Has anyone ever used a portable scooter at WDW?

[nolenbelledavis]

I need to rent a scooter for our trip in December. We're going to rent a van while we're there, and we're staying at BLT. I'm looking at the scooters and trying to decide whether it would be better to rent a regular scooter or one that disassembles so we can drive to the other parks. Anyone have experience with the portable scooters compared to the non-portable ones? TIA!

 

[mamabunny]

Lots of people here use rental scooters! You have come to the right place to get your questions answered!

Actually, most scooters can be disassembled; it comes down to how heavy the parts are, how many parts there are once it's all apart, and how difficult it is to take apart/put together.

Here's a few things to consider:

The bigger and heavier the scooter is, typically the better the ride. I say "typically" because there are, of course, exceptions to every rule. And the #1 rule you HAVE to follow about scooters at WDW is their size: They must be able to fit into a box that is 30" wide by 48" long. So, you can't rent a ground-pounding Super Scooter that holds four adults and expect to get in anywhere at WDW. (And that's the other big rule - one seat on the scooter, one rider only. No holding kiddos, no lap babies, etc.) Plus, you have to be able to get it into your room every night so that you can charge it overnight.

Super lightweight, easy to manage scooters do exist - and some of them are quite comfortable. However, when you rent a scooter, make sure that you take into account *why* the driver needs assistance. If they have knee issues, then a four wheel scooter with a flat floor that is easier to get on and off might be appropriate, whereas if they have back issues, a scooter with a higher seat back might be better. Let your rental vendor know *why* you need a scooter - and if they ask, be honest about your height and weight - so they can match you to the scooter that will be best for your needs. They deal with scooters all day long, they truly are the experts.

If you are considering driving to and from the Parks because of the scooter, don't worry - it doesn't take more than one or trip bus trips to get the hang of loading and unloading the scooter, and the drivers are always ready to help, especially if you let them know you are a new ECV driver! I know that a lot of people just don't like the buses in general - if that's the case, then be prepared to take the scooter apart and put it back together every. single. time. you. want. to. go. somewhere. Those buses start to look attractive really fast!

Regardless, be sure to take 10 or 15 minutes at your Resort to get used to your rental scooter. Drive it up and down "curb cuts", through the gift shop, practice backing it up, making tight u-turns, and most importantly - practice panic stops or emergency braking, so you know how long it takes to stop. Taking those few minutes to get familiar with the rental will help you feel much more confident.

I own my own scooter - it's super lightweight, folds down easily, stores easily in a case the size of a golf bag, fits perfectly in the back of my Kia Soul... and I never hesitate to take the buses at WDW with it. (And no, you can't rent this model in Orlando. Sorry.) I'm on vacation when I'm at WDW, and the last thing I want to do is load and unload my scooter eleventy-hundred times a day. I prefer to let Disney do the driving; I just drive on and off the buses (and boats and Monorail) and get on with having fun!

 

[nolenbelledavis]

Lots of people here use rental scooters! You have come to the right place to get your questions answered!

Actually, most scooters can be disassembled; it comes down to how heavy the parts are, how many parts there are once it's all apart, and how difficult it is to take apart/put together.

Here's a few things to consider:

The bigger and heavier the scooter is, typically the better the ride. I say "typically" because there are, of course, exceptions to every rule. And the #1 rule you HAVE to follow about scooters at WDW is their size: They must be able to fit into a box that is 30" wide by 48" long. So, you can't rent a ground-pounding Super Scooter that holds four adults and expect to get in anywhere at WDW. (And that's the other big rule - one seat on the scooter, one rider only. No holding kiddos, no lap babies, etc.) Plus, you have to be able to get it into your room every night so that you can charge it overnight.

Super lightweight, easy to manage scooters do exist - and some of them are quite comfortable. However, when you rent a scooter, make sure that you take into account *why* the driver needs assistance. If they have knee issues, then a four wheel scooter with a flat floor that is easier to get on and off might be appropriate, whereas if they have back issues, a scooter with a higher seat back might be better. Let your rental vendor know *why* you need a scooter - and if they ask, be honest about your height and weight - so they can match you to the scooter that will be best for your needs. They deal with scooters all day long, they truly are the experts.

If you are considering driving to and from the Parks because of the scooter, don't worry - it doesn't take more than one or trip bus trips to get the hang of loading and unloading the scooter, and the drivers are always ready to help, especially if you let them know you are a new ECV driver! I know that a lot of people just don't like the buses in general - if that's the case, then be prepared to take the scooter apart and put it back together every. single. time. you. want. to. go. somewhere. Those buses start to look attractive really fast!

