ECV/WC rentals

[greeneggs1082]

Hi all. My family is going to Disney this coming Saturday (14th-18th). We actually live in Orlando, but prefer to stay on-site because having to drive home every day and take care of the dogs is NOT a vacation, lol. Anyway, my DH has back problems and also plantar fascitis (sp) in his right foot, so he is worried about all of the walking. He is also very prideful in the fact that he is only 37 and doesn't want to have to us an ECV or WC, but I may have convinced him that it will be the best thing. I was just wondering where would be the best place to get one (cheapest), as I know they are expensive to rent from Disney. Also, if he doesn't want to get one for the first day (due to pride and stubbornness, lol), can we get one delivered later in the trip? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[cepmom]

hi there
I am in a similar position...going to WDW in 12 days and may need to rent a WC/ECV for myself. I was in an accident and have a fracture in my lower leg. It does not need to be casted, and I can walk currently but all day "Disney" walking is going to be too much for me. From what I have read here, people have been happy with Apple Scooters. (there are other companies also, listed in the FAQ thread above). I really don't want one, but you have to do what you have to do...it's better that trying to tough it out and end up in more pain!!

My Dh wants me to consider rescheduling the trip, but honestly, I don't want too. I need this trip in the worst way right now so I'd rather go with some minor restrictions than to put it off for another time.

Good luck to you and your Dh...I hope you can convince him to get one so yo all can enjoy your trip!!

 

[jdb in AZ]

When you figure people walk up to ten miles a day at the parks, an ECV really helps out! When we check in at the hotel we just ask the concierge which ECV company they recommend, and give them a call. They can usually deliver one within an hour.

One of the perks of renting off site: you get to keep the ECV with you at the hotel, and save yourself from lots more walking around getting to/from the parks.

Also, if you rent a wheel chair, somebuddy has to push it. And WDW isn't as completely flat as you'd think. An ECV gives you so much more independence, and saves your family from wearing themselves out from pushing. Their biggest challenge will be keeping up with the ECV.

 

[greeneggs1082]

Thank you to both of you. I did look up the Apple Scooter place and their prices look really good and doable. I still have to convince him that he needs one though. But I'm glad to know that most can be delivered within an hour, in case he decides that he wants one on the second day or after (which would also make the cost less, lol). And I agree that an ECV would be best, as I don't want to have to push him or an empty chair around all day. I bet if we could rent/use a Segway at Disney he'd be ALL for that, though, lol.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you want to plan ahead of time, there are a number of companies listed in post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there.

The companies listed in that thread are ones that DIS posters have recommended and continue to recommend. All of them will deliver to your resort and should have no problem with providing an ECV on short notice (unless someone is going during one of the very busiest times of the year).

I would not count on 1 hour delivery from any company (although it’s nice if it does happen), but they should deliver that same day.

 

[Checkers]

We have used Apple Scooters and highly recommend them. I believe they are the lowest cost and the price includes insurance. Getting an ecv for part of your trip would not be a problem.

I had a similar situation as your dh last fall (had broken my ankle) and although the cast was off the dr. said I could only go if I rented a scooter. It was something I didn't look forward to but I could not have done the parks without it. I took a cane along and parked the scooter and walked on rides and into restaurants, etc.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

 

[goingroundthebend]

oh have stored the apple rentals as one to look at for powerchair

 

[jking6]

I am in this situation as I will be arriving this Saturday for 10 days. I was hoping all along a scooter would not be necessary but its the only posibble way i can go now.
I want to let you know I ordered one through Apple Scooter and the guy I talked with (very nice) was talking and asked me where I heard about them from. I told him the Dis. He said oh ok I can give you a 10% discount Just thought you might want to know.
I never thought this would be the way I would be going but after reading so much on the Dis and the support they have giving me I feel everything will be fine on this trip. I shed many tears in the last 3 months but now I am truely excited about this trip even though I have to use an ECV.

 

[KPeveler]

Try logic first - the average person walks 6-10 miles a day in WDW - can he do this for 5 days in a row? Even a perfectly healthy person has trouble!

If logic doesn't work, try shame. Men, especially husbands, I have discovered tend to become a bit, um, grumpy when in pain. And how is him being both in pain and a pain a vacation? Remind him that the scooter is not just about him, but about you too!

And tell him young age will never impress me as a reason to avoid a scooter. I am 26, was a distance runner in high school, and now I must use a wheelchair full time. I had to accept I needed a wheelchair n Disney at age 23. It is not about age, it is about what you need to enjoy what is not an inexpensive vacation!

Remember, there is a difference between surviving Disney and enjoying it.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask him the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[greeneggs1082]

Thanks again, everyone. I think we are going to try the first day without a WC/ECV and see how that goes. We're going to try taking it slow (as long as I can get my mom to slow down, lol. She's 65 and can go, go, go all day long and not skip a beat!). Also, since we do have a 19 month old we may just use that as an excuse to go back to the room at midday for a nap/rest. Taking that break in the middle of the day may help greatly with his foot. But, if he can't take it, then I will press for a WC/ECV for him (and use the suggestions here!)

We did go to SeaWorld yesterday and he did seem to do ok. We went slow, didn't do very much, lol, but it's ok. We'll be going back there while his sister is still here so she can see more (we're passholders there too so we can go anytime, lol). He said today that his foot really isn't that bad...that it isn't perfect but still not nearly as bad as he thought it would be. So I guess that is something.