For those of you trying to decide to ECV or not...

[dreamscometrue47]

Just spent a wonderful week at the world. I am having back/hip issues and actually made it through 2 1/2 days of walking at the world before having to rent an ECV as I could literally not walk another step and the pain was starting to "adjust my attitude"! But I was worried about driving one, etc.

Best thing I did! I could still stand in lines and walk short distances, but the ECV was literally a "vacation" saver. I did get some looks from people when I would park and walk a bit, but I didn't let it bother me. They have no idea what my medical situation is. Also realized that even though I tried to be a safe driver, kids running in front of you and people stopping in front of you make it a challenge. I think I got in a few pictures that I shouldn't have but I was concentrating so hard on driving! Sorry if I'm in your picture of EE or TOT!

So if you're wondering if you should or should not rent an ECV, I would go for it, whether you rent from Disney or offsite. It can be the difference between a smile or a frown for that special picture!

 

[Bete]

Vacationing at Disney is so much better if you use a scooter if you need one. You can last longer each day and you don't hurt. It's well worth it.

It will always be difficult at Disney to use a scooter with so many people everywhere. You do get use to it all.

Usually by looking where I'm going with the scooter I can avoid ruining people's pictures. I will go a little slower sometimes. It may take one more moment to look around good, but you are saving so much time using a scooter I try to be aware of others wanting to do there thing, too. It's safer to give everything the good evil eye. Almost always I will yield to someone passing by. It's not worth hurting someone or even getting in an argument with someone as to who has the right a way.

 

[katybugsmom]

Our next trip to the world is in December! For the past two years I have rented an ECV from Walker Mobility and had excellent service each time! My only downfall each trip were the bus trips each day. I hated being stared at and talked about each time! We never bought Hopper add-ons for this reason. I have had back surgery for a Herniated Disk and I think I've had more trouble since the surgery! I have just spent the past week in bed because my back went out. Long story short, I'm hoping with the help of Weight Watchers and our local wellness center, I can lose enough weight and gain enough strength to walk in December!!!! My kids are only 11 and 5 and I would love to be able to walk with them!!!! If I have to rent I will rent one in the parks or use a wheelchair if I have too. Wish me luck!!!!!

 

[ChiMom]

Thank you so much for your info, Dreamscometrue47! My friend and I are coming to WDW in Nov. and we each have endurance, fatigue, and/or orthopedic problems. I have been debating the ECV rental and was happy to see your comments. Please tell me if there are easy (and safe) places to park the ECV without driving in the attraction lines or needing special cars in the ride. We would rather get out and use our energy to walk onto the rides.

 

[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 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.

 

[Iron Mouse]

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[Mickeefan]

Our next trip to Disney World is in September. My Dad will be 77 by then and he has neuropathy. He currently uses a cane around home, but will need a chair (either ECV or manual) for Disney. I would like to have one for the entire trip (not just rented at the parks) and have it delivered to the resort from an offsite company. He is concerned with the bus loading and holding other guests up from boarding the bus. Personally, I think he could get past this with some encouragement.

What I'm worried about is his driving. His regular vehicle driving makes me nervous and thinking about him driving an ECV, really makes me hesitant. I hadn't even thought about kids running in from of him! He's talking about renting an ECV because he doesn't want me to have to push him all around the parks during my vacation. My Mom, who will be almost 75, can't push him because she's had double knee replacement and the her knees wouldn't endure the extra stress of pushing a wheelchair.

Are the ECV's difficult to manuver getting onto and off of the buses? Do you think he's adjust to the driving quickly? I'd hate to have him run into anyone!

 

[cranbiz]

Please practice before your trip. Even if it is using the ECV's at Wal Mart or Home Depot.

We had an incident last night at Studios that involved an inexperienced ECV operator and a dream scooter resulting in injuries to the driver and guests.

 

[KPeveler]

Please practice before your trip. Even if it is using the ECV's at Wal Mart or Home Depot.

We had an incident last night at Studios that involved an inexperienced ECV operator and a dream scooter resulting in injuries to the driver and guests.

