitations. She is able to walk around some places, like home, independently, and other times uses forearm crutches, which are what she uses at Disney when she needs to leave the ECV. An ECV isn’t a power wheelchair— most (if not all) people who use an ECV at Disney or other places do so because their mobility is limited. It provides the opportunity for then to limit walking to only what they are capable of doing.

 

[Brianstl]

I have come to the realization that most people that stay at a on site deluxe Disney resort don’t stay at deluxe resorts outside of the Disney bubble. If they actually did they wouldn’t try to justify what Disney doesn’t provide compared to what you get at what Disney tries to claim are their peers. You are paying a $100 plus more per night than what Disney is claiming are their peers, but getting nothing close to the services you get at those other resorts.

Look, I love staying on site at Disney’s deluxe resorts, but they are making it harder and harder to justify the premium. You can already get most of the perks of on site plus better guest services at a cheaper cost at a non Disney owned on site resort or two. If they end up selling additional fast passes to everyone, you would be foolish to stay at a Disney resort or even a non Disney resort on Disney property.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Have u ever traveled to Disney with someone disabled that needs some kind of assistance?

No. I am the person disabled who needs some kind of assistance. I choose to rent from various non-featured companies. I adapt. I stay at compact resorts. I time my arrival to work with the different companies' hours. I even wait in or near the lobby if necessary.

 

[VandVsmama]

I have come to the realization that most people that stay at on site deluxe Disney resort don’t stay at deluxe resorts outside of the Disney bubble. If they actually did they wouldn’t try to justify what Disney doesn’t provide compared to what you get at what Disney tries to claim are their peers. You are paying a $100 plus more per night than what Disney is claiming are their peers, but getting nothing close to the services you get at those other resorts.

Look, I love staying on site at Disney’s deluxe resorts, but they are making it harder and harder to justify the premium. You can already get most of the perks of on site plus better guest services at a cheaper cost at a non Disney owned on site resort or two. If they end up selling additional fast passes to everyone, you would be foolish to stay at a Disney resort or even a non Disney resort on Disney property.

I agree.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have come to the realization that most people that stay at on site deluxe Disney resort don’t stay at deluxe resorts outside of the Disney bubble. If they actually did they wouldn’t try to justify what Disney doesn’t provide compared to what you get at what Disney tries to claim are their peers. You are paying a $100 plus more per night than what Disney is claiming are their peers, but getting nothing close to the services you get at those other resorts.

Look, I love staying on site at Disney’s deluxe resorts, but they are making it harder and harder to justify the premium. You can already get most of the perks of on site plus better guest services at a cheaper cost at a non Disney owned on site resort or two. If they end up selling additional fast passes to everyone, you would be foolish to stay at a Disney resort or even a non Disney resort on Disney property.

I think most of the deluxe part at Disney comes from being so close to either Epcot or the Magic Kingdom. Being able to walk to one of those parks is wonderful.

 

[North of Mouse]

I am beyond needing strollers at Disney and thankfully no ECV's yet, but I'm a hands on person (don't like ordering online, etc) so would really rather meet a vendor face to face, check out the needed device, then be on my way - sounds like there will be several scheduled times during the day. Same thing for returning, make sure it is 'sealed and delivered, so to speak' safe back to the vendor as well. (Rare, but have heard of 'misplaced' items - not sure how they were resolved)

Actually, with all the other changes I don't agree with, this is one that I can see from Disney's standpoint. They created a 'monster' that keeps growing, the capacity has to be enormous, plus employee time to deal with other companies business, only surprised it didn't happen sooner. Do have empathy for those that have come to depend on it, but the majority of guests are not affected by it.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I am beyond needing strollers at Disney and thankfully no ECV's yet, but I'm a hands on person (don't like ordering online, etc) so would really rather meet a vendor face to face, check out the needed device, then be on my way - sounds like there will be several scheduled times during the day. Same thing for returning, make sure it is 'sealed and delivered, so to speak' safe back to the vendor as well. (Rare, but have heard of 'misplaced' items - not sure how they were resolved)

Actually, with all the other changes I don't agree with, this is one that I can see from Disney's standpoint. They created a 'monster' that keeps growing, the capacity has to be enormous, plus employee time to deal with other companies business, only surprised it didn't happen sooner. Do have empathy for those that have come to depend on it, but the majority of guests are not affected by it.

100% this. I'm imagining that there may have been issues with the equipment where the renter could have put the blame on Disney if there was damage. Who knows what really has been going on to cause this change.

 

[smadath]

This thread puts me in mind of Wall-E.

 

[seashoreCM]

I am curious to see how many people are booking rentals this weekend and Monday to be grandfathered in.

So, I am not 100% sold yet on this being a storage problem. With tons of reservations and possibly "fake" reservations being made this weekend, I would imagine bell services will be taking care of this WELL into next year.

Liability issue? Maybe I can see that.

I beg to differ; I think it is primarily a storage problem and a close secondary problem being additional paperwork for CMs.

Disney had to draw the line (on the calendar) somewhere; they chose October 1, 2019.

