Do I have this right -- Scooter access

[BriannaRuth]

Just found out today that I strained two different ligaments in my foot when I fell off a ladder ... I'm in a walking boot and we leave for DL in 9 days. All the disability info is new to me -- I've read a number of threads on this but want to be sure I have this right.

Most posts I've read say don't even try to do DL in a walking boot, so although I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be well enough in a week not to need anything, I'm considering renting an ECV. This makes me very nervous as I've never been in one before and at a crowded park doesn't seem like a great time to learn! How difficult are they? I'm so worried I'll run into someone!

If I do get an ECV, I'm not sure I'd need it in the queues ... just to keep from putting too much strain on the foot from walking the long distances. Can you just park them someplace like you do a stroller?

If I do take it in the queue, all I have to do is go to a CM and ask them where to go? Some rides are ECV accessible and those that are not I can get a return pass for, most of those I'd go in the exit? And whoever is with me can go as well?

If I have an ECV but otherwise have no sign of any kind of disability and can easily get in and out of it, walk, etc. (won't need the boot if I have an ECV), I still don't need anything like a doctor's note, etc. Correct? I admit I'm a bit worried about getting dirty looks since I won't look disabled and can walk through a queue.

What about F!? How do I see it if I'm in an ECV?

Anything else I need to be aware of?

Thanks so much ...

 

[Malcon10t]

You have it pretty much right there. Yes, you can park them and walk the queue if you wish. Or use return times. Expect to get dirty looks regardless. People are just that way. As for Fantasmic!, you will go to the handicap viewing, but you will need a FP even for that. Show up early. They usually limit your guests with you because it is a small area.

 

[Geemo]

I admit I'm a bit worried about getting dirty looks since I won't look disabled and can walk through a queue.

Don't worry about getting dirty looks.... That might be how they always look....

As for using an ECV in the parks, they're pretty easy.
I usually park the scooter in an out of the way place if there isn't an easy stroller parking area.
If you can back it into the parking spot all the better for when you return and are leaving.
Always take the key with you. If you're staying onsite, Disney hotels allowed me to parked it against the wall in the hallway next to an out let for charging overnight.

Take an identifying item with you to attach to the handle of the scooter.
I use a bright colored yarn. When a CM has moved the scooter as they do strollers, makes it easier to find.

If you decide not to get a scooter, at least take all the info of scooter rental places with you.
If you find you really need to have one it will make it easier to order one.

Good luck

Geemo

 

[bluecruiser]

Most posts I've read say don't even try to do DL in a walking boot, so although I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be well enough in a week not to need anything, I'm considering renting an ECV. This makes me very nervous as I've never been in one before and at a crowded park doesn't seem like a great time to learn! How difficult are they? I'm so worried I'll run into someone!

If you want some practice in advance using an ECV, try going to a local Target, Walmart, grocery store, etc. Many have ECV's that you can use for free while shopping, and it will give you time to practice.

It's really not hard to use an ECV, but in crowds the main thing to remember is that people will often stop or turn abruptly when walking. Always drive more slowly in crowds and leave room in front of you so you can stop in time. Unfortunately, some people will step in front of you anyway. I like to think it's because you are somewhat "invisible" since you are lower in the ECV, but young kids and even adults can get impatient and step in front of you because of the gap.

Don't let this scare you away from using an ECV, just remember to take it easy and go slow in crowds.

 

[LeiaOfAlderaan]

I was terrified the first time I had to use an ECV (walking boot). It ended up being super easy to control and sometimes it was even fun. I recommend Deckert Surgical—they have 3-wheelers that are smaller and easier to maneuver than the DL rentals. Yes it will be annoying when you’re in a sea of people and can barely move, or people jump in front of you, but it’s actually really easy to stop quickly.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Ouch! I've had torn and strained ligaments before and they are definitely painful! They also need a lot of rest in order to properly heal. I would recommend wearing the boot and using a scooter. Even if you're just walking through queues, your foot will need to be straight and immobile. Otherwise you risk re-injury or much slower healing. And although your reason for using a scooter is really no one else's business, the boot on your foot will show them that you really are injured. You will need to park it and walk through most queues at DL, while DCA has a lot more that can accommodate a scooter.

