First Trip with ECV - Game Changer

[sdk1231]

Just back from a Spring Break trip that included myself and daughters ages 20 and 16. For reference, I'm an Annual Passholder and I typically visit Disney World on average about 3-4 times per year. I've had heart surgery in the past, and am not getting any younger. All the walking at WDW wears me out. I was a bit nervous about using an ECV in terms of logistics, operation, and (let's face it) there was a bit of vanity involved as well. For the first time, and with the help and encouragement of many of the wonderful folks on this board, I bit the bullet and rented an ECV for this trip. It was a game changer. For anyone on the fence, here are my "first-timer" observations:

1. Basic info - I rented a Resort Scooter from Scooterbug. Loved it. It could not have been easier to operate. I stayed at the Grand Floridian and my ECV was at Bell Services when I arrived. I had reviewed operating instructions provided by Scooterbug via email, and had also carefully reviewed operating tips provided by the helpful folks on this board. Operation: turn on with key. Speed setting is a dial with a turtle on one side, hare on the other side. Turtle is slow, hare is fast. Squeeze right handle to go forward, left handle to reverse. That's it. So easy. The ECV turns on a dime, very nimble steering. The ECV was not huge, not unwieldly. I tied a cute bandana on the handlebars for easy identification (as recommended by experienced people on this board). Within 10 minutes I was 100% comfortable driving it.

2. Monorail - Extremely easy. Drive up, to security. I hopped off, walked through security, hopped back on, and drove up to monorail gate. Monorail arrived, CM placed ramp, I drove up into the monorail. Upon arrival at the MK, monorail stopped, ramp was placed, door opened and I drove off. Note - drive on facing forward, drive off facing forward. Boarding door is on one side of the monorail, exit door is on the opposite side of the monorail. Monorails are a cakewalk.

3. Skyliner - Very easy. Drive right on, reverse out. Your family comes into the gondola with you and there's plenty of room.

4. Bus - Easy"ish". I don't like buses to begin with. For the bus, you drive up the ramp, then hard right up the aisle a bit so you can reverse into the ECV parking spot. Kind of like parallel parking. I went on the bus 3 times, and in every case, when I said that I was a novice, the bus driver steered me into the parking spot (with my permission). To get off the bus, the driver places the ramp, and you turn hard right and (facing forward) drive down the ramp. Getting on/off the bus is very easy. Doing the little parallel parking maneuver into the ECV parking space is the worst part, but it's really not that difficult.

5. Walking Path to the Magic Kingdom - Grand Floridian and Contemporary - I cannot stress enough how much of a game changer is the new Grand Floridian Walking Path to the Magic Kingdom. It is absolutely AWESOME. On the ECV, it's even more awesome (ha ha). It's beautiful, big, wide, well lit, well landscaped, just gorgeous. From the GF to the MK it's about 3/4 of a mile. I read some questions about the ability of ECVs to navigate the "white bridge" section of this path. ECVs fit fine. Bigger ECVs fit, double strollers fit. The bridge and the path are very wide and roomy. The Contemporary walking path to the MK is more utilitarian, crosses actual roads, but again, is totally fine when using the ECV.

6. Park Navigation - I had no trouble navigating the parks, whatsoever. When in crowded areas, I just went slow. I felt much more nimble than parents with strollers.

7. Parking the ECV to ride rides, shop, or walk around - Very Easy. It's super easy to drop the ECV in a stroller/ECV parking area anywhere in any park if you want to get off to ride rides, walk around, shop, eat. This was my first time to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, and so I parked the ECV and explored on foot. I remembered the helpful tips of the experts here and folded down my seat back every time I parked the ECV to prevent my seat from getting hot.

8. Exercise - I like to stroll around the resort, and I like to stroll around certain areas of the parks shopping or looking around. When I wanted to do that, I parked the scoot (we nicknamed it "the scoot") and I strolled to my hearts' content. Pleasantly, without sore feet, without sore legs, etc. I walked an average of 5-7 miles a day, perfectly within my comfort level.

9. FUN FACTOR - I don't know how to explain this, but driving around on the ECV was FUN. It just was! It was totally fun driving around on that thing. One night while the kids were having ice cream in Fantasyland, I told them I'd be back and I did a driving lap all the way around the MK looking at lights and just enjoying the park atmosphere. I hopped off at the Christmas store in Liberty Square to look for a random ornament I'd been looking for, stopped for a photopass photographer and returned to Fantasyland before my kids were done with their ice cream. Would I have done that on foot at the end of a long day on a normal trip? NO WAY.

10. Value - HUGE. For me, the ECV maximized my trip value in a big way. For example, one day we got up early for DHS. We did not get a boarding group for ROTR. We went to DHS, spent the morning there and got a late boarding group at the 1PM drop. We took the Skyliner to Epcot and spent the afternoon there (it was a hot day). We went all the way around World Showcase and over to ride the Land. We went back to the Skyliner and back to DHS to ride Rise. We bussed back to Contemporary to look for a particular pin for my pin-collector daughter, then walked/rode the entire path from Contemporary to Grand Floridian (also popping into the MK to look for that pin). Would this day have happened for me if I'd been on foot? NO. I would have done DHS in the morning and then gone back to the room to rest all afternoon, then would have returned for Rise (tired and with aching feet). With the ECV I spent my whole trip bopping in and out of the parks, driving laps around the parks just for fun, happily going to multiple parks in one day, going from open til close. I was texting my husband throughout the day (he skips our Spring Break "girls' trips") and he commented "WOW! You're STILL going?!" Yes. I was. My park "shelf life" had been extended in a big way.

11. Family Impact - My kids loved it. They were laughing about how this time they had to keep up with me when usually it's the opposite. They had a great time and weren't worried about me being tired or worn out.

12. Embarrassment Factor - There wasn't any. ECV's are everywhere in the parks, being used by all ages, shapes and sizes. Any notion I had of my vanity being impacted was utterly silly.

Bottom line - I loved it, had a blast, and wish I'd done it sooner. Thank you again to all of the kind and knowledgeable folks on this board for your encouragement and for sharing your most excellent tips and tricks. The ECV was a huge success!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Just back from a Spring Break trip that included myself and daughters ages 20 and 16. For reference, I'm an Annual Passholder and I typically visit Disney World on average about 3-4 times per year. I've had heart surgery in the past, and am not getting any younger. All the walking at WDW wears me out. I was a bit nervous about using an ECV in terms of logistics, operation, and (let's face it) there was a bit of vanity involved as well. For the first time, and with the help and encouragement of many of the wonderful folks on this board, I bit the bullet and rented an ECV for this trip. It was a game changer. For anyone on the fence, here are my "first-timer" observations:

1. Basic info - I rented a Resort Scooter from Scooterbug. Loved it. It could not have been easier to operate. I stayed at the Grand Floridian and my ECV was at Bell Services when I arrived. I had reviewed operating instructions provided by Scooterbug via email, and had also carefully reviewed operating tips provided by the helpful folks on this board. Operation: turn on with key. Speed setting is a dial with a turtle on one side, hare on the other side. Turtle is slow, hare is fast. Squeeze right handle to go forward, left handle to reverse. That's it. So easy. The ECV turns on a dime, very nimble steering. The ECV was not huge, not unwieldly. I tied a cute bandana on the handlebars for easy identification (as recommended by experienced people on this board). Within 10 minutes I was 100% comfortable driving it.