I hate dream scooters - They are so big that few people have the strength and skill to drive them - I have been hit in my wheelchair more than once by dream scooters!

Anyway, I tried walking at disney many times before getting a wheelchair - and it was the best decision i ever made.

I just got a Quantum Q600 I named the "Doom Buggy" and I can't wait to take it to disney!

 

[cranbiz]

Dream scooters have a place, A Disney bus is not one of them. If you can't operate it safely, in public is also not a place for one.

I do understand that they can be more comfortable for a large guest. Everyone wants to enjoy their vacation.

You have just gotta use some common sense (which I understand is not so common)

I'll also note that the size box test is going to be expanded to all resorts, I just don't know the actual time frame for it. The Dream scooter is the cause of it. I'll also note that the add on basket attachment for one of the rental scooters (hooks in like a trailer hitch) makes it too big. However, the basket that I saw was collapsible and the guests that I had were very cooperative in collapsing it so that I was able to transport them.

 

[KPeveler]

Dream scooters have a place, A Disney bus is not one of them. If you can't operate it safely, in public is also not a place for one.

I do understand that they can be more comfortable for a large guest. Everyone wants to enjoy their vacation.

You have just gotta use some common sense (which I understand is not so common)

I'll also note that the size box test is going to be expanded to all resorts, I just don't know the actual time frame for it. The Dream scooter is the cause of it. I'll also note that the add on basket attachment for one of the rental scooters (hooks in like a trailer hitch) makes it too big. However, the basket that I saw was collapsible and the guests that I had were very cooperative in collapsing it so that I was able to transport them.

Wait - are you saying the Dream scooters are NOT allowed on disney buses anymore? They do NOT fit? I know people say they fit with the front wheel turned, but I can't imagine how you can get into a space like that! Just looking for clarification!

 

[cranbiz]

Wait - are you saying the Dream scooters are NOT allowed on disney buses anymore? They do NOT fit? I know people say they fit with the front wheel turned, but I can't imagine how you can get into a space like that! Just looking for clarification!

I think you misread my post, but that's OK as I misread things all the time.

It depends on the Dream scooter (IMHO they don't belong but that's another story)

The ones that are mostly being rented to guests on property are allowed on if they can be made to fit in the box. There are some of the larger ones that have showed up on property that do NOT fit in the box no matter how much you turn the wheel and they are not allowed.

 

[KPeveler]

I think you misread my post, but that's OK as I misread things all the time.

It depends on the Dream scooter (IMHO they don't belong but that's another story)

The ones that are mostly being rented to guests on property are allowed on if they can be made to fit in the box. There are some of the larger ones that have showed up on property that do NOT fit in the box no matter how much you turn the wheel and they are not allowed.

Got it!

 

[toocherie]

I'll also note that the size box test is going to be expanded to all resorts,

what is the size box test? a regular Celebrity type scooter is still allowed on the busses, right?

 

[KPeveler]

what is the size box test? a regular Celebrity type scooter is still allowed on the busses, right?

Definitely - I believe the box is the ADA standard for a personal mobility device. This is therefore what the buses are built for. All standard manual chairs, power chairs, and scooters should be able to fit. For example I do not believe Pride even makes a scooter bigger than these dimensions (which Sue will come along and post shortly). BUT all parts of the scooter have to fit in there, including bags and baskets and canopies, etc.

 

[plutos_pal]

Wanted to chime in here to say that my Dad (74) and I just returned from a week long trip to the world, and that he for the first time used an ECV for the full week - it made all the difference! I agree with the recommendation to practice driving one a bit ahead (he did indeed do this at the local grocery and department stores). He was a bit nervous navigating in the crowds at first, but gladly traded this bit of stress for the constant fatigue, pain and need to sit and rest continually.

We didn't use the buses because we had rented a car. For any who are worried about disassembling and reassembing the vehicle, don't be! We were able to easily break down the vehicle between the two of us and get it into a mid size car with one of the back seats folded down.

Just one last note - we rented from Walker Mobility and I can only say that I wish I received this kind of service from every company with which I do business. Excellent from beginning to end!