ECV - Questions about model and ride transfers

[SuperJ]

Hi all,

We planned a big family trip for November - tickets are already purchased. A couple of weeks ago, I fell and broke my ankle very badly and had surgery. Right now, I can’t put any weight at all on my leg. I’m using a knee scooter to get around the house. Best I can hope for in November is that I will be in a boot and allowed to bear some weight, but probably no more than a few steps. As things are already purchased, we’re trying to figure out how to make the trip work. We’re bringing my 85 year old grandma, who has been on several trips with us, and is pushed in a wheelchair. We also have a toddler in a stroller. It doesn’t really leave anyone to push me. So, we’ve determined, no matter where I am in my recovery process by then, I will certainly need to have an ECV for the parks so I can get myself around. Which leads me to my questions:

1. 3 wheel or 4 wheel ECV? I’ve read the 3 wheel have more legroom (I’m 5’10) and it weighs less for transport (we’re staying offsite at our timeshare resort nearby), but is stability an issue? I’m worried about things like cobblestone streets and the embedded train and trolley tracks. Otherwise leaning towards the lightest model. How is the battery life?
2. For MK, is boat or monorail easier for getting on/off with an ECV?
3. I know some rides require a few steps to load/unload. Is there more walking required for an ECV rider vs a wheelchair? I am planning on skipping rides if I’m still not weight-bearing at all and just enjoying other aspects of the parks (and food and wine). Are there any that rides pose significant difficulties that may not be obvious? I know anything with a boat and space mountain will probably be no-gos for me. I know they can stop the moving sidewalks on things like HM when asked, which I believe I would need. Anything else?
4. I’m familiar with the wheelchair process on a lot of the slower rides from our trips with grandma, but I see some rides require transfers from an ECV to a wheelchair. Where does this transfer take place? Outside or somewhere in the queue? Is wheelchair availability ever an issue? Does Disney offer an additional assistance or is someone in my party expected to push me once I transfer to a wheelchair on those rides? If someone in my party is expected to push me, we may have to do two rounds - one for me and one for grandma - would we be able to use rider swap for this or have to go through the line twice, once with each wheelchair person?
5. We have a number of dining reservations - planning on calling guest services about this to ensure we have easily accessible tables but are there any restaurants/“watch out for” things we should know? Any restaurants that preclude ECV access/would require me to walk more than a few steps to a table? If so, do they have wheelchairs, like the rides that require transfers? One of our reservations is at Sci Fi and I remember that can be a bit of a walk from entrance to table. I can sit in a normal seat - just very worried about how I can get there if I’m unable to walk/can only take a few steps and if I need to bring an alternative device, like a walker, for those situations.

Thanks in advance for the assistance and apologies for so many questions. A lot of these decisions will have to be made closer to our planned start date and what my mobility is like at that time, but we’re trying to game out all of the possibilities so that we can decide how to handle them and have the flexibility to plan accordingly, like changing dining reservations if we need to and booking FPs we can actually use.

 

[tobikaye]

1. My sister owns a 3 wheel, but has rented 4 wheels at times. She seems to have a better turn radius with the 3. I do find her Buzzaround to be very easy to disassemble and put in a vehicle.

2. TTC to MK: Boat is basically a ride on and off with room to move around. Monorail is a roll in on specific locations and roll off watching people’s toes. We prefer boat for ease.

3 & 4. I will have to let someone else answer as I am drawing a blank on these subjects.

5. If they ask for you to leave the EVC, ask if you can take it to the table and have someone else in your party take it out for you after. My sister can normally walk from the entrance to table, so we leave the device outside when necessary.

 

[mamabunny]

Hi - and so sorry about your ankle. Here's hoping you heal quickly and completely!!!

Now, to answers:

1. 3 or 4 wheel is a very personal preference. I drive a 3 wheel unit daily and prefer it - lighter weight, tight turning radius, and as long as you don't drive like Goofy, there's no problems! I will say that regardless of 3 or 4 wheels, probably the most dangerous spot in the Parks for any wheeled mobility device is MK/Main Street. Always cross those trolley tracks carefully, so that you don't catch a wheel in the grooves, and get tumped over as a result.

Most rental ECVs will have an adequate seat to help mitigate bumpy surfaces at WDW, but if you are really worried, grab a gel cushion from Amazon.

