ECV questions

[SallyfromDE]

I have a couple of questions that I didn't see answers to, or I may have missed. I'm in the position that I'm uncertain of what will happen in 2 months time. So I'm in a guessing position right now. My trip is scheduled for the last week of September, just my 6yo and myself. What kind of time frame would a mobilty rental need? I'm hoping in another month, I'll have a better idea of my progress.

Also, I don't want to have issues with any sort of relapse issues. Can I park a ECV in say, Tomorrowland, then do all the rides in that area, then go back for the ECV? Do they lock up easy? I will need to do walking so I can stretch the leg muscles.

If I have to do the outside company, how does delivery and pickup work?

Also, I know they have a little basket, but can some sort of bag hang onto the back?

Back before Thanksgiving I fell and broke my foot. The Dr. wouldn't put a pin in since I didn't break it all the way through, it was hanging on by a thread! I spent 6 weeks in a cast and a wheelchair. I wasn't allowed to even pick up the cat because he was more then the weight I was allowed to pick up. I could do NOTHING weight bearing.

The beginning of June, I got out of the cast and I'm in the process of learning how to walk. I can now use a cane and I have to wear that lovely blue shoe. I'll have a better idea in another month if I can wait to get to the park and rent an ECV there, or need to get one for most of the trip. I'd love to do with out, but I just don't see that happening at this time. In the past, walking was never an issue with me. I literally walk for 8 hours a day at my job, and when going to Disney, just never had an issue. Now, just a short walk down the drive to get the newspaper wears me out.

I'd appreciate any tips or advice anyone can pass on.

 

[Elfstar]

Hi, Sally -

We just finished our first trip with DH being newly disabled, where walking more than 10 yards is a real challenge. He chose to rent ECV's at the parks instead of using an outside company. I had investigated both. For outside companies, call in advance - as soon as your plans are set; you can always cancel if you don't need it. Good luck to you, and I hope your mobility improves soon!

First - outside companies deliver to and pickup from your hotel. Some require you to be there for both events, most don't. The units come apart in four (I think) pieces so you can load them into your car (if you're using one), the heaviest piece being no more than 50 lbs. Monorails and buses at WDW can take on the ECVs. The advantage to using an outside company is you can use the ECV everywhere - at the Boardwalk, offsite, etc. The cost is just very slightly less than Disney rates. The minimal savings are not a deciding factor. But outside units can be fitted with canopies (at an extra charge), too, which some people might really like.

The Disney ECV can only be used in the park you rent it at (but if you park hop, there is no additional charge - just show your receipt from the first park to get another ECV at the 2nd park). If they are all out when you arrive, your option is a wheelchair until an ECV comes back in. They will notify you via cellphone (yours) once one is returned to them; you have to go to the rental site from wherever you are at the time to pick it up but it is held for you for an hour so there's plenty of time to get there.

As for parking the keys are interchangable between units but we never heard of an ecv going missing. They can be parked in stroller areas and other spots - ask a cast member if you're not sure. We used the basket for what we carried and didn't notice if anything could be hung on the back. I do see that it's just you and your six year old. Please be aware that you are not allowed to have anyone ride on the unit with you if it's Disney's, I imagine the restriction applies to the others, too.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILTIES!

If you have not yet done so, click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The top item is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including where people rent ECVs.

We tend to suggest the off-site rentals as the ECVs are better and more maneuverable than the Disney rentals. All the companies will deliver to and pick up from your Resort. Except for Randy's, which requires you to be there, they will drop at Bell Services prior to your arrival and pick up there after you have left.

I know that Walker's has a large pocket on the rear of the seatback as well as the front basket. If I am carrying something large I pay put it on the floorboard or even hang it from the handlebars.

I agree with Elfstar's final comment. It is a safety issue to have a child ride on the ECV with you and enforcement is on all ECVs. If the child is on your lap it is easy to accidentally push the control lever; the maximum speed is 4¼mph and the ECV weighs about 140 pounds, you don't want it running into anyone or into a wall.

And I don't recommend a canopy; they are a real pain to set up and take down, and you have to be driving in a particular direction to have any value at all.

 

[SallyfromDE]

Thanks to both of you. I wasn't thinking of riding around with her on my lap. I was just worried about situations, like when Fantasmic is over. You know how crowded it is. I was just afraid to lose her. We'll just make plans ahead of time what to do in the event we get separated so she won't panic.

I'm a little worried about the buses. I'm not real confident about "parking" the thing in the bus. I pushed my Mom around the parks last year and we were okay with the buses. But we used the old traditional chair.

Maybe I'll go ahead and make a res., then if I'm in a more mobile position closer to the trip, consider just doing the Disney ECV. I made our trip plans months ago. I had no clue that it would be this hard to start walking again. I hope to get into a real shoe next week, so maybe I can progress a little faster.

