For those who have used an ECV around WDW

[Twilight Terror]

We just wanted to know if there were any of you out there that used ECVs in WDW, but only on most days to most places, and not all the time?

You see, we are looking to do the late sitting of Hoop Dee Doo, and when we do, we will be doing just that. We may go somewhere in the morning/late afternoon, but will be back at the hotel long before it's time to make our way to the show so dad can have a rest.

My dad wants to go to FW on the boats, which are tricky with the ECVs. Since we will be doing just Hoop Dee Doo, he is quite happy to walk the short distances between the room and bus/bus and boat/boat and HDD.

But he is a little concerned about doing that, and what others might think. I know is sounds silly, and he shouldn't mind, but he is worried about people seeing him at the bus stop one day in ECV and then the next walking, then back in a ECV again.

So I was wondering if there was anyone out there that might be able to give advice/personal experience, so that I can help reassure him? Thanks kindly everyone

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them. (I think Question #5 may be the critical one in this situation.)

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[Twilight Terror]

Yes, you are very right about that. But try convincing a stubborn old man!! But thank you so much for those, I will definitely pass them on and see if they go some way into breaking him! lol

 

[SueM in MN]

There are people who will question anyone, even someone like my DD who can't walk.

Besides what Cheshire Figment mentioned, chances are that he will not meet the same people at the bus each day.
He needs to do what is best for him.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Even if he does meet the same person at the bus stop more than once, it's unlikely that they'll recognise him. The only times I've ever had anyone recognise me from a previous meeting is when I was in my wheelchair (complete with rather distinctive decorations!). Most people at Disney pay very little attention to the others waiting at the bus stop with them; they're usually more concerned with watching for their bus, keeping their kids close by and wondering if they'll make their dinner reservation / park opening / the 3 o'clock parade etc.

If he reckons he can do the walking comfortably, and it will be the easiest solution for him not to take the ECV, then don't take it. Simple as that! It's his life, his body, no one else knows what's going on with him, so they have no right to judge!

 

[GrammyJudy]

Last Jan I went to WDW with my whole family,grown son,grown daughter, her husbadn, grandson 7 and husband. I rented ECV in each park and it made the vacation much more enjoyable for me and mt fami,y. I have a very bas knee and can walk but not long distances. I just planned that as part of my budget.Some people are rude and will dart right in front of you and if you happen to hit them will give you a look but most were kind. My family was allowed to enter all rides/shows with me and we were put in special sections which are GREAT.Do what is best for you!!!!!!!!!!

 

[disneynutz]

We just wanted to know if there were any of you out there that used ECVs in WDW, but only on most days to most places, and not all the time?

You see, we are looking to do the late sitting of Hoop Dee Doo, and when we do, we will be doing just that. We may go somewhere in the morning/late afternoon, but will be back at the hotel long before it's time to make our way to the show so dad can have a rest.

My dad wants to go to FW on the boats, which are tricky with the ECVs. Since we will be doing just Hoop Dee Doo, he is quite happy to walk the short distances between the room and bus/bus and boat/boat and HDD.

But he is a little concerned about doing that, and what others might think. I know is sounds silly, and he shouldn't mind, but he is worried about people seeing him at the bus stop one day in ECV and then the next walking, then back in a ECV again.

So I was wondering if there was anyone out there that might be able to give advice/personal experience, so that I can help reassure him? Thanks kindly everyone

We were at WDW last month and went to HDD. The boat from the MC to FW is the larger boat and you just drive the ECV on. At HDD ECVs wait by the exit door to the restaurant so you miss the crowd waiting to enter the show. You can park the ECV inside the theater and walk to your table. After the show we took the bus back to the resort. The bus was almost empty with only a few people from HDD on it.

I don't need my ECV every day. I have good days and bad. I try to walk when I can. In all of our trips to WDW I have only had someone say something once and it was during our December trip. A CM at BCV said to me, "I almost didn't recognize you without your scooter". I replied, "I'm feeling pretty good today so I thought that I would walk off a pound or two". They said, "don't over due it and have a magical day". That was it. No big deal.

 

[Twilight Terror]

We were at WDW last month and went to HDD. The boat from the MC to FW is the larger boat and you just drive the ECV on. At HDD ECVs wait by the exit door to the restaurant so you miss the crowd waiting to enter the show. You can park the ECV inside the theater and walk to your table. After the show we took the bus back to the resort. The bus was almost empty with only a few people from HDD on it.

I don't need my ECV every day. I have good days and bad. I try to walk when I can. In all of our trips to WDW I have only had someone say something once and it was during our December trip. A CM at BCV said to me, "I almost didn't recognize you without your scooter". I replied, "I'm feeling pretty good today so I thought that I would walk off a pound or two". They said, "don't over due it and have a magical day". That was it. No big deal.

Thanks! That's really good to know all that. I was concerned with the boats because when we went to HDD last year (without dad) we had a big step down into the boat, and I couldn't see a way that an ECV could get on. And I didn't know how the change around in boats would effect getting to FW. Anyway, glad to hear you caught the bus okay, because I keep having nightmares about loads of wheelchairs/ECVs turning up the night we go and wanting to go back to our hotel and being stranded there. Although, I can't see Disney leaving anybody stranded, so I'm not entirely sure why I'm worrying over that!

I guess he will just have to take the day as it comes and go with or without depending on how he's feeling Thanks everyone!

 

[chirurgeon]

I used an ECV last December because I was just finished with chemo therapy and I didn't have the stamina to walk the parks for 10 days. I was alone for the first few days of the trip and to be honest, I had a habit of going faster when I was by myself and this used up the battery more quickly. I even killed the battery the first day and I had to push it up the incline from the bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Using the ECV for 1/2 a day really did work for me. And when I was joined by my friend I went more slowly at a normal walking pace. I even left it at the hotel the night of MVMCP because I thought the crowds would be too much.

Basically I knew I needed the ECV part of the time and I didn't care what anyone else thought. You and your dad know what is needed to have a good time at WDW. I must say everyone at Disney was wonderful to me whether I was walking or using the ECV.

Have a blast.

Kim

 

[bedillamouse]

Hi wondering if I could ask a question since you were talking about the ECV. My mom is going with us for a family vacation in May and we've both agreed that she will have problems walking for the whole day at the parks. I told her about the rentals available at the parks but was wondering if there are pictures anywhere of what they look like so I could show her. Also we are going at the end of May into the first of June....do the parks run out of rentals easily around that time? I know I read about strollers sometimes running out and was wondering about the ECVs.
Thanks!

 

[Twilight Terror]

We are going to rent one off-site and have it delivered/picked up at the hotel. From what people have told me, the ones in the park do run out and if you switch parks during the day, you are unlikely to be able to get another one at another park - they are not park transferable.

We'd rather hire off-site and be guaranteed that dad has one every day, and then we also don't have to worry if it's a long trip back to the buses/parking lot.

 

[BroganMc]

We'd rather hire off-site and be guaranteed that dad has one every day, and then we also don't have to worry if it's a long trip back to the buses/parking lot.

That's smart. The ones you rent offsite are usually smaller and more maneuverable as well. Disney's are bohemoths that never seem to turn easily.

FWIW, tell your dad my dad is another young 70-somethinger. He uses a scooter for his all park days and leaves it plugged in for our leisurely resort hopping. Neither one of us worries what others may think about us (heck, what does it matter anyway?). But what becomes an issue is finding a place to drive or keep the thing.

I don't have the luxury of walking about without my powerchair but many times it is just easier if he walks about the resorts. His scooter comes in handy when we're park touring or in a rush to get somewhere. Then he can keep up with me and I don't worry about endangering his old bones.