ecv questions

[disneegrl4eva]

Im new to this side of the DIS...I live in CA and my home park is DL...Im now starting to plan my first ever WDW and DCL vacation and Im sooooooo excited...the planning is going to be soooooooo much fun...I know DL by the back of my hand and it is definitely a smaller park situation but when it comes to WDW I know nothing...zero...nada!! I dont have a disability per se but I have a really bad back which causes me excruciating pain if Im on my feet for too long a period and causes me pain the entire night so I get absolutely no rest..therefore I always rent a ecv from an off property source when in DL and it makes my vacation so much more enjoyable...now what my concerns with WDW is getting around the resorts to parks etc...firstly, does anyone have any problems with the battery going out during the day? The enormous size of WDW has me really overwhelmed and scared that the battery wont last all day...Also, can you get on the water boats and buses and that kind of thing with problems or is it easy??? Any help will be most appreciated..thanks

 

[Chuck S]

The busses can accomodate two wheelchairs or EVCs at a time, the Friendship boats from the EPCOT resorts also accomodate ECVs, new boat from OKW to Downtown Disney will accomodate an ECV, but you will probably want to transfer to a seat once you board. The Monorails also can accomodate at least two ECVs per run.

I can't answer your question about batteries, as Mom uses a manual chair in the parks, but I've heard that there are often places with outlets, so you can recharge while you dine in a restaurant, etc., if needed.

 

[cupcake]

You should not have issues with batteries if you are fully charged. At least, I never have, and I have had some REALLY long days. I have rented off site from Walker.

Some of the boats have water level issues with ECVs, where you may but are not guaranteed to be able to use the boats. The potential issues are, if I am not mistaken, places on Bay Lake. If you can transfer, you should be OK even with less than desirable water levels. I'm sure others will be better able to comment. I do know that I used an ECV once at the Wilderness Lodge and the captain had everyone move to one side of the boat and voila, I could drive right on. A bit embarrassing, but everyone was super nice about it and boy, it worked!

Have a great trip!

C.

 

[Yensid Srevol]

I have rented from Walker Mobility and they have been fantastic! They will drop it off right at your resort and pick it up when you are leaving. I just bring mine right in the room at night and charge it all night. Battery stays charged with no problems. Last year, DH even ordered a canopy for mine for just a minimal charge because some of my meds make me very suseptible to the sun. It really came in handy when we came out of The Little Mermaid show and the skys had opened up. DH couldn't figure out how we were going to get to the Sci-Fi cafe, where we had dinner reservations without getting drenched. I scooted forward on the seat and told him to hop on and hold on!!! People were laughing and thumbs uping us all the way! The only problem I had, being near the front of the ECV, was when we got near the ABC commissary, there's a little ramp there. That's when all the rain water that was on the top of the canopy came gushing down and drenched my pants and sneakers! We still laugh about it though....just another Disney memory!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I scooted forward on the seat and told him to hop on and hold on!

While this may have been convenient, and impressive to other Guests, even the off-site rentals are for one person at at time each.

 

[Yensid Srevol]

While this may have been convenient, and impressive to other Guests, even the off-site rentals are for one person at at time each.

If I implied that I advocate putting two people on a ECV at a time, I am sorry.
But I take offense at your tone...after all, I am not a six year old. I do know that they are for one at a time as does my husband.

 

[KKCannon]

I have the exact same problems you describe with back pain, etc. I have rented from Care Medical for many years because I just couldn't do a Disney trip without the use of an ECV. I have used it at the parks for a full day and have never run out of battery power. I charge it up every night in the room. I have seen some people charging them in restaurants at MGM. But that would mean you'd have to carry the plug with you. In the past they used to have larger battery chargers where it wouldn't have been possible but the last few years they have just been a long cord which would make it easier to carry with you. Have a good painless trip!

 

[whgrn]

I've used ECVs in many places, including WDW. I've never ever had a problem with the battery going low, even with very long days. As long as you fully charge it overnight, you should be good to go for your daytime "travels". Enjoy!!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

If I implied that I advocate putting two people on a ECV at a time, I am sorry.
But I take offense at your tone...after all, I am not a six year old. I do know that they are for one at a time as does my husband.

My tone - as far as I can tell - is informative, not intended to be critical. Please remember that a LOT of people read these boards for information but don't post (this thread has been viewed over 200 times, even though there are only now eight posts ). Not everybody reading this thread may be aware that only one person is allowed on the ECV. I mean, there's another active thread right now where the poster is upset because a Cast Member "rudely" told her four year old he couldn't be on the scooter with her.

 

[Yensid Srevol]

kaytieeldr,

I sincerely apologize for taking offense. I was wrong, wrong, wrong, and hope you will forgive me. Not to make excuses for bad behavior, but the hour was late, I was in a great deal of pain (go for surgery in 2 weeks), and was not able to sleep. It just hit me the wrong way.

We are going to WDW in Sept. and just got confirmation on the ECV I'll be using then. In there, again, it lists how only one person at a time should be on it and I am hanging my head in shame...once again.

Hope you and all are doing well.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

OK Folks,

It looks like there have been apologies all around for misunderstandings and/or misinterpretations. Everyone seems to be back to being friends.

I think this thread has run its course, so I'm closing it.