Just Back from 1st ECV Use Trip

[musicmom3331]

First of all, thanks to all who answered my questions before the trip! I rented a scooter from Buena Vista. It ran great and the battery indicator lights showed full battery, even at the end of long days. I plugged it in to charge every night. The controls were the pull type. I have some carpal tunnel issues and had no problems. I have used the thumb controls at Target and get very uncomfortable very fast.

I stayed in a 4th floor room at Pop Century. The only problem I encountered was if I was going to the room by myself. To try to punch the elevator call button, then position myself to enter was a challenge if the door opened right after I punched the button. The door didn't stay open very long at all. There was no problem if the elevator had to come from another floor.

The ECV fit by the window just fine. I kept the Murphy bed down most of the time. I found it was easier to put the ECV in neutral and push it into the room and put it where I needed to.

Yes, people walk in front of ECVs. A few times I would park the scooter and walk some. People walk in front of walkers, too. They're just concerned about getting from point A to point B. There were a few considerate people, which I appreciated. When trying to cross a crowded line of walkers, I felt like I was playing a game of Human Frogger. DD would sometimes actually stop traffic for me. She was awesome!

Some lines I rode, some I walked. It depended on how long the queue was and if there were a lot of tight turns. On Soarin', I rode the ECV right to my seat, transferred, and then they pushed it to the door.

At first I was reluctant to take it into the shops. I was afraid I'd knock over/into displays. But I found it wasn't too bad at all. The displays are far enough apart for even the double strollers.

No one gave me a disparaging look, but my daughter overheard someone in the bus line griping that it wasn't fair that they were waiting for a while for a bus, and a person on a scooter can just drive up whenever and go on first. What that person didn't know was that the next time I needed a bus, it was already loading and I had to wait for the next one. Also, there is NO shade in the handicap waiting area. It was a long very sunny/hot wait for a bus leaving mid-day from HS.

One night after MK, I decided I wanted to look around the grounds of Pop Century. It was fun driving all of the pathways! I wouldn't have explored if I was walking.

A couple of tips: !) I brought a shower cap to put over the tiller in case of rain. It didn't work on this style of tiller, but DD stretched it over the front basket. All was nice and dry inside. 2) The battery indicator lights seemed especially bright when it was dark out, and that bothered me. I tied a bandana onto the handle and draped it over the lights. It also helped to keep light rain off the tiller.

All in all I'm very glad I used an ECV. I had way more stamina and was able to shop and explore instead of just sitting on a bench and telling DD to shop without me. It was a bit mentally hard to admit that I'm at that point to need one, but it is what it is, and I'm glad that there are ECVs.

 

[mamabunny]

Our DD and I travel (Girls only trip!) to WDW a lot, and she will do the same thing - play "traffic cop" if we are trying to cross at a particularly busy area. Most of the time she will walk ahead of me, to kind of help cut through the crowd a bit. And your description of "human Frogger" is perfect! LOL

ECVs really can make a positive impact on a trip, and I'm so glad to hear that your trip went so well!

 

[serenitynow]

First of all, thanks to all who answered my questions before the trip! I rented a scooter from Buena Vista. It ran great and the battery indicator lights showed full battery, even at the end of long days. I plugged it in to charge every night. The controls were the pull type. I have some carpal tunnel issues and had no problems. I have used the thumb controls at Target and get very uncomfortable very fast.

I stayed in a 4th floor room at Pop Century. The only problem I encountered was if I was going to the room by myself. To try to punch the elevator call button, then position myself to enter was a challenge if the door opened right after I punched the button. The door didn't stay open very long at all. There was no problem if the elevator had to come from another floor.

The ECV fit by the window just fine. I kept the Murphy bed down most of the time. I found it was easier to put the ECV in neutral and push it into the room and put it where I needed to.

Yes, people walk in front of ECVs. A few times I would park the scooter and walk some. People walk in front of walkers, too. They're just concerned about getting from point A to point B. There were a few considerate people, which I appreciated. When trying to cross a crowded line of walkers, I felt like I was playing a game of Human Frogger. DD would sometimes actually stop traffic for me. She was awesome!