2. Monorail has a movable ramp that CMs will place for you, and then remove once you are on/off the Monorail, You may have to back off the Monorail at your destination, depending on the station. I haven't ridden the ferry across since I had to start using a mobility device, so I can't say definitely, but with the ferry you will avoid the ramps at the Monorail station (which can be *epic*, and a real battery killer as well)

3. There will typically be a bit more walking than a wheelchair, but not always. It depends, based on the ride or attraction. Boat ride don't have to be a no go - there are a few (Small World, The Land, Gran Fiesta Tour all come to mind) where you can use an attraction supplied wheelchair and sit on the boat in the chair. Jungle Cruise has a special boat (it's quite the adventure, just using it!) as well.

4. Typically you will transfer to an attraction wheelchair outside the ride, prior to entering the formal queue. Some people have had "pixie dust" and a CM has helped them with their chair, but plan on having someone from your party help you through those queues.

5. Sci-Fi should be OK - just let the host know that you need to drive to the table and then a member of your party can go park the ECV allong the back wall, to the left of the umbrella tables. Otherwise, I can't think of any other place I have ever eaten at WDW that was a problem, other than Garden Grill at The Land, and again, just let them know that you can't walk right now, and they will assign your table appropriately.

You probably don't even have to call about your ADRs - just go to the website or your My Disney Experience app, and check the "accessibility" box. That will alert them. (And it will be obvious when y'all roll up with a wheelchair and an ECV )

Here's some more tips for you as a new ECV driver:

Who to rent from is very subjective. I recommend CALLING and talking to several companies, and see which one you like best. Currently, a lot of folks around here are having good success renting from Gold, however that is *not* an endorsement - just information!

Some people like practicing your ECV driving and parking skills with the electric carts at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, the grocery store, etc. If you can tame one of those wheezing beasties, a mere rental at WDW will be a breeze. Regardless of whether you "practice" at home before your trip, do set aside the time when you first get your rental to practice somewhere outside the Parks to familiarize yourself with how it stops, turns, etc. I recommend Disney Springs or a Disney Resort, simply because you can "practice" going through shops, food service venues, there are ramps and curb cuts to practice, along with ample open space to get used to backing up (a skill that is important, and often overlooked). And last but not least - there are buses. (more about those later)

One of the first things you will notice about your rental is that it will (typically) have a "turtle" and a "rabbit" on the speed dial. "Turtle" speed is slowest and "Rabbit" speed is fastest - but some scooters do have a bit of "turtle" or "rabbit" beyond the indicated range, so experiment with speed control as well. Remember that Disney World does have a "speed limit" for personal mobility devices that is loosely defined as "walking speed". Obviously, some folks walk faster or slower than others, so the general rule of thumb is that you try to go about the speed that everyone around you is going, and when in doubt, slow down.

Please remember that WDW has a rule - for everyone's safety - that only you ride the ECV. One device, one rider. Period. (Our daughter says "One seat, one butt" LOL) Do not carry infants or children on your lap, or let adults ride (either by standing on the "running board" or sitting on the armrest, etc.) The danger to yourself and others is very real.

Bring a brightly colored scarf, length of grosgrain ribbon or bandana to tie on your rental scooter. It will help it stand out in a sea of similar units (if you park it to ride, eat, or shop a bit). Some folks really decorate their rentals! My friend, @kaytieeldr, slips a Disney-themed t-shirt over the seat back, and secures it (an idea I am *totally* going to steal - you've been warned, Kaytie!)

You will have to charge the ECV every night. Do not park it outside in a hallway or breezeway, or down at the lobby or bell services; you are responsible for the scooter while it is in your possession.

If the scooter has a key, always take it with you when you park it. Some folks here use a curly "telephone cord" style plastic bracelet to keep the key on, so they can just slip it on their wrist.

Don't be surprised if you park the ECV to go on a ride, or attraction, and it is moved when you return. The Cast Members are in a constant struggle to keep walkways clear and safe, as well as making sure that parking areas for mobility devices and strollers stay reasonably tidy. You will typically find it quite nearby, but if you don't, just ask any CM you see, and they will help you find it. (And that's another reason to put a ribbon or bandana on your rental - it makes it easy to find!)

