ECV or taking it easy?

[SueM in MN]

OKW has only 3 buildings with elevators, but most of the buildings have only 2 floors, so even without any requests, you have a 50:50 chance of getting first floor. Even though you said you don’t get location choice because of it being a timeshare trade, it is worth mentioning that you need first floor FOR MEDICAL REASONS and see if they can help you out.

OKW is a very good resort as far as taking buses is concerned. Buses are not shared with any other resort and a lot of people live within driving distance, so the buses are usually not packed.

The Dream scooter is very large - much bigger than the heavy duty scooters that other companies rent. It does take up more space in shows, etc. and is not supposed to be allowed on buses with lifts because it exceeds the length and weight maximum for the lifts.
if you need a scooter for a rider of 500 pounds, it may be the only option, but for people who weigh less, there are other options in heavy duty scooters with high back seats, which are shorter and narrower.
If you want to rent from that company, they have a smaller scooter that they call the DASH, which has the same type of seat with headrest, but the scooter is quite a bit shorter and not so high. You also want to look at foot position - some of the scooter, including the Dream, have a very small foot space, so you don’t have much ability to change leg position. If that would be a problem for you, you will want to look at scooters with more foot space possibilities.

 

[ForAandA]

The scooter that you all are talking about sounds like the "Dream" scooter. Those have been known to not be allowed on the buses, due to the fact that they are too long and weigh too much. I don't think that I would risk not being able to get on a bus due to my scooter being to large. It seems like more problems than it's worth.

YEs, thank you. That is the scooter that DH uses. Truthfully, we originally chose it due to its weight limit. Nowdays most scooters can hold up to 500lbs.

Yep, I've been reading about some problems here and there with the "dream" scooter. I would hate to know we'd get stuck somewhere and unable get to another park or to our resort even.

The darn thing is big that's for sure. I'd like it better were it not so tall overall, just don't like the idea of getting in everyone's way. I *DO* however require a tall seat like that for support. Short ones always help for the lower back, but my upper back and neck really need help on those long Disney days.

Thought about calling the rental company for their input/suggestions but figure their input would be.... shall we say 'biased'. Still need to look into it, say when we move over to BC / BW for a few days.

I have spoken to both the company AND Disney in reference to this issue. Yes, the wheels are big. It does clear, though. The problem is that some people just can't prallel park . They have problems backing it onto the bus. Disney allows it, and we will be renting it again this year.

I don't remember it being that tall. It does have a high back though. Lots of compliments. We have NEVER been denied a bus because of his chairs' size. We had 2 drivers tell us the ramp was broken on the bus I have Disney transportation on my cell. I called them directly. Magically, another bus came for us within 5 minutes each time. At times, getting the bus by ourselves .

No problems on boats or the monorail at all. You have to feel comfortable handling that size ECV though. It is NOT for everyone.

 

[SueM in MN]

YEs, thank you. That is the scooter that DH uses. Truthfully, we originally chose it due to its weight limit. Nowdays most scooters can hold up to 500lbs.



I have spoken to both the company AND Disney in reference to this issue. Yes, the wheels are big. It does clear, though. The problem is that some people just can't prallel park . They have problems backing it onto the bus. Disney allows it, and we will be renting it again this year.

I don't remember it being that tall. It does have a high back though. Lots of compliments. We have NEVER been denied a bus because of his chairs' size. We had 2 drivers tell us the ramp was broken on the bus I have Disney transportation on my cell. I called them directly. Magically, another bus came for us within 5 minutes each time. At times, getting the bus by ourselves .

No problems on boats or the monorail at all. You have to feel comfortable handling that size ECV though. It is NOT for everyone.

It is not supposed to be loaded on the buses with lifts, so if a lift bus comes, they are supposed to call dispatch and send another kind.
I imagine some drivers with lift buses may just say the lift is broken rather than get into explaining the dream scooter is not allowed on the lifts.

 

[TiggerDaddyo714]

There are scooters out there that do fit on the buses that have the higher backed seats. They have what are known as captains chairs. I believe that the Pride Victory has them.

I just checked on the Apple scooter site and they have the Pride Victory 10 that indeed has the captains chairs. They are $175 a week for the 3 wheeled version and $185 a week for the 4 wheeled version.