2. Monorail - Extremely easy. Drive up, to security. I hopped off, walked through security, hopped back on, and drove up to monorail gate. Monorail arrived, CM placed ramp, I drove up into the monorail. Upon arrival at the MK, monorail stopped, ramp was placed, door opened and I drove off. Note - drive on facing forward, drive off facing forward. Boarding door is on one side of the monorail, exit door is on the opposite side of the monorail. Monorails are a cakewalk.

3. Skyliner - Very easy. Drive right on, reverse out. Your family comes into the gondola with you and there's plenty of room.

4. Bus - Easy"ish". I don't like buses to begin with. For the bus, you drive up the ramp, then hard right up the aisle a bit so you can reverse into the ECV parking spot. Kind of like parallel parking. I went on the bus 3 times, and in every case, when I said that I was a novice, the bus driver steered me into the parking spot (with my permission). To get off the bus, the driver places the ramp, and you turn hard right and (facing forward) drive down the ramp. Getting on/off the bus is very easy. Doing the little parallel parking maneuver into the ECV parking space is the worst part, but it's really not that difficult.

5. Walking Path to the Magic Kingdom - Grand Floridian and Contemporary - I cannot stress enough how much of a game changer is the new Grand Floridian Walking Path to the Magic Kingdom. It is absolutely AWESOME. On the ECV, it's even more awesome (ha ha). It's beautiful, big, wide, well lit, well landscaped, just gorgeous. From the GF to the MK it's about 3/4 of a mile. I read some questions about the ability of ECVs to navigate the "white bridge" section of this path. ECVs fit fine. Bigger ECVs fit, double strollers fit. The bridge and the path are very wide and roomy. The Contemporary walking path to the MK is more utilitarian, crosses actual roads, but again, is totally fine when using the ECV.

6. Park Navigation - I had no trouble navigating the parks, whatsoever. When in crowded areas, I just went slow. I felt much more nimble than parents with strollers.

7. Parking the ECV to ride rides, shop, or walk around - Very Easy. It's super easy to drop the ECV in a stroller/ECV parking area anywhere in any park if you want to get off to ride rides, walk around, shop, eat. This was my first time to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, and so I parked the ECV and explored on foot. I remembered the helpful tips of the experts here and folded down my seat back every time I parked the ECV to prevent my seat from getting hot.

8. Exercise - I like to stroll around the resort, and I like to stroll around certain areas of the parks shopping or looking around. When I wanted to do that, I parked the scoot (we nicknamed it "the scoot") and I strolled to my hearts' content. Pleasantly, without sore feet, without sore legs, etc. I walked an average of 5-7 miles a day, perfectly within my comfort level.

9. FUN FACTOR - I don't know how to explain this, but driving around on the ECV was FUN. It just was! It was totally fun driving around on that thing. One night while the kids were having ice cream in Fantasyland, I told them I'd be back and I did a driving lap all the way around the MK looking at lights and just enjoying the park atmosphere. I hopped off at the Christmas store in Liberty Square to look for a random ornament I'd been looking for, stopped for a photopass photographer and returned to Fantasyland before my kids were done with their ice cream. Would I have done that on foot at the end of a long day on a normal trip? NO WAY.

10. Value - HUGE. For me, the ECV maximized my trip value in a big way. For example, one day we got up early for DHS. We did not get a boarding group for ROTR. We went to DHS, spent the morning there and got a late boarding group at the 1PM drop. We took the Skyliner to Epcot and spent the afternoon there (it was a hot day). We went all the way around World Showcase and over to ride the Land. We went back to the Skyliner and back to DHS to ride Rise. We bussed back to Contemporary to look for a particular pin for my pin-collector daughter, then walked/rode the entire path from Contemporary to Grand Floridian (also popping into the MK to look for that pin). Would this day have happened for me if I'd been on foot? NO. I would have done DHS in the morning and then gone back to the room to rest all afternoon, then would have returned for Rise (tired and with aching feet). With the ECV I spent my whole trip bopping in and out of the parks, driving laps around the parks just for fun, happily going to multiple parks in one day, going from open til close. I was texting my husband throughout the day (he skips our Spring Break "girls' trips") and he commented "WOW! You're STILL going?!" Yes. I was. My park "shelf life" had been extended in a big way.

11. Family Impact - My kids loved it. They were laughing about how this time they had to keep up with me when usually it's the opposite. They had a great time and weren't worried about me being tired or worn out.

12. Embarrassment Factor - There wasn't any. ECV's are everywhere in the parks, being used by all ages, shapes and sizes. Any notion I had of my vanity being impacted was utterly silly.

Bottom line - I loved it, had a blast, and wish I'd done it sooner. Thank you again to all of the kind and knowledgeable folks on this board for your encouragement and for sharing your most excellent tips and tricks. The ECV was a huge success!

and you are not going back without one now. were you the one who questioned when I said about taking it easy on the walkers? your trip went as I expected it to go, glad you had a good time

 

[sdk1231]

and you are not going back without one now. were you the one who questioned when I said about taking it easy on the walkers? your trip went as I expected it to go, glad you had a good time

Indeed, that was me! And you were right! I had my kids at a light jog saying "Mom! Slow it down!" Ha ha ha. It was awesome. Edited to add - no WAY am I going back without one!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Indeed, that was me! And you were right! I had my kids at a light jog saying "Mom! Slow it down!" Ha ha ha. It was awesome. Edited to add - no WAY am I going back without one!

I thought it was you and remembered you questioning when I said it

 

[mamabunny]

Just back from a Spring Break trip that included myself and daughters ages 20 and 16. For reference, I'm an Annual Passholder and I typically visit Disney World on average about 3-4 times per year. I've had heart surgery in the past, and am not getting any younger. All the walking at WDW wears me out. I was a bit nervous about using an ECV in terms of logistics, operation, and (let's face it) there was a bit of vanity involved as well. For the first time, and with the help and encouragement of many of the wonderful folks on this board, I bit the bullet and rented an ECV for this trip. It was a game changer. For anyone on the fence, here are my "first-timer" observations:

1. Basic info - I rented a Resort Scooter from Scooterbug. Loved it. It could not have been easier to operate. I stayed at the Grand Floridian and my ECV was at Bell Services when I arrived. I had reviewed operating instructions provided by Scooterbug via email, and had also carefully reviewed operating tips provided by the helpful folks on this board. Operation: turn on with key. Speed setting is a dial with a turtle on one side, hare on the other side. Turtle is slow, hare is fast. Squeeze right handle to go forward, left handle to reverse. That's it. So easy. The ECV turns on a dime, very nimble steering. The ECV was not huge, not unwieldly. I tied a cute bandana on the handlebars for easy identification (as recommended by experienced people on this board). Within 10 minutes I was 100% comfortable driving it.