Regardless, be sure to take 10 or 15 minutes at your Resort to get used to your rental scooter. Drive it up and down "curb cuts", through the gift shop, practice backing it up, making tight u-turns, and most importantly - practice panic stops or emergency braking, so you know how long it takes to stop. Taking those few minutes to get familiar with the rental will help you feel much more confident.

I own my own scooter - it's super lightweight, folds down easily, stores easily in a case the size of a golf bag, fits perfectly in the back of my Kia Soul... and I never hesitate to take the buses at WDW with it. (And no, you can't rent this model in Orlando. Sorry.) I'm on vacation when I'm at WDW, and the last thing I want to do is load and unload my scooter eleventy-hundred times a day. I prefer to let Disney do the driving; I just drive on and off the buses (and boats and Monorail) and get on with having fun!

Thank you so much for your reply! I've read some of your other responses and they are really helpful! We'll be at BLT, so no need for transport to/from MK. It's the other parks that I'm more concerned about. I've just seen such negativity, I think on Facebook, in connection with buses and scooters. I'd just prefer to avoid all of that. Which, I really can by using the monorail, for HS and Epcot. I just noticed that Walker and the other popular rental place have the kind of scooters that break down, but it's helpful to me to know it's kind of a pain to have to deal with it.

 

[SteveMouse]

The monorail to Epcot and then rolling over to DHS is a bad idea for a scooter- you'll consume a substantial amount of charge just getting there (and back).

I have a collapsible scooter, but we rarely break it all the way down. Typically, we lift off the battery, take off the seat, and tilt the tiller. It easily fits in the back of a moderate SUV with no extra work.

 

[mamabunny]

Thank you so much for your reply! I've read some of your other responses and they are really helpful! We'll be at BLT, so no need for transport to/from MK. It's the other parks that I'm more concerned about. I've just seen such negativity, I think on Facebook, in connection with buses and scooters. I'd just prefer to avoid all of that. Which, I really can by using the monorail, for HS and Epcot. I just noticed that Walker and the other popular rental place have the kind of scooters that break down, but it's helpful to me to know it's kind of a pain to have to deal with it.

I'm glad I could help even a little! I have learned so much from everyone here, and it has made it possible for me to enjoy my trips to WDW so much more!

Ignore those folks on Facebook. Seriously. The folks around here are who I consider to be experts - they either are regular users of mobility devices, or have a loved one who is. You are much more likely to get a reality-based answer here, and from people who are supportive of using a mobility device if that's what is appropriate.

I know it's kind of overwhelming - especially for the first day or so. I won't kid you. BUT, I promise, it doesn't take more than a day for the huge majority of people to feel comfortable with the buses. And if you have the time, taking a bus over to Disney Springs and back during that first day is a great time to "practice" getting on and off the buses with very light crowds. You can even hop on to the next available Resort bus, and then "hub" from that Resort on to the Park you want to go to next. And, of course, there's always shopping and food at Disney Springs, so...

@SteveMouse is correct that you will want to take a boat or a bus between Epcot and HS - but those Friendship boats are SO much fun, and I love that trip!

Remember - the worst thing about using the scooter will be that you do load first, but always unload last. That's really the worst thing you can say... And yes, there may be the *occasional* Guest who will try to give you the "stink-eye" but just ignore them. Give them your biggest smile, wave like the visiting royalty we know you to be, and ride off into the Parks and have a wonderful time!

 

[lanejudy]

Maybe I've misunderstood, but just to clarify... to go from BLT to HS via monorail and Epcot will require a park hopper ticket. The monorail brings you from TTC to the front entrance of Epcot; you will need to enter Epcot and move through to the rear International Gateway and exit to take a boat to HS. In addition to needing a parkhopper ticket, that will take up quite a bit of travel time. I'd recommend the bus direct from BLT, or driving.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[mamabunny]

Maybe I've misunderstood, but just to clarify... to go from BLT to HS via monorail and Epcot will require a park hopper ticket. The monorail brings you from TTC to the front entrance of Epcot; you will need to enter Epcot and move through to the rear International Gateway and exit to take a boat to HS. In addition to needing a parkhopper ticket, that will take up quite a bit of travel time. I'd recommend the bus direct from BLT, or driving.

Enjoy your vacation!

LOL in my head they were doing what our family so often does, and utilizing the ParkHopper feature, spending part of a day at one, and the rest of the day at the other...

But your advice is spot on - you have to have the ParkHopper to do that. Otherwise, it's time to line up for a bus!