Thanks for the lookup, you are right indeed. I just looked at them again, (list of rental companies from the faq) and it seems the "Pride 10" would be the only one I would even consider based on the comfort of the seat. Sometimes I like the 4 wheeled versions if for no other reason that there are even more places to put the feet. Actually I've had the chance to bring a PWC, just too much trouble to transport it. That's were I got spoiled with the seat, but even with them the foot area isn't terribly flexible and you find your feet getting bumped around quite a bit when you're in a crowd.

I am not heavy @ 175 5,10" and therefore don't need the HD scooters just much prefer the better seats. If the "dream" fits the 48" bus template how does it end up being too heavy? Ya' know... It would seem that the company would have taken into account all the comments from users regarding problems with transportation (I'm sure not just at WDW but SeaWorld, Universal Studios, etc) and could have done something with the front forks by now. Great idea of a scooter that's for sure. (just a big darned thing, like everything else American... big cars, big trucks, big scooters.)

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the lookup, you are right indeed. I just looked at them again, (list of rental companies from the faq) and it seems the "Pride 10" would be the only one I would even consider based on the comfort of the seat. Sometimes I like the 4 wheeled versions if for no other reason that there are even more places to put the feet. Actually I've had the chance to bring a PWC, just too much trouble to transport it. That's were I got spoiled with the seat, but even with them the foot area isn't terribly flexible and you find your feet getting bumped around quite a bit when you're in a crowd.

I am not heavy @ 175 5,10" and therefore don't need the HD scooters just much prefer the better seats. If the "dream" fits the 48" bus template how does it end up being too heavy? Ya' know... It would seem that the company would have taken into account all the comments from users regarding problems with transportation (I'm sure not just at WDW but SeaWorld, Universal Studios, etc) and could have done something with the front forks by now. Great idea of a scooter that's for sure. (just a big darned thing, like everything else American... big cars, big trucks, big scooters.)

The dream does not fit into the 48 inch template unless the front wheel is turned.
That is one reason it doesn't fit on the buses with lifts - the wheel needs to be turned to make it fit onto the lift, which is only 48 inches long and just barely wide enough for the dream. When they were being put on the lift buses, the company renting them was instructing guests to back up until they bumped the back of the lift, then turn the front wheel sharply to make it fit on the ramp.
I have heard from bus drivers that this was causing damage to the lifts.

The dream is also much heavier than the other scooter because it is bigger. Not all riders are the same weight, but a heavier weight rider plus the weight of the scooter is more than the approved weight limit for the lift. The lifts are on the older buses - the newer buses have ramps.

 

[ForAandA]

The dream does not fit into the 48 inch template unless the front wheel is turned.
That is one reason it doesn't fit on the buses with lifts - the wheel needs to be turned to make it fit onto the lift, which is only 48 inches long and just barely wide enough for the dream. When they were being put on the lift buses, the company renting them was instructing guests to back up until they bumped the back of the lift, then turn the front wheel sharply to make it fit on the ramp.
I have heard from bus drivers that this was causing damage to the lifts.

The dream is also much heavier than the other scooter because it is bigger. Not all riders are the same weight, but a heavier weight rider plus the weight of the scooter is more than the approved weight limit for the lift. The lifts are on the older buses - the newer buses have ramps.

Thanks Sue for all of the great info. You are right, I never thought about the weight issue with the lifts. Don't want to cause any damage! I know that DH loves the coolness factor of the dream, and the high back helps so much for comfort.

So, what do you guys recommend. DH is pooh sized, would prefer a higher back, and something cool

 

[TiggerDaddyo714]

Sue,

Thank you so much for your (always) great info!

This whole "you are disabled" thing I kept fighting. I mean the first doctor that told me that I couldn't work (was self employed at the time and had two businesses, one with several flatbed tow trucks) was in Nov 2002. I fought that, and didn't actually stop working till 03. But as far as actually filing for disability, well... first time was 5 years ago, and it wasn't 'official' till last fall. (And yes there was several years of 'back pay' for me as well as my kids.)

Although.... Along the way I have been to every doctor I can find, had dozens and dozens of procedures and surgeries, etc. I mean, I've been going doctors since my first injury when I was 20. Started as here and there, a few muscle relaxers and/or injection. Fast forward 25 years and suddenly I can barely move. From Nov 2002 till today it's been for some sort of injection, nerve block, trigger point, epidurial at least once a month.

Walking around the house hasn't been that big of a deal. (just don't go downstairs like hardly ever) However there is no way I ever go shopping or walk the dog, or to the park, just doesn't happen. Watch a heck of a lot of TV though! Yes, a cane is always required when out of the house, sometimes inside as well, and as of late.... when my L5 disc jumps out of place (which seems to happen more often than I'd like it to over the last 6 months) we've had to dig out my Dad's walker.

