ECV for beginners

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

Hi all,
I just had my 3rd foot surgery due to heel spurs & chronic plantar fasciiatis. We have a March 16-25, 2011 trip planned. I will be using an ECV FOR THE 1st TIME from Walker Mobility to get around the resort & parks. We are staying at POR, but in a medical request for building 14 in AB one the 1st floor thanks to previous tipsters on the subject.

Does anyone have some advice on how to make the best of this experience? This trip is for my 40th birthday on 3/25. We thought about canceling, but I would be devasted. We have so many wonderful ADRs, more days than ever before, this is our dream trip. We can take our time & do it right

I am scared. I know I'll be in pain from the flight down thanks to cabin pressurization so we planned an easy day on 3/17. Any tips on reducing stress on the foot & stress on me over not knowing what I'm doing on an ECV appreciated! I read I should practice, ao I'll get on that!

TIA,

 

[peemagg]

First of all did you rent a 3 wheel or 4 wheel version? To reduce some of the swelling when on my ECV, I take along a big backpack that is quite rigid and prop my foot up on that.

My best suggestion is to practice with ECV's both at home and around the resort when you get there. From now until the trip, when you go anywhere that has the scooters to use, use them. Practice getting the feel for backing up, turning around, and how they run. This will make your using the one you rented a whole lot easier when you get it. Once you get the one you rented, play with it around the resort and get a feel for how it backs up, how fast it goes, what distance at what speed you need to stop it in. Also practice paralell parking. All these will make it a better experience in the parks for you.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going to a WalMart or a large grocery store and use their ECV on a shopping expedition. Realize there are major differences between a store ECV and a rental. The store ECVs are much harder to maneuver, as well as having a large, unwieldy basket on the front. Also, the rentals have a single throttle lever, pushing the right side is forward and pushing the left side is backup; on most of the store ECVs there is a forward/reverse switch and pushing the lever on either side will travel in the direction the switch is set.

And I have never heard of airliner pressurization affecting a level of pain from surgery. Modern airliners never had the cabin effective altitude go over 6,000 feet. It is not adding any pressure to you, it is just limiting the reduction of pressure as the altitude increases.

 

[Bete]

a cortisone shot before the trip or something equivalent to relieve pain?

Propping up the leg is a good idea, too. I would alternate easy with hard activities. For example, after doing a thrill ride take it easy with doing a show or parade, eating, etc. Get extra support from whoever getting into and out of rides.

Not sure if this can be done after surgery (infection possibilities?) but buy a water foot massager and see if that helps each day for some relief. You can bring one from home or buy one there, if needed.

If you start feeling bad pain ease up on your activities and sit out a few rides.

Not sure if you are doing physical therapy, but if you are then maybe you can get therapy while you are away??? You may have to pay OOP for the privelege but it may help you. Make sure you bring instructions for this from your home town therapist and/or doctor. If you have exercises that you are suppose to do don't get lax about them on vacation.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

I hadn't heard of it either, but the podiatrist was very specific last year as was the tech that fitted my compression hoses. Air travel can aggravate my condition & it did just that in 3/10 & 8/10. I was instructed to wear the compression hoses during flight & the next day to keep the swelling down which I did, but there was still a lot of discomfort. The way it was explained to me is it is similar to when flying w/a sinus infection or head cold. The extra gunk adds pressure & can be painful. I hope that makes sense

I had massive heel spurs in both feet that tore up a lot of tissue & led to the plantar fasciiatis. I tried cortisone shots, but they weren't much help. I get my stitches out this week, so I can ask if it would help now or if there is something else I can do to ease discomfort.

I'm just one of those lucky folks who has an extreme case. I have to have my left foot redone after our March trip for the same issue. Presciption painkillers & steroids are out b/c I'm allergic to a preservative that is used in these type of meds. I have ibuprofen, ice, compression hose, and a walking boot for pain management so I am going to have to become one w/the ECV I foolishly tried to tough it out last March & part of last August until I cried uncle & rented a wheelchair. I have to treat my feet better this time

I seem to have a good orthopedic surgeon this go around, so I'm hoping I'll have my feet back for a fall 2012 trip

Thank you all for the pointers! If anyone has more, PLMK.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

a cortisone shot before the trip or something equivalent to relieve pain?

Propping up the leg is a good idea, too. I would alternate easy with hard activities. For example, after doing a thrill ride take it easy with doing a show or parade, eating, etc. Get extra support from whoever getting into and out of rides.

Not sure if this can be done after surgery (infection possibilities?) but buy a water foot massager and see if that helps each day for some relief. You can bring one from home or buy one there, if needed.

If you start feeling bad pain ease up on your activities and sit out a few rides.