Thanks again.

 

[arminnie]

I'm a little worried about the buses. I'm not real confident about "parking" the thing in the bus.

I rented for the first time last September, and I too was worried about the buses.

Actually I was worried about everything. I liked Randy's because someone came and showed me how to use it and take it apart.

The bus drivers were excellent. They told me exactly what to do to park it correctly. They gave very explicit instructions - turn now, etc. It wasn't hard at all.

One tip - use the slow speed when manuevering on the bus.

 

[SallyfromDE]

I guess if I could "drive" around Walmart without knocking anything over..... haha... I haven't driven a car in the last 8-9 months. I guess it's like riding a bike?

 

[SueM in MN]

Randy's is nice for someone with little experience. They do require you to be there for delivery and pick-up, but that allows you to see the ECV, get a demonstration and have any questions answered. They also will deliver it directly to your room (at least they did when we rented from them).

The people who have the most difficulty are ones who don't have much/any experience driving a car. I think you won't have much trouble picking it up. Just do a little practice before venturing out and you will probably be comfortable fairly quickly.

 

[SallyfromDE]

Randy's is nice for someone with little experience. They do require you to be there for delivery and pick-up, but that allows you to see the ECV, get a demonstration and have any questions answered. They also will deliver it directly to your room (at least they did when we rented from them).

The people who have the most difficulty are ones who don't have much/any experience driving a car. I think you won't have much trouble picking it up. Just do a little practice before venturing out and you will probably be comfortable fairly quickly.

Thanks Sue. I looked at the websites, and Randys seemed to be more reasonable then the others. I still keep hoping that I'll be in good shape by then and won't need anything. But I have to be realistic. It's taken 2 months for me to be walking like I am. I can't see being in great Disney shape in 2 more.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I rented for the first time last September, and I too was worried about the buses.

Actually I was worried about everything. I liked Randy's because someone came and showed me how to use it and take it apart.

The bus drivers were excellent. They told me exactly what to do to park it correctly. They gave very explicit instructions - turn now, etc. It wasn't hard at all.

One tip - use the slow speed when manuevering on the bus.

That's very reassuring Although I've rented in the parks before, I'll be renting from Walker for the first time next month. The one thing that has kept me from doing it in the past is the fear of not being able to maneuver it onto the bus in front of all those people But my mobility issues have left me without a way to truly appreciate the resort... SSR in this case, as well as DTD so the time has come to bite the bullet and get over it! I'm so glad to hear you had no difficulties.


Thanks so much for posting this!

 

[arminnie]

That's very reassuring Although I've rented in the parks before, I'll be renting from Walker for the first time next month. The one thing that has kept me from doing it in the past is the fear of not being able to maneuver it onto the bus in front of all those people But my mobility issues have left me without a way to truly appreciate the resort... SSR in this case, as well as DTD so the time has come to bite the bullet and get over it! I'm so glad to hear you had no difficulties.

You are going to love having the ECV at the resort and DTD! I shopped and shopped - plus was able to explore the resort.

I was at BCV so I was also able to go for a "walk" all around the Boardwalk. I bought a refillable mug for the first time in about a decade as it was so much easier to go have it filled.

I know what you mean about the fear of parking in front of all of the other people. I made myself go get on a bus the very first day as I was afraid that I would not be able to do it if I procrastinated.

SSR is my home resort - I had a fabulous hot stone massage at their spa.

 

[Debbie Jean]

You are going to love having the ECV at the resort and DTD! I shopped and shopped - plus was able to explore the resort.

I was at BCV so I was also able to go for a "walk" all around the Boardwalk. I bought a refillable mug for the first time in about a decade as it was so much easier to go have it filled.

I know what you mean about the fear of parking in front of all of the other people. I made myself go get on a bus the very first day as I was afraid that I would not be able to do it if I procrastinated.

SSR is my home resort - I had a fabulous hot stone massage at their spa.

SSR is my home resort, too! Don't you just love it? I've been looking at that hot stone massage... I may just do it this trip!

 

[arminnie]

SSR is my home resort, too! Don't you just love it? I've been looking at that hot stone massage... I may just do it this trip!

I really do love it. I stayed at BCV last fall just because it was available and I'd heard so much about how wonderful it is.

I certainly enjoyed it, but I prefer SSR because I really like the SSR spa and prefer DTD to the Boardwalk. But that's just my personal preferences. I can't wait to stay at SSR with an ECV and take it all around the resort and DTD.

 

[SueM in MN]

Before you try to get on the bus or go out in traffic, practice a little in the resort.
Most people only try to go forward and stop practicing. I'd suggest you also practice turning in both directions, backing straight for about 6 feet and backing for a foot or 2 straight, then trying to back while turning in each direction.
If you can do those things confidently, you should have little problem.

