Disney with MS /First Time ECV User

[cynthiav2011]

Hello, this is my first time posting to this board!

I was recently diagnosed with MS, and currently have a hard time standing and walking for very long. We already had a trip planned to Disney World for 2/28-3/5 so I have decided to rent the Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus 3-Wheel ECV from Apple Scooters. Does anyone have any experience using this model? I did some research from the various vendors and this seemed to be the smallest one I could find with a decent battery charge. I am concerned about being able to maneuver easily and am very afraid of hitting someone. (I don't have any reason to believe I would, but I don't know how easily they stop and know some people don't pay attention while they are walking)

I am very anxious about this trip because of the ECV. I am not worried in so much that I know I need to use the ECV in order to enjoy the trip. But I am worried because I have never had to use one in the past and I want to make sure I am not spending the trip worried about the scooter, since stress can make my MS symptoms worse. There are little things I am concerned about, such as: do I take the scooter into stores? What about restaurants? Since I can walk some (just not for very long without pain) should I make a habit of trying to find a place to park it outside of shops/restaurants, like where they park strollers? I already know I am going to ride it into the lines that can accommodate scooters.

Any tips for getting the scooter on the bus? We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort Hotel. The bell services is at the Custom's House, I assume the inter-resort buses can take an ECV?

What should I do if it rains?

Any other advice for a first-time ECV user? Or MS related tips? I haven't been this time of year and from what I can see online it looks to already be in the 80 degree range for the weather.

Thank you!!

oh- Last question! I am also worried people might make comments? I have not dealt with public situations yet and my situation. I am young and have nothing visible that would indicate I need to use an ECV. What do you do if you hear people saying things? Are there going to be people I encounter who might actually say things?

 

[disney david]

Hello, this is my first time posting to this board!

I was recently diagnosed with MS, and currently have a hard time standing and walking for very long. We already had a trip planned to Disney World for 2/28-3/5 so I have decided to rent the Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus 3-Wheel ECV from Apple Scooters. Does anyone have any experience using this model? I did some research from the various vendors and this seemed to be the smallest one I could find with a decent battery charge. I am concerned about being able to maneuver easily and am very afraid of hitting someone. (I don't have any reason to believe I would, but I don't know how easily they stop and know some people don't pay attention while they are walking)

I am very anxious about this trip because of the ECV. I am not worried in so much that I know I need to use the ECV in order to enjoy the trip. But I am worried because I have never had to use one in the past and I want to make sure I am not spending the trip worried about the scooter, since stress can make my MS symptoms worse. There are little things I am concerned about, such as: do I take the scooter into stores? What about restaurants? Since I can walk some (just not for very long without pain) should I make a habit of trying to find a place to park it outside of shops/restaurants, like where they park strollers? I already know I am going to ride it into the lines that can accommodate scooters.

Any tips for getting the scooter on the bus? We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort Hotel. The bell services is at the Custom's House, I assume the inter-resort buses can take an ECV?

What should I do if it rains?

Any other advice for a first-time ECV user? Or MS related tips? I haven't been this time of year and from what I can see online it looks to already be in the 80 degree range for the weather.

Thank you!!

Every Disney owned bus can take at least two ecv/wheelchairs some can take three and a few can take four. They have new low floor bus that use a ramp to board and exit which are easy most of the driver are very helpfully and friendly. Their are a few and I mean a few that might not be as nice as others so if something happen ask to speak to a manager that way Disney can find out about the driver and do something about them. While the policy for the driver not to touch a ecv or wheelchair most will help you park it if need by giving you helpfully hints or some having you transfer to a seat and they park it for you. I seen a driver this week untie it move it to the ramp and get it lines up and help the guest on and the guest drove it off. They have signs and the driver will ask you to transfer to a seat while in the bus it for you safety even with it being tied down it can tip and the drivers don't want you to get hurt. Most bus stop have phones so if you have a problem just pick up press Zero and ask to be transferred to a manager of buses you most likely won't have any problems but just in case. Another tip is if your waiting a while and you see more then one bus going to the same place and haven't seen your bus ask the driver to call dispatch and ask where your bus sometimes they my not realize they the computer dispatched that many buses to one location or your bus might be running late and they can try to figure out where it is. If the bus is full or has no emptie tie down points the driver will also call dispatch and let them know they need another bus so you don't have to wait to long. Also make sure that the driver tells them which stop it at because sometimes the new bus will start at the first stop and if more people want to board it might happen again. Not saying they will bypass the other stops but if the new driver knows which stop he needs to pick up the ecv they could have a good idea how many people to let on. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask and enjoy your trip.