Not sure if you are doing physical therapy, but if you are then maybe you can
get therapy while you are away??? You may have to pay OOP for the
privelege but it may help you. Make sure you bring instructions for this from
your home town therapist and/or doctor. If you have exercises that you are
suppose to do don't get lax about them on vacation.

I did get some foot reflexology & calf to foot massage last trip in August when we stayed at CS. I can bring one of my nubby balls to roll my feet on. I have not been cleared for PT yet this time, but that is a good idea to check into it at WDW. Thanks for all the great suggestions. I made it clear to my kiddos I have to pick & choose what I can do, and not to get upset if I cannot do a lot of rides.

 

[Chickenlady]

Not to start any trouble, but why did you make a medical nec. request when you have rented an ECV for the entire trip. If you have a scooter, all you need is a ground floor or elevator accessible room. Since Alligator Bayou doesn't have elevators, ground floor would work. Bld. 14 is a prefered bld.(costs more) but is very close to all services. You (and me) will have the fastest, easiest on the feet transportation. Why not leave the close rooms for those who don't, can't use battery powered transport. I know that when I started using my ECV, I've suddenly become the one in our group who gets volunteered to "run" and get fastpasses, snacks, refill drinks at the food court. I'd be really annoyed to hear that my elderly (and stubborn as heck) father was placed way, way out because scooter users were placed up close.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

Not to start any trouble, but why did you make a medical nec. request when you have rented an ECV for the entire trip. If you have a scooter, all you need is a ground floor or elevator accessible room. Since Alligator Bayou doesn't have elevators, ground floor would work. Bld. 14 is a prefered bld.(costs more) but is very close to all services. You (and me) will have the fastest, easiest on the feet transportation. Why not leave the close rooms for those who don't, can't use battery powered transport. I know that when I started using my ECV, I've suddenly become the one in our group who gets volunteered to "run" and get fastpasses, snacks, refill drinks at the food court. I'd be really annoyed to hear that my elderly (and stubborn as heck) father was placed way, way out because scooter users were placed up close.

I made the request before surgery & rental because I had to walk to get from the lobby to my room. Like I stated, I have never used an ECV before, I do not know the etiquette, I do not know if I can use the thing to go to the pool with my kids, or what all is involved with getting around. I made the best decision I knew to make, so it is not quite fair to slam me for it. I'm here ASKING for advice and help so I know the etiquete and ins and out of what to do so I can be a considerate guest. I have a hard time transferring from my wheelchair to a chair at this point because both my feet are injured. I am trying to do everything possible to make this trip a success, and if that annoys you, it's a shame. It's a shame people trying to get help have to justify it.

 

[Checkers]

I had the same concerns as you when I broke my ankle late last summer and had to get a scooter for our Oct. trip. I did go to Target and practice a little but I really found the scooter I rented very easy to maneuver. The CMs were outstanding and very helpful. If you just use common sense and courtesy you will have no problem. I was always aware of my surroundings and I must say I met some very wonderful fellow travelers along the way that were very helpful as well. Good luck and enjoy your Birthday vacation.

 

[Chickenlady]

Minnie Mommy Mouse, I did not mean to slam you. I can understand requesting a close building if you didn't know that you'd have an ECV. But the way you worded your posting...I have rented an ECv, requested Alligator 14 for medical....gave me the impression this was all done at once. You also mentioned using tips from this board, which also made me think that somewhere, someone told you that ECV users should request close buildings. Believe me, I've been there walking, limping and now wheeling. I truly believe that the closer rooms should be available for medical reasons. Don't worry about getting around in the ECV, there are always no-stair pathways to get you where you'll need to go. Also, bring some big ziplocks so you can grab some ice and make your own ice packs.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

Chickenlady, I agree in not asking for what you don't need. We stayed at CBR last March & CS last August, and I couldn't make it to the Food Courts or main pool unless I took the bus. I've been searching threads November when I began to suspect I might have to have surgical cleanups of my previous feet surgeries. From what I read, I thought I was doing the right thing asking for a building closento the lobby, main pool, and bus stop b/c I thought worst case scenario, I'd have to get an ECV each day at the parks. My feet revolted Christmas Day after cooking for 6 hours & I've been extremely restricted ever since. My husband & travel agent came up w/renting an ECV for the whole trip experience. I didn't know that was an option, and as much as it pains me to admit it, I need it. I'm sorry I'm a sorehead about all this, but I am officially freaked out. Just walking from a lobby to where our rooms were in past trips after check-in would be excruciating. I am totally out of my element, so I am asking what to do & what not to do.

Can you take an ECV to a pool? Can you take it on the ferries to DTD? What do you do w/it if it rains? How do charge it at night & do you have to get it in your room to do so?

