ECV questions regarding WDW and what to do?

[mamagass]

We have a trip planned for May 15 - 22. My DH has developed cellulitus in one of his legs. The doctors assure us we can still go to WDW but consider using an ECV because his leg swells so bad. We are not going into the parks on the 15th or the 21st but would like to explore. We are staying at POFQ for the first time so I'm not familiar with the layout. These are my questions?
1. What do we do with the ECV while we are on an attraction?
2. We will be using the busses at Disney to get around. Are all busses equipped for ECV's.
3. Can you request a ground floor room or are there elevators? I just need to get him into the room so he can sit with his leg up and park the ECV out of our way.
4. If there is a list of companies to rent an ECV from I haven't found it yet. Looking for suggestions on a rental company?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[disney david]

Every single bus owned and operated by Disney can hold two wheelchairs or ecvs some can hold three and a few can hold four. But yes all the buses can hold a ecv

I know you didn't ask but the boats from por to dtd can also hold ecv so you won't have a problem with Disney transportation. They make sure that all modes are ecv and wheelchair friendly.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

For most rides your husband will be able to bring the ECV through the queue. When he boards, the ECV gets put by the boarding/unloading area (for some you may get diverted to board at the unloading area). For the ones where ECVs aren't allowed in the queue, he'll have the choice between switching to a manual wheelchair (which someone would have to push) or walking through the queue. For those rides (or any ride where he wants to walk through the queue), he can park the ECV outside the ride. I think most people put them along with stroller parking, but as long as it's not attached to anything, most places out of the way are going to be okay. He should remember to bring the key with him onto the ride. For rides, the only ride where he would not be able to use a wheelchair or ECV through the queue is TTA because it isn't safe on the ramped moving walkway. Also, Swiss Family Robinson Tree House & Tom Sawyer Island aren't really wheelchair or ECV accessible.

All the WDW buses are equipped to handle wheelchairs and ECVs. Before riding the bus for the first time, it will be helpful for him to practice "parallel parking" a bit around the resort.

Practicing with the ECV around the resort before taking it to a park will be helpful in general so having it for your exploring day on the 15th is good. Before you go he could also practice at a big box store with their ECVs, although the ones at the stores don't work the same way and aren't nearly as maneuverable as the rental you'll get at WDW. Some zoos also rent ECVs.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=5873006&postcount=2 has information on recommended rental companies. (It's part of the larger disAbilities FAQ which is one of the stickies on the top of this board) The one note is that rental companies that are listed as a "WDW Preferred Vendor" are ones that have a deal with WDW so that they can drop at and pick-up from bell services at the resort. They aren't necessarily better than the non-preferred vendors (preferred vendors must meet the customer for drop off and pick up of the ECV). The notes by each vendor's listing about which rental companies people on this board like are going to be the best way to think about which company will be best for you.

I don't know about POFQ off the top of my head, never having stayed there. As long as your husband can deal with a regular bathroom, you don't need an ADA room. You will want to bring the ECV into the room every night to charge it, but it will fit in a regular room.

The disAbilities FAQ sticky on this board (it's in the middle of the list of stickies) has loads of information that you may find useful. It's definitely worth reading all the sections dealing with limited mobility and/or mobility aids.

 

[bidnow5]

I would do as others said try a scooter out at a local store most large stores have them. They don't stop on a dime so it's good to get used to everyone in Disney is busy looking at everything there is to see that is good and bad. Good because they don't make fun of people on scooters bad because when on a scooter you have to watch out for them they walk sideways back up cut in front of you. If he pays attention he will be fine and will be able to enjoy Disney

 

[ttintagel]

1. What do we do with the ECV while we are on an attraction?

It can be a bit different from attraction to attraction; the CM outside will greet you and let you know what the specific procedure is. Remember to always turn the ECV off and take your keys out whenever you get out of an ECV.

2. We will be using the busses at Disney to get around. Are all busses equipped for ECV's.

Yes.

3. Can you request a ground floor room or are there elevators? I just need to get him into the room so he can sit with his leg up and park the ECV out of our way.

Yes, you can request a ground floor room. We've always gotten one when we requested it, but they can't guarantee it. There are elevators at POFQ. POFQ is a great resort for the mobility impaired because of its small size.

4. If there is a list of companies to rent an ECV from I haven't found it yet. Looking for suggestions on a rental company?

In the FAQ in the stickies at the top od the DisAbilities boards, there's a list of the preferred companies. We had good luck with Apple last time.