Ecv

[FreeTime]

Where offsite can I rent an ECV for the week? Will they deliver it to the resort? Will I easily be able to use disney transportation with it (we are staying at the BC)? Also, what if I just rent them in the parks are they hard to come by? What is the apprx price for rental? Thanks

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.
Most people who think they need an ecv rent one from one of the off-site medical places. The ones in the parks are first come-first served and they do run out sometimes. Here's a list of the places that DIS posters have reported renting from. All will deliver to your resort:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

From BCV, there is a wide sidewalk that goes to Epcot and MGM, or you can use the boat service. TO MK and AK, you will need to use the buses. We find them easy to use with DD's wheelchair. Most people with ecvs report the first time is a little challenging, but after the first time it gets much easier. I'm sure some ecv users will post with first hand reports and also with prices.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The cost for the Disney ECVs are $30.00 per day plus a $10.00 refundable key deposit. If you park hop, having your receipt showing the daily rental will allow you to only pay the key deposit at another park IF one is available.

Walker's rate is also $30.00 per day, but it caps at $199.50 for a full week. Care and Colonial are also in the same range; Randy's is less expensive.

All except Randy's will drop off the ECV prior to your arrival (so it will be at Bell Services) and pick up after you depart. Randy's requires you be present at both drop-off and pick-up. I have used Walker several times; their policy appears to be: If you are arriving early in the morning they will drop it off the afternoon before and not charge. Similarly, if you are arriving in the evening they will drop it off in the afternoon and not charge. Usually if you are leaving in the afternoon and are done with it by about 1:00 they will only charge a half day for the last day.

Note the off-site rentals are three wheeler's, which are much easier to maneuver than Disney's four wheel ECVs. If you have not used one before, you might want to try one out in a large grocery store, realizing that the rentals are much easier to use, especially since they don't have a grocery basket.

You should not have any problem with Disney Transportation. From BC it is easiest to drive the ECV to Epcot, take the boat to MGM, and buses anywhere else. If you have a car, the ECVs will break down into five pieces, the heaviest weighing about 39 pounds. Having a car is convenient, but to use any of the medical parking you will have to have an HP hang tag. I find it easiest to get anywhere OTHER THAN the Magic Kingdom by car.

I hope this information helps.

 

[ghcoughlin]

Hi ! YEAH we near our trip in a couple of days.Well anyone with MS knows you don't know when / if it will effect you.We have just gone through an awful hot and humid week here.( it showed we were hotter and more humid then in Fla)It took a little out of me,but am rebounding back For the first time I am actually considering am ECV for our trip.Do any of these medical stores deliver on short notice ???I don't foresee the use for one right now.Maybe after a few days I will feel the need.We have been to WDW the past 2 Septs so I am well aware of the heat.In the past I have done well.This will also be the first time I will get a GAC.I guess I'm just stubborn and feel I'll be giving into my MS.I know ,I know I'm being foolish.

Thanks for any info
Heidi

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I was talking to Walker about something else and asked about same-day service. The response was as long as you call them before 5:00 they would be able to get one to you the same day. The only exception would be during "super-peak" seasons when they might not have any in stock.

 

[ghcoughlin]

Thank you Chesire Figment for your help.I'll remember to call by 5:00 if I feel the need for one.

Heidi

 

[sneezy1956]

I experienced my first trip totally ECV dependent in June. I used Randy's Mobility I loved the little Amiga that I used.

The buses are fairly easy to load and unload from. Just remember to use turtle speed. Take your time and if the driver is helpful listen to them. Most of the ECV have a tight turning radius. The Amgiga has a 35 1/2" turning radius so you can get in some really tight spots.

The new low floor buses are harder in my opinion to board then the older buses. With the low floor buses move your speed up from turtle and gun it up on the bus then immediately turtle it so you can back into the space. On the old buses stay on turtle try to get exactly in the middle of the lift and then back off till your front wheels are almost exactly in the middle of the lift then start cutting. You should look like a pro getting into the area where you park.

 

[Talking Hands]

I had the unfortunately experience of having my wheelchair die on me this week. Was runnning in circles and could not go forward at all. Motor died on one wheelchair. I put in a call the Care Medical and left a message. Never got a return call even though I have given them my cell as well as the hotel room number. I went to my meetings at the Dolphin and had to walk which was not easy and even on my return no call. So at about 1pm Sat I called Walker. They had a scooter to me by 4pm. WOW! great service.

 

[sneezy1956]

Oh Lisa! I feel so bad for you. I'm sure you were totally miserable. I'm glad Walker could help you. Sounds like i's time for you to write a nasty letter to Care.