Fear of ECV (long..sorry)

[SueM in MN]

Um, that is not true. ECV's do have electronic brakes. It's just that, as with all powered devices, they don't stop on a dime like pedestrians do. You need to be aware of your stopping distance, just as in using a car. The faster you go or the steeper the slope, the more distance you need to stop.

They don't have brakes in the way that people traditionally think of brakes like in a car or even a bicycle.
There is nothing you need to step on or push to activate the brake; the brake is activated automatically when you stop activating it to go forward.

You all have been so helpful. You've really made me feel more optimistic. I am absolutely going to try the ones at Walmart (at a very unbusy time) to see what I can do.

If you have not tried at a store yet, I would suggest Target as a first stop if you have one near you. Target stores tend to have wide aisles and they don't put any merchandise in the main aisle.
Walmart is what I would consider more 'advanced' practice. Their aisles are narrower and they have many displays in the main aisle that cause you to need to make detours. The high displays also limit your ability to see.
I think Walmart is an excellent place to practice, but I would probably not choose it for a first practice spot.

I can't tell you all how awesome it is to know that I am not the only one afraid of using an ECV. I truly hope I can overcome this because it really does sound like my family will enjoy their trip alot better if I can. I am wondering though, where do you park an ECV or WC for the attractions if you don't want to use the HC entrances? Just anywhere near the attraction?

As was already noted, you would park with the strollers or where ever else you are directed to park by the CM at the attraction.
One thing to consider is the distance from the queue entrance to the boarding area and the distance from the exit to where you parked your ECV.
Sometimes, the wait is not long, but the distance walked is. For example, Bug's Life may have a very short wait until the next show, but the queue takes you all around the Tree of Life (a nice scenic path, but a long one).
Also, most of the shows have a preshow or a place where you will be standing while one audience for the next show to begin. Unless you 'bring your chair with', you will likely not have a place to sit. The wait for the show will be at least as long as a show lasts (the place you wait for the preshow was just vacated by the previous guests right before you walked in).

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Good advice about Target. I was thinking on those same lines about Walmart. I have been there three times since I started this thread and I have chickened out each time. I was thinking of maybe Lowes or Home Depot (DH's favorite stores) but Target would be an excellent choice.

I should do okay walking short distances but the standing for those pre-shows could be a problem as I have a tendency to get unsteady. I do have a folding seat that has a carrying case. Do you happen to know if I would be allowed to use that? Thanks for your helpful suggestions SueM.

 

[LindaBabe]

I think you should bag the folding seat and stay on your ecv up to the point they tell you to leave it. Why introduce another layer of complexity?

 

[mechurchlady]

At DLR there was at one time a ban on canes with a folding seat but they finally got some sense, lol.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/dress-code.htm

A cane with a little folding seat would be allowed but folding chairs of any kind are prohibited.

From another site I got this list:

Items with wheels, such as wagons, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, shoes with built-in wheels, two-wheeled or three-wheeled conveyances, strollers larger than 36" x 52", suitcases, coolers, or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high (coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations), and any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by an ECV wheelchair or stroller
Alcoholic beverages
Weapons of any kind
Folding chairs
Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles)
Pets (unless they are service animals)

 

[DisneyFreaks]

A cane with a little folding seat would be allowed but folding chairs of any kind are prohibited.

It's not a folding chair but a small folding stool that has a carrying case when not in use. I think it's similar to the seats attached to canes. Do you think it would be allowed since it's so small?

 

[bairdbeth]

I really didn't want to use a scooter when we went in July, but I twisted my knee on the cruise. I tried walking for the couple of hours we went to AK the day we got off the cruise. I had to stop every 5 minutes to rest my knee. I had used a scooter before at WDW when I hurt my back a few years back, but it was much more crowded this time around. I finally gave in and rented a scooter from an outside vendor. I was so thankful I did! My daughter commented on how happy I looked and that I wasn't grunting and showing pain! We had one of our best trips ever! I just kept the speed on slow and we took our time. The CM's on the busses and on the rides were very helpful! The best thing I did was to practice at the resort first. We stayed at Pop and the sidewalks are wide. I practiced going forward and then practiced backing up. While I prefer to walk with my daughter, I will not shy away from a scooter again. To be pain free was such a relief. We plan to go next Thanksgiving and I have to have ankle surgery in January with a long recovery period ahead. If I still feel pain or can't walk far enough ,I will be renting a scooter. So don't be afraid! It will make your trip so much more enjoyable! Plus you can carry the family backpack and water bottles in your scooter basket and everyone will love you for that!

