Juggling an ECV by vehicle?

[dimndgal1]

After my brief excursion to Universal and Sea World this weekend, I have come to the conclusion I will most likely need an ECV next summer -- the questionnaire on this board is so right on the money! I did okay with my rollator but we also did much shorter days this trip and MUCH less walking... plus, it was October and not June.

Anyway, we are looking at renting an ECV for the duration from one of the outside companies but trying to figure out logistics in transporting it to parks. We will be driving to WDW, so that's not an issue, but I'm trying to figure out the parking/bus situation. We have no problem driving to the parks, but DH is wondering about parking -- should he drop me and the ECV off up close and then park? Will they let him do that? I don't have a handicap tag or anything -- my issue is 'temporary' (it's been 3 years but until diagnosis, it's still uncertain) -- but I'm just confused about the best way to go about transporting the ECV and parking. I know we could park where ever and i could roll to the front, but I don't want to make family walk that far when they could take a parking tram and I know DH won't let me roll alone. It's all so confusing!

Thanks!!!

 

[peemagg]

Before you go, (about 2-3 months ahead), ask your doctor for a temporary handicapped tag. This way you can just park in the handicapped area and not worry about having to be dropped off somewhere.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I definitely agree that you should get the paperwork (download from your state's vehicle web site) for a disabled tag. Take it to your doctor at a visit a month or so before your trip.

I know the first time I (shyly) asked my doctor about a disabled tag his response was "what took you so long to ask for it?"

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I have a question along these lines..

How hard are the scooters to take apart and put back together? Would DD30 have trouble by herself? We usually drive to the parks. I really don't want to use the buses esp. With an ecv

 

[Cheshire Figment]

They are designed to be easily disassembled and reassembled. Check Post #5 in the disABILITIES FAQs for an example.

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

We use Randy's Mobility for weekly ECV rental during our Disney trips. The ECV has always been waiting for us when we checked in, fully assembled. The cost is $200 for the week. My mom has never had any trouble maneuvering it on to any form of Disney transportation (bus, monorail, boat). The bus drivers have been especially helpful, making the transition as easy and painless as possible.

 

[tobikaye]

I have a question along these lines..

How hard are the scooters to take apart and put back together? Would DD30 have trouble by herself? We usually drive to the parks. I really don't want to use the buses esp. With an ecv

Definitely check out the post Cheshire Figment mentions. We used an ECV in June for my sister. Before we left, I checked out some of the EVC sites and watched videos of how to take one apart and put it together. This helped me so I was not too lost when I had to take it apart the first time. I am 5'0" tall and am 34, with not much in upper body. The first time I picked up the heaviest piece, about 30 lbs, it felt heavy and was difficult putting in the trunk. Once I figured out which direction everything went, it did not seem as heavy as I did knew exactly what angle to put it in and I did not have to hold it long.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Let me brag, please...

My 36 year old daughter can assemble and/or disassemble a Pride GoGo in 22 seconds! She is a genius!

 

[dimndgal1]

Thanks for all the great info!

I had no idea about temporary disability parking tags being available! Makes total sense, though. I am going to talk to my doctor next visit and figure out the best approach -- we're still figuring out logistics with diagnosis and potential surgery, so I want to make sure all the ducks are in a row.

I also appreciate the info about transporting the ECVs. We'll have a pick up so I know it don't be too bad in terms of getting from A --> B but weight will def be something to consider.