ECV or taking it easy?

[famy27]

We are eagerly anticipating our trip in late March. My parents will be joining us for the first time since DD was born. My mom is in great shape and can walk miles and miles with no problems at all. My dad...not so much. His knees are in bad shape and he carries around some extra weight. He does fine walking around the neighborhood, but he is very worried about how he'll do at WDW.

We found out yesterday that one of his friends (who is taking the grandkids to WDW next week) has decided to rent an ECV for the trip. Now, my dad is considering the idea as well. I'd love to get some input as to what others have done.

The pros of renting the ECV would be that he wouldn't need to worry about all the walking and could rest his knees more.

The biggest cons to me are getting it on and off the buses and the cost. We are staying at OKW, so it's bus or nothing for us!

Now, this will be a more laid back trip for us, as I will be 27 weeks pregnant when we're there. I told him it's not like I'll be sprinting everywhere, and I am sure I will want lots of breaks and rests.

Opinions?

 

[seashoreCM]

Buses can handle ECVs. Either a ramp is extended which goes right up into the bus or there is an elevator-like lift that the bus driver operates.

 

[jlevis]

I've heard that it is easy to do 8 miles a day in the parks. Now for the most part it is flat but you can encounter some uneven terrain. Anyway, I fought the idea of an ECV for a long time. I would walk till it really hurt then I would stop and rest. My wife rented an ECV one trip and I tried it and haven't looked back. Pain wears on you to the point of exhaustion. The ECV takes that pain away and I enjoy the parks like I did when I was younger.

 

[jdb in AZ]

When your dad's friend gets home from his trip, no doubt he'll tell your dad how helpful the ECV was, and that's all the convincing he'll need. Or, you could tell your dad if he doesn't like the ECV, you'll drive it.

The biggest problem we've had with renting an ECV is trying to keep up with the rider. Those ECV's are fun to drive, and it's sooo easy to put the pedal to the metal and leave the rest of the family in your dust.

Renting off-site is much cheaper than renting each day at the park. Plus, WDW runs out of scooters early, so it's nice to have one already rented for your whole stay. And keeping the ECV to get to/from the parks is also helpful. Those resorts are huge.

If you go to the Disabilities forum on the DIS and read the sticky notes, you'll learn all sorts of helpful stuff.

 

[minnie mum]

For heaven sake encourage your father to get the ECV, don't discourage him! Sounds like he and I have similar issues. WDW requires putting serious milage on the ol' knees. And the wear and tear is cumulative. After a few days he could be in agony and no amount of resting between walks or standing in line will help.

There are ways of keeping the costs down, if that is your biggest concern. Off-site agencies will rent you an ECV and have it waiting for you at your resort. They will then pick it up when you leave. They are usually less expensive over a week than renting the WDW park ECVs. The DisAbility Board has a lot more information about this on their stickies.

Loading and unloading an ECV on a bus is not that difficult or problematic. All WDW buses can carry ECVs. If your Dad has never used an ECV before, he should go to his local Walmart store and practice with theirs. I'm not kidding! They won't mind if he tootles around the store with it, and he'll get some much needed practice with how to handle it (especially speed control and backing up).

 

[disneynut11]

He could always hold off for the first day and see how he does. I would guess he willl probably want one after it. If you are worried about the bus, just rent it at the park on a needed basis. Like maybe not for Hollywood Studios and the hotel but yes for the larger parks.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going to the disABILITIES Forum and look at Post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs. This section deals with mobility/stamina and also gives ECV rental information, as well as many related links. You can get directly to the disABILITIES FAQs by following the link in my signature.

This is a very common topic of discussion in the disABILITIES Forum.

 

[disnut8]

This is way too easy. The cost of the ECV is well worth it. There's no hassle with the buses. I really don't see the problem.

And this is after going with my dad in a manual wheelchair and he said he would easily upgrade to an ECV after seeing how easier it was for those people compared to what he and my stepmother had to do. And what they had to do was easy. So if he, at the age of 82, wants an even quicker way of doing things, I think you should rent the ECV. Total non-brainer.

 

[Taja]

Definitely encourage your father to rent an ECV from offsite so he has it when he needs it! If he doesn't need it in a specific are, he can park it and return to it after seeing attractions in that area.

I'm reasonably fit most of the time, but I swear planning a WDW visit jinxes me! I've injured one or both legs within a week or two of at least half of my WDW visits. Most of the time I could just take it easy and rest periodically, but in 2007 I injured the quadraceps (spelling) in both legs two days before leaving for WDW! *eek* I took a walker that I had from previous injuries and did not rent an ECV. I spent the entire visit (11 nights) regretting it!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

This thread is much better suited for our disABILITIES! board, so I've moved it.