 

[scooby9932]

Hi there! Welcome to the disboards!

I posted the following (in red) on another thread. I never heard back from the OP, but I hope the information helped. Maybe it will help you, too.

QUOTE:

GENERAL ECV ADVICE:

One big piece of advice is be sure to rent a 3 wheeled scooter instead of the 4. The 3 wheeled ones are so much easier to maneuver and allow for a tighter turn radius that really comes into play when loading onto the buses. But it will help in ride queues and when trying to back into or out of elevators & other tight spots as well. You've already got this covered!

If you really get in a bind, keep in mind that there is a switch on the back of the scooter that makes it so you can manually manipulate it. If you ask, most bus drivers are more than happy to let you get off the scooter & use this feature to park your scooter for you. This is how CMs are able to move your scooter without the key while you're on the rides. If by chance you get on your scooter & it doesn't work, check to make sure the release isn't still engaged. This happened to me my first time after the Jungle Cruise and I thought my scooter was broken.

Be sure to plug your ECV in every night to charge while you sleep. I have found that the charge indicators will show as full until they're not. No gradual notice. Also, take your charge cord with you. In a pinch I've charged my scooter in the parks. This isn't usually necessary but better safe than sorry I say.

Those vinyl seats can get hot and sticky. I always bring a bright, unusual beach towel to put on my seat. This also helps you find your scooter in the "sea of scooters" that you can sometimes find after your ride. If you're crafty you can fashion a seat cover out of a beach towel that fits over the back of the scooter and onto the seat. My mom made me one years ago that I used until it literally fell apart. It was super easy to use & didn't fall off when getting on/off the scooter. I need to make another one if I can figure out a sewing machine. Lol


BUSES:

One note of caution, it used to be the case that they always loaded scooters first. When I was there in November, that had changed in some locations. If this happens, you'll need to be extra careful when loading.

Some people refused to budge an inch, even though I was trying to warn them that pulling their feet in was for their safety. More than once the driver had to intervene & ask people who had their legs fully extended into the aisle to please move their feet back. This was the exception of course. But be aware some people have a prejudice about scooters. Most people are just unaware of the dynamics of riding & maneuvering one.

This change was due to a change at some parks where the scooters are to get in the regular line & are pulled out to load when they get to that section of the queue. This is I believe an attempt to appease people who complained that scooters were given preferential treatment in being loaded first.

I can tell you that many able bodied people commented that this seemed like a bad idea and that they were actually going to contact guest services to say as much. A little dialogue with people really opened their eyes to the challenges we wheelchair/ECV people face.

RIDES:

I, too, have back problems (just had a lumbar Laminectomy on Jan 9 & will have a cervical fusion March 4). While most rides with those warnings do pose a significant issue (Safari, Dinosaur, BTMRR, etc) you will see warning signs on the tamer rides (IASM, POC) as well. I think due to the possibility of the boats coming into contact with each other at times? Watching YouTube videos as a PP suggested is a good idea. You'll get a good idea of the amount of jerking around that occurs.

If there is a moving walkway on the ride (HM, SE, etc) and you have balance issues, just ask & they'll slow or stop the walkway for you to load & unload.

