ideas for solo traveler?

[cupcake]

Hello! My dh has a weeklong conference at Disney in October (and we are going on the Disney Cruise afterwards!!!). I have unfused accessory navicular in both feet (extra bones that make it painful to stand and limit my ability to walk for any substantial period of time, although I can walk about 4 times a day for 30 minutes or so if I rest between). In the past, I did classes at the now-defunct Disney Institute while he was working during the day. When we're touring together, I use a wheelchair. The comments here about ECVs, which seem like my best option if my dh is elsewhere, have been very helpful. I guess I could also ask for a GAC to wait w/o standing (the bones visibly protrude from the middle inside of my feet, so I'd imagine it would not be a problem? I could also bring a drs note). But that seems like too much walking.

I'm feeling timid, since I will be by myself during the day.
(1) Are the ECVs hard to manage? I've never used one.
(2) If I only want to tour parks for a few days (hence don't want a weekly rental), will I have a problem renting from Disney? Any recommendations on how to get a ECV? I am worried by the comments about how it is better to rent one yourself.
(3) The backstage magic tour looked like it would be fun and a good thing for a solo traveler. Do you know if there's a contact at Disney or info available to find out how much walking/standing is involved?
(4) Are there any differences btwn a wheelchair and ECV in terms of touring (other than the obvious difference about attractions where I would need to transfer).
(5) It seems like I would be getting in/out of the ECV more than a wheelchair. My problem is not obvious with shoes on. Would I want to try to get a GAC?
(6) Any thoughts on fun things to do by myself during the day would be greatly appreciated!

A big thank you in advance, everyone here is so knowledgeable!

Cupcake

 

[Eeyore1954]

Hiya Cupcake! You'll find lots of knowledgeable people here (I'm the exception!). But seriously, my DW has used an ECV at Disney due to health problems. So here's my 2 cents:

1) ECVs hard to manage? Not at all! If you can steer a bike or car, you can steer an ECV. Now they won't stop on a dime, so my DW makes sure to leave extra room in front of her. But you'll get the hang of it quickly.

2) ECVs from Disney -- rental per day is $40, but you get a $10 deposit back. They come fully charged and have a nice basket in front. Epcot seems to have the lion's share of them, but if you get to other parks early, you should be able to get one.

Just go to Guest Services and they can help you or direct you to the rental counter.

3) Backstage Magic -- you can call 407-WDW-TOUR to book this now or call Guest Services upon arrival to book it. It would be a great thing for a solo traveler and you'll meet some great people, too!

I'd mention you would like to do this on an ECV and then they can let the tour guide know the day of the tour. My DW and I have done several tours with her using an ECV and it's never been a problem. (In fact, she held up better than I did!)

4) The only difference is the ECV is motorized, so it's much easier to get up and down the inclines throughout Disney. Some shops are a little difficult to navigate, but if you encounter a problem, CMs are always happy to help you out.

5) Not sure on this one. My DW gets in and out OK with my assistance. The ECV chair will swivel, making it easier to exit. I've been told on some rides that the CMs cannot assist guests and on others the CMs were eager to lend a hand. Seems like that varies by ride and by park. I don't know if there is a policy on this or not.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Talking Hands]

As to Backstage Magic, when you book it tell them you will be using a ECV. They will accommodate you. I have taken the tour 3 times and 2 x were with an ECV and once with my power wheelchair. Disney is very used to these accommodations. Since you can transfer to a set in the bus do. Makes it easier. Walk where you can and use the ECV where you can. Enjoy, it is a great tour.

 

[Talking Hands]

As to Backstage Magic, when you book it tell them you will be using a ECV. They will accommodate you. I have taken the tour 3 times and 2 x were with an ECV and once with my power wheelchair. Disney is very used to these accommodations. Since you can transfer to a set in the bus do. Makes it easier. Walk where you can and use the ECV where you can. Enjoy, it is a great tour.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome. It looks like you already got some good info.
With the limitations you have on walking, you might still want to look into getting an ecv from off site. They are less expensive by the week, but you don't have to rent one for a whole week. Most of the companies have a minimum amount of days you need to rent, but that is usually about 3 days. You may find that you want it for the days you don't plan on touring the parks as well, since the resorts are all rather large.
Here is a link to the DIS page about touring with mobility disabilities. If you scroll all the way to the bottom, you will find a list of the attractions at each park where you can stay in the ecv for the attraction. There are also lists about which ones you need to transefer from the ecv to a wheelchair and which you will need to transfer out of the wheelchair. We alternate attractions where we have to transfer DD out of her wheelchair with ones that she can stay in for. That helps a lot not to be transferring so many times in a row. The park that is a killer for transferring is MK. Because most of the rides are very short, you just get in and have to start tranferring out again.
I don't think that a GAC would really help you that much. If you have an ecv or wheelchair, you can already use the wheelchair entrance without having a GAC. Your biggest problem will be the walking between attractions. In most cases, you will be able to use the ecv until you get to the boarding area. Having a GAC probably would not make much of a difference for you.