 

[DisneyFreaks]

So don't be afraid! It will make your trip so much more enjoyable! Plus you can carry the family backpack and water bottles in your scooter basket and everyone will love you for that!

I know my trip will have alot more quality if I can just get over this stupid fear of something horrible happening. I probably won't be renting from an outside source so I won't get to practice at the resort. That would be great but I'm still hoping maybe I won't need the assistance of the ECV or WC. My family says I'm being unrealistic. Thanks so much for the encouragement.

 

[Vala]

My experience is from Disneyland, but maybe it will help.

I sprained my ankle 4 days into our trip. Could not put any weight on the foot, nothing. I was a crying, sobbing mess. Disney was great and gave us a complimentary wheelchair for the day.

My friends had offered they'd push it, but after some hours it was clear this would not work. We had several more days left, and it was putting too much of a strain ob them. They very much underestimated the task I think.

I'm German, and ECVs are extremely uncommon here. I was terrified of the thought of using one. But there was no way I'd have my friends keep pushing me, no matter how often they offered. It was their vacation as much as mine.

Our hotel was great, they helped us getting one. It didn't even take one hour.
We were in the Disneyland hotel, so I practiced during the drive through Downtown Disney. I thought I'd never get the hang of it when I needed several minutes to get it out of the room. But until we had reached bag check I was doing very well. I only once almost hit one of my friends because I accidentally pushed the speed too high going up a hill during the whole trip. If you keep the speed slow and give yourself some time to get used to it, you will be doing fine. Practicing on the sidewalks or a parking lot for a couple of minutes will do the trick.

Don't be afraid. I even managed it through that one store selling glass ornaments without an accident and I can not back up in a parking space with my own tiny car if my life depended on it.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

I was terrified of the thought of using one.
Don't be afraid. I even managed it through that one store selling glass ornaments without an accident and I can not back up in a parking space with my own tiny car if my life depended on it.

First of all I'm so sorry to hear that you had such a painful accident while visiting the "world". I hope all is well now. Thanks so much for sharing your story. Everyone here has been so wonderful and helpful. It is so good to know there are so many caring people in the world.

 

[Vala]

Yeah, I am a lot better now, thanks for asking.

I'm still using the crutches because it's still painful. But at least I can put a bit weight on my foot meanwhile without starting to cry.

It's my "bad foot", it has been giving me trouble forever. I had surgery two years ago and after that it looked like things got better. Than of course on a Disney trip I had to be proved wrong.

 

[katblue]

Hi, Just wanted to post quickly and let you know I just returned from WDW. I took my Mom there (her first time). She injured her leg / foot 3 years ago and has issues walking long distances. She decided she was going to walk MK and she did. Next day was Epcot - she walked Future World, but we finally talked her into an ECV. She is VERY proud and didn't want to be different, be an imposition, etc. We assured her it would make us feel better because we wouldn't be worrying about her. So she got an ECV for World Showcase and we couldn't get her off of it! IT WAS GREAT! She was all proud because she could keep up with us as fast as we wanted to go and she didn't miss out on a thing! We watched Illuminations right outside of Germany and they had a seating area for ECV and Wheelchairs and it wasn't crowded. Many of the attractions allow you to take the ECV up to the loading area. When we take my Mom back, we will make certain she has one at each of the parks. DO NOT think anything about it, get one and enjoy yourself! ! ! ! !

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Thanks so much katblue. I see this is your first post so welcome to the Dis Boards!

I wish I could find words to express to everyone how much sharing your experiences is helping me gain the confidence I need.

Vala, I'm glad to hear you're ankle is feeling better. I hope you are completely pain free real soon.

