First time ECV user questions

[ZPT1022]

After much deliberation and a recent trip to the store where I could barely make it through, I relented and rented an ECV for our upcoming trip. I have not rented one in the past however, and I am feeling a bit nervous about driving it, particularly backing it onto the buses. Does anyone have any tips to share? Is it difficult or did you find it was easier to learn than you thought? Also, will it be really frowned upon if I get really stressed out about it, to allow my husband to park the ECV on the bus for me? He's a much more confident driver than I am and a lot less prone to the "omg people are watching me and I'm getting stressed out" thing.

Also, I can walk short distances, as I am "only" handicapped from a car accident with lots of nerve damage as well as muscle, ligament and tendon tears and a broken ankle from a recent fall. I can stand and walk a little bit, but long distances and/or a lot of time on my feet tend to do me in. But I don't need to hog the handicapped accessible ride cars or anything like that. What is the procedure for rides and attractions? Will my family be able to stay with me (husband and four little ones)? I appreciate any help you can offer, and many thanks in advance.

 

[disney david]

After much deliberation and a recent trip to the store where I could barely make it through, I relented and rented an ECV for our upcoming trip. I have not rented one in the past however, and I am feeling a bit nervous about driving it, particularly backing it onto the buses. Does anyone have any tips to share? Is it difficult or did you find it was easier to learn than you thought? Also, will it be really frowned upon if I get really stressed out about it, to allow my husband to park the ECV on the bus for me? He's a much more confident driver than I am and a lot less prone to the "omg people are watching me and I'm getting stressed out" thing.

Also, I can walk short distances, as I am "only" handicapped from a car accident with lots of nerve damage as well as muscle, ligament and tendon tears and a broken ankle from a recent fall. I can stand and walk a little bit, but long distances and/or a lot of time on my feet tend to do me in. But I don't need to hog the handicapped accessible ride cars or anything like that. What is the procedure for rides and attractions? Will my family be able to stay with me (husband and four little ones)? I appreciate any help you can offer, and many thanks in advance.

The new buses have Ramos that you drive up just have to do a little back wards during ti get in to the spot but not much. And exiting you can make a u turn and drive off forward facing.

One tip is relax have fun don't worry what other think your their just like them to have fun and enjoy your self. So please have a great trip and it better to find out now you want to rent one so you can rent it from off site and save some money.

 

[ttintagel]

I was a first-time user on my last WDW trip. I didn't have a lot of trouble getting on and off the buses, but there were a couple of times when I was taking a long time and a lot of people were waiting, that I asked the drivers to maneuver the ECV into the spot for me, and they did.

At most attractions, the CM will ask you if you can transfer out of the ECV into the ride vehicle, and then he or she will tell you where to park and where to board. I don't think there are any rides where your husband and kids won't be able to stay with you; somebody correct me if I'm wrong on that.

At some rides (I'm thinking of Pirates of the Caribbean) you'll need to park the ECV outside and either walk through the queue or transfer into a manual wheelchair (provided) to get to the loading area.

I eventually gave up on trying to maneuver the ECV through the darkened foyer and stretching room of the Haunted Mansion, and I parked the ECV in the stroller area and walked through on my crutches.

 

[LindaDVC]

with the crowds at disney can be a tough place to first use one!
I have had mom practice (age 92) at home depo, costco etc
places with wide aisle and decreased crowds

that way she will feel more comfortable at Disney

However last trip to disney at age 90 she insisted on using the walker while i pushed dad in a manual chair and DH used his power chair! She fatiqued and I reminded her she should have listened and driven around EPCOT!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your chair or ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

Also, I would suggest going to a large grocery store or a Target (or similar) and ride around in one of their ECVs while doing some shopping. Realize that the rentals are much easier to drive than those in stores. But at least you will have some practice. If you don't have time to do that before your trip, after you arrive spend about a half hour or so driving around your Resort, including in the shops, so you are comfortable with it before hitting the crowds in the parks.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Have a great time and don't worry...the bus drivers will help you or you can have your hubby park it. The whole family will ride together if you line up together. Some lines are trickt to manuer so tale it slow and you will be fine. Just ask the CM outsode the ride what to do...park, ride or walk and they will help you. Disney is so easy on an ECV!

 

[peemagg]

Also the ones that you rent have a speed knob on them. I suggest that while getting used to the scooter and how it reacts to when you let off of the trigger, that you keep it at a slow speed. Also if you park it somewhere and walk, when you get back on it double check that the knob hasn't been turned to the fast setting without you knowing it. Kids sometimes get on them when we aren't and they (especially little boys) have to play with the knobs. Be sure to keep the key with you anytime you get off the scooter.

 

[ZPT1022]

Thank you everyone for the advice, help, and tricks! I will be sure to get the guidemap for disabilities and luckily we planned our first two days to spend hanging around the resort, so I will have some time to get comfy using the ecv before having to use one in the crowds of the park. I appreciate you all taking the time to help me out