Some lines I rode, some I walked. It depended on how long the queue was and if there were a lot of tight turns. On Soarin', I rode the ECV right to my seat, transferred, and then they pushed it to the door.

At first I was reluctant to take it into the shops. I was afraid I'd knock over/into displays. But I found it wasn't too bad at all. The displays are far enough apart for even the double strollers.

No one gave me a disparaging look, but my daughter overheard someone in the bus line griping that it wasn't fair that they were waiting for a while for a bus, and a person on a scooter can just drive up whenever and go on first. What that person didn't know was that the next time I needed a bus, it was already loading and I had to wait for the next one. Also, there is NO shade in the handicap waiting area. It was a long very sunny/hot wait for a bus leaving mid-day from HS.

One night after MK, I decided I wanted to look around the grounds of Pop Century. It was fun driving all of the pathways! I wouldn't have explored if I was walking.

A couple of tips: !) I brought a shower cap to put over the tiller in case of rain. It didn't work on this style of tiller, but DD stretched it over the front basket. All was nice and dry inside. 2) The battery indicator lights seemed especially bright when it was dark out, and that bothered me. I tied a bandana onto the handle and draped it over the lights. It also helped to keep light rain off the tiller.

All in all I'm very glad I used an ECV. I had way more stamina and was able to shop and explore instead of just sitting on a bench and telling DD to shop without me. It was a bit mentally hard to admit that I'm at that point to need one, but it is what it is, and I'm glad that there are ECVs.

I’m so glad you were able to enjoy your first ECV trip. You have now experienced the sense of freedom and extra energy that using an ECV can bring. Your next trip will be even easier.

 

[Selket]

I wish they had some way to que the ECV's such that if it's already a full bus by the time I arrive (or close to full - whatever) - they put you on the next one. I've sometimes just waited off in the distance and got the next one if the regular line was long - but really there's not a good way to do it so I know what you mean! I've also been almost the first person in the que waiting and still heard people gripe about me getting on first (even when I was there before them!) so I kinda chalk it up to something I can't really control other than trying to get the bus when I think it may be less crowded but I can't always do that either!

When I had to take it into shops I tried to shop at non-busy times of day (usually morning - not at closing in the evening which is usually the worst). That helped some!

Glad you had a good trip!

 

[KPeterso]

Our DD and I travel (Girls only trip!) to WDW a lot, and she will do the same thing - play "traffic cop" if we are trying to cross at a particularly busy area. Most of the time she will walk ahead of me, to kind of help cut through the crowd a bit. And your description of "human Frogger" is perfect! LOL

ECVs really can make a positive impact on a trip, and I'm so glad to hear that your trip went so well!

I do this for my Mom too. Direct traffic a bit to get her through. But mostly walk in front of her to clear a pathway. Works a lot of the time, but not all of the time.

 

[Bete]

Musicman you did wonderful on your trip.

We love using scooters. We could not handle a day at Disney without one.

You can explore more and do more with one. And you can do it without getting so very tired.

We are not exhausted at the end of the day. And we've accomplished at least double what we could do without the scooters. Park time is precious and the cost of the scooter is well worth it considering all the pleasure you get in return.

We don't rush anywhere; so, we really pay attention to all who may get in front of us too quickly or whatever. We pay close attention to those around us. This part can be a little stressful, but I know by not rushing with the scooters we can all be safer. Disney can be overwhelming for all; so, a little more caution is the way to go.

 

[ozziewags]

Thank you for posting. I am doing my first ECV trip starting Sat and am apprehensive. After all these years I can't believe I am at that point, but could not do it without one. I appreciate your tips and plan to explore my resort as soon as I get the ECV, to practice. We are staying in the Boulder Ridge villas, me and my two grown kids (who were brought up in Disney....so also hoping to use them as traffic cops!)

 

[ttintagel]

People walk in front of walkers, too.

True, but it's so much easier to stop on a dime with a walker that I'm not sure the two are really equivalent.

