ECV Question

[TinkKel]

I saw an orthopaedic surgeon this week. I've had arthritis for 10 years (I'm only 44) and have had trouble with my knees for as many years. Anyway, I thought I was in for some minor surgery for repair, but instead was told that I need a total knee replacement because there is so much damage/wear.

Anyway, I'm putting it off for as long as possible, because I can still get around relatively well. It's just when I walk for long periods of time that it will start to bother me and swell.

My question is this....I went to the Disney World web site, and it said that ECVs are "first come, first serve". Has anyone ever gone there early and NOT seen them available? I'm really worried that I'll end up ECV-less and end up hurting my knee and ruining my son's vacation if it swells. Also, if I can get an ECV, what do you do with them when you go on a ride or in a store? Can you just park them outside the shop/ride?

Any advise/tips is appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[ugadog99]

We rented an ECV from Randy's Mobility for my mom this past June. We were afraid that renting from the parks on a daily basis might not work for her. I don't know how fast they run out in the parks. She also has serious arthritis and defintiely needed an ECV for the whole trip. The CMs are wonderful in helping you park and board rides, etc. We had no problem leaving her ECV outside of restaurants, shops, rides, etc. You can get great advice from the DISabilities board here on the DIS.

 

[nativetxn]

Have you asked this question on our disABILITIES board, too? I think you will get some excellent advice and information if you do.

You will find this board <b>HERE</b>

 

[princesstommi]

When I was a CP, I worked at Oscars at the Studios.

Yes, there were some days when we would be *out* of ECVs in the afternoon. We had to keep a few for backups, in case a battery wore down on one that was rented...and when we got them back, they had to be charged for awhile. So sometimes, there were none available for rent.

And yes, you can park them outside attractions. They come with a *key*...so you won't have someone just taking off on it.

Looking into outside companies might also be a good idea. That way you can have it with you all the time, not just in the parks.

 

[mickeysaver]

We had to get one of these on our last trip for my mother outlaw. I was up and at the gates when they opened and I still got one of the last 4 there. They had about 20 of them and they were gone before the park was open for 30 minutes. When they say to get there early, they mean it. Mickey

 

[ekmdisney]

I to have really bad arthritis, and I rent the ECV from the park every time we have gone for the past 10 years. And when they say get there early they mean it. They seem to go faster at MK and MGM, then they do at EPCOT and AK. But I say that with in the hour to hour and half of the park opening they can all be gone.

On my next trip I am thinking of renting one from an outside company. I have seen alot of this in my past few trips. I will also like the fact that I can take my time and get to the parks instead of felling rushed.

Somthing else you should think about is if you would like to park hop. If you do you have to have the CM in charge of the ECV and WC rentals, at the park that you are at, call ahead to the park you would like to go to - to see if they have any left. If they don't then you can't get one at that park. If they do they will hold it for you - you will have 1 hour to get to that park and get it.

I hope that you enjoy your trip!

 

[DisneyObsessed]

When my Dad went with us, we rented from Randys Mobility so we wouldn't have to rush so much in the mornings. It worked out well, but they are heavy and cumbersome to load and unload from the car. As long as you have someone who can do the lifting for you it's a convenient way to go.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, if I can get an ECV, what do you do with them when you go on a ride or in a store? Can you just park them outside the shop/ride?

For some rides, you can bring the ecv right into the ride/attraction with you. Here's a link to the DIS page about touring with mobility disabilities. It oncludes a list of rides where you can stay in/with the ecv for the whole attraction. For the rides where you need to transfer into a ride car, you will generally ride the ecv in line and then leave it where you board. it will be waiting for you when you get off. Here's a link to a thread about ride boarding.
And here's a list of the outside companies that DIS posters have reported good experiences renting from:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html