Some ride queues are dark. If low vision becomes an issue for you, turn on your front light on your ECV for some added help. Also, those displays on the top of the tiller can be blindingly bright & make it hard to see what's in front of you. I used my key fob (a piece of thick paper will do) to block it out so I could see better in the dark.

RESTAURANTS/SHOPS:

If you are able, it's usually a good idea to park your ECV outside & go into shops & restaurants on foot. It gives your bum a break from the scooter & allows you to browse shops much easier & navigate restaurant aisles easier. These areas get congested and can be difficult to navigate or extricate yourself from.

Note: Some restaurants require you to park your ECV. You can always drive to your table & have a part member take it back & park it for you. I had to do this at Yak n Yeti as I can't walk more than a few feet at a time. (Hopefully these surgeries fix that for me!)

PARADES/FIREWORKS:

Find out in advance where the handicap viewing areas are and plan to arrive quite a bit of time (1+ hour) in advance to get a spot. We have seen many people turned away who showed up later.

CONCLUSION:

Scooters are a blessing to those of us who could not do Disney without them! While they present challenges all of their own, the pluses far outweigh the minuses.

I hope you have a great trip! END QUOTE


To address your specific concerns:

Apple Scooters: I have rented that scooter in the past. It's compact, yet durable & you should be able to do a full day's scooting around on a full charge. Apple is a good company to rent from. I've had wonderful customer service from them. They are also a preferred vendor with Disney, which means they are allowed to drop off your scooter at the resort if you stay onsite. They can also meet you anywhere on property (including inside the parks) in case of malfunction.

The scooters are equipped with dynamic braking. This means that to stop, you release the bar you've been pushing to make it go. There are no "brakes". The scooters do not stop on a dime, but they do stop pretty fast. Most people do not realize this & they can make themselves easy targets for getting hit by abruptly stopping in front of you or cutting you off. The best advice I can give is to "TRY" to leave space between you and the people around you. Be aware that the stopping time is increased if you're on an incline. Go slowly in crowded areas & be aware that people will crowd you & sometimes it is they who run into you. Apparently we scooter people have some sort of invisibility cloaking device which makes us hard for them to see.

I've been to WDW 12 times on a scooter & have never once run into anyone. I have had a few close calls. I have had a couple of incidents where the walking person has run into me (usually someone backing up trying to take a picture or something of that sort).

MS Concerns: As for doing Disney with MS, I don't have any specific experience as I have Lupus & not MS. But I do know that heat can make your symptoms worse. Be sure to look over the guides & mark where the air conditioned shops/shows/etc. are located so you can plan your day in a way that gives you plenty of breaks in the air conditioning. One of those cooling scarves might also be of help, or maybe carry a few of those cold packs like you use to put on injuries.

Rude People: Hmmm, well it's possible that people may say things. I've had trips where no one says a thing. And many people are very helpful - like holding open doors, etc. Most people are so busy enjoying their vacation that they don't even notice you.

And then I've had trips where downright evil things have been said and done. Just this past November a woman on the bus sat down across from me & said very loudly to her husband while pointing her finger at me, "Freaks like that shouldn't even be allowed to come here." I just smiled & ignored her. My daughter, however, let her know in no uncertain terms that she should close her mouth. Her husband was obviously mortified. She eventually got up & moved to the back of the bus. This type of person is really the exception, though. There is a type of prejudice against disability out there. But, really, ignorant people really do not deserve our attention or worry, right?

Unless the person does something to me physically, I try to just ignore the comments & think to myself "They are the ones with the problem. It must be so horrible to live life worrying about whether someone else needs mobility aids or has a disability."

I believe that you will have a great, carefree vacation. Wishing you all the best! If you have any other questions, please feel free to PM me.

 

[cynthiav2011]

This is WONDERFUL advice, thank you so much! I saw your post on another thread and am so glad you posted here, I appreciate it! I am going to think if I have any other questions and will send you a PM. Thank you gain!