 

[BrianL]

I just want to say that you absolutely have every right to use an ECV and it's really nobody's business why or if you are "injured enough" etc. If you have an issue with walking the distances, then use the ECV as much or as little as you feel you need to. Disney will not ask for any kind of verification. People should remember that not all disabilities and injures are visible to the eye.

I hope you have fun and that you heal up quickly!

 

[HydroGuy]

On our trip last month one in our party had a temporary condition that prevented them from walking long distances. None of us had ever had to consider an ECV before. I posted a question similar to yours. Here is a link:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/ecvs-at-dlr.3687297/

We rented the ECV no problem from Deckert's. Fortunately, two days before the trip this person's condition significantly improved and we canceled the ECV the day before our flight. Everything turned out well for us.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Ouch! I've had torn and strained ligaments before and they are definitely painful! They also need a lot of rest in order to properly heal. I would recommend wearing the boot and using a scooter. Even if you're just walking through queues, your foot will need to be straight and immobile. Otherwise you risk re-injury or much slower healing. And although your reason for using a scooter is really no one else's business, the boot on your foot will show them that you really are injured. You will need to park it and walk through most queues at DL, while DCA has a lot more that can accommodate a scooter.

One reason I was considering not wearing the boot was because I've read that some rides are difficult to get in and out of while wearing one, and I am unlikely to have much help in that regard since I'm going with my teenage daughter, no husband this trip. I already have knee issues that make getting out of certain rides painful. And I'll be in the parks alone some of that time as my daughter is spending time with friends as well. I've read the CMs are unable to help, so I'm afraid wearing the boot would just add to my anxiety. Although it would probably make me feel a little better about "looking like" I need an ECV! Too bad there's not some kind of boot that's easy to take on and off ... the one I have is pretty complicated.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Does anyone know how well you can see from the ECV/Wheelchair access area for F!? How early would I need to get there with a FP? And if I have my daughter with me, where would she sit?

 

[Geemo]

One reason I was considering not wearing the boot was because I've read that some rides are difficult to get in and out of while wearing one, and I am unlikely to have much help in that regard since I'm going with my teenage daughter, no husband this trip. I already have knee issues that make getting out of certain rides painful. And I'll be in the parks alone some of that time as my daughter is spending time with friends as well. I've read the CMs are unable to help, so I'm afraid wearing the boot would just add to my anxiety. Although it would probably make me feel a little better about "looking like" I need an ECV! Too bad there's not some kind of boot that's easy to take on and off ... the one I have is pretty complicated.

Is it a challenge for you to get out of some of the ride vehicles?
Since some of the rides are timed and could go down due to slow unloading I check with a CM.

I have trouble getting up out of RSR. So when I'm by myself I like to use the special loading platform. It gives me all the time I need and I don't have to worry about making the ride go down because of being too slow getting up out of the car. Plus then I don't have to use the stairs. So it's a double bonus for me there.

If there are any rides you feel you could use a little extra time just ask a CM they are very helpful.

Geemo

 

[BriannaRuth]

So are you basically using the handicapped access area even though you don't have a wheelchair/scooter or DAS? I can get in and out fast enough without a boot but with the boot that would definitely be helpful. Good to know, though! I may do that if I'm by myself for sure, even if I don't have the boot. The combination of an injured foot plus already having knee issues may slow me down a bit.

Splash is usually the most problematic because of how low you sit and the odd angle your knee is at for getting in and out. Do the rides that have the special access for boarding also have it for getting off? How does that work?

 

[cmwade77]

I would suggest always asking a cast member where to go and taking it in the line with you, less chance of it magically disappearing that way and yes, that does happen.

It depends on the attraction what you do.