TMI perhaps, but it goes to why I'm concerned about the ECV. I'm likely to get a new one this year either way, (because I just cannot get out with my family and do things). I find it amazing that the sizes are so inconsistent! Anything that is actually comfortable, has larger wheels for outside use, and most especially has a fully supportive high-back, thickly padded seat tends to be between 50" ~ 54" long. The full seat is *huge* because of my DDD. Oddly enough, my lower back was the last to act up. It started in my mid-back in 76, by 85 my neck was a daily issue. Then fought with lumbar problems for almost 10 years before the combination of the three were more than my stubborness could deal with.

In any event, looks like something that must fit into the ADA box is the final solution for WDW at least. Here OTOH I just can't help but like the "less medical looking" ones if I've gotta' have one.

 

[famy27]

OP back again. I have had several talks with my dad, and he now thinks he'll be "fine" without an ECV. Suddenly, his knees are not that bad. He and my mother are now planning to go to the gym to try to be ready for the trip in March. We'll see how long this lasts.

Now, if we get there and he realizes mid-trip that he needs an ECV, is it still possible to rent one off-site or will renting one each day from Disney be our only option?

 

[Debbie Jean]

OP back again. I have had several talks with my dad, and he now thinks he'll be "fine" without an ECV. Suddenly, his knees are not that bad. He and my mother are now planning to go to the gym to try to be ready for the trip in March. We'll see how long this lasts.

Now, if we get there and he realizes mid-trip that he needs an ECV, is it still possible to rent one off-site or will renting one each day from Disney be our only option?

Take down numbers for several different scooter companies, e.g. Apple, Lake Buena Vista so you have them handy. Provided they have equipment available that meets your needs, I'm sure they will be happy to drop it off for you at your resort.

Having to rely on park ECV's is not only costly but problematic. If they run out you are stuck. I notice you are going in March. I also will be there then and while I like going at that time of year because the weather is generally nice... not too hot or cool... it can be very busy with people coming for spring break.

Hopefully when you get there things will go smoothly.... either with or without the scooter! Good luck!

 

[I Love Pluto]

I don't understand why people "feel bad" if they have to use a scooter. Trust me, if you really need one - you WILL use it!

 

[famy27]

Back again! My dad's friend just got back, and (as everyone here predicted) said having the ECV was great, and he would never go back without one. So, now my dad has definitely agreed to the ECV. He may not need it every day, but it will be nice to have it, just in case.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Back again! My dad's friend just got back, and (as everyone here predicted) said having the ECV was great, and he would never go back without one. So, now my dad has definitely agreed to the ECV. He may not need it every day, but it will be nice to have it, just in case.

Dad's friend timed his trip perfectly!

 

[DrMomof3]

I know I'm late to the party but everyone will be glad he has an ECV!!!
We've had this struggle with my mom. She's in her 70's with significant COPD (emphysema). She can walk a flat road pretty well but gets breathless climbing the monorail ramp. A year ago she was too stubborn to get an ECV and it honestly almost ruined the trip for everyone. She struggled and felt lousy (physically and mentally) and was crabby.
This year we brought her back again for marathon weekend. My step-dad (who should be sainted) insisted on an ECV. Everyone had a great trip and she used it even more than she expected.
Disney requires a tremendous amount of exertion and it's easy to under-estimate the toll that will take. I was a little worried about long lines for buses but honestly we had no problems at all.

Amanda

 

[TiggerDaddyo714]

Back again! My dad's friend just got back, and (as everyone here predicted) said having the ECV was great, and he would never go back without one. So, now my dad has definitely agreed to the ECV. He may not need it every day, but it will be nice to have it, just in case.

That's great news! Well, not that anyone has to use an ECV, but that your Dad has chosen to use one. Wrestling with the idea of using one is a bigger decision than one would think. (In my case perhaps even wanting to admit there isn't any way around it.)

Any-hoo...... you guys now can take dibs to see who gets to ride and who gets to walk.

 

[ttintagel]

My sister and I both ended up using ECV's on our last trip; her old spinal injury made it impossible to walk Disney distances, and I fell and broke my foot the first night we were there. We took the Disney buses everywhere, and the drivers were absolutely wonderful and helpful getting us on and off. I wouldn't worry on that front at all.