 

[cynthiav2011]

Thank you for your response! I am hoping I will luck out with a great driver our first day and they will be able to help me. We are arriving in the middle of the day on a Thursday, so hopefully the buses won't be too busy.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you have not checked out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I would suggest looking at it. You can find it near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there..
It may look a bit overwhelming, but post 1 of that thread is an index that tells you where to find specific information.
I would suggest first looking at page 2 - posts 18-22 have information about touring with a wheelchair or ECV, including which attractions require a transfer that might be difficult.
Another post on that page has a list of attractions with warnings and a bit about the attraction. Some that people think have warnings (like Small World, Soarin' and Piratesof the Caribbean) actually do not.

My son in law has MS and is luckily doing well, but we have been there with him right after a severe flare (in fact, one trip, he got his PICC line for steroids out on a Friday and traveled on aSaturday).thebiggest suggestion I would have, based on his experiences, would be to avoid getting dehydrated and get enough rest. He did not heed that and spent a very uncomfortable night with his legs in continuous spasms.

Also, I would appreciate if people share information (other than personal stuff they do not want to make public) on threads rather than in PMsas much as possible. On a thread, general information posted will be available for future readers who find the thread.

 

[scooby9932]

This is WONDERFUL advice, thank you so much! I saw your post on another thread and am so glad you posted here, I appreciate it! I am going to think if I have any other questions and will send you a PM. Thank you gain!

You're most welcome! I know how nerve wracking it can be to use an ECV for the first time. But you'll be an old hat at it in no time. Please do let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you for your response! I am hoping I will luck out with a great driver our first day and they will be able to help me. We are arriving in the middle of the day on a Thursday, so hopefully the buses won't be too busy.

One piece of advice for getting a bus that's not too loaded down is to find out which stop at your resort (if there is more than one) is the 1st stop. When we stayed at Coronado Springs, for instance, STOP #2 was actually the 1st stop for pickup & STOP #1 was the last stop. Going to bus stop #2 saved us from having to load with others already on the bus. Non peak times (such as when you're arriving) are usually a lot better, too. I find if you smile & address the bus driver by name & engage them in a bit of small talk, even the more reticent of drivers is usually very friendly & willing to help.

 

[disney david]

Thank you for your response! I am hoping I will luck out with a great driver our first day and they will be able to help me. We are arriving in the middle of the day on a Thursday, so hopefully the buses won't be too busy.

You will find a nice driver most are very but their are very few that are not as great they ruin it for the rest of them. Not sure which stop is first when the bus enters and which stop your be at but hopefully their wont be that many in between you and the first stop. May be ride the internal bus when you get their to get used to loading and unloading and being tie down.

 

[cynthiav2011]

You will find a nice driver most are very but their are very few that are not as great they ruin it for the rest of them. Not sure which stop is first when the bus enters and which stop your be at but hopefully their wont be that many in between you and the first stop. May be ride the internal bus when you get their to get used to loading and unloading and being tie down.

I am thinking the first stop will probably be our safest bet in the morning when we leave! We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort, the scooter will be at the bell services at the Custom House, so the internal bus trip will be my first one, good practice run! Thank you!

 

[disney david]

I am thinking the first stop will probably be our safest bet in the morning when we leave! We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort, the scooter will be at the bell services at the Custom House, so the internal bus trip will be my first one, good practice run! Thank you!

yes i am sure someone will be able to say which stop is first so you can head towards that one.

 

[cynthiav2011]

You're most welcome! I know how nerve wracking it can be to use an ECV for the first time. But you'll be an old hat at it in no time. Please do let me know if you have any other concerns.



One piece of advice for getting a bus that's not too loaded down is to find out which stop at your resort (if there is more than one) is the 1st stop. When we stayed at Coronado Springs, for instance, STOP #2 was actually the 1st stop for pickup & STOP #1 was the last stop. Going to bus stop #2 saved us from having to load with others already on the bus. Non peak times (such as when you're arriving) are usually a lot better, too. I find if you smile & address the bus driver by name & engage them in a bit of small talk, even the more reticent of drivers is usually very friendly & willing to help.

