Help navigating Disney with a scooter

[Sven1990]

I am planning my first trip to Walt Disney world and want to stay at port Orleans riverside. I am disabled and rely on a mobility scooter to get around. My question is how is it navigating the Disney transportation network particularly the buses and water ferris. Also when I go to a restaurant would I be able to plug in my scooter while I eat.

 

[RmeDad]

My wife was on a scooter on our last visit, and all I can say is that Disney is AWESOME at making our visit very manageable. Getting on and off the transportation is a breeze. Getting on and off of rides is a breeze also. Getting into the restaurants is not a problem, but charging is an unknown to us. Our scooter lasted all day on a single charge without an issue. Don't worry, your trip will be very magical.

 

[serenitynow]

My wife was on a scooter on our last visit, and all I can say is that Disney is AWESOME at making our visit very manageable. Getting on and off the transportation is a breeze. Getting on and off of rides is a breeze also. Getting into the restaurants is not a problem, but charging is an unknown to us. Our scooter lasted all day on a single charge without an issue. Don't worry, your trip will be very magical.

I agree whole heartily with the above. On my first visit using a scooter, I was so paranoid I plugged it in to charge at lunch and dinner. Just ask the CM when you check in, they get that question all the time and will take care of you.

I will say, however that on the last 3 scooter trips I have only charged the ECV overnight in the room and never had a problem. A fully charged scooter should last all day. Relax and enjoy!

 

[Bete]

Mobility scooters are weight dependent somewhat and so a lighter person can last longer with the battery. Amount of hours you plan to be in the park is a factor, too. If you have a two battery scooter you should be fine.

Most buildings inside and out will have outlets. You have to look hard sometimes to find one. If a CM is knowledgeable and available they can guide you to a place.

Ferries are easier; because, they are large vessels. I find buses a little challenging to park a scooter. If you have a smaller scooter, it's easier.

You need to be careful and use the same sidewalk ramps as the wheelchairs getting around. Don't jump a curb. Magic Kingdom is a little tricky around the castle.

With the crowds you will need to be very careful of people darting in front of you. You will have to stop quickly at times.

 

[Sven1990]

Thank you all for your comments

 

[Vijoge]

I've never had a problem finding a place to charge my ECV. Just ask any cast member where to locate an outlet.

 

[Shanti]

If you'll be renting a scooter, I recommend CARE Medical, which served my mother well during our trip to WDW.

 

[RmeDad]

We used a Scooterbug unit called the companion. Lots of power, high back seat.

 

[poprouge]

I am planning my first trip to Walt Disney world and want to stay at port Orleans riverside. I am disabled and rely on a mobility scooter to get around. My question is how is it navigating the Disney transportation network particularly the buses and water ferris. Also when I go to a restaurant would I be able to plug in my scooter while I eat.

Here are my experiences with my own personal scooter. I had a extremely portable one that i owned and took to the parks many times until 2 years ago. It crapped out in the middle of main street and that was that. Don't even wanna tell you the horror of trying to wheel it out of the park by ourselves. I always rent now. But that said here is my experience, transportation is pretty well laid out, if you leave at closing you may be left at the park much later than everyone else. I mean all by yourself. If you leave before the crowds do, you are alright. I've been delayed over an hour on quite a few occassions, needless to say I leave before closing now. The rides aren't a problem, they have a solution if the scooter doesn't fit and it works well. Most rides you just follow the lines like everyone else. Some of the ferris are not scooter capable, just be on the look out, they tend to be the smaller boats. Monorail has to be the best!! My scooter was a nice portable fold up model, and I think I know where every avail plug outlet is is. Renting isn't an issue their batteries typically lasted all day, my portable was rated for half days so I too needed to top off. Most times I could find a plug, if not in the resturant, relatively near that I plug in for a top off. It's not ideal, but can be done. Pay attention to where you see a scooter parked, chances are you will find it plugged in being charged. It's pays to be observant. Good luck and enjoy your time.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Pay attention to where you see a scooter parked, chances are you will find it plugged in being charged.

I genuinely don't think this is accurate. Most parked ECVs won't be plugged into an outlet, since the batteries do generally last all day. Most of the ECVS you see parked will be just that - parked - while the user enjoys an attraction or a meal.

 

[poprouge]

I genuinely don't think this is accurate. Most parked ECVs won't be plugged into an outlet, since the batteries do generally last all day. Most of the ECVS you see parked will be just that - parked - while the user enjoys an attraction or a meal.

I am speaking from experience. I have taken a scooter to Disney for the last 10+ years. For 6 of those years it was my own portable scooter that required a lot of topping off and did not last all day. You are correct in that many scooters are not plugged in, but I can not begin to tell you how many outlets I have found by looking at a lone parked scooter. Many of the outlets are in tucked away in little corners of the park. So from my experience, being observant and noting where others may park their scooter has lead me to more than one outlet that I had no idea was there before. Your experience may vary.

 

[JATampa]

Another place you can often find outlets is in restrooms (Do not use the handicapped ones for charging please). They clean the floors with electric cleaners that have to be plugged in. If your chair is dying, the shops will often have an available place to plug in.

Also in Epcot, most of the greenery has hidden outlets. There are at least two charging stations in MK, one between Fantasyland and Liberty Square, the other in the Big Top area of Fantasyland. Supposedly there is one in Tomorrowland too, but I've never found it.

JATampa