Do you need to reserve an ECV in advance

[Ikaikalani]

Im headed to WDW with family, one member has difficulty standing for long periods. She is adamant to soldier thru, but in the off chance it proves too much, would we be able to rent an ECV at a moment's notice or, like most things Disney, do we need to reserve far in advance?

 

[tobikaye]

This is actually different as all mobility devices are first come, first serve when renting from WDW directly. This is why many rent from off-site. This way they do not have to worry if the park runs out on a crowded day.

 

[Bjkandma]

If you chose to just have one in the parks, its on a first serve basis, at the parks. If you think one will be needed for resort, etc. It is best to reserve ahead of time. I personally rent from Gold Mobility and while companies may be able to accommodate a last minute request, it cannot be guaranteed.

My advice would be to ask if she thinks she can walk 8-10 miles per day. It is what the average guest will walk (13,000 + steps per day. Daughter has walked 25,000 steps - I rode 25,000 steps). Please know that you will not find many benches throughout the parks. Disney has eliminated a lot since reopening, for distancing and crowd control.

 

[Evita_W]

I would rent in advance, through Gold Mobility. It is around $180 for a week from them and then you have it both in and out of the parks and if there is a good day and it isn't needed, so be it, but honestly, I would discourage the soilder through mentality. DH used to have that mentality with his knee, but finally rented one on a trip where he was having a hard time keeping up with everyone and our trips have been much more enjoyable ever since.

 

[merry_nbright]

I would rent in advance, through Gold Mobility. It is around $180 for a week from them and then you have it both in and out of the parks and if there is a good day and it isn't needed, so be it, but honestly, I would discourage the soilder through mentality. DH used to have that mentality with his knee, but finally rented one on a trip where he was having a hard time keeping up with everyone and our trips have been much more enjoyable ever since.

My mom is the same way. She’s got terrible arthritis and I’ve finally managed to talk her into using an ECV. Rented through Gold for 7 days and it was $161 with tax. Totally worth it for some relief for her. DAS could only do so much!

 

[Dispro1]

Im headed to WDW with family, one member has difficulty standing for long periods. She is adamant to soldier thru, but in the off chance it proves too much, would we be able to rent an ECV at a moment's notice or, like most things Disney, do we need to reserve far in advance?

I talked my mom into using an ECV last week and it was an absolute game changer for her! Instead of ending up on a bench somewhere waiting for the rest of us to finish riding, she was able to ride most things with us! There are so many people that have to use an ECV at Disney that don't use them at home because there is just so much walking! We ordered from Gold Mobility as many on here suggested, and it was great because we had no issues with the battery at all! There is a ton of walking to places outside the park so it is really helpful to have the ECV delivered to your hotel. I ordered one for her quite a bit in advance because I was afraid they would sell out for the 50th, but they don't charge you anything if you end up canceling so you could always book one and think about it. Good luck with your decision, and I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Bete]

It may be a good idea to do a practice run back home with an activity close to home with this family member. Going to a zoo is a good practice run. This will test the family member's endurance. Many zoos have scooter rentals; so, if the family member can't handle the walking you can then rent a scooter at the zoo. You can call and check. Then, if you need to get a scooter at the zoo this will give good practice on using a scooter, as well. It's a win, win. You could go to a botanical park or similar to see how well the person can walk but you will need to know you have to get back to your car on your own accord if the person can't handle it.

It's still harder at Disney; because, you are doing multiple days at the parks. What we have found through the years is that using a scooter allows the person to last much longer each day. Also, they feel better, too.

Depending when you go: popular times vs. less popular times could make it difficult to reserve a scooter last minute. There are park scooters for rent but you need to get to the park early like park opening; so, you have a better chance of getting one there. It's first come, first serve in the parks for scooter rentals. The scooter park rentals are more expensive than getting an outside rental. Also, you have to wait in line each time you rent a park scooter at the park. It's the same area for stroller and wheelchair rentals; so, it can take a while.

 

[DisneyOma]

My mom is the same way. She’s got terrible arthritis and I’ve finally managed to talk her into using an ECV. Rented through Gold for 7 days and it was $161 with tax. Totally worth it for some relief for her. DAS could only do so much!

DAS isn't for mobility issues, for this very reason - it doesn't shorten any wait time, or distances, for the most part. The queues are still long, even the FP+ ones, IMO.

 

[merry_nbright]

DAS isn't for mobility issues, for this very reason - it doesn't shorten any wait time, or distances, for the most part. The queues are still long, even the FP+ ones, IMO.

My mother doesn’t have just mobility issues. Thanks for the concern, though.

 

[DisneyOma]

My mother doesn’t have just mobility issues. Thanks for the concern, though.

Glad the DAS did help for her other issues, and that the ECV also helped with her arthritis. From your previous post, it sounded like you got DAS for her just because of her arthritis, sorry.