That is a good idea, my mom had mention it too, finding out which is the first stop for pickup. We will be at the Caribbean Beach Resort.

I thought of two more questions for you! Have you ever been there when it was raining, what did you do with your ECV? Also, in your other comment you mentioned that some of the transportation lines have you queuing with your ECV with everyone else and then they pull you out. Were there signs posted or how did you know? It had always been my observation that guests needing the wheelchair lift for the bus would always line up to the side in the front.

Thank you again!

 

[cynthiav2011]

If you have not checked out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I would suggest looking at it. You can find it near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there..
It may look a bit overwhelming, but post 1 of that thread is an index that tells you where to find specific information.
I would suggest first looking at page 2 - posts 18-22 have information about touring with a wheelchair or ECV, including which attractions require a transfer that might be difficult.
Another post on that page has a list of attractions with warnings and a bit about the attraction. Some that people think have warnings (like Small World, Soarin' and Piratesof the Caribbean) actually do not.

My son in law has MS and is luckily doing well, but we have been there with him right after a severe flare (in fact, one trip, he got his PICC line for steroids out on a Friday and traveled on aSaturday).thebiggest suggestion I would have, based on his experiences, would be to avoid getting dehydrated and get enough rest. He did not heed that and spent a very uncomfortable night with his legs in continuous spasms.

Also, I would appreciate if people share information (other than personal stuff they do not want to make public) on threads rather than in PMsas much as possible. On a thread, general information posted will be available for future readers who find the thread.

Thank you for your post! I have looked at the disABILITIES FAQs before and I plan on reading it again before our trip. Is there generally a CM in front of most attractions who will be able to direct me where to go?

I am still waiting for my first IV steroid treatment, and at this rate I will be probably be having it taken out right before our trip, too. Fortunately now that I have the diagnosis my family and I all know what precautions we need to take for my health.

 

[scooby9932]

That is a good idea, my mom had mention it too, finding out which is the first stop for pickup. We will be at the Caribbean Beach Resort.

I thought of two more questions for you! Have you ever been there when it was raining, what did you do with your ECV? Also, in your other comment you mentioned that some of the transportation lines have you queuing with your ECV with everyone else and then they pull you out. Were there signs posted or how did you know? It had always been my observation that guests needing the wheelchair lift for the bus would always line up to the side in the front.

Thank you again!

Getting on at your resort's first stop can make or break your day. For example, this past November my daughter & I were at Coronado Springs in the Cabanas 9B section. Bus Stop #4 was just a short ride through the adjacent parking lot. One morning we decided to head there as my daughter was getting kind of worn down with all the walking. Well, when we got there we noticed there were already 2 scooters & 1 wheelchair in line. I asked if they were headed to MK (as we were) and they said that yes, they were. I did feel it only fair to let them know about the bus stop rotation in case they wanted to head over to the 1st stop (bus stop #2). They declined.

After waiting for about 15 minutes or so, I asked my daughter if she'd like to head over to Bus Stop #2 as I was sure a bus would have come & gone by the time we meandered over. She was game, so off we went. I wished the other scooters/wheelchair users good luck & we left.

It took us about another 15 minutes (we went by our room to get a forgotten item & then meandered the long way around the lake to the stop). I wanted to be sure the others had a chance to load from the Bus Stop 4.

When we got to Bus Stop 2, a MK bus pulled up within about 5 minutes. It was, of course, empty as it was the 1st stop. I loaded & within minutes we were off. At Bus Stop 3, another scooter loaded.

When we got to Bus Stop 4, those same wheelchair/scooter people were in line. I don't know how many other buses had pulled up while we were gone, but they could not load onto the bus we were on either. I felt a bit guilty, but I HAD told them about going to the 1st stop & they chose to stay where they were. I still wonder how long they waited that morning.

So, after that long winded story, I say it's really important to try to get on at CBR's 1st stop!

