Help - MIL - wants electric scooter

[Quilter007]

We've only been to WDW twice & both times in the winter. We're going Sunday! and taking DMIL -- She's only been east of the Mississippi once in her life! She's 74 & in reasonably decent shape, but she's 74 & it's July. So, she just decided that she thinks she wants an electric scooter. How much are they? Are they a hassle? Do you get them where the strollers are? Side question - Can you get free strollers w/ the Disney Visa like you can a Disneyland? If you park-hop do you take the scooter with you or turn it in & get a new scooter with you at the other park? Thanks in advance! Katrina

 

[pepe of ohio]

But on a side note, when my mother was living and up in age, she went with us, as usual, but her walking abilities were very limited, mind was willing but body wasn't, and we rented a regular wheel chair and after pushing her around for 2 days, we decided to get her an EVC. She never used one nor sat in one. Let me tell you, it was a nightmare. She had no idea what she was doing, think you can tackle a lady and EVC to stop it, good luck. They ought to have a remote button for the family to wear that would shut down the unit in case of a problem. She got into traffic, panic set in and she would not release the forward button, running into guests as I tried to stop the chair. She was grisf stricked and wanted out of it and we returned it and got the push type again. Take her to, say Wal Mart, where they have the electric type carts to use while shopping and see how she does, might save you alot of misery later.

 

[mmmbop]

Be sure to note that if you rent from the parks, there is a chance that they will run out of ECVs before you arrive! Our party rents from offsite rental agencies (Walker Mobility). I was pricing ECVs, and the offsite rentals are around $39/day and include free delivery/pick up and are always available if there is any problem. Randy's has a weekly special of $200 ($100 each week after).

Post #2 at this thread: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713 could help you, a LOT!

I admit, it can be a hassle at times. However, Disney transportation is wonderful and there is very little fuss about the ECV. I would imagine if you rent offsite and prefer driving, there may be a bit of trouble. However, we always rely on Disney transport so I couldn't help you there. I think I have read, however, that the ECVs disassemble and fit in trunks. (I think?)

Be aware that as pepe mentioned, of crowds. It can be very troublesome - especially after fireworks. My grandmother always seems to have a problem in Fantasyland - very congested. As long as you get there early (do Fantasyland rides early, then work around) it shouldn't be too bad. I hope you have a wonderful time

 

[Shih-Tzu]

We have already reserved an ECV for my 84 yr old mom for our September trip. We rented one from an outside "the World" agency as the ones that are rented in the actual theme parks are not permitted to leave the theme parks. They're first come first served, and I couldn't take the chance on not getting one (I know that in the heat that I couldn't push a manual wheel chair with someone in it either). Our hotel is quite large as well, so there's going to be a lot of walking.....

The company I called (Care Medical) delivers the ECV to your hotel (it can be there for when you actually arrive to check in) and picks it up from bell services after you leave. Cost delivered and picked up plus the 7 day rental was $200.00.

This company bills your credit card the day before the first rental date. I checked some other websites and some bill your credit card the day you order it. Some of the ECVs can be taken apart in 4 or 5 pieces to put in a car trunk, but we're staying on site using the Disney transport so we didn't need that.

Hope this helps!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

My parents came with us twice and both admit with arthritis, herniated discs, bad knees, etc. they'd never have been able to do all that walking and would not have enjoyed themselves at all without the scooters.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/wheelchair-rentals/

If your MIL can drive, she can handle the scooter. My mom bumped a few railings at first in tight spaces but was doing excellent by the end of the 1st day.

otoh, we went w/ BIL, SIL, and SIL's mom. They took turns pushing her in a reg. wheelchair and while she didn't mind, they did. It was exhausting esp up ramps and even slight inclines. She didn't want to spend the $ for a scooter but she was the only one happy with the arrangement.

I wouldn't rent one for the entire stay unless she really can't walk far at all. My parents were ok walking around the resort (offsite), the parking lot, getting trams, etc. We wouldn't want to be stuck with the things 24/7, only while in parks.
This depends on the stamina/health of your MIL so YMMV.

By 10am, AK only had 1 left and we needed 2 so we were stuck with a reg. w/c. Before we even left the rental area, someone was returning a scooter so we were able to get the 2nd one.

If you plan to rent at the parks, arrive early.

eta:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/wheelchair-rentals/

 

[Quilter007]

OK -- thanks everyone. We introduced Grandma to the Wii Fit this morning and darned if she didn't do 20 minutes of aerobics including running!! now I'm not sure she'll need the ECV! We might try it one day, but I'm thinking she'll do OK. She drives in LA, so I don't think driving it will be a problem.

 

[jen2207]

MY mom went last year at 75 and darned if she kept up better than the rest of us. I was worried about her - especially when we did a whirl-wind tour of the World Showcase in about an hour and a half..... She's very strong willed and just kept up. She'd find a bench if she needed it for a rest and a drink and then charge forward.

I worried about the worst - she was the best!!

Hoping the best for you too!

 

[ericsgm]

At this time of year, the heat and the humidity may take more toll than the actual walking. We rented on for my 89 yr old DM,who is still incredibly fit and can walk a good stretch. She hasn't driven in years, but caught onto the scooter in no time flat. When she wanted to stretch her legs, someone else would get off theirs for a few minutes (NOT a bad thing) just to keep the scooter with the party. And that basket sure comes in handy... lets all your heavy containers of drinks ride along, taking the strain off your shoulders!

We rented from Randy's Mobility, and can't recommend them highly enough. Try a day in the park(s) on foot, and if it proves less than ideal, call Randy's. Definitely cheaper, and if you have a van, you don't even have to take your scooter apart for transport. The important thing is that everyone has a good time. If one member of the party is over-tired, struggling to keep up, or staying behind, a scooter is the perfect Plan B. It's all about the options.

 

[Debbie-TN]

My cousin rents hers from Walker Mobility. They deliver it to the hotel and pick it up. They have great service. When we were there in May, I went to ride Star Tours. When I came out the front wheel had fallen off the EVC. She had already called them and they were there in about 45 minutes with a replacement. Poor guy, he had to pull the broken EVC back out of the park with a strap tied around it.

 

[Harvestmooner]

We love Walker too!! Have used them twice for my 77 year old Dad.

 

[aubriee]

We love Walker too!! Have used them twice for my 77 year old Dad.

We get an ECV for my 75 y/o mom every trip and have always used Walkers too. They're great and will give discounts for more than 7 days or for 1/2 days. He also offers optional insurance, which we have taken the last couple of trips. I called a couple of weeks ago to reserve an ECV for our Dec trip. With the optional insurance, it will be $262.00 for nine days. Not bad and we know they are an excellent company.