ECV - Preferred Vendor vs. Non-Preferred?

[llqool]

**Sorry for accidentally posting this in another thread -- hopefully a moderator will delete it!

I am going to be renting a scooter for my 83 year old mom this August, and I was wondering the pros and cons of Disney's "preferred" vendors.

I had been going to rent from Walker based on positive reviews and its A+ rating w/BBB, but it is not a preferred vendor, so we have to meet the driver in person (we're staying at AKL Jambo house). I can see that this *could* possibly be a hassle. Customer service on the phone was very friendly and helpful.

What is so great about the preferred vendors? Some of them have negative ratings on the BBB site, too. The preferred one with an A+ rating that i was considering is Buena Vista.

Any feedback on these companies? Walker and Buena Vista? Pros and cons of preferred vs. non preferred?

 

[Tiggerish]

Just back and rented from a non-preferred vendor for the first time so I was very concerned about how the pick up and drop off would work. It turned out to be very little effort. Got a phone call just before flight took off on way down and I called them when Magic Express bus pulled out of airport. Scooter person waiting for me when bus pulled up to resort. On departure, called the day before and left information on time of Magic Express departure. Got a call departure morning and met person for scooter return shortly before pick up time.

So, yes it was a bit more effort than just picking up and dropping off at bell service but only a tiny bit. And it was nice to be able to talk to the delivery person who explained all about the scooter features and how to take apart and put back together for car transporting.

I have rented with bell service delivery 8 times in the past so going with the other was very different choice but one I would do again. I really liked the scooter type I got, the price was good and the battery life lasted all day and into the night.

 

[lanejudy]

My understanding is that the "preferred" vendors were vetted by Disney through a fairly involved application process and have agreed to a multi-year agreement with WDW. They are the only vendors now allowed to deliver and pick-up rentals utilizing the resorts' Bell Services.

"Non-preferred" is probably a misnomer of sorts. It really does NOT specifically indicate a lower class, lower quality vendor. Many of these vendors receive very high feedback and recommendations from DISers. Not being "preferred" simply means these vendors will make a direct contact with you (the renter) for drop-off and pick-up of the ECV - they'll meet you in person. While I haven't had opportunity to do this myself yet, I have not heard particularly negative feedback.

You can check out the FAQ sticky above to read DISer feedback and recommendations on various rental agencies.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[llqool]

Tiggerish, do you mind my asking who you used? (since you said it was more comfortable)

I have read through various posts/reviews, but there is not a definitive "winner." Lol.

Also, not ever having used a scooter myself, is there a big advantage to 3 vs 4 wheel? Are the 4 wheel much much more stable?

Thanks!

 

[jdb in AZ]

Tiggerish, do you mind my asking who you used? (since you said it was more comfortable)

I have read through various posts/reviews, but there is not a definitive "winner." Lol.

Also, not ever having used a scooter myself, is there a big advantage to 3 vs 4 wheel? Are the 4 wheel much much more stable?

Thanks!

Three-wheel ECV's are easier to maneuver -- smaller turning radius. DH usually rents a 4-wheel because he's a big guy and needs a heavy-dooty scooter. He gets jealous that the 3-wheeler I rent is easier to turn in the queues.

Question: If a non-preferred company ECV breaks down in the parks, are their employees allowed to enter the parks to exchange them?

 

[llqool]

Question: If a non-preferred company ECV breaks down in the parks, are their employees allowed to enter the parks to exchange them?

I did ask Walker (non preferred vendor) that question myself, as i am visiting this time with just my 83 year old mom and two young daughters (and I can't imagine having to push an inoperative scooter to the front of the park with all of them in tow!). They assure me they have a driver that stays in the resort area all day, that they will try to troubleshoot over the phone, and if that is not possible, that their drivers can enter the parks.

 

[disney david]

Three-wheel ECV's are easier to maneuver -- smaller turning radius. DH usually rents a 4-wheel because he's a big guy and needs a heavy-dooty scooter. He gets jealous that the 3-wheeler I rent is easier to turn in the queues.

Question: If a non-preferred company ECV breaks down in the parks, are their employees allowed to enter the parks to exchange them?

I think they would have to have park tickets or you have to meet them out side the park.

 

[JudithM]

I agree with Tiggerish. I have rented from Walker Mobility several times over the last decade and continue to rent from them. Everything worked well now that they cannot just leave the scooter with bell services. I would highly recommend them based on their guest service and the equipment.

 

[Bete]

I think this gets down to peace of mind. I want the security of on site with the vendor. It may never happen, but I just don't want to take a chance that I have a problem with a scooter in a park and I'm with a non-preferred vendor.

I had one bad scooter from Disney once and even though a CM was very nice and kind it was enough of a hassle with getting service from Disney inside the park. We were at Space Mountain in MK when this happened. A CM came up to us and he took the bad scooter and pushed it manually and went to the front of the park and got an exchange for us. This took an hour and we were very lucky that the CM did this for us. I never had to make a phone call and it still took quite a while. I don't know what we would have done if this CM hadn't come to our rescue.

I like saving money and we now use an offsite preferred vendor, but I will stick with a preferred vendor. I heard on these boards a case were because it was a preferred vendor that Disney stepped in to help and got a person a replacement scooter from their own rentals and they took the preferred bad scooter. I think this came about because Disney gave their stamp of approval of the vendor; so, they stepped in to help.

Nothing may happen, but I just want the security of a preferred vendor.