2. Monorail - Extremely easy. Drive up, to security. I hopped off, walked through security, hopped back on, and drove up to monorail gate. Monorail arrived, CM placed ramp, I drove up into the monorail. Upon arrival at the MK, monorail stopped, ramp was placed, door opened and I drove off. Note - drive on facing forward, drive off facing forward. Boarding door is on one side of the monorail, exit door is on the opposite side of the monorail. Monorails are a cakewalk.

3. Skyliner - Very easy. Drive right on, reverse out. Your family comes into the gondola with you and there's plenty of room.

4. Bus - Easy"ish". I don't like buses to begin with. For the bus, you drive up the ramp, then hard right up the aisle a bit so you can reverse into the ECV parking spot. Kind of like parallel parking. I went on the bus 3 times, and in every case, when I said that I was a novice, the bus driver steered me into the parking spot (with my permission). To get off the bus, the driver places the ramp, and you turn hard right and (facing forward) drive down the ramp. Getting on/off the bus is very easy. Doing the little parallel parking maneuver into the ECV parking space is the worst part, but it's really not that difficult.

5. Walking Path to the Magic Kingdom - Grand Floridian and Contemporary - I cannot stress enough how much of a game changer is the new Grand Floridian Walking Path to the Magic Kingdom. It is absolutely AWESOME. On the ECV, it's even more awesome (ha ha). It's beautiful, big, wide, well lit, well landscaped, just gorgeous. From the GF to the MK it's about 3/4 of a mile. I read some questions about the ability of ECVs to navigate the "white bridge" section of this path. ECVs fit fine. Bigger ECVs fit, double strollers fit. The bridge and the path are very wide and roomy. The Contemporary walking path to the MK is more utilitarian, crosses actual roads, but again, is totally fine when using the ECV.

6. Park Navigation - I had no trouble navigating the parks, whatsoever. When in crowded areas, I just went slow. I felt much more nimble than parents with strollers.

7. Parking the ECV to ride rides, shop, or walk around - Very Easy. It's super easy to drop the ECV in a stroller/ECV parking area anywhere in any park if you want to get off to ride rides, walk around, shop, eat. This was my first time to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, and so I parked the ECV and explored on foot. I remembered the helpful tips of the experts here and folded down my seat back every time I parked the ECV to prevent my seat from getting hot.

8. Exercise - I like to stroll around the resort, and I like to stroll around certain areas of the parks shopping or looking around. When I wanted to do that, I parked the scoot (we nicknamed it "the scoot") and I strolled to my hearts' content. Pleasantly, without sore feet, without sore legs, etc. I walked an average of 5-7 miles a day, perfectly within my comfort level.

9. FUN FACTOR - I don't know how to explain this, but driving around on the ECV was FUN. It just was! It was totally fun driving around on that thing. One night while the kids were having ice cream in Fantasyland, I told them I'd be back and I did a driving lap all the way around the MK looking at lights and just enjoying the park atmosphere. I hopped off at the Christmas store in Liberty Square to look for a random ornament I'd been looking for, stopped for a photopass photographer and returned to Fantasyland before my kids were done with their ice cream. Would I have done that on foot at the end of a long day on a normal trip? NO WAY.

10. Value - HUGE. For me, the ECV maximized my trip value in a big way. For example, one day we got up early for DHS. We did not get a boarding group for ROTR. We went to DHS, spent the morning there and got a late boarding group at the 1PM drop. We took the Skyliner to Epcot and spent the afternoon there (it was a hot day). We went all the way around World Showcase and over to ride the Land. We went back to the Skyliner and back to DHS to ride Rise. We bussed back to Contemporary to look for a particular pin for my pin-collector daughter, then walked/rode the entire path from Contemporary to Grand Floridian (also popping into the MK to look for that pin). Would this day have happened for me if I'd been on foot? NO. I would have done DHS in the morning and then gone back to the room to rest all afternoon, then would have returned for Rise (tired and with aching feet). With the ECV I spent my whole trip bopping in and out of the parks, driving laps around the parks just for fun, happily going to multiple parks in one day, going from open til close. I was texting my husband throughout the day (he skips our Spring Break "girls' trips") and he commented "WOW! You're STILL going?!" Yes. I was. My park "shelf life" had been extended in a big way.

11. Family Impact - My kids loved it. They were laughing about how this time they had to keep up with me when usually it's the opposite. They had a great time and weren't worried about me being tired or worn out.

12. Embarrassment Factor - There wasn't any. ECV's are everywhere in the parks, being used by all ages, shapes and sizes. Any notion I had of my vanity being impacted was utterly silly.

Bottom line - I loved it, had a blast, and wish I'd done it sooner. Thank you again to all of the kind and knowledgeable folks on this board for your encouragement and for sharing your most excellent tips and tricks. The ECV was a huge success!

So thrilled to hear it went so well for you!!! I love "girls only" trips, and have had so many wonderful ones with our daughter!

 

[sdk1231]

So thrilled to hear it went so well for you!!! I love "girls only" trips, and have had so many wonderful ones with our daughter!

Mamabunny, your "ECV User Guide" post from another thread was extremely helpful! Thank you again!

 

[Selket]

Bottom line - I loved it, had a blast, and wish I'd done it sooner. Thank you again to all of the kind and knowledgeable folks on this board for your encouragement and for sharing your most excellent tips and tricks. The ECV was a huge success!

Pretty much all you said is why I rent an ECV as well. I have kids around the same age and it has been wonderful to keep up with them and not slow them down. Plus I can go off and do things whenever and wherever I want. I think it gives me the ability to see the parks in the same way I did before my knees were so terrible and there's no place else I can vacation that gives me that much freedom.

 

[Lewisc]

Past visits your companions may have been going at your pace. The situation is now reversed. An ECV ride from POLY to MK is a piece of cake. Maybe not as much for you companions

 

[sdk1231]

Past visits your companions may have been going at your pace. The situation is now reversed. An ECV ride from POLY to MK is a piece of cake. Maybe not as much for you companions

Good point! Have you done that ride from Poly to MK? I've walked from Poly to the GF and remember a section where you have to walk through the Beaches Pool (in one pool gate and out through the other pool gate) at the Grand Floridian. Is that a problem? I guess you can take ECVs on the pool deck... or maybe there's a way around that?

 

[Evita_W]

Good point! Have you done that ride from Poly to MK? I've walked from Poly to the GF and remember a section where you have to walk through the Beaches Pool (in one pool gate and out through the other pool gate) at the Grand Floridian. Is that a problem? I guess you can take ECVs on the pool deck... or maybe there's a way around that?