As for the rain, I always pack in my park bag a clear plastic shower cap to place over the tiller if I'm ever caught in the rain. This is the most important part of the scooter to keep covered as that's where all the electrical parts are. I also pack an extra heavy duty poncho to put over the seat in case of rain that's coming down harder than just a drizzle. When I park my scooter outside, I make sure to put the shower cap on the tiller - just in case. A wet bottom I don't mind so much, but a wonky electrical system is no fun at all.

One word of caution -sometimes you'll park your scooter under cover, but it might get moved to a different location while you're inside. I had this happen at Ellen's Energy one year (before I knew to put shower caps on the tiller) & while we were inside, a downpour happened. I came out to find my scooter completely soaked & for the rest of my trip there was a high pitched whistle sound from the tiller. My bottom got wet for days afterward, as well. That was a year I rented from Scooterama & they were unwilling to trade that scooter out for a new one & told me I just had to deal with it. Oh, well, live & learn.

As for queuing - in May of last year, it was the same as always - going to the side where the HC sign indicated. In November, all but Epcot had changed this & we were directed to get in the regular queue until such time as we wound around to the HC pull over. At our resort & DTD, we were also able to pull directly into the HC spots.

Luckily, we were able to inquire each time as there was an attendant on duty. But, if there had not been one, we would have had NO WAY to figure this out. I commented as such to several of the attendants & bus drivers & I got the impression that none of them were too happy with the changes. Who knows, it could have changed back by now. But if you can, try to find out the rule for the park you're in.

Wishing you all the best in your treatments! I've been on high dose steroid infusions before & the main thing I've found is that I'm more sun sensitive than usual and also the immune suppression is higher. Just something to keep in mind.

I'm sure you're going to have a fantastic trip!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Hello, this is my first time posting to this board!

I was recently diagnosed with MS, and currently have a hard time standing and walking for very long. We already had a trip planned to Disney World for 2/28-3/5 so I have decided to rent the Go-Go Elite Traveler Plus 3-Wheel ECV from Apple Scooters. Does anyone have any experience using this model? I did some research from the various vendors and this seemed to be the smallest one I could find with a decent battery charge. I am concerned about being able to maneuver easily and am very afraid of hitting someone. (I don't have any reason to believe I would, but I don't know how easily they stop and know some people don't pay attention while they are walking)

I am very anxious about this trip because of the ECV. I am not worried in so much that I know I need to use the ECV in order to enjoy the trip. But I am worried because I have never had to use one in the past and I want to make sure I am not spending the trip worried about the scooter, since stress can make my MS symptoms worse. There are little things I am concerned about, such as: do I take the scooter into stores? What about restaurants? Since I can walk some (just not for very long without pain) should I make a habit of trying to find a place to park it outside of shops/restaurants, like where they park strollers? I already know I am going to ride it into the lines that can accommodate scooters.

Any tips for getting the scooter on the bus? We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort Hotel. The bell services is at the Custom's House, I assume the inter-resort buses can take an ECV?

What should I do if it rains?
Any other advice for a first-time ECV user? Or MS related tips? I haven't been this time of year and from what I can see online it looks to already be in the 80 degree range for the weather.

Thank you!!

oh- Last question! I am also worried people might make comments? I have not dealt with public situations yet and my situation. I am young and have nothing visible that would indicate I need to use an ECV. What do you do if you hear people saying things? Are there going to be people I encounter who might actually say things?

bolding is mine....
always make sure the tiller is covered! that is where the electronic components are and it is critical that they stay dry. You can use one of those little plastic shower caps to cover it if it will fit. that will not work for my style scooter so I just drape a towel over my hands if it is a light drizzle and if it is raining, I use my rain poncho to cover the front of my scooter.

also, another tip...
if you are going to leave your scooter for awhile esp to dine where you may be inside a restaurant where you can't see what it going on outside... I highly recommend covering your scooter with a poncho or some sort of protective covering as you just never know when that FL sky is going to open up and let the rains shower down! I can't tell you how many times I have been eating a sit down meal in a restaurant where we couldn't see outside and when we have come out, it has rained! And I was ever so thankful that I had covered my scooter!!