 

[Bete]

If you can get by with the smaller scooters they will probably not run more than $175/week from outside rentals. The scooter will be delivered to your Disney resort. What's nice here is you can use it at the resort, too.

If your dad wants to walk some you and him could alternate and it may help you, as well. You can always park the scooter for a while, too. Just remember to take the key with you.

The money spent on the scooter is made up by getting to attractions faster and usually one can last for a longer day; so, you get more park hours. You don't have to stand for a parade or fireworks, either.

Getting on and off bus transportation can be a little challenging with a scooter, but maybe someone else can take over for that part of it.

A scooter is treated as a handicap vehicle for rides and parades.

If you want go to a local zoo and rent a scooter for the day there then you can see how it is.

 

[POB14]

My wife has been using a scooter at the parks for the last few years, since her cancer surgery. This year we rented offsite for the first time.

Apple Scooters. I can't say enough good things about them.

Anyway, she got one of the little ones with three wheels (after trying it out, because she wasn't sure how stable they'd be). It was much more maneuverable than the ones they rent at the parks, it was dead easy to get on and off the busses, and a three day rental cost only about $30 more than a single day rental in the parks.

The scooters have been a godsend to her, as she has been able to spend much more time in the parks (and this year, at DTD) and make much better use of the time than she otherwise would have.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Others have given you great advice... and renting off site is the way to go. This is especially true since you will be at OKW which is very spread out... just the walk to and from the buses can be taxing!

Also, remember to have it noted on your reservation that you will have a scooter and need either a 1st floor unit or to be in a building with an elevator. Since there are only a few buildings with elevators at OKW this is essential

 

[famy27]

Others have given you great advice... and renting off site is the way to go. This is especially true since you will be at OKW which is very spread out... just the walk to and from the buses can be taxing!

Also, remember to have it noted on your reservation that you will have a scooter and need either a 1st floor unit or to be in a building with an elevator. Since there are only a few buildings with elevators at OKW this is essential

This is a very good point and may be an issue. We exchanged into OKW using my parents' timeshare. Last time we did this, we got no choice at all in room location. I will call DVC tomorrow to see if they would be able to accommodate us with a scooter-friendly room. If not, he'd just have to rent one at the parks. Not ideal, but it might work.

 

[TiggerDaddyo714]

Lot's of good info long before I jump in here for sure. I agree with an earlier post as to just how bad the pain wears on you. We've been going since long before DD23 & DS18 were around and believe you me, putting miles on the ol' feet is something that happens much more than you realize. The distances covered at WDW are INSANE compared to where we normally walk, work, live (unless you live in FL or the mid-west where everything is flat) and that is what you need to think about with your Dad.

Even when the kids were little we always did at least two parks in a day, and as they've grown.... we've been known to hit AK bright and early and close the night out with a final walk (the backwards way) around Epcot after closing on our way to cruise the Boardwalk. (Hitting FOUR parks in a day.) We had one of those step counters back in 2000 & 2001 (from when I had the family 'training' for the trips) both trips were 15 days each because we had AP's. We averaged 9.82 miles a day over the two week period!

That was then and even though we pushed it, we surely don't regret all that "power touring" at all. I would do it again, and again, and again given the chance.

Now however I cannot walk 50 yards on most days due to degenerative disc disease throughout my back. Short distances (with a cane) as well as a mix of standing and moving around a bit is the "norm" nowadays. Moving from chair to ride isn't a problem, neither are short (flat) walks. But walking the parks just doesn't happen anymore. (FWIW I've been disabled since late 2002.)

First ECV rental was in 2005 and I wouldn't have it any-other-way from that point forward. I *DO* however get extremely tired of sitting all darned day. When possible it's nice to try and walk a bit, stretch the legs, etc.

It's impossible to put a *value* on the comfort of your Dad. That and when he starts feeling it in the knees, even if he doesn't tell you guys, he's already not having fun. Then next thing you know, nobody's having fun. Trust me, Dad's are stubborn creatures and wouldn't want to tell ya' if say he just felt like sitting and watching you guys walk off into the sunset while he had a snack. Thing is... you and he both deserve to have the best possible time you can, and if that's with an ECV then that's OK.

One note on renting the ECV is even when you feel like you might want to try to walk a bit, you end up riding because you don't want to leave it just sitting there. (And of course have to go back and get it.) And just it just looks dumb to have your kids riding behind you while you're hobbling around with a cane. You guys won't have to worry about that though because at 27 weeks I bet you'll be more than happy to let Dad stretch his legs a bit.