You definitely can take ECVs on the pool deck, just not into the pool...lol

 

[lanejudy]

I don't have first-hand experience with walking from Poly to GF and the new GF/MK path, but just be aware that if you previously went through a resort pool area you may need to detour around it. Resort pools are restricted now, often with waitlists just to enter; I don't know if they would allow a "pass through" to enter or not in those circumstances.

 

[hnb48]

Thank you for sharing your ECV experience. My wife and I will be meeting our two beautiful granddaughters (and of course their mother and father) at WDW this coming May. I've always said that you have three ages, physical, mental, and legal. Legally I'm 72. Mentally I feel much younger. Physically is wherein my problem lies. This past December I was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma. This is my second time facing melanoma cancer, the first in 2008. In January I had several lymph nodes removed as well as my pinky toe on my right foot. "This little piggy goes to market" has a different ending now. Surgery was successful and I'm now in the aftercare part of my treatment. I receive infusions every other week. So far this has been going well although the treatments really fatigues me. I know it would be better for all to bite the bullet and rent an ECV. You referenced 'vanity' as an initial obstacle. My wife calls it 'hardheadedness' for me. Reading about your experience has helped me to decide to bite that bullet and agree to rent an ECV.
Any additional information and pointers on the use of an ECV would be appreciated.

 

[Selket]

Any additional information and pointers on the use of an ECV would be appreciated.

I have badly arthritic knees and usually travel with my kids who are older teen/young adult. Having an ECV just lets me enjoy the park the way I had always enjoyed it with my family. I can keep up and have independence to do what I want. There's no other place I can vacation that gives me that freedom really.

There are many good posts here on where to rent and best tips with an ECV so take a look around. @mamabunny always has a great list of tips (we should sticky!). I personally find that renting from off-site is cheaper and better scooters. I like Gold Mobility but I think many companies are comparable. I have had people on other rental ECV's ask about mine because the seat is upgraded (to like a captain's chair) on their regular rentals which is a nice feature. If you have hand arthritis I also find their mechanism for controlling the speed to be best for my hands. I think Buena Vista uses this mechanism also. If that's a concern you may want to do a separate post about it. Best of luck with your treatment and I hope you have a wonderful experience next month at Disney!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

I have badly arthritic knees and usually travel with my kids who are older teen/young adult. Having an ECV just lets me enjoy the park the way I had always enjoyed it with my family. I can keep up and have independence to do what I want. There's no other place I can vacation that gives me that freedom really.

There are many good posts here on where to rent and best tips with an ECV so take a look around. @mamabunny always has a great list of tips (we should sticky!). I personally find that renting from off-site is cheaper and better scooters. I like Gold Mobility but I think many companies are comparable. I have had people on other rental ECV's ask about mine because the seat is upgraded (to like a captain's chair) on their regular rentals which is a nice feature. If you have hand arthritis I also find their mechanism for controlling the speed to be best for my hands. I think Buena Vista uses this mechanism also. If that's a concern you may want to do a separate post about it. Best of luck with your treatment and I hope you have a wonderful experience next month at Disney!

you are sounding like a pro now and not surprised either

 

[mamabunny]

Thank you for sharing your ECV experience. My wife and I will be meeting our two beautiful granddaughters (and of course their mother and father) at WDW this coming May. I've always said that you have three ages, physical, mental, and legal. Legally I'm 72. Mentally I feel much younger. Physically is wherein my problem lies. This past December I was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma. This is my second time facing melanoma cancer, the first in 2008. In January I had several lymph nodes removed as well as my pinky toe on my right foot. "This little piggy goes to market" has a different ending now. Surgery was successful and I'm now in the aftercare part of my treatment. I receive infusions every other week. So far this has been going well although the treatments really fatigues me. I know it would be better for all to bite the bullet and rent an ECV. You referenced 'vanity' as an initial obstacle. My wife calls it 'hardheadedness' for me. Reading about your experience has helped me to decide to bite that bullet and agree to rent an ECV.
Any additional information and pointers on the use of an ECV would be appreciated.

Hey! Sorry to hear about your "little piggy" - not to be too lighthearted about it, but it sounds like he went to Market, and never came home again! It's great that you have a positive outlook, and most importantly, you are ready to have a great WDW vacation!

It's easy to get caught up in the whole vanity aspect of using a scooter, but I promise, unless you are driving around nekkid as the day you were born, you on that ECV at WDW is total non-event. Not that you aren't still just as cute as a bug in a rug, but honestly, there's just so many folks who have to use mobility devices there now that they aren't a big deal. At all.

Remember - it's just a tool you are using to get a job (moving around at Disney World) done. No different than using glasses to see better, or hearing aids to hear better, or a calculator to do your taxes.

And now, with no further ado... Here's my patent pending version of:

How To ECV at Disney World ™:​

So, let's talk about using ECVs at WDW. I'm going to make an assumption that you are staying on-site in a WDW Resort Hotel

Mostly it's all about the buses (and boats, and Monorail and Skyliners too, for that matter.)

But first things first - Repeat after me - Every night, I will plug in my ECV, and charge it completely overnight in my hotel room.

Do that, and you should not have to worry about your battery at all the next day. Fail to do that, and you will have a miserable day, constantly searching for outlets (many are covered, or are inaccessible without tools) to try and charge your scooter. Every night, charge it all night, until it is fully charged.

There's plenty of room in every Disney Resort hotel room to charge *2* scooters - If you need furniture moved or removed to accommodate the ECV, pick up your room phone, and use the button labeled "Housekeeping". The person answering the phone will help set up either the removal or placement of furniture for you.

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

Sometimes people worry that other Guests are watching or "judging" them when they use the ramp to drive their device into/out of the bus. I've been using a personal mobility device for *years* at WDW now, and I know that people who appear to be staring at you when you are loading/unloading from the bus really are often just watching out of curiosity.

Think about it like this: The bus pulls up, and everyone gets off. BUT before anyone can get on, the driver closes the front doors, and the back doors, and then walks to the back of the bus. The back doors open again - but only *after* the bus has "kneeled" (with a great huge wheezy gasp) and then barfed out a ramp with all kinds of beeping as well!

It's a wonder that Disney hasn't decided to sell tickets for the spectacular that is the bus deploying/retracting the ramp!

So, often the folks who may (to us) appear to be "judging" or staring, are actually WDW newbies who are startled by all of the commotion. But it's the *bus* they are watching - not the scooter driver.

And some of them are just flat out exhausted, and staring off into space, unaware that they are looking at anything at all!