Only other suggestion I have is when coming down the ramp off of the bus be sure you have completely cleared the ramp before turning or you can flip your scooter. I much prefer my four wheel model as I think they are studier and less likely to flip but to each his/her own. I have seen some people come close to tipping over because they cut it too hard when they were going to fast on a three wheel version. Good Luck!!

 

[Bete]

I'll add a few more thoughts. I won't repeat too much what the other posters have stated, but all previous comments are helpful to scooter drivers. As a first time scooter driver it might be best to practice before the trip.

First, you can practice for free with scooters at stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and grocery stores. You can go there at off peak times. Those scooters are actually harder to use. If you can use those scooters you will be fine with the model you want to rent. You'll get use to the controls that way and you will see how it is to turn one and so forth.

Second, you can go some where locally like a zoo, for example, where you can rent a scooter and see how you do for the day before you go to WDW. Getting in extra practice is a good idea. WDW can be intimidating; because, it's so big and there are so many people there. My husband has had to make sudden stops, not only with children darting in front of him, but adults, too. We have a tendency to guard his front and he pays close attention to all directions while driving the scooter for darters. This allows him to react quicker, if needed. Also, be more careful in blind spots and drive slower; something could obstruct your view.

Sometimes, you can rent locally the same model, Pride Go Go scooters from a mobility store. If you can do this then you could get in some good practice on the exact model ahead of time. Go somewhere again like a zoo and get use to the scooter.

You can also practice at the resort before you attempt to go on a bus or to a park. This should build up your confidence. Getting the scooter in and out of your room can be a little tricky with the door; it's much easier if someone holds the door for you while you get in and out each time.

The first day, I would definitely go at an off time on the bus. The suggestion to go to your first stop for loading at your resort is a good one. If you get very frustrated for whatever reasons, consider allowing someone in your party to park the scooter for you on the bus and even to get it off the bus for you. We have used the manual over drive to place the scooter on the bus.

I would avoid making it hard on yourself. What I mean here is stick to meals at your resort or at the park you are visiting for the day. Don't travel out of your way to go to a different resort for a meal. As you get better you can venture out more. Try to avoid park hopping. If possible, avoid going back and forth too much from park to resort.

Learn to get into good habits with your scooter. Shut your scooter off during a show, a parade, or fireworks to conserve your battery charge. Take your key with you when you park the scooter to eat or shop. Wait for crowds to disperse when the park is crowded like after a parade or fireworks. Some people avoid these times all together at least at the beginning while learning the scooter. Take your battery charger with you to the parks. If you have to do an emergency battery charge in the park, you'll be ready. There is a manual override on the scooter that allows you to move the scooter freely if you need to do it. Apple Scooters is an approved vendor; so, they have access to get into the park, if for whatever reasons you need a replacement scooter. Keep their phone number with you at all times. Absolutely, charge your battery every night.

Some ride queues have a lot of twists and turns that can be sharp. Proceed a little slower in those situations. In a few situations like the Soarin ride in the Living Land at Epcot's Future World you need to use an elevator to get your scooter down on the level where the ride is located. You may want help with someone else in your party doing the elevator part for you or at least hold the elevator door if it takes you a while to get in and out. For many shows I would stick with the back of the theater at least until you are use to using the scooter.

When you can't use your scooter to do a ride, you may be able to transfer to a wheelchair if someone is able to push you. That way you can enjoy more rides.

Finally, be careful you use all the handicap ramps available in the parks. Don't jump a curb! MK near the castle is one area where you need to be careful. As a scooter rider you are allowed to use the handicap areas to view the parades and fireworks. Keep in mind these areas fill up and you usually need to be at least 45 minutes early to get a good view.

