ecv rental - tia

[colonels cruisers]

June 10-17 we are in disney as part of a family gathering. DFIL (78) has just been diagnosed with arthitis in the back (after months of pain etc.). Now this is also an emotional thing bc he is supposed to use a cane to walk (but isn't) and he really isn't ready to give up his get up and go. He actually originally blamed this pain on all the walking he did in the holy lands so yes he is very active.

We are very worried about him trying to be at disney for a week with all 4 grandkids etc. That is alot of walking. Now for my question...

1) Can I arrange for an ECV for him?
2) Can it be at GF when he checks in?
3) Can I do all this on the sly? Sure he will be mad at us but....
4) If I can not how hard is it to get one if he can not walk (FYI Dr says he needs one)


Thanks a bunch!

 

[dbenlee]

You can rent an ECV from an offsite company. The ECV's that Disney rents are for the day only and are first come first served and also at the parks only, not the resorts. The only company I know of is http://caremedicalequipment.com/ . I don't think they can have it there waiting when you arrive, but they can probably have it there shortly after you arrive. The arrangments can be made ahead of time (its probably best to reserve one in advance to make sure your able to get one).

Good luck, and have a great trip!!

 

[colonels cruisers]

thanks for the help!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board, and then look for the disABILITIES FAQs thread close to the top of the board, you will find lots of helpful information. There are 3 off-site companies that DIS posters have used a lot and recommend (plus another one that I have heard good things about, but not many "testimonials"). You will find links to all 4 companies, plus some other helpful links in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

To answer your specific questions:
1) Can I arrange for an ECV for him?
Yes
2) Can it be at GF when he checks in?
Yes. One of the companies (Randy's requires someone to be there when it is delivered so that the ECV can be demonstrated and questions answered.
3) Can I do all this on the sly? Sure he will be mad at us but....
You could, but be prepared that he may refuse to use it. We had rented one on our last trip for FIL (who has rented one in the parks before) and friend with bad knees to share. My DH and his brother had worked this all out, but it turned out that it got used very little. The friend didn't want to use it because FIL needed it more. FIL did not feel comfortable riding the bus with it and in general, refused to use it. He did rent one in the parks at Epcot and MGM. He chose not to come to AK and did not rent one in MK because he is a veteran WDW visitor and did not feel comfortable driving in MK.
4) If I can not how hard is it to get one if he can not walk (FYI Dr says he needs one)
If you rent from one of the off-site places, it isn't hard to get one. For the parks, we didn't have problems on our trip during Spring break (arriving at the parks by 10 most days), but it all depends how much demand there is on the days you go.

 

[colonels cruisers]

Thanks. Didn't even know about the disablity board.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks. Didn't even know about the disablity board.

you are welcome. hope you have a good trip