First timer with *two* ECVs...

[Rajah]

Mom and I will be taking a mother-daughter trip next month, and while this isn't our first time at wdw, it's been over a decade and will be the first time with a scooter. Not only that, but she and I both need one, if we're going to survive the trip and see more than the hotel. Most of the time, it will be just the two of us, so we won't have someone on foot to help with crowd control or anything.

Is there anything we need to be aware of with two of us that differs from the main faq? We'll have a few days at Universal first to get used to the things, and for shorter waits, we can park and walk the queue or to our table.

Thanks!

 

[gap2368]

as fair as crowds ( I do not use an ECV but go with a friend that dose) I would go single file in crowded areas and then have a meeting place for it you get separated

like by IASM and PP flight can be crowded so I would say if you are going from fantasy land you can go first have your mom follow and tell her if we get separated I will meet you in front of HM ( maybe have a map where you and your mom can see. I do this with my friend as I do not handle crowded areas and I can get out so much faster then my friend can

also go slow if you get there at RD we normally wait about 30 second for the main group to get in and then slowly go in ( it really is crowded at RD) but just go slow and pay attichion people will dart infant of you I have a vision problem and depending on what eye I am looking out of I may not see people and I have almost run into people, then you have the people on phones not looking and people that do not notice anything below there nicks and will not see you. ( I hope I am not scaring you but people do not look where they are going) I was someone with a little flag on his ECV they was maybe 5 feet from the ground witch looked like people were seeing him more and a nice smile and excuse me goes along way

it may take you longer if you have to use Disney transportation as only 2 ECV can be on most busses ( there are the rubble busses that can take more) so if someone is before you then you would have to wait if you wanted to go together.


yes you can park and walk around the very few times my friend parks her ECV she has been told to park in with the stroller but other here have said not too there are enough CM at Disney you can just ask one of them. some lines do not allow ECV in then buzz, space are two that come to mind there will be a wheel chair near by to use in case you need one

 

[Rajah]

We won't be doing any RD, neither of us is a morning person, but the same thing applies for any crowd. Good point.

Flags... good idea. We just have to find the type that we could attach to the ECV, that isn't just like all the tour groups.

Meeting points. Very good idea. I need to tell her to study the maps, too.

Space Mountain, we don't have to worry about. We've given it a 100 foot restraining order, since in 3 trips, she has gotten hurt on that one ride three times. *I* may ride it, but probably not. LOL

Thank you!

 

[Dream Finder]

Been there...done that. Once. The thing I didn't realize would affect us is that many times you have to ride single file as previously mentioned. The side effect of this is that you can't have a conversation with your travelling partner. So - no chatting while you travel. Also this means that if you n1eed to change plans (for example - the path you were trying to take is too crowded and you want to go another way) it can be difficult to relay that to the person behind you.
I second the point about meeting points. if there are crowds, you will get separated. So it pays to have a plan "B".
OTOH - the ability to enjoy the trip...priceless. If you are parade watchers, you can pull up to the curb together and have a wonderful time.

ENJOY!!!

 

[Chip_Dale]

Are you renting from outside vendors? Might need to request housekeeping to remove table or chairs to accommodate 2 ECV. Also bring an extension cord in order to be able to charge both units.

 

[gap2368]

Are you renting from outside vendors? Might need to request housekeeping to remove table or chairs to accommodate 2 ECV. Also bring an extension cord in order to be able to charge both units.

I have been told on here that some ECV do not allow ECV to use extension cords so I would make sure that the ECV allow this.

 

[Rajah]

We're renting from Walker, and staying in an accessible room at PO:FQ. If we can't charge both in the room, could we leave one with Bell Services overnight to charge? I could walk that far, no problem. It's when it gets to be an hour+ that I start feeling it.

 

[mamabunny]

Typically, you are supposed to keep your ECV(s) in your room with you. Don't park them outside the room, in hallways, or other places that might block exit pathways in the event of any emergency. WDW CMs can - and do - move ECVs that appear to be "abandoned" at Resorts.

You may be able to work with the Concierge and Bell Services to leave the ECV either at the luggage room or perhaps stationed in the Lobby while charging overnight, however, don't rely upon this happening. Bell Services at POFQ is typically quite crowded and busy, and in all the times we have stayed at POFQ we have never seen an ECV left to charge anywhere overnight since the new drop-off rules were started.

Plan on both units being charged in your room overnight - work directly with the front desk and/or the Concierge services folks once you are on the ground at the Resort to arrange for the table and chairs to be removed from the room. If they can accommodate one of the units outside the room, then it's a bonus.

As far as extension cords go, it's true that some ECV manufacturers state NOT to use an extension cord. Other's don't care. I own my personal ECVs, and as long as I use a heavy-duty extension cord (like contractors use on construction sites) then my batteries charge just fine, and it's much easier to deal with. Most of the rental units have chargers with long enough cords that you should be able to plug them in under/next to the TV at POFQ.

Be careful with "flags" - you need to make sure that anything you attach to a rental ECV won't damage the ECV - and more importantly, can't accidentally injure another guest. I suggest instead brightly colored matching bandanas or lengths of grosgrain ribbon.

Last but not least... don't be afraid to get separated - it can happen, and so just be prepared to text one another and keep each other updated. If you both have iPhones, then "Find My Friends" should be on the Home page of your phone (along with your My Disney Experience app!) As long as you are both clear on your next destination (whether it is a Park, the Resort, an attraction or whatever) you will both be fine!

 

[jdb in AZ]

DH and I both rent ECV's, and the biggest challenge each time has been to drive without racing each other through non-crowded areas. The cast members won't hesitate to tell you if they think you're going too fast. And they're usually right.

 

[Rajah]

Be careful with "flags" - you need to make sure that anything you attach to a rental ECV won't damage the ECV - and more importantly, can't accidentally injure another guest. I suggest instead brightly colored matching bandanas or lengths of grosgrain ribbon.

Hmm. I hadn't thought of that. I was thinking of an easier way to locate each other and make sure other guests will see us. Thanks for the heads up.

Last but not least... don't be afraid to get separated - it can happen, and so just be prepared to text one another and keep each other updated. If you both have iPhones, then "Find My Friends" should be on the Home page of your phone

We don't. She's on iphone and barely knows how to use it, I'm on android. I guess we'll have to make do with texting. I'm more worried about her getting lost than anything else. Mostly an unfounded worry, unless her sugar is low and fatigue high. Besides, I'm never worried about me getting lost, because I can keep track of myself pretty well. Lol!

Thanks!

 

[Rajah]

DH and I both rent ECV's, and the biggest challenge each time has been to drive without racing each other through non-crowded areas. The cast members won't hesitate to tell you if they think you're going too fast. And they're usually right.

ROFL! Yeah, I can see us doing that, too!

 

[Chip_Dale]

Be careful with "flags" - you need to make sure that anything you attach to a rental ECV won't damage the ECV - and more importantly, can't accidentally injure another guest. I suggest instead brightly colored matching bandanas or lengths of grosgrain ribbon.

I have used the neon bands that I used on my suitcase. I put them on the backrest.

 

[VickiB]

A couple of little things ... the charger has an on and off switch. If you plug in the scooter and forget to turn the charger on, you may run in to a problem.
Make sure you turn the scooter off when you are not moving (like watching a parade) to conserve battery life
The speed dial is your friend. Use it when you need to navigate in tight places (like in lines)
We like to bring a small, battery operated light string and some zip ties to bling out the basket. Makes it so much more fun
And, should anything happen - call the vendor. We have used Walker many, many times and they are great.