EPCOT/ECV/Fireworks question

[vt2nyc]

My father has spinal stenosis and can't walk long distances, and he decides on a day to day basis if he needs an ECV. For our visit in December, we have booked a cruise to watch the EPCOT fireworks. Dad will be playing golf that day, will go to our rooms at OKW to rest afterwards, and then will meet us at EPCOT for dinner in France, then the boat/fireworks. Normally, we get him an ECV for EPCOT if we are going to the World Showcase. I am trying to figure out the best way to get him To Chefs De France for our 6:00 dinner. I don't expect scooters to be available that late in the day. If we did get one, what would we do with it during out cruise, since we can't take it out of the park to the boat dock? Plus, how late can you return one (i.e. Could we return it after the fireworks and the walk back to the front of the park)? Would a possible alternative be to have him take a cab from OKW to one of the EPCOT resorts and just take the walk over to France? I truly appreciate any advice. Thank you!

 

[kaytieeldr]

See if any of the ECV rental companies offers a one-day rental, and arrange for one to deliver it to him at his villa that afternoon.

 

[gap2368]

I think your idea about getting a Cab to one of the resorts not sure what one is closer might be your best bet. could someone met him at the front of the park and he could get a wheel chair if no ECV are there you could then tell the person at the exit you have a fier work cruse and need something to help your dad out. they may let you take it then ( I find disney has a sulution to just about every problem)

 

[SueM in MN]

As far as I know, Buena Vista still has a booth on the Boardwalk, right in front of the Boardwalk.
You could try contacting them and see if you could do a one day rental to pick up and deliver back to that spot.

 

[zela02]

We did the cruise in February - it was wonderful. Personally, because we avoid busses and try to reduce walking, I would take a cab to the Yacht Club and ride the boat to the International Gateway. It's a short walk to France from there. I would just reverse that for your return trip, since the dock is right next to the Yacht Club, just grab another cab home after the cruise.

 

[vt2nyc]

Thank you, everyone, for the information! I think a cab from OKW to the Yacht Club will be best. Then he can choose to take the 10 minutes walk , or take the boat to EPCOT for dinner. Same choices to return to the dock for the cruise. Then cab back to OKW. I even found a video of the whole walk from the Yacht Club to the International Gateway! This all really helps me make sure my Dad has a great trip. Thank you , again!

 

[wilkeliza]

Just wanted to add it is about a 5ish minute wall from Yacht Club entrance to the boat dock and probably closer to 15 minute walk if he wants to go from dock to Epcot. I don't know if those 5-10 extra minutes would make a difference for your dad.

 

[vt2nyc]

Just wanted to add it is about a 5ish minute wall from Yacht Club entrance to the boat dock and probably closer to 15 minute walk if he wants to go from dock to Epcot. I don't know if those 5-10 extra minutes would make a difference for your dad.

Thanks for the info. Dad's consistently good for 10 minutes or so. He can do more if there's a place he can sit for a few minutes to rest up . We'll just leave ourselves plenty of time if he wants to walk.

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes. Yacht Club is closer to Epcot than Boardwalk is. If he walked from Boardwalk, there is also a long, fairly steep hill to walk to Epcot because guests need to cross over the water to get to Epcot.
Coming from Yacht Club, you are already on the correct side of the water.
I haven't walked that side recently, but there were benches along the walkway until you are actually past Yacht Club the last time I walked it.

 

[zela02]

Thank you, everyone, for the information! I think a cab from OKW to the Yacht Club will be best. Then he can choose to take the 10 minutes walk , or take the boat to EPCOT for dinner. Same choices to return to the dock for the cruise. Then cab back to OKW. I even found a video of the whole walk from the Yacht Club to the International Gateway! This all really helps me make sure my Dad has a great trip. Thank you , again!

If he plans to walk, the Beach Club is a little closer to the IGW. If he plans to take the boat, the Yacht Club is closer to the dock. Have a great trip!!