So, ignore them - and at the Resort Hotel, make sure you are parked in the white painted rectangle HA symbol at the bus stop (unless another guest beat you to it) so that the driver sees you, and knows you are waiting to ride. As the bus approaches, I usually try to wave and smile to let the driver know I will be riding their bus, or shake my head "no" so that they know I am waiting for a different bus. Some Disney Resorts have queues or rope lines set up for the buses; others just kind of form loose lines. Often in the mornings, there will be a CM at the main Resort bus stops; just as at the Parks, take your guidance from them.

Once the bus stops, and everyone is off, the driver will typically close the doors, kneel the bus, and then open the back doors and flip out the ramp. Wait for the driver to motion you on, and then up the ramp you will go.

When the driver says that it's time to board the bus, just let them know that you are a newbie, and will appreciate all the help and guidance that they can give you. Remember - they are an *expert* at getting folks on and off the bus, so just take a deep breath, and listen to their instructions, and everything will be fine! Disney bus drivers help *thousands* of people load and unload ECVs, so you are not a surprise to them in any way!

When you are at the base of the ramp, try to go right up the center. At the top of the ramp you will typically have to turn a bit to the right. GO SLOWLY, especially until you are used to the ECV. (This is a moment where "turtle speed" is your new best friend!) Even experienced users take this carefully - the last thing you want is to bump into the driver, or hit the side of the doorway going in. The drivers will give you instructions and will help as much as they can, but *technically* it is up to you (or a member of your party) to actually get the ECV up into (or back out of) the bus. You will hear stories about drivers that "park the ECV for you", but that is considered "pixie dust" and is not expected behavior.

Once you are parked, the bus driver will "tie down" the ECV, by clipping on the tensioned belts down at the wheel level, front and back. If you decide to sit on the ECV during transit, the driver will also offer you a seat belt to help hold you securely in place as the bus moves through traffic.

With buses, you will typically board first, and exit last. Ignore anyone who says anything about how "it must be nice to get on the bus first"; if you really feel the need to reply, just give them your biggest smile, and a big 'ol southern "Oh, bless your heart!". That's all they deserve.

If you are just too worried about driving on and off the bus, someone who is with you can do that for you. Again, they just have to follow the bus driver's instructions. You can walk up or down the ramp after the driver tells you it is safe to do so.

While you are boarding the bus, the rest of your group will wait outside the bus, next to the ramp. Once the ECV is parked on the bus, the driver will indicate to your party when they can walk up the ramp to join you, and should be able to sit near/next to you.

When it's time to disembark from the bus, the rest of your party can get off the bus with all of the other passengers, and they will wait for you outside the bus (or wherever you have agreed upon). Again, the driver will assist you in getting the ECV positioned to drive down the ramp, and out of the bus; listen to their instructions, and you should be fine. When driving off the bus, the most important thing is to make sure that you don't turn your front wheels (or the "tiller" - the steering mechanism) until AFTER your rear wheels are completely on the ground, and you are completely clear of the ramp. You don't want to catch the edge of the ramp, and tip over!

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

As far as boats go, *most* boats at WDW are quite accessible; the notable exceptions are some of the small launches that serve Poly/GF to MK and back, and a small launch that runs every other trip on the WL/MK route. At WL, the bigger boats historically don't use a ramp there, and you just have to hope that the water level (and number of people on the boat) work in your favor! (Makes it kind of exciting LOL!) We have had a CM instruct us to wait while more people board/disembark to lower the boat, and then when the doorway is at the optimum height to the dock, they wave us on. All other boats will have a portable ramp that a CM (Cast Member) will place for you, including the Sassagoula fleet (Currently not in service) that serves parts of Saratoga & The Treehouses/OKW/POR & POFQ, and the Disney Springs Water Taxis (which are the same type of boat.) The Friendships that ply the waters between Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at EPCOT use the exact same ramp as well. The ramps are *noisy* when driving on and off, but quite safe, I promise! The main thing to watch for here is using "turtle speed" coming *off* the boat - if there is no fencing around the dock, you don't want to make a BIG "splash" in more ways than one!

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

The Monorails use the same portable ramp for loading/unloading as the boats use, and the worst part is some of the ramps going *up* to the stations may really tax the battery on the ECV. A CM will place the ramp into the Monorail for you - just follow their instructions. Most of the time, you will have to back off down the ramp at the next station. Remember to keep your wheels straight, have someone behind you giving you clear verbal cues, (CMs are used to doing this, and will be glad to help you) and take your time for safety.

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

The Skyliners are VERY accessible, and the gondola cabins are a direct drive on, no ramp needed. CMs will "chock" the ECV wheels to prevent it from rolling across the cabin while in flight. The user simply rolls straight in and sits between the benches. Follow the signs and CM directions at each Skyliner station to go to the HA loading area - they fully stop the gondolas to load there, and you can take all the time you need for both loading and unloading. The exception is Riviera - they cannot stop the Skyliner there, and so loading/unloading is only done while moving (and so mobility devices are not loaded there)

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

In general: Whenever loading/unloading from Disney transportation of any kind, use the *slowest* possible speed - this may be indicated on the controls by a "turtle" - and listen to the CMs who are there for your safety. They are all experienced in helping Guests with their mobility devices.

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

Once you are in the Parks, don't worry if y'all park the ECV, and you come out of a ride, attraction or meal to find it "missing". This is probably the the most startling thing that will happen during your trip!

Cast Members routinely have to shift around scooters and strollers to keep walkways clear, and to fill in blank spots. Because there are so many similar ECVs (especially rental ECVs) it can be easy for it to become "lost" in a small sea of similar looking units. So, one of the things we recommend you do is tie a brightly colored length of ribbon, or even a brightly colored cotton bandana somewhere on the scooter. You can even pop a favorite Disney T-shirt over the back of the seat! That way, you ask the CM who is moving scooters and strollers around if they have seen the scooter with the bright green and pink striped ribbons on the basket - instead of "the black one" or "the one with a captain's chair".

In all the years I have been hanging around here, we have had *one* scooter that was literally taken by accident because it was identical to the scooter that person had rented. (for rentals, the keys are all the same so the rental company doesn't have to keep track of one particular set of keys - they can hand over any key for any scooter). It all got sorted in the end, and everything was OK. But seriously, at WDW, in the Parks, you don't have to worry.

Nowadays, most vendors will put a "license plate" with your last name in a plastic cover that is usually on the back of the ECV seat, or the front of the basket, but those all start to look the same after a long day, so... ribbons, bandanas and/or t-shirts!

And always always always take the key if you leave the scooter anywhere. Cast Members know how to disengage the brake to move it if need be.

It should go without saying that you never leave anything in the basket, or on the scooter that you want to keep, otherwise, it could "grow legs" and disappear...

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

So that you can have the best trip possible, here's a few more tips:

- Plan ahead if you are flying. Remember that long lines at TSA - and long concourses inside terminals - can be problematic. You may want to consider bringing along a folding rollator or a wheelchair that someone in your party could push, or arranging for an airport porter service if you will need it. Domestic airlines fly mobility devices for free, and the airline will be happy to help you with it at the gate; just allow a bit more time; just like at Disney you will usually be first one, but last off as you wait for your device to come up from the gate-check hold.

