Dumb ??? Re: ECVs/hotel preference

[WDWVirgin]

Where would be the best/easiest place(s) to stay for someone who will be renting an ECV off-site? I am budget-minded, but in order to get my father to join us next December, I'd like to know where to stay that would be the easiest for him to move around (getting him to use the ECV is another story, I'm just jumping the gun). I know the Contemporary (cheapest deluxe on monorail?) would give us monorail access to MK and Epcot. Anything that would be "walking/driving" distance to MGM? We'd consider changing hotels during the trip if it were.

Also, he will need the Pooh-sized model of ECV (>300 lbs). The material I looked up showed the regular ones being disassembled for transport in a vehicle. Does anyone know if the large ones come apart similarly? -my parents would have their minivan for transport also

I'm sure I will have more questions if I can actually talk him into this vacation, but these few things will help get me started. Thanks.

 

[Nanajo1]

The Epcot area hotels, Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin all are within "walking" or ECV distance to both Epcot and MGM. When we stay at the Boardwalk we walk to Epcot and MGM. We( I say we but DH walks, I ride my ECV, which I rent from Walker's) often walk to MGM to get busses to other resorts. I think those hotels are most walking/ECV friendly. Call any of the off-site vendors and ask about disassembly. We removed the third seat in our minivan and just lifted the ECV into the back. You need two strong folks to do that.
I hope your Dad decides to go. Have a great trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome and hope it all works out for you.
Here's the info about renting ecvs from off site vendors:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I don't know if the "Pooh sized" ones break down for transport, but I think they do. You could email the companies to inquire.

I don't have anything to add to what Nanajo posted about the hotels. If he has a handicapped parking permit, be sure to bring it along. It will allow him to use valet parking at the resorts without charge.

 

[Wheelsie]

Welcome!!

Another thought...if your father has never used an ECV I'd say go to a mall or grocery store where you know they have ECV's for shopping (call b4 you go) and practice how to use them in such an open setting so he won't be such a novice once he gets down to WDW and has to deal with abrupt starts and stops because he has to get out the way of walking people that aren't looking where they are going

Have fun!!

 

[WDWVirgin]

Thanks everyone. Good information and helpful suggestions. Let the persuasion begin...

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I use Walker. They have ECVs for 300-375 as well as under 300. I have used both. They do disassemble easily, and just as the regular size, the heaviest of the five parts is 39 pounds. One thing to consider is room size and number of people in the room. I found that the Contemporary seemed to have the most room to park (and recharge) the ECV without interfering. Also, if staying at one of the full-service hotels and you are using a car, not only is the valet parking free (with evidence of disability,such as having an ECV or wheelchair, or a hand tag) but the valets will assist in disassembling/loading into trunk or removing from trucnk and reassembling. Normally they charge $6.00 per day for valet parking, with non of the money going to the valets. I will (almost) always tip the valets $2.00 both coming and going, or $5.00 if there is need for them to assist me with the ECV. If not renting a car, usually the bus service is quite good. As a matter of fact, on my last trip I took a tour which visited three parks, two hotels, and the Christmas Warehouse. I warned them in advance so they had a lift-equipped bus for the group. I normally don't have musch experience with their buses as we will havbe a rental car (any four-doo, intermediate or larger, will normally take an ECV in the trunk with no problem.