 

[disney david]

Here a video I posted before of a guest using te gillig bus it show how they loaded with a wheelchair but it be the sake with ecv. This is at mk at night hopes it helps.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5zxDFPPnIFE

 

[serenitynow]

I have MS too. I use the hotel towels to cover the back and seat of the scooter. Much nicer than sitting on vinyl seats all day. I also take a dry washcloth from the hotel in the scooter basket - if you feel yourself overheating wet the washcloth in drinking fountain and place on the back of your neck. I also bring an empty spray bottle to fill with water and use it as a mister. I sometimes get flustered trying to board the bus on the ECV, so I let my dear hubby take over at the bus stops. He backs and turns smoother than I do. Most people are kind - don't worry

 

[cynthiav2011]

I have MS too. I use the hotel towels to cover the back and seat of the scooter. Much nicer than sitting on vinyl seats all day. I also take a dry washcloth from the hotel in the scooter basket - if you feel yourself overheating wet the washcloth in drinking fountain and place on the back of your neck. I also bring an empty spray bottle to fill with water and use it as a mister. I sometimes get flustered trying to board the bus on the ECV, so I let my dear hubby take over at the bus stops. He backs and turns smoother than I do. Most people are kind - don't worry

Thank you for your response! I am traveling with my mom and MIL so I am hoping I will get some good bus drivers who can help me. I am getting a Solu-Medrol treatment literally 3 days before we go on this trip. Do you have any experience with this? I have no idea what to expect. I got it into my head to get a cane and walk since my current symptoms are starting to improve somewhat but then my parents talked me back into the scooter. I was trying not to be selfish, thinking if I may not need the scooter not to get it, and now I am thinking, well maybe I am being selfish because I don't want my party to be worrying about me the whole trip if I am walking. It doesn't help I got diagnosed with MS just over a week ago so it has been a roller coaster of emotion.

 

[cynthiav2011]

bolding is mine....
always make sure the tiller is covered! that is where the electronic components are and it is critical that they stay dry. You can use one of those little plastic shower caps to cover it if it will fit. that will not work for my style scooter so I just drape a towel over my hands if it is a light drizzle and if it is raining, I use my rain poncho to cover the front of my scooter.

also, another tip...
if you are going to leave your scooter for awhile esp to dine where you may be inside a restaurant where you can't see what it going on outside... I highly recommend covering your scooter with a poncho or some sort of protective covering as you just never know when that FL sky is going to open up and let the rains shower down! I can't tell you how many times I have been eating a sit down meal in a restaurant where we couldn't see outside and when we have come out, it has rained! And I was ever so thankful that I had covered my scooter!!

Only other suggestion I have is when coming down the ramp off of the bus be sure you have completely cleared the ramp before turning or you can flip your scooter. I much prefer my four wheel model as I think they are studier and less likely to flip but to each his/her own. I have seen some people come close to tipping over because they cut it too hard when they were going to fast on a three wheel version. Good Luck!!

thank you so much, this is very good advice!

 

[PeachPrincess]

Hi! Thanks for this thread...I was going to post almost the same exact questions today. I don't have MS but I do have Fibromyalgia and arthritis. Walking for short distances is fine but walking more than 20 mins much less all day long and trying to stand in lines will have me bed ridden for the rest of the week so I am going to be renting an ECV as well. I am a bit nervous about it but after reading these posts I do feel better. I do use the EVC's at Walmart and delighted to know the rentals are easier to navigate. I am a pro at the Wally world ones...lol. My biggest concern is my weight. Not being able to get exercise like I used to I have put on a good bit. I have seen some nasty youtube videos of people filming heavy set people using scooters and I am so afraid of running into that sort of problem. And also other forums were people say such nasty things. At Walmart people are almost always so nice to me. They help me get things off of shelves and such. Not sure how it would be at a big place like WDW. But I won't let the rudeness of others ruin my vaca!
Also I would have never thought of the idea of using a shower cap over the scooter...great idea!
Thanks again for all the tips and for the OP having posted the thread!