 

[Bete]

I feel you should use an ECV, but you need to be aware it will be harder using one at Disney than a local store.

The hardest part is avoiding people (especially children) who get right in front of you. This can be quite sudden and you need quick reactions. I, always yield, but you need to pay attention to your surroundings every minute. Don't expect to be together all the time with your family, in a row while using your ECV. Going early and staying late to the parks helps the most; there's less crowds. Also, getting through some ride/attraction ques can be tricky. You are turning left and then you are turning right rather quickly in some ques. Going in reverse, you need to be particularly careful of others.

There's a lot more positive aspects and I certainly feel it would be good for you. Just be aware; it's not a perfect answer. I do feel it's much faster than doing a wheelchair, but it's easier for you to do a wheelchair. The pusher is the one that has to watch the crowds, etc.

If you use Disney ECVs at the parks, make sure you go early to make sure they don't run out of them. If you park hop, realize there's no guarantee you will get one immediately in the next park. Epcot can be especially hard securing an ECV, if you don't go early. If you rent from an outside company, you will probably need Disney transportation everywhere you go. You are the first one on to the bus, but you are the last one off. The scooter is secured (strapped) on the bus.

You need to hold the lever on the handles down on the scooter to go. If you let up on the handle levers the scooter stops. My MIL couldn't get the hang of this. She always wanted to scratch her nose or head and she stopped a lot becuase of these actions by letting go. She was 87 at the time, but she was still driving a car at that time. Another story was with an aunt who was 78 at the time. She never got the hang of reversing or going through ques; so, I took over in those moments. She could walk some; so, she got by.

I'm not trying to get you fearful again, but I want you prepared for it. If worse comes to worse, you go to the wheelchair for an alternative answer.

We just got back and I wheelchaired my mom, who is 87 years young, for 9 days at the parks. I'm 55 and overweight and I was able to do it. Thank goodness for shows and such; so, I could get a rest, here and there. We spent on the average about 8 hours a day at the parks.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

"I've seen a lot of positive, but I will share some negative, now"

Thanks Bete for showing the other side of the coin. These are some of the things I am afraid of. I don't want to be so fearful of something happening that I miss out on the magic. I've seen a few folks have some bad experiences with the scooters at the stores. Each time I decide to go with it I end up changing my mind. At this point I'm really thinking I may just try to walk as far as I can and when the pain starts to get rough I'll go for the wheelchair. Hopefully they don't run out of W/C's at the parks. Thanks again for sharing your experience.

 

[Bete]

I recently tried the free session in Innoventions for the Segway. I did it; because, I was thinking of doing the tour for it at Epcot. Although, I managed to get through the free session without hurting anyone; I will not be doing the Segway tour. I would not enjoy the tour worrying about everything every moment I'm on the Segway; so, I'll pass on that experience.

Getting back to the topic of this post, you can always try walking first which you are now saying that's what you want to do. Walking may work for some of the time and some parks. Where you will find it harder to walk is Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Animal Kingdom has rougher terrains and walkways and it's very large compared to the other parks. Epcot is more slopping and has inclines, etc.; so, this can make it rough there, too. The cost factor is a consideration. Disney ECVs are running $45/day and you need an additional $15 deposit which is refundable. Those ECVs are used for the parks only. Outside companies do charge less and the disability board can help you find these other companies. When you rent from an outside company you'll be able to use it at your resort, but you will be responsible for keeping the battery charged, etc.

Here's my best advice. You can get a free loaner wheelchair at your Disney resort, if you are staying at one. If you keep it for your stay the Disney resort will ask for a deposit, but the deposit is fully refundable when you return the wheelchair. Most of these wheelchairs don't fit into a car very easy; so, you'll be forced to use Disney buses to get everywhere with them. If you get a wheelchair at the park, there is a cost that's not refundable.

I will say a ECV is worth every penny; because, you feel less tired and you can last longer at the parks. More time at the parks is key to having more magic at Disney World. Pushing a wheelchair is okay, but it's a chore for the one doing it and they can become more tired. Tiredness leads to less time in the parks.

