DVCers that use Scooters

[deedisneydream97]

This isn't really a DVC question, but don't want a lot of misinformation, which can sometimes happen when asking a question on the other boards. I'll be staying off-site with some family members. We plan on renting a scooter from one of the places that will drop off and pick up at the place we are staying. I was surprised to see that they disassemble easily for transport in a car. Since we have not stayed at a non-DVC place in years (18 or so), I'm not sure what the rules are regarding parking at resorts. I love the Boardwalk (our first!). I would like to be able to drop off the scooter and rider at the B/W lobby and then either valet park or park across the street at the "overflow" lot. Can I valet the car even though we are not staying there? I get free parking at all of the parks because of my A/P, but would rather pay for valet.

Also, how is the battery life? Would we be able to cruise the Boardwalk and have enough power left to take in some Epcot? We could probably save power by using the boat, but not sure how they handle a scooter. Actually, I prefer walking to Epcot, as I have found it is quicker and not as boring.

I should add that the person is not disabled, just on the older side (85) and has some mobility issues; can't see her walking for very long in the hot Florida sunshine. And I know she would NOT want a wheelchair.

Thanks in advance for any info. I am so spoiled by staying at DVC resorts, but it will be fine...I hope.

 

[jekjones1558]

Does she have a hanging disability tag? If so, then valet parking is free all over Disney property, except maybe Downtown Disney. Otherwise you can either pay to valet or park in overflow at Boardwalk. DH uses a scooter. As long as you fully charge it overnight you should be just fine doing Boardwalk and Epcot.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think the companies tell you to keep the Chargers with you. There are outlets in the park if you need one.

 

[deedisneydream97]

Thanks Bobbi and Jek....just the kind of information I was looking for. I'm thinking we will only do one park a day for only 1/2 day. Want to make sure everyone gets to see the different fireworks shows. Will definitely be a different trip than what I am used to. She won't be into going on any of the herky jerky rides.

Now....I need to read up on how magic bands and fast past + works when you are staying off-site. Will purchase discount tickets at AAA. So glad I got the premium A/P....will be getting four trips out of it.

Thanks again.

 

[chicagoshannon]

We've never had an issue with a battery running out. We plug the scooter in every night/time we return to the room.

If you decide yo want to drive to a park, just tell the guard at the parking booth that you have an ECV. They will most likely have you park in the handicap section because the ECVs cannot go on the parking trams.

A lot of the ECV companies do not include instructions for taking apart the scooter. To disassemble, you should take off the batteries, the basket, pull off the seat and then fold down the handle/steering. The batteries are just about the heaviest part of the scooter so you do not want to leave those on when you try to lift it into the car.

 

[deedisneydream97]

Thanks for that Shannon. The place I was going to rent from actually has a video on their website that shows you how to disassemble. I was quite surprised that it looks so easy. thanks for the info about parking at the parks. animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios seem to be the easiest. I have never parked at the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. We most likely will make reservations for dinner at California Grill one night so we can park there and see the fireworks. Or scooter over after dinner if I'm able to snag a fast pass for the fireworks....pretty unlikely, though, since I think those staying on-property get the jump on dates to start getting fast pass.

Thanks again all.

 

[JaimeA]

If you rent from Buena Vista Scooters they have a kiosk on the Boardwalk and can help with any concerns, instructions, or issues. I just rented from them for my Dad who is coming with us this trip and we have never used one before so I have learned a lot in the past few months about them. carry the charger with you just incase and bring either an extra poncho or something to cover the scooter incase of rain. Also a hand towel to wipe off any water or spills. Enjoy your trip!

 

[MAO]

If you rent from Buena Vista Scooters they have a kiosk on the Boardwalk and can help with any concerns, instructions, or issues.

Do you know where, precisely, on the Boardwalk this kiosk is? Is it always there? (I've never noticed it, but would have had no reason to look at it. This year, however, am taking the family including my father to stay at BWV so this is very interesting to me.)

 

[disneynutz]

Might be worth it to practice using an ECV at your local food store prior to your vacation. Tight spaces like an elevator and dealing with the crowds cutting in front of the ECV can make using them a challenge.