- If flying in to Orlando, be sure to let Disney's Magical Express know if you will need to use the lift to get in and out of the bus that goes to and from the airport. (you must be seated on/in a wheelchair or ECV to use the lift). Remember that you now have to stop and collect your own luggage before proceeding to the Magical Express.

- You can always practice your ECV driving and parking skills at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, the grocery store, etc. and it can help. It's a great way to practice for the inevitable moment when someone *will* walk right out in front of you while you are driving at WDW! (Pandemic disclaimer: Please follow all local & store requirements regarding masks)

- Grab a towel from the hotel to cover the seat bottom - black vinyl or fabric can get very hot in the Florida sun! Some models have seat backs that fold down to help protect the seat bottom, but a simple bath towel works as well. Some folks cover their rental seats with a Disney shirt or beach towel for fun!

- If you are worried about rain, most vendors provide a clear plastic shower cap to cover the controls; you can throw a poncho over the seat (especially when you are not riding) to help keep it dry. I often ride with the front of the poncho OVER the tiller/controls, and the back of the poncho OVER my seat back to help keep everything as dry as possible! Looks weird, but who cares? You're at Disney World! Yay!

- WDW has a rule - for everyone's safety - that only you ride the ECV. You will undoubtedly see people holding children on their laps while driving their scooters, but it's very dangerous, and I hope you will agree that safety comes first. One ECV, one rider. One seat, one butt.

- Don't allow the scooter to become your group's personal pack mule. It's a medical mobility device, meant to carry a person, not everyone's bags, coats and "stuff". A lot of people see the basket on the front, and start loading it up! For the comfort and safety of the rider, try to make sure that they are not overburdened. This is especially true at bag check - ECVs still have to go through security lines, and the person on the ECV is responsible for everything on the ECV, or in it's basket/compartment/bag at security.

- Remember to stay sharp and focused while driving the ECV - people at WDW tend to be doing everything but paying attention to others when they are walking, and many of us here have had folks run right into us, or walk right in front of us as we are moving!

Bipeds don't realize that many scooters can't just stop on a dime; some of them "coast" a tiny bit before coming to a complete stop, even if the driver is hard on the brakes. To help keep everyone safe and whole, I try to make eye contact, smile politely, and offer an cheerful "Excuse me!" when needed. Little kiddos are also prone to running out in front of mobility devices because they are blissfully unaware of the laws of physics.

Personally, I have my family create a "bubble" around me to help with this issue. Some walk just ahead of me, and someone will typically (when possible) walk on my left side. I try to stay to the right side of walkways, "streets" and sidewalks and that means I still have to watch for people popping out on the right side, but hopefully helps cover the left.

- Ideally take some time to practice a bit with your rental (at the Resort is a great spot for this) prior to going in to the parks. Get used to how it handles, turns, stops and starts. Every ECV is a bit different (just like any other vehicle). I have 2 personal ECVs, identical models and they each have their own "personality" (and name. Because I'm weird like that LOL). Everyone is eager to get to the theme parks, but 15 minutes of practice (going through the shops, the Quick Service, dealing with different types of surfaces, doors, ramps and obstacles) will make you feel more confident, and more "in-tune" with your rental.

- A few miscellaneous driving tips: anytime at WDW (or anytime using an ECV for that matter) be aware of ramps, hills and slopes. Going up, you will want to lean forward slightly to help shift your center of gravity towards the front of the ECV. Take your time on steep slopes, hills or ramps, and if possible, approach them at a slight angle at the base.

Coming down, be very aware of your speed (turtle speed is recommended for best control), and make sure you can brake effectively. Two hands on the wheel!

When crossing the train tracks embedded in Main Street at MK, be sure to cross at an angle. Otherwise, you risk the wheel(s) getting caught, and you could find yourself dumped rather unceremoniously onto Main Street. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable trip - just for the right reasons!

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

Sorry this was so long, but I hope it helps answers any questions your DH may have!

Let us know if you have any more questions about ECV use at WDW!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thank you for sharing your ECV experience. My wife and I will be meeting our two beautiful granddaughters (and of course their mother and father) at WDW this coming May. I've always said that you have three ages, physical, mental, and legal. Legally I'm 72. Mentally I feel much younger. Physically is wherein my problem lies. This past December I was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma. This is my second time facing melanoma cancer, the first in 2008. In January I had several lymph nodes removed as well as my pinky toe on my right foot. "This little piggy goes to market" has a different ending now. Surgery was successful and I'm now in the aftercare part of my treatment. I receive infusions every other week. So far this has been going well although the treatments really fatigues me. I know it would be better for all to bite the bullet and rent an ECV. You referenced 'vanity' as an initial obstacle. My wife calls it 'hardheadedness' for me. Reading about your experience has helped me to decide to bite that bullet and agree to rent an ECV.
Any additional information and pointers on the use of an ECV would be appreciated.

one thing remember to take it easy on the walkers and have a great trip. for your "hardheadedness" think of ECV this way if you wear glasses would you leave them home so you would not break them? of course not. well ECV is there to help you enjoy the parks with your family. if you want to walk for awhile in the park just ask CM at stroller parking where you can park an ECV. no problem. have a great trip and I bet you come back a pro wondering why it took you so long. have a great trip

 

[hnb48]

Hey! Sorry to hear about your "little piggy" - not to be too lighthearted about it, but it sounds like he went to Market, and never came home again! It's great that you have a positive outlook, and most importantly, you are ready to have a great WDW vacation!

It's easy to get caught up in the whole vanity aspect of using a scooter, but I promise, unless you are driving around nekkid as the day you were born, you on that ECV at WDW is total non-event. Not that you aren't still just as cute as a bug in a rug, but honestly, there's just so many folks who have to use mobility devices there now that they aren't a big deal. At all.

Remember - it's just a tool you are using to get a job (moving around at Disney World) done. No different than using glasses to see better, or hearing aids to hear better, or a calculator to do your taxes.

And now, with no further ado... Here's my patent pending version of:

How To ECV at Disney World ™:​

So, let's talk about using ECVs at WDW. I'm going to make an assumption that you are staying on-site in a WDW Resort Hotel

Mostly it's all about the buses (and boats, and Monorail and Skyliners too, for that matter.)

But first things first - Repeat after me - Every night, I will plug in my ECV, and charge it completely overnight in my hotel room.

Do that, and you should not have to worry about your battery at all the next day. Fail to do that, and you will have a miserable day, constantly searching for outlets (many are covered, or are inaccessible without tools) to try and charge your scooter. Every night, charge it all night, until it is fully charged.

There's plenty of room in every Disney Resort hotel room to charge *2* scooters - If you need furniture moved or removed to accommodate the ECV, pick up your room phone, and use the button labeled "Housekeeping". The person answering the phone will help set up either the removal or placement of furniture for you.