Being fully prepared that it will take time for guests, bellhops, vendors, etc. to get accustomed to the new rules and for grandfathered reservations to make their way through the system.

I don't think that the groundwork is being laid for Disney to set up a monopoly on wheelchair, stroller, etc. rentals but rather to invite others, whether one or two or three outside companies, to coordinate providing additional as.sistance to guests who need it with a minimum of chaos and confusion.

Or maybe this change in vendor pickup and delivery services could be temporary, until additional space can be carved out to hold the wheelchairs and scooters, etc.

I could envision an unannounced intermediate stage in the changeover process whereby CMs at Bell Services say something like "We don't check them in and out but you can leave it 'over there' ...".

 

[Spridell]

Disney had to draw the line (on the calendar) somewhere; they chose October 1, 2019.

Being fully prepared that it will take time for guests, bellhops, vendors, etc. to get accustomed to the new rules.

I don't think that the groundwork is being laid for Disney to set up a monopoly on wheelchair, stroller, etc. rentals but rather to invite others, whether one or two or three outside companies, to coordinate providing ***istance to guests who need it with a minimum of chaos and confusion.

Disney coordinating with one company to provide the strollers and wheelchairs IS the definition of a monopoly.

 

[Katiegrose]

I am beyond needing strollers at Disney and thankfully no ECV's yet, but I'm a hands on person (don't like ordering online, etc) so would really rather meet a vendor face to face, check out the needed device, then be on my way - sounds like there will be several scheduled times during the day. Same thing for returning, make sure it is 'sealed and delivered, so to speak' safe back to the vendor as well. (Rare, but have heard of 'misplaced' items - not sure how they were resolved)

Actually, with all the other changes I don't agree with, this is one that I can see from Disney's standpoint. They created a 'monster' that keeps growing, the capacity has to be enormous, plus employee time to deal with other companies business, only surprised it didn't happen sooner. Do have empathy for those that have come to depend on it, but the majority of guests are not affected by it.

I think you hit the nail on the head with the “monster “. I think another aspect many are overlooking is the transportation. Most guest (my mom included) can’t steer the ECV well to get on the bus, and I think other guests get annoyed when they see multiple scorers lined up and get to board first and their whole family takes up seats. I imagine there were lots of injuries to bus drivers as well, either from trying to position a ecv correctly for tie down or getting feet run over. I think it’s like airlines not making flight attendants lift your bags. I always feel guilty when my family of three essentially takes up six seats.

I think by making it less convenient, and possibly the cost needing to increase if the companies now have to hire more staff etc it may eliminate some that don’t absolutely need it from renting off site. right now is cheaper and they offer a better product so I get it. Plus your guaranteed to have your device. It’s 2019 and Disney can find a solution to this pretty easily by allowed advanced reservations and perhaps less bulky products in the parks. I really think there is a small percentage that absolutely can’t live without it at the hotels but the ones most vocal likely are just upset with change.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

This thread puts me in mind of Wall-E.

What you’re implying there is pretty crappy. Just saying.

 

[smadath]

What you’re implying there is pretty crappy. Just saying.

Yeah, I figured no one would have a sense of humor about it, even with the wink emoji. But, it still does.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

Yeah, I figured no one would have a sense of humor about it, even with the wink emoji. But, it still does.

A wink emoji and joking around about it doesn’t change what you’re getting at. And no, I am not an ECV user nor is anyone in my family.

 

[smadath]

A wink emoji and joking around about it doesn’t change what you’re getting at. And no, I am not an ECV user nor is anyone in my family.

Ok.

 

[skeeter31]

Ok.

I thought of it to and I thought your joke was good. I have to agree that Disney may be instituting this to try to curb the usage of ECVs a tiny bit as well. I’m in no way saying that 99% of the people using ECVs at the parks don’t need them, but I think we’ve all seen the people or groups in the parks using the ECV as an adult stroller/storage center. I’ve even seen entire families riding them through the tiny lobby at OKW bragging that they’ve got wheels and now don’t have to walk. If this can bring down the usage even a tiny, tiny bit, it will be completely worth it.

 

[DGsAtBLT]

I thought of it to and I thought your joke was good. I have to agree that Disney may be instituting this to try to curb the usage of ECVs a tiny bit as well. I’m in no way saying that 99% of the people using ECVs at the parks don’t need them, but I think we’ve all seen the people or groups in the parks using the ECV as an adult stroller/storage center. I’ve even seen entire families riding them through the tiny lobby at OKW bragging that they’ve got wheels and now don’t have to walk. If this can bring down the usage even a tiny, tiny bit, it will be completely worth it.

Just like the stroller “ban” a few months back where people were hopeful that they would see less strollers in the parks, I would guess this has little to no impact on how many ECVs are in the parks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

This thread puts me in mind of Wall-E.

Really? Really??

 

[skeeter31]

Just like the stroller “ban” a few months back where people were hopeful that they would see less strollers in the parks, I would guess this has little to no impact on how many ECVs are in the parks.

Very true