I went through a bunch of the local rental sites that I found in one of the threads and I think I remember one scooter being less than $150 for the week. That is a GREAT price! Betcha' once your Dad's friend gets back with his ECV report it'll be a non-issue for sure.

 

[ForAandA]

Lot's of good info long before I jump in here for sure. I agree with an earlier post as to just how bad the pain wears on you. We've been going since long before DD23 & DS18 were around and believe you me, putting miles on the ol' feet is something that happens much more than you realize. The distances covered at WDW are INSANE compared to where we normally walk, work, live (unless you live in FL or the mid-west where everything is flat) and that is what you need to think about with your Dad.

Even when the kids were little we always did at least two parks in a day, and as they've grown.... we've been known to hit AK bright and early and close the night out with a final walk (the backwards way) around Epcot after closing on our way to cruise the Boardwalk. (Hitting FOUR parks in a day.) We had one of those step counters back in 2000 & 2001 (from when I had the family 'training' for the trips) both trips were 15 days each because we had AP's. We averaged 9.82 miles a day over the two week period!

That was then and even though we pushed it, we surely don't regret all that "power touring" at all. I would do it again, and again, and again given the chance.

Now however I cannot walk 50 yards on most days due to degenerative disc disease throughout my back. Short distances (with a cane) as well as a mix of standing and moving around a bit is the "norm" nowadays. Moving from chair to ride isn't a problem, neither are short (flat) walks. But walking the parks just doesn't happen anymore. (FWIW I've been disabled since late 2002.)

First ECV rental was in 2005 and I wouldn't have it any-other-way from that point forward. I *DO* however get extremely tired of sitting all darned day. When possible it's nice to try and walk a bit, stretch the legs, etc.

It's impossible to put a *value* on the comfort of your Dad. That and when he starts feeling it in the knees, even if he doesn't tell you guys, he's already not having fun. Then next thing you know, nobody's having fun. Trust me, Dad's are stubborn creatures and wouldn't want to tell ya' if say he just felt like sitting and watching you guys walk off into the sunset while he had a snack. Thing is... you and he both deserve to have the best possible time you can, and if that's with an ECV then that's OK.

One note on renting the ECV is even when you feel like you might want to try to walk a bit, you end up riding because you don't want to leave it just sitting there. (And of course have to go back and get it.) And just it just looks dumb to have your kids riding behind you while you're hobbling around with a cane. You guys won't have to worry about that though because at 27 weeks I bet you'll be more than happy to let Dad stretch his legs a bit.

I went through a bunch of the local rental sites that I found in one of the threads and I think I remember one scooter being less than $150 for the week. That is a GREAT price! Betcha' once your Dad's friend gets back with his ECV report it'll be a non-issue for sure.

Tigger-Daddy you sound exactly like mty DH . He also has DDD, and has been disabled since 2004. Now at the end of the day we are exhausted, and he is ready to keep on going!

He loves renting his ECV from ScootOrlando. They deliver it directly to the resort. Having the basket on it helps also, that way I don't have to carry around everything . DH receives many compliments on the ECV he chooses, which has larger wheels, almost motercycle and "cool" looking.

FYI: He has NO problems on the busses, even with the larger wheels

Even if your Dad is iffy on it, rent it anyway. It will not go to waste.

 

[TiggerDaddyo714]

Tigger-Daddy you sound exactly like mty DH . He also has DDD, and has been disabled since 2004. Now at the end of the day we are exhausted, and he is ready to keep on going!

He loves renting his ECV from ScootOrlando. They deliver it directly to the resort. Having the basket on it helps also, that way I don't have to carry around everything . DH receives many compliments on the ECV he chooses, which has larger wheels, almost motercycle and "cool" looking.

FYI: He has NO problems on the busses, even with the larger wheels

Kelly,

You must be talking about that big one that has the chrome rear fenders and the 'chopper' look? That thing looks AWESOME to ride around on. I know I've read where others don't like being behind it because it's so tall, but wow that high back, really nice padded seat with the adjustable headrest looks like exactly what the Dr. ordered!!!!

From where I'd be 'sitting' I could really learn to deal with it. Have read several threads about the buses pro/con with that particular unit, although all those threads seem fairly old. I do intend on checking it out in Sept though to see at least what that seat is about. (Who knows.... might be able to talk them into selling me one to bring back to Ga)

 

[peemagg]

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.

 

[TiggerDaddyo714]

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.

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.

 

[peemagg]

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.