Canceling my trip would be the easy thing to do, and if I knew my feet would be all better in 6 months, I would. At this point, I'm starting to question if I'll ever be able to walk the parks again, so I want to try and enjoy the now. I'll only be 40 once

Happy Valentines Day to all! I'm going to spend it w/my fellas

 

[peemagg]

Chickenlady, I agree in not asking for what you don't need. We stayed at CBR last March & CS last August, and I couldn't make it to the Food Courts or main pool unless I took the bus. I've been searching threads November when I began to suspect I might have to have surgical cleanups of my previous feet surgeries. From what I read, I thought I was doing the right thing asking for a building closento the lobby, main pool, and bus stop b/c I thought worst case scenario, I'd have to get an ECV each day at the parks. My feet revolted Christmas Day after cooking for 6 hours & I've been extremely restricted ever since. My husband & travel agent came up w/renting an ECV for the whole trip experience. I didn't know that was an option, and as much as it pains me to admit it, I need it. I'm sorry I'm a sorehead about all this, but I am officially freaked out. Just walking from a lobby to where our rooms were in past trips after check-in would be excruciating. I am totally out of my element, so I am asking what to do & what not to do.

Can you take an ECV to a pool? Can you take it on the ferries to DTD? What do you do w/it if it rains? How do charge it at night & do you have to get it in your room to do so?

Canceling my trip would be the easy thing to do, and if I knew my feet would be all better in 6 months, I would. At this point, I'm starting to question if I'll ever be able to walk the parks again, so I want to try and enjoy the now. I'll only be 40 once

Happy Valentines Day to all! I'm going to spend it w/my fellas

First of all if you want a room close to everything, you have every right, whether you have a ECV or not. If you are willing to pay for the preferred rate, then so be it. Everyone has that right. It doesn't matter whether or not you have wheels.

To answer your questions, yes you can take the ECV to the pool, but I would park it well away from the splash zone. I would also bring a plastic garbage bag or shower cap with you to cover the tiller from water. I would keep this with you all the time in case you run into rain.

To charge your ECV, I would bring a 6 ft power strip with you. This will allow you more room to reach a outlet in your room. All you have to do is drive the ECV into your room and plug it in.

The ferries to DTD are able to carry a ECV, so you will be fine there. There are some boats that can't carry a ECV, but the boats to DTD are able.

You have done nothing wrong in your room requests. It is your choice. There is no right or wrong concerning rooms requests, just peoples opinions.

 

[Chickenlady]

peemagg, I agree and disagree with your response. I totally agree that anyone can agree to pay extra and request a prefered room. I disagree if you make a MEDICAL request for a close room, just because you want it! In the case of the OP, after her explanation of making the request before getting the ECV, hers was a legitimate request. That does not mean that anyone can use the medical request excuse whenever they want. Although Disney has no way to check on whether or not the request is legit. or not, its a moral issue. Used to be the same way for requesting the free small fridges in the resorts. If you needed them for medication, they were free. How many people took advantage of that situation?

 

[peemagg]

I agree if someone is just saying for medical reasons and not having a actual medical reason for making the request it shouldn't happen, but it wasn't the case with the OP. She has a real reason for requesting this.

 

[KPeveler]

OK, this is getting a little off track!

Let us ALL remember that no one can tell the medical needs of others through this board. If the OP feels that she needs to request whatever type of room for medical reasons, then we are not here to judge that. We obviously cannot know everything from one small thread (heck I've been here for years and I know that not even Sue knows everything about me!).

I know that each of us has different experiences using our mobility devices at Disney, so let's keep in mind that what works for one of us may not work for all of us.

Let's go back to the original question, which was about newbie tips for ECV users.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

First of all did you rent a 3 wheel or 4 wheel version? To reduce some of the swelling when on my ECV, I take along a big backpack that is quite rigid and prop my foot up.

My reservation does not state if it is 3 or 4 wheel? Does it matter/is one easier to use? It just says "standard scooter.". Thank you for all the helpful tips throughout this thread

We get in late 3/16 & have the 17th planned as a resort & DTD day, so I should have time for lots of practice before hitting MK 3/18. I'll make sure & get some practice in at store here too

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

I'm going to summarize tips I've gotten from various threads so future searchers on the subject don't have to wade through all the posts. If anyone has anything to add that I missed, please add on