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

Sometimes people worry that other Guests are watching or "judging" them when they use the ramp to drive their device into/out of the bus. I've been using a personal mobility device for *years* at WDW now, and I know that people who appear to be staring at you when you are loading/unloading from the bus really are often just watching out of curiosity.

Think about it like this: The bus pulls up, and everyone gets off. BUT before anyone can get on, the driver closes the front doors, and the back doors, and then walks to the back of the bus. The back doors open again - but only *after* the bus has "kneeled" (with a great huge wheezy gasp) and then barfed out a ramp with all kinds of beeping as well!

It's a wonder that Disney hasn't decided to sell tickets for the spectacular that is the bus deploying/retracting the ramp!

So, often the folks who may (to us) appear to be "judging" or staring, are actually WDW newbies who are startled by all of the commotion. But it's the *bus* they are watching - not the scooter driver.

And some of them are just flat out exhausted, and staring off into space, unaware that they are looking at anything at all!

So, ignore them - and at the Resort Hotel, make sure you are parked in the white painted rectangle HA symbol at the bus stop (unless another guest beat you to it) so that the driver sees you, and knows you are waiting to ride. As the bus approaches, I usually try to wave and smile to let the driver know I will be riding their bus, or shake my head "no" so that they know I am waiting for a different bus. Some Disney Resorts have queues or rope lines set up for the buses; others just kind of form loose lines. Often in the mornings, there will be a CM at the main Resort bus stops; just as at the Parks, take your guidance from them.

Once the bus stops, and everyone is off, the driver will typically close the doors, kneel the bus, and then open the back doors and flip out the ramp. Wait for the driver to motion you on, and then up the ramp you will go.

When the driver says that it's time to board the bus, just let them know that you are a newbie, and will appreciate all the help and guidance that they can give you. Remember - they are an *expert* at getting folks on and off the bus, so just take a deep breath, and listen to their instructions, and everything will be fine! Disney bus drivers help *thousands* of people load and unload ECVs, so you are not a surprise to them in any way!

When you are at the base of the ramp, try to go right up the center. At the top of the ramp you will typically have to turn a bit to the right. GO SLOWLY, especially until you are used to the ECV. (This is a moment where "turtle speed" is your new best friend!) Even experienced users take this carefully - the last thing you want is to bump into the driver, or hit the side of the doorway going in. The drivers will give you instructions and will help as much as they can, but *technically* it is up to you (or a member of your party) to actually get the ECV up into (or back out of) the bus. You will hear stories about drivers that "park the ECV for you", but that is considered "pixie dust" and is not expected behavior.

Once you are parked, the bus driver will "tie down" the ECV, by clipping on the tensioned belts down at the wheel level, front and back. If you decide to sit on the ECV during transit, the driver will also offer you a seat belt to help hold you securely in place as the bus moves through traffic.

With buses, you will typically board first, and exit last. Ignore anyone who says anything about how "it must be nice to get on the bus first"; if you really feel the need to reply, just give them your biggest smile, and a big 'ol southern "Oh, bless your heart!". That's all they deserve.

If you are just too worried about driving on and off the bus, someone who is with you can do that for you. Again, they just have to follow the bus driver's instructions. You can walk up or down the ramp after the driver tells you it is safe to do so.

While you are boarding the bus, the rest of your group will wait outside the bus, next to the ramp. Once the ECV is parked on the bus, the driver will indicate to your party when they can walk up the ramp to join you, and should be able to sit near/next to you.

When it's time to disembark from the bus, the rest of your party can get off the bus with all of the other passengers, and they will wait for you outside the bus (or wherever you have agreed upon). Again, the driver will assist you in getting the ECV positioned to drive down the ramp, and out of the bus; listen to their instructions, and you should be fine. When driving off the bus, the most important thing is to make sure that you don't turn your front wheels (or the "tiller" - the steering mechanism) until AFTER your rear wheels are completely on the ground, and you are completely clear of the ramp. You don't want to catch the edge of the ramp, and tip over!

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

As far as boats go, *most* boats at WDW are quite accessible; the notable exceptions are some of the small launches that serve Poly/GF to MK and back, and a small launch that runs every other trip on the WL/MK route. At WL, the bigger boats historically don't use a ramp there, and you just have to hope that the water level (and number of people on the boat) work in your favor! (Makes it kind of exciting LOL!) We have had a CM instruct us to wait while more people board/disembark to lower the boat, and then when the doorway is at the optimum height to the dock, they wave us on. All other boats will have a portable ramp that a CM (Cast Member) will place for you, including the Sassagoula fleet (Currently not in service) that serves parts of Saratoga & The Treehouses/OKW/POR & POFQ, and the Disney Springs Water Taxis (which are the same type of boat.) The Friendships that ply the waters between Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at EPCOT use the exact same ramp as well. The ramps are *noisy* when driving on and off, but quite safe, I promise! The main thing to watch for here is using "turtle speed" coming *off* the boat - if there is no fencing around the dock, you don't want to make a BIG "splash" in more ways than one!

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

The Monorails use the same portable ramp for loading/unloading as the boats use, and the worst part is some of the ramps going *up* to the stations may really tax the battery on the ECV. A CM will place the ramp into the Monorail for you - just follow their instructions. Most of the time, you will have to back off down the ramp at the next station. Remember to keep your wheels straight, have someone behind you giving you clear verbal cues, (CMs are used to doing this, and will be glad to help you) and take your time for safety.

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

The Skyliners are VERY accessible, and the gondola cabins are a direct drive on, no ramp needed. CMs will "chock" the ECV wheels to prevent it from rolling across the cabin while in flight. The user simply rolls straight in and sits between the benches. Follow the signs and CM directions at each Skyliner station to go to the HA loading area - they fully stop the gondolas to load there, and you can take all the time you need for both loading and unloading. The exception is Riviera - they cannot stop the Skyliner there, and so loading/unloading is only done while moving (and so mobility devices are not loaded there)

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

In general: Whenever loading/unloading from Disney transportation of any kind, use the *slowest* possible speed - this may be indicated on the controls by a "turtle" - and listen to the CMs who are there for your safety. They are all experienced in helping Guests with their mobility devices.

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

Once you are in the Parks, don't worry if y'all park the ECV, and you come out of a ride, attraction or meal to find it "missing". This is probably the the most startling thing that will happen during your trip!

Cast Members routinely have to shift around scooters and strollers to keep walkways clear, and to fill in blank spots. Because there are so many similar ECVs (especially rental ECVs) it can be easy for it to become "lost" in a small sea of similar looking units. So, one of the things we recommend you do is tie a brightly colored length of ribbon, or even a brightly colored cotton bandana somewhere on the scooter. You can even pop a favorite Disney T-shirt over the back of the seat! That way, you ask the CM who is moving scooters and strollers around if they have seen the scooter with the bright green and pink striped ribbons on the basket - instead of "the black one" or "the one with a captain's chair".