Bill

 

[JaimeA]

Do you know where, precisely, on the Boardwalk this kiosk is? Is it always there? (I've never noticed it, but would have had no reason to look at it. This year, however, am taking the family including my father to stay at BWV so this is very interesting to me.)

The place that rents the surrey bikes is owned by them, or at least I was told. We have stayed at BMV 5 times and I never noticed it either, but we never rented a scooter before also.

 

[deedisneydream97]

Yes, now that is was mentioned, the surrey bike rental place across from the boat transportation dock does have scooters there. Not sure if it is for daily use only and not for a week. The place I checked into (not Buena Vista...and not sure I can mentioned the name, but will take the chance ..Walker) has a good rate and the more days you rent, the lower the per day cost is, along with free drop off and pick up. Not sure if you need to sit and wait for them if at a Disney Resort, though.

 

[MAO]

Thanks for info!

 

[Debbie Jean]

We've never had an issue with a battery running out. We plug the scooter in every night/time we return to the room.

In theory this is correct. Speed and weight also influence how long a battery charge lasts.

However, it is possible to get a battery that loses charge more quickly. Always bring the charger with you just in case.

Finding places to charge is not as easy as it sounds. They don't advertise that you can do it and many CMs are completely clueless. Do a search on the DIS and write down places to charge before you go.

I am sitting outside Soarin waiting for the piece of junk scooter that Buena Vista Scooters gave me to charge. Yes, it isn't even 10 am and it was fully charged overnight when I left SSR at 8am this morning.

I visit WDW at least 4 times a year and have been renting scooters for over 10 years. So I'm no rookie. I don't know why I rented from these people. I hadn't for years because the exact same thing happened the last time I rented from them. Only then I got stranded at MK at midnight.

I'm leaving tomorrow so I'm just trying to baby the thing along. And I know others have had good experiences with BVS.
They must have my name in their system telling them to give me whatever scooter has the worst battery. And the light doesn't work LOL

I own at BWV so I pass the rental stand on the Boardwalk often. Thought that I should give them another shot. Won't be using them again though.

 

[michelleiada]

We have used Buena Vista for my mom...and the light didn't work, or the horn. They put a bell on it like the ones I had on my bicycle as a kid. The scooter was very beat up. We have also used Walker. Their scooter was older model and slow.

 

[sgrap]

How does using a scooter work at WDW? I have rented one the last several trips at DLR due to a knee injury, but we just stay onsite and go back and forth easily with it. How do you handle all the transportation involved at WDW with one?

 

[CKCruising]

I rented from Buena Vista when I broke my foot before our trip. There was two options. One was portable and made to go in/out of a car. We got the portable one and it was easy for me to get in/out of the trunk of our full size car, even with my boot cast.

 

[sgrap]

I rented from Buena Vista when I broke my foot before our trip. There was two options. One was portable and made to go in/out of a car. We got the portable one and it was easy for me to get in/out of the trunk of our full size car, even with my boot cast.

Is there any way to use a scooter if you do not have a rental car?

 

[MAO]

Some of the rental companies will bring the scooter to your resort (at least, if it's a Disney resort) and pick it up from there. So you don't need to drive anywhere - just figure out how to get on/off the Magical Express bus and have the scooter available when you get to the resort.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

We have gone down with my 65+ MIL twice now. She's had knee replacement and needed a scooter. Both times we've rented from Randy's Mobility and had excellent service. He had the kind of scooter you can take apart and put in a trunk, just make sure you rent a full size vehicle or there will be no chance it will fit. After traveling with my MIL I will say that negotiating a scooter in WDW traffic is no easy task. It's difficult stressful work and I definitely don't think my 89 year old grandmother could do it. I would take the above poster's advice to practice in a grocery store. If she can't manage in a store, there's no way she will survive, nevermind enjoy Disney. A push wheel chair might actually be the more stress free option for her.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

Also, my Pooh sized MIL never had any battery issues, and could certainly travel from bwv to epcot and back no problem.