Good luck on your trip. I would almost suggest you try it all. Do some walking, some wheelchairing and rent an ECV. Get the ECV for a longer day at a harder park.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Good luck on your trip. I would almost suggest you try it all. Do some walking, some wheelchairing and rent an ECV. Get the ECV for a longer day at a harder park.

I think you're probably right. Just standing in the kitchen this morning baking Thanksgiving pies has put my legs and back in an extreme amount of pain. I think I over estimate what I am capable of doing now. It's hard to accept change. Thanks for the help Bete and everyone.

 

[hematite153]

Thanks Figaro. I was in the Lowes store yesterday and they had an ECV sitting inside the door and I stood there contemplating getting on for the longest time but just couldn't....

While the ECVs in the stores are certainly convenient they have the difficulty of being in a place where you have to have some control during your first attempt and where people can watch you. So, given your initially expressed fears, I can understand your trepidation about trying the store ECVs.

We usually rent a w/c for my DW from a medical supply company near home. What about locating your closest medical supply company (or ECV rental company) and asking them if you can come by for a test drive? That way you'd be able to take your first "drive" in a "safer" place.

And/or, I think that at least one of the ECV rental companies listed in the disABILITIES FAQ is a national company. What about renting one for a weekend at home? You could start by moving around your driveway, then, take a walk (along the sidewalks) around the block and try to build up to a slightly longer trek somewhere you've been wanting to go, but, unable to for awhile. If you start with places that are wide open, devote the weekend to practicing your driving and working your way slowly from easier tasks to more complicated ones you'll have a good idea of whether you could handle the more crowded areas at wdw.

At this point I'm really thinking I may just try to walk as far as I can and when the pain starts to get rough I'll go for the wheelchair.

This is what my DFIL said when we first started planning our trip last year, but, after a brief discussion with my DW (they have the same genetic condition) about why she uses a w/c at wdw he decided on an ECV. Several times per day he commented on how great the ECV was because it kept him from wasting his foot power on the boring stuff. He would use the ECV to get from the resort to the parks and then park the ECV in a given land and use his foot power to walk through queues with his grandchildren, etc.

I have fibromyalgia, so, I completely get the "I'll just tough it out" mentality--I do it all the time. But, think about where/when that attitude is best used. If you're going to wear yourself out and push yourself to the limit, why not do that while actually seeing stuff rather than standing at a bus stop or having your bag searched?

 

[DisneyFreaks]

Thanks for the great suggestions hematite153!

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I just returned from a trip with a Scootarama - Pride Revo - scooter.

My suggestion.....take a little time by yourself and practice...backing up especially.

When we arrived at POR for one night, I found my "Dolly". Our room was on the other side of the resort and I STILL beat my husband there on my scooter. Imagine his shock when he pulled into the parking lot and there I was....waving!

I DID take about 20 minutes and drove in and out of spaces (slowly) in the parking lot to understand how tight the turns are, get used to the speed levels and backing up. I would pull in and out of parking spaces alongside of the curb as practice....especially in reverse. Then I rolled up onto the sidewalk next to the building and practiced going around the turns. After that....I was ready!

I bet you will be driving without a thought in half a day!

Go - have a ball.....get out and ROLL!!

 

[LindaBabe]

Having an ECV is freedom. If you want to scratch your nose, use your left hand, lol, or push backward on the left lever, and scratch with your right. (At least that works on the private rentals. Having rented one of Disney's once, I won't be doing THAT again any time soon!)

A wheel chair means the pusher is in control. Yes, that means you can relax and enjoy the ride, but it also means *he* decides where you go and how long you stay there. I won't be doing THAT again any time soon, either!

Can you back up competently in your car? Then you can back up an ecv. Same principle. Even parallel parking on the buses is no trick once you get the hang of it.

I have fibromyalgia, so, I completely get the "I'll just tough it out" mentality--I do it all the time. But, think about where/when that attitude is best used. If you're going to wear yourself out and push yourself to the limit, why not do that while actually seeing stuff rather than standing at a bus stop or having your bag searched?

I have fibro too. Sometimes our brains (stubbornness?) are our own worst enemy, aren't they?