Guests with ECVs & a thank you jekjones

[deedisneydream97]

I am posting this here, since jekjones is a regular poster here on the DVC boards.

I recently returned from an off-site stay. I wanted to show my mother-in-law Walt Disney World while she is still in relatively good health, but has a hard time walking short distances or standing for more than a few minutes. Thanks to jekjones and her numerous posts about how Disney World theme parks and resorts are very accommodating to those that need assistance, I went ahead and planned the trip and rented an ECV. Everything worked out great. Having the state-issued handicapped permit for the rental SUV was such a blessing. Handicapped parking was a dream at Hollywood studios and Animal Kingdom. For Epcot we utilized the complimentary valet parking at the BoardWalk for the handicapped vehicles, the Contemporary for MK and also self-parked at the Wilderness Lodge....I really wanted mom to see how stunning the Lodge is. We then easily boarded the larger boat to the MK. She was thrilled.

I know she would have been upset if she had to use the bus to get around...she would not like having everyone staring. I think it is a wonderful idea for Disney to offer the free valet if you have a handicapped permit (of course we tipped the valet). It really frees up time for the park to park bus when time is not taken to load a couple of scooters.

I have a premium pass, so I was not trying to get out of paying to park. This trip was all about my mother-in-law and making it a vacation she could enjoy without stress. And she never, ever would have been able to make it more than 5 minutes in the parks without the scooter. Plus I was so pleased with the way all cast members were so helpful about how to get in line with the scooter or where to put it when we were going into someplace to eat or watch a show.

So thanks, jekjones, for all of your positive posts! I know you aren't too sure about your next trip with your husband....and I hope things work out for you. I can see why you enjoy staying at the BoardWalk...it was so easy to get out to the BoardWalk, visit the shops, people watch, have dinner, take the boat, etc.

 

[jekjones1558]

Well if this isn't just the nicest post ever! Thank you for posting your positive comments about using the HA options at WDW! I am so happy that the experiences that I have had with my DH have made a difference for you! We are still learning---next trip (fingers crossed that it happens!) will be our first with oxygen and others on these boards have helped me prepare. So you have made me feel like we have paid it forward a little! You "meet" the kindest folks here on the DIS. Thanks, deedisneydream97!

 

[Popouri DVC]

I have to say that Disney does a great job for people with disabilities. My mother also needs an ECV, so we rent one for every trip. We love being able to use the free valet: we often make breakfast reservations at the Grand Floridian Cafe, so we'll typically park at the Grand and then take the monorail to either MK or Epcot. It works out very well.

I also should point out that the busses accommodate the ECV's very well also. It does take a tad longer to load and then unload them, but no one has ever displayed annoyance to us about that. We have even loaded the ECV on the Sassagoula boats at DTD to get from OKW to DTD. All the Disney CM's have always been super accommodating.

The only drag was when we tried to load mom's scooter on the Jungle Cruise ride: there was only one boat that accommodated an ECV that day so the wait time for that ride was really long!!!

 

[deedisneydream97]

Well if this isn't just the nicest post ever! Thank you for posting your positive comments about using the HA options at WDW! I am so happy that the experiences that I have had with my DH have made a difference for you! We are still learning---next trip (fingers crossed that it happens!) will be our first with oxygen and others on these boards have helped me prepare. So you have made me feel like we have paid it forward a little! You "meet" the kindest folks here on the DIS. Thanks, deedisneydream97!

Right back at you! I sometimes get very sad when I see some posters using the DVC board to bash DVC, complain about "not getting a room request", posting totally wrong information, or implying that something is the truth when it really is "their own opinion" or they "overheard someone". So it is refreshing to read about nice visits, CM's that make your trip special and how someone really enjoys their DVC....you being one of those upbeat people. Although if something is not up to DVC standards or what I expect from my dues and membership, I do address the situation and have been pleased with the response I get.

Best of luck with your upcoming trip. I think BoardWalk is probably the best DVC resort for getting around with an ECV. One of our home resorts (and our first). Love it there.

I also should point out that the busses accommodate the ECV's very well also. It does take a tad longer to load and then unload them, but no one has ever displayed annoyance to us about that. We have even loaded the ECV on the Sassagoula boats at DTD to get from OKW to DTD. All the Disney CM's have always been super accommodating.

Yes...I've seen how well it works to get the ECV on a bus (although I sometimes feel that some of the bus stops should have someone there to assist the driver....I don't like the fact that he has to get out of his seat to load the scooter, seems a little dangerous). My mother-in-law would have been upset because she would have thought people are watching and she is shy about things like that....does not like to be the center of attention. It was a hard sell to even convince her that we needed a scooter and she was thinking she would be the only one!! She felt so much better when she realized she was mistaken.