Remember to stay sharp and focused while driving the ECV - people at WDW tend to be doing everything *but* paying attention when they are walking, and many of us here have had folks run right into us, or walk right in front of us as we are moving! I try to make eye contact, smile politely, and offer an cheerful "Excuse me!" when needed, but know that you WILL at some point find yourself nearly running over someone who is either texting, taking a "selfie" or posting their latest selfie to Instagram. Children, who do not yet fully grasp all of the nuances of physics, are especially prone to running out in front of an ECV; they don't realize that most ECVs can't just stop instantly. I try to build a "bubble" in front of me (if I can) by leaving a space, and adjusting my rate of travel, so that I can more easily spot those folks who look like they might pop right out in front of me.

It's true: probably the hardest thing you will do with the ECV all revolves around dealing with the buses, boats & monorails. Just FYI - IT'S NOT THAT HARD! Make sure you are parked in the white painted rectangle at the bus stop (unless another guest beat you to it) so that the driver sees you, and knows you are waiting to ride. (You probably won't need it, but the exception to this is at the Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds, where there are not any white painted rectangles at the internal Resort stops for all of the Loops.)

Just to ease your mind, the drivers (and Boat Captains and Monorail CMs) will all do their best to help you, and coach you with loading/unloading. They are all patient, and quite used to "newbies" - so just let them know it's your first trip driving an ECV, and they will help you as best they can

When the ramp comes down, try to be pointed straight at the base of the ramp, and go right up the center. At the top of the ramp you will typically have to turn a bit to the right. GO SLOWLY, especially until you are used to the ECV. Even experienced users take this carefully - the last thing you want is to run over the driver, or hit the side of the doorway going in. Important to know: the drivers will give you instructions and will help as much as they can, but it is up to you (or a member of your party) to actually get the ECV up into the bus. You will always board first, and exit last. Your family can walk up the ramp and board behind you. Also good to know: the bus driver will let them know when it is safe to board the bus *after* your ECV is properly tied down. The bus drivers (and all of the transportation CMs) are nothing short of amazing at WDW!

You can take the ECV on all of the boats (except for the smaller launches) and there, the Captains have a portable ramp you should be able to use. It is identical to the portable ramp they will use for you at the Monorail stations. The loading/unloading procedure is actually fairly similar everywhere - you will almost always load first, and exit last.

Finally, a few quick driving tips: anytime at WDW (or anytime using an ECV for that matter) be aware of ramps, hills and slopes. Going up, you will want to lean forward to help shift your center of gravity towards the front of the ECV. Take your time going up steep slopes, hills or ramps, and if possible, approach them at a slight angle at the base.

Coming down, be very aware of your speed, and make sure you can brake effectively. This is not the time to try and drink your Starbucks; two hands on the wheel!

When crossing the train tracks embedded in Main Street at MK, be sure to cross at a 90 degree angle. Otherwise, you risk the wheel(s) getting caught, and you could find yourself dumped on to Main Street. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable trip - just for the right reasons!

ECVs run on electrically recharged batteries. So, to finish this whole thing up, let's talk for a minute about how to get the most battery life out of your rental while at WDW.

Your rental *should* be delivered with a fully-charged battery. The only time I would allow an exception for this is if it was a late-evening rental, and you weren't planning on going anywhere but to your room, and to sleep!

#1 is to make sure that the battery(s) is/are charged fully prior to leaving for the Parks every morning. Start the day with a fully charged battery, and you should be fine.

Anytime you are stopped for more than - let's just say 10 seconds (no, I'm not exaggerating) - turn off your scooter. Especially when waiting in lines, watching a show or parade, if you are stopped in a store to look at something, or if you are going on a ride, eating a meal, talking to a CM, looking at a map... turn it off! This is especially true for when you are riding buses, boats, or the monorail. Essentially, if you would be standing still if you were walking... turn it off. There's no negative effect to the battery for turning it on and off, and if you are Rope Drop to Kiss Goodnight, you will want to monitor your battery usage aggressively.

Don't use the headlight in the daytime. It won't give that much additional visibility, and it will drain the battery faster. Some folks don't even use the headlight at night. On my personal ECV, I have a bicycle lighting system that is self-contained and rechargeable so it doesn't pull from my ECV battery. The only time I tend to use the headlights/taillights is at night, between the Park entrance and the buses, just for an extra bit of visibility.

If you have any other questions, just ask, and we will be glad to help you with the answers!