Before trip:
1). If you think you are going to need an ECV, book IN ADVANCE. We found out the hard way ECV rentals at the parks are often SOLD OUT if you try to book while at the parks.
2). You can save money on ECV rental by using an off-site rental service. Walker Mobility was referred to us by our travel agent as being a reliable company, but I'm sure there are others.
3). PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE at home by going to stores that have ECVs (Target, WalMart, Cosco, etc.). This will give you a feel for the device, & help you become comfortable w/corners & angles, backing up, etc. PRACTICE PARALLEL PARKING w/bus transport in mind. Also, go when
stores are busy to help learn to navigate crowds. One helpful tipster suggested having a helper
walk in front of you and stop on a dime to prepare you for real life in the parks
4). Pre-trip PACKING CHECKLIST:
-6 ft power strip to make charging your ECV in your room at night more accessible.
-garbage bag or shower cap to keep tiller on ECV dry in case of rain.
-collapsible cane if you have one to help with line queue walking or transferring (if needed).
-walking boot or brace if needed.
-ziplocks or other waterproof storage for using ice at the end of a long day. Sue in MN suggest an
old fashion ice pack you can buy at a drugstore since they don't leak like ziplocks. YOU CANNOT
GET a mini fridge w/freezer, so gelpacks & ice packs are not an option.
-there is a good product called BIOFREEZE that can help with shin splints, muscle pain & swelling. Sample packs are good for carrying on.
5). Make sure to find out if your room has elevator access & if not request ground floor for accessiblity!!!
6). Bring an extra poncho to cover ECV to protect from rain.
On-Site
1). Get to bus stops EARLY or use bus transport at off times to avoid crowding/wait times. This especially important if your bus line is shared between multiple resorts.
2). You CAN use ferry transport with ECVs
3). You CAN take your ECV to a pool, but use common sense & park away from the splash zone. Also stay out of sand! Even getting 2 wheels off path can get you stuck!
4). You CAN take an ECV to water parks!!! TL has an elevator for the CrushNGusher slides and a super cool wave pool. BB has the ski chair lifts for some slide accessibility. Thanks to Chesire Figment for the info!
5). Take advantage of a hard back back to elevate your leg when possible to keep swelling down. Don't forget to pack your poncho & shower cap for ECV rain protection!
6).For long days, you can use plug ins at Guest Relations to recharge ECV. They can offer to lend you a push wheelchair while it's charging. Mommyrach suggest doing this while dining since you'll
transfer to a chair in the restaurant.

HTH!

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

I thought of a couple more questions:
1). Can you take ECV to water parks & is it even worth it? I know a lot of the slides have steep steps & I'm not sure if they are accessible any other way than walking.

2). If you have a long day at the parks planned, do you need to recharge your ECV & if so how?

TIA

 

[mommyrach]

Chickenlady, I agree in not asking for what you don't need. We stayed at CBR last March & CS last August, and I couldn't make it to the Food Courts or main pool unless I took the bus. I've been searching threads November when I began to suspect I might have to have surgical cleanups of my previous feet surgeries. From what I read, I thought I was doing the right thing asking for a building closento the lobby, main pool, and bus stop b/c I thought worst case scenario, I'd have to get an ECV each day at the parks. My feet revolted Christmas Day after cooking for 6 hours & I've been extremely restricted ever since. My husband & travel agent came up w/renting an ECV for the whole trip experience. I didn't know that was an option, and as much as it pains me to admit it, I need it. I'm sorry I'm a sorehead about all this, but I am officially freaked out. Just walking from a lobby to where our rooms were in past trips after check-in would be excruciating. I am totally out of my element, so I am asking what to do & what not to do.

Can you take an ECV to a pool? Can you take it on the ferries to DTD? What do you do w/it if it rains? How do charge it at night & do you have to get it in your room to do so?
Canceling my trip would be the easy thing to do, and if I knew my feet would be all better in 6 months, I would. At this point, I'm starting to question if I'll ever be able to walk the parks again, so I want to try and enjoy the now. I'll only be 40 once

Happy Valentines Day to all! I'm going to spend it w/my fellas

I was just there last week with an ECV. The only thing that I encountered that I could not do on it was the train at Magic Kingdom. I didn't try a ferry, but was able to take it on the buses and monorail. All the cast members were very helpful. Make sure to go to guest relations and get a Guest Assistance Card when you get there. Some rides have seperate entrances for wheel chairs. Ask the cast member at the entrance where you need to go. Your family will be able to go with you.

I would not leave your ECV outside your room unattended. We did for about 5 minutes when we returned to our room to get some things and had to go outside to get people off of it. When it rained, I put my poncho on and draped it over the seat and put a clear garbage bag over the controls. You can take it to the pool, food court, anywhere you need to go. I was a little nervous before we went too, but everything turned out fine. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[mommyrach]

I thought of a couple more questions:
1). Can you take ECV to water parks & is it even worth it? I know a lot of the slides have steep steps & I'm not sure if they are accessible any other way than walking.

2). If you have a long day at the parks planned, do you need to recharge your ECV & if so how?

TIA

We did long days at the parks and mine made it the whole day. It was when I forgot to charge it one night that I ran into problems. We were able to plug it in at guest relations to charge while we were eating and they offered to let us use a push wheel chair while it charged. Oops!