 

[Elfstar]

Cheshirefigment, and SueM from MN, thank you both for the work you put in here. As I said in my reply to SallyfromDE, DH is newly disabled - Lou Gehrig's disease . If it weren't for reading this part of the boards, we wouldn't have known where to begin. And we're going to keep going as long as he want's to - Disney is one of the things he enjoy's the most. Bless you both!!

 

[leanan]

Pick up and Delivery is easy. They leave it at your hotel Bell Services. When you leave they pick it up once again from the hotel Bell Services after you have left.

I have reserved ECVs for conventions namely Dragon Con in Atlanta the day of arrival. Even then there was availability so you can wait some. I would not wait till last minute for Disney availability though. Try to do it with some advance warning. See if you can reserve now and cancel later if you are back up to par.

Honestly though I suspect if you have been through what you have been through in the last few months endurance may be a problem. It takes a lot out of healthy people to do Disney. Someone who has just recovered from a break may find it really takes a lot out of them. You can always leave it in the middle of a zone and come back to it after walking for a while. Just having it to have it helps tons. The average visitor walks 3-5 miles a day at the parks.

 

[dsnygirl2006]

Hi
Where can I get a list of outside companies that I can contact to deliver and pick up from the resort? Also I am guessing you can take these ECV's into the parks, right? This is very new to me? My grandmother decided at the last minute she wanted to go so I am trying to find out everything I can, thanks

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The top item is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including where people rent ECVs.

 

[SallyfromDE]

Pick up and Delivery is easy. They leave it at your hotel Bell Services. When you leave they pick it up once again from the hotel Bell Services after you have left.

I have reserved ECVs for conventions namely Dragon Con in Atlanta the day of arrival. Even then there was availability so you can wait some. I would not wait till last minute for Disney availability though. Try to do it with some advance warning. See if you can reserve now and cancel later if you are back up to par.

Honestly though I suspect if you have been through what you have been through in the last few months endurance may be a problem. It takes a lot out of healthy people to do Disney. Someone who has just recovered from a break may find it really takes a lot out of them. You can always leave it in the middle of a zone and come back to it after walking for a while. Just having it to have it helps tons. The average visitor walks 3-5 miles a day at the parks.

Endurance is what I'm worried about. I've been released from the Dr. and PT, but I'm still trying to get the achilles back in shape. My co-workers and I would occassionally wear a pedimeter to work and compare notes on how far we walked that day. A quiet day we averaged 7 miles. A busy day was an easy 9miles. So walking Disney was a breeze for me in the past. I'm supposed to be weened off the cane. I only need it for stairs and long walks. I thought about taking it with me, but then climbing into SM would be a pain with a cane. I might end up stabbing someone in the dark with it. haha.

 

[andersonjanette]

First of all, I've gotten so much information from this site . . . it's great! My father will be coming to Disneyland with us when we take my nephews (4 & 7yrs) to Disneyland and Legoland in October for a quick 4-5 day trip. He has newly diagnosed pulmonary fibrosis and can't walk far without breathing problems, and just recently has starting being on portable oxgen as needed. I know he wants to be able to keep up with everyone and have a great time, and I'd love to rent an electric scooter for both disney and legoland so this is not an issue. I'm thinking that renting one offsite that we can just bring with us to both parks makes the most sense . . . . am I right? Also I see a lot of references to offsite rentals for WDW, but not for Disneyland (I'm probably just looking in the wrong spot =)). Thanks so much for any info!!!
Janette

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm supposed to be weened off the cane. I only need it for stairs and long walks. I thought about taking it with me, but then climbing into SM would be a pain with a cane. I might end up stabbing someone in the dark with it. haha.

I'd probably still bring the cane. It might be helpful for climbing into some of the ride cars (although climbing into SM is not easy no matter what).

First of all, I've gotten so much information from this site . . . it's great! My father will be coming to Disneyland with us when we take my nephews (4 & 7yrs) to Disneyland and Legoland in October for a quick 4-5 day trip. He has newly diagnosed pulmonary fibrosis and can't walk far without breathing problems, and just recently has starting being on portable oxgen as needed. I know he wants to be able to keep up with everyone and have a great time, and I'd love to rent an electric scooter for both disney and legoland so this is not an issue. I'm thinking that renting one offsite that we can just bring with us to both parks makes the most sense . . . . am I right? Also I see a lot of references to offsite rentals for WDW, but not for Disneyland (I'm probably just looking in the wrong spot =)). Thanks so much for any info!!!
Janette

We don't have a lot of Disneyland information.
Some of it is pretty much the same whether you are talking about DL or WDW. Scooter rental is not.
I know there are some posters who have rented scooters in DL, so hopefully one of them will post.
Scootaround is a nationwide rental company. Most of the posters who rent in Orlando use one of the other companies, but we have had several people who recommended Scootaround.