ECV and DAS questions

[Nikkim521]

Hello,. This will be my first time going to WDW with my husband since his cancer diagnosis and my FIL who has some physical issues. We are planning on renting a scooter but I am concerned about getting the portable one as far as battery life. Is it worth getting the battery pack? If we need a Minnie Van back to AKL is this not possible with the mid size scooter? Are ECVs allowed on the monorail? FIL is tall, and on the fluffy side. Any suggestions would be great.
Also, I am wondering if we should look into the DAS... Is this a good idea? Hubby will be about 5 months post stem cell transplant, gets fatigued easily.
TIA

 

[DisneyOma]

The DAS is not for mobility or endurance issues, so not sure how it will help him? He'd be better off renting a scooter to help him conserve energy.

 

[jo-jo]

EVC are allowed on the monorail.

I might be asking too much ,but will your husband be ok at disney? Disney has people and germs from around the world. Will a cold or stomach bug affect him twice as bad?

 

[Mrsjvb]

DAS is not going to be available to you if the only issues anyone has are easily fatigued. most lines are mainstreamed which means the ECV(s) can be ridden all the way up to the loading area. a couple they may need to transfer to a manual wheelchair, and a few they can stay on the ecv for the ride, but if you have 2 in your party, that's not going to work as they typically do not run more than one ride vehicle at a time that can handle PMDs. I suppose you could rent one and have the guys trade off.

they fit on Monorails just fine.

as for battery life: get the one with the longest battery life as well as turning it off every time you are not moving for more than a minute or two. especially if 2 people will be sharing it. it should be fine all day as long as you charge it fully each evening at the resort.

 

[Selket]

f we need a Minnie Van back to AKL is this not possible with the mid size scooter? Are ECVs allowed on the monorail? FIL is tall, and on the fluffy side. Any suggestions would be great.

When you call to rent a scooter for the FIL, if you can let them know his approximate weight they can tell you which scooter is best and which are likely to give problems for comfort, battery life, etc.

I think any of the off site rental scooters can go on the bus or monorail. Some of the small Disney boats cannot take them (like the one from MK to GF) but it's rare you'd need that and there's always another way to get there. As for Minnie Vans - they have a large van that can take the rental scooter and all of you. Make sure you call them rather than using the Lyft app - tell them you need the accessible van to take an ECV. It's about $25 or so I think...but can be worth it if you find yourself going from resort to resort (say eating at BC and returning to where you're staying at AKL in the evening). Minnie Vans only work on property (and to the airport) I think. You can also take a MinnieVan from the parks to your Disney resort hotel if you prefer but the bus will work also.

Would your husband consider renting a scooter also for his fatigue issues? It's very easy to park and walk around and use when he needs it. Most lines are mainstreamed so he can just ride the scooter until the end and get off and walk to the ride vehicle. If I have a FP and the que doesn't allow scooters, I just walk. I have very badly arthritic knees and this is what I do now for Disney trips. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[gap2368]

Hello,. This will be my first time going to WDW with my husband since his cancer diagnosis and my FIL who has some physical issues. We are planning on renting a scooter but I am concerned about getting the portable one as far as battery life. Is it worth getting the battery pack? If we need a Minnie Van back to AKL is this not possible with the mid size scooter? Are ECVs allowed on the monorail? FIL is tall, and on the fluffy side. Any suggestions would be great.
Also, I am wondering if we should look into the DAS... Is this a good idea? Hubby will be about 5 months post stem cell transplant, gets fatigued easily.
TIA

I hope your husband is doing better from his treatment.

As fair as the ECV. The battery should last all day but you will need to turn off the ECV when not in use ( this is normally turning the key or pulling it out s little) so when you stop to look at a map stop to watch an out door event stop to talk you get the idea They can go in all forms of transportation as long as they fit with in the size limit ( posted somewhere on the DIS). And yes they can go in the minivan.

As fair as the DAS goes it is need based not DX based you will have to Tell the CM why he can not wait in the normal standby lines and why he need to wait outside the lines. Can not stand can not walk gets tiers fast falls under mobility problem and they will suggest a wheelchair or ECV you can need both mobility devices and a DAS but you and husband need to think about his need will be.

One thing I would do since you have two people with some problems ( I do this and it Hs really changed my vacation) is take a short break every few hours and do a self check to see if you need something. It is so easy to get caught up in the I am at Disney and forget to do simplest things like drink or eat add sunscreen and on top of that id you have mobility issues and or pain problems get tired fast it is even easer to forget about it until it is too lat so I found it a good idea to just take a few minutes to really think how an I also remember all parks have a first aid where you( husband or dad) can rest and get a few other things like some OTC meds all quick service places have free ice water

I hope you have a great trip

 

[kaytieeldr]

The battery should last all day but you will need to turn off the ECV when not in use ( this is normally turning the key or pulling it out s little)

And remove it completely when leaving the ECV(s).

 

[Nikkim521]

Thank you for the advice! Will give them a call!