ECV bus anxiety and Apple Scooter

[donkortajr]

I have a lower back issue which randomly cuts off circulation and feeling to my legs and causes severe pain when having to walk long periods of time. During our last trip to Walt Disney World in October, 2008 I rented an ECV for the very first time. It was hands down the most enjoyable trip in years.

On the last trip, I rented the ECV in the park each morning. We are now preparing for our next trip this January. I am planning on renting an ECV, probably from Apple Scooters (Their prices are just so much cheaper than everyone else.)

The problem is I am just scared to death of having to take this on the bus back to the hotel each day (at least the days we go to Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios). I have seen the dirty looks in the past and heard the comments from others when I saw other putting their ECV on the bus. I’m also terrified of having to get it up that ramp.

Anyone have any suggestions for dealing with my anxieties?

Also, this trip has us at OKW for 1 night and 6 nights at BLT. Does anyone know if Apple Scooter will drop off / have waiting at OKW when we arrive but pick up from BLT at end of trip?

THX

 

[maroo]

I have a lower back issue which randomly cuts off circulation and feeling to my legs and causes severe pain when having to walk long periods of time. During our last trip to Walt Disney World in October, 2008 I rented an ECV for the very first time. It was hands down the most enjoyable trip in years.

On the last trip, I rented the ECV in the park each morning. We are now preparing for our next trip this January. I am planning on renting an ECV, probably from Apple Scooters (Their prices are just so much cheaper than everyone else.)

The problem is I am just scared to death of having to take this on the bus back to the hotel each day (at least the days we go to Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios). I have seen the dirty looks in the past and heard the comments from others when I saw other putting their ECV on the bus. I’m also terrified of having to get it up that ramp.

Anyone have any suggestions for dealing with my anxieties?

Also, this trip has us at OKW for 1 night and 6 nights at BLT. Does anyone know if Apple Scooter will drop off / have waiting at OKW when we arrive but pick up from BLT at end of trip?

THX

On one of my recent trips (used Apple both times - they were great!) - they DID drop it off at one resort and picked up at another - just let them know and they will make the note on the computer. They didn't have any trouble with doing that.

I don't have much in the way of suggestions for the anxiety...It is really nerve racking to load on the bus while people are all watching you - especially if you feel like they are watching with contempt.

I would just say practice, practice, practice! At home before you leave, you can use the one at the grocery store to practice moving forward and backing up. Also practice parallel parking.

Then when you get to your resort, practice there, too.

Parking the ECV is basically just like parallel parking a car - go way in front of the spot and just back into it first and then pull the front around. Some bus drivers will also help you and have some experience driving them, too.

It may be easier for you if you get out of the ECV to drive it into the spot, too...you can try that.

If you are nervous, then you might want to pass on any bus with a lift. You have to back up into the lift and honestly, I find that to be pretty difficult - especially when lots of people are watching me. I just wait for the bus with a ramp that just folds out. MOST of the buses have the ramp.


Above all.... Have a GREAT trip!! And don't worry what other people think. (I know that is really hard...easier said than done)...but really - they just don't know what is going on and don't understand what it is like to need one.

 

[Bete]

for less peak times and avoid those peak times with the scooter and the buses. Don't leave just after a parade or fireworks (Fantasmic is included, here). The best is to skip fireworks. Staying until closing time or near it is a big mistake with the way you feel. Get to the parks early. I believe the buses start running an hour ahead of park opening. I call this avoidance tactics. It's not a 100%, but it seems better that way. Those peak times seem to have more rude people.

The best idea is to rent a car and completely avoid the buses if this bothers you that much. When it becomes an economical decision to do something better it's harder to do; I know. As you stated on another trip you can rent scooters at the parks, too and then you don't have the bus issue. I do know it's nicer to have a scooter at all times.

If you have someone else in your party to do the bus part of the scootering maybe you can consider that course of action. My husband is better at doing a scooter on and off the bus.

There are no magic answers, here. Personally, no strangers comments affect me at Disney. No looks by strangers affect me, either. I think you have to build up a resistance to others that way. You'll get better at it all.