In all the years I have been hanging around here, we have had *one* scooter that was literally taken by accident because it was identical to the scooter that person had rented. (for rentals, the keys are all the same so the rental company doesn't have to keep track of one particular set of keys - they can hand over any key for any scooter). It all got sorted in the end, and everything was OK. But seriously, at WDW, in the Parks, you don't have to worry.

Nowadays, most vendors will put a "license plate" with your last name in a plastic cover that is usually on the back of the ECV seat, or the front of the basket, but those all start to look the same after a long day, so... ribbons, bandanas and/or t-shirts!

And always always always take the key if you leave the scooter anywhere. Cast Members know how to disengage the brake to move it if need be.

It should go without saying that you never leave anything in the basket, or on the scooter that you want to keep, otherwise, it could "grow legs" and disappear...

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

So that you can have the best trip possible, here's a few more tips:

- Plan ahead if you are flying. Remember that long lines at TSA - and long concourses inside terminals - can be problematic. You may want to consider bringing along a folding rollator or a wheelchair that someone in your party could push, or arranging for an airport porter service if you will need it. Domestic airlines fly mobility devices for free, and the airline will be happy to help you with it at the gate; just allow a bit more time; just like at Disney you will usually be first one, but last off as you wait for your device to come up from the gate-check hold.

- If flying in to Orlando, be sure to let Disney's Magical Express know if you will need to use the lift to get in and out of the bus that goes to and from the airport. (you must be seated on/in a wheelchair or ECV to use the lift). Remember that you now have to stop and collect your own luggage before proceeding to the Magical Express.

- You can always practice your ECV driving and parking skills at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, the grocery store, etc. and it can help. It's a great way to practice for the inevitable moment when someone *will* walk right out in front of you while you are driving at WDW! (Pandemic disclaimer: Please follow all local & store requirements regarding masks)

- Grab a towel from the hotel to cover the seat bottom - black vinyl or fabric can get very hot in the Florida sun! Some models have seat backs that fold down to help protect the seat bottom, but a simple bath towel works as well. Some folks cover their rental seats with a Disney shirt or beach towel for fun!

- If you are worried about rain, most vendors provide a clear plastic shower cap to cover the controls; you can throw a poncho over the seat (especially when you are not riding) to help keep it dry. I often ride with the front of the poncho OVER the tiller/controls, and the back of the poncho OVER my seat back to help keep everything as dry as possible! Looks weird, but who cares? You're at Disney World! Yay!

- WDW has a rule - for everyone's safety - that only you ride the ECV. You will undoubtedly see people holding children on their laps while driving their scooters, but it's very dangerous, and I hope you will agree that safety comes first. One ECV, one rider. One seat, one butt.

- Don't allow the scooter to become your group's personal pack mule. It's a medical mobility device, meant to carry a person, not everyone's bags, coats and "stuff". A lot of people see the basket on the front, and start loading it up! For the comfort and safety of the rider, try to make sure that they are not overburdened. This is especially true at bag check - ECVs still have to go through security lines, and the person on the ECV is responsible for everything on the ECV, or in it's basket/compartment/bag at security.

- Remember to stay sharp and focused while driving the ECV - people at WDW tend to be doing everything but paying attention to others when they are walking, and many of us here have had folks run right into us, or walk right in front of us as we are moving!

Bipeds don't realize that many scooters can't just stop on a dime; some of them "coast" a tiny bit before coming to a complete stop, even if the driver is hard on the brakes. To help keep everyone safe and whole, I try to make eye contact, smile politely, and offer an cheerful "Excuse me!" when needed. Little kiddos are also prone to running out in front of mobility devices because they are blissfully unaware of the laws of physics.

Personally, I have my family create a "bubble" around me to help with this issue. Some walk just ahead of me, and someone will typically (when possible) walk on my left side. I try to stay to the right side of walkways, "streets" and sidewalks and that means I still have to watch for people popping out on the right side, but hopefully helps cover the left.

- Ideally take some time to practice a bit with your rental (at the Resort is a great spot for this) prior to going in to the parks. Get used to how it handles, turns, stops and starts. Every ECV is a bit different (just like any other vehicle). I have 2 personal ECVs, identical models and they each have their own "personality" (and name. Because I'm weird like that LOL). Everyone is eager to get to the theme parks, but 15 minutes of practice (going through the shops, the Quick Service, dealing with different types of surfaces, doors, ramps and obstacles) will make you feel more confident, and more "in-tune" with your rental.

- A few miscellaneous driving tips: anytime at WDW (or anytime using an ECV for that matter) be aware of ramps, hills and slopes. Going up, you will want to lean forward slightly to help shift your center of gravity towards the front of the ECV. Take your time on steep slopes, hills or ramps, and if possible, approach them at a slight angle at the base.

Coming down, be very aware of your speed (turtle speed is recommended for best control), and make sure you can brake effectively. Two hands on the wheel!

When crossing the train tracks embedded in Main Street at MK, be sure to cross at an angle. Otherwise, you risk the wheel(s) getting caught, and you could find yourself dumped rather unceremoniously onto Main Street. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable trip - just for the right reasons!

°o° °o° °o° °o° °o° °o°

Sorry this was so long, but I hope it helps answers any questions your DH may have!

Let us know if you have any more questions about ECV use at WDW!

Thanks so much for your input. Much appreciated.

My daughter decided to share my loss of "piggy" with my granddaughters. Now they just say "..and this little piggy is gone-gone". Of course my 3 year old granddaughter's first thought was "I can't count to 10 on your toes any more".

All the support and great help has convinced me tor rent a scooter now for sure.

Thanks again.

 

[Bete]

Glad the scooter helped you out. I agree with what you have said.

 

[sdk1231]

Thanks so much for your input. Much appreciated.

My daughter decided to share my loss of "piggy" with my granddaughters. Now they just say "..and this little piggy is gone-gone". Of course my 3 year old granddaughter's first thought was "I can't count to 10 on your toes any more".

All the support and great help has convinced me tor rent a scooter now for sure.

Thanks again.

You are going to love it. It's great fun. And it's great to be able to up the ante on the comfort level of your kids and grandkids. You'll eliminate their concerns (and the caring check-ins). I didn't hear "You doing okay, mom?" even one time on this trip. Hallelujah! I was glad that my kids didn't have to worry about me and I was glad that I didn't have to keep saying "Yeah, I'm okay".

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I'm so glad you had a great time with the scooter. I'm going next week and since I will need a scooter for the parks decided to just rent Disney's. I tend to get impatient waiting for buses and wanted to have the option to get an Uber or Lyft when I want - otherwise I would have gone with an offsite company.

This will be my first time using a scooter (and won't be my last I'm sure) and I'll be solo for 3 days so I'm glad to read a positive experience and read all of the tips from Mamabunny!