 

[Disneygal18]

I also will be on my 1st ECV trip, and solo to my 1st Mickey's Party. It will be a Friday night middle September. I am staying at ES in DS area. Are those buses ECV accessible? Where do I meet that bus on way back at TTK? &#? I go to TTK to MK, and is the big ferry boat accessible? Can those ECV handle the Monrail ramps? If I wanted are the Uber XL able to put in ECV in the back? I can help lift one. Can I use the Minnie Van or No? From what I understand no
ECV on Mickey's railroad, plus it shuts down as party gears up?

I am to afraid there won't be any ECV left at TTK, because I probably won't get there til 6pm or so! Then night is for not. Can the ES accept ECV at bell mgr? Is there a better part in the hotel to ask for? I asked for near an elevator. What else should I know?

For the parade and light show is there a good place in Liberty square to watch both shows at a table?

Are any of the shuttles to Cocca Beach ECV accessible?

I just like the others; this bites that I have to need one, but it is where I am at right now. I just feel it will save energy to have a great night in the park of riding rides, and watching shows and getting a tad bit of candy, and the pumpkin waffle item.

 

[serenitynow]

I wish they had some way to que the ECV's such that if it's already a full bus by the time I arrive (or close to full - whatever) - they put you on the next one. I've sometimes just waited off in the distance and got the next one if the regular line was long - but really there's not a good way to do it so I know what you mean! I've also been almost the first person in the que waiting and still heard people gripe about me getting on first (even when I was there before them!) so I kinda chalk it up to something I can't really control other than trying to get the bus when I think it may be less crowded but I can't always do that either!

When I had to take it into shops I tried to shop at non-busy times of day (usually morning - not at closing in the evening which is usually the worst). That helped some!

Glad you had a good trip!

Don’t forget that if they are already 2 wheelchairs in line in front of you, you will have to sit and wait for the next bus. Or if the bus comes already having an ECV on board you may have to wait for the next bus. Try not to let other people’s comments or perceived criticism upset you. Remind anyone who makes a comment about you getting on the bus first that you will also be the last one able to get off the bus.

You have as much right as anyone else to board the bus, only a wheelchair/ECV guest has fewer available places to “sit” on the bus.

If you’d really like to wait for the next bus, just shake your head no as the bus driver pulls up so that they don’t drop the ramp for the wheelchair.

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

is the big ferry boat accessible? Can those ECV handle the Monrail ramps?

I am to afraid there won't be any ECV left at TTK, because I probably won't get there til 6pm or so! Then night is for not. Can the ES accept ECV at bell mgr? Is there a better part in the hotel to ask for? I asked for near an elevator. What else should I know?

.

Both the ferry and the monorail are ECV accessible. The ferry boat is easier because you drive straight on and off. You have to back off the monorail, but that isn’t difficult with a little practice. The speed of the ECV is adjustable, so you can always turn it down to turtle when you are learning to navigate tight turns or backing up.

It is cheaper to rent an ECV from an outside vender. And then you don’t have to worry that one won’t be available when you get to the party. I recommend Buena Vista scooters.

As to the bus situation.... whatever. It is what it is. I really don’t care if someone wants to complain.

 

[mamabunny]

That's a LOT of questions in one post. Let's break all this down

I also will be on my 1st ECV trip, and solo to my 1st Mickey's Party. It will be a Friday night middle September.

Have fun! Mickey's Not So Scary is so much fun!

I am staying at ES in DS area. Are those buses ECV accessible? Where do I meet that bus on way back at TTK? &#?

If you are referring to Embassy Suites, you will need to call that hotel directly, and ask those questions. Make sure you are talking to the hotel front desk or Concierge.

I go to TTK to MK, and is the big ferry boat accessible? Can those ECV handle the Monrail ramps?

Yes to both

If I wanted are the Uber XL able to put in ECV in the back? I can help lift one.

That is up to the Uber XL driver. Some drivers don't want to put things like an ECV in the back of their personal vehicle, others have a weight limit that they won't/can't lift.

Can I use the Minnie Van or No? From what I understand no

You can use the Minnie Van internally on WDW property, however it will not be able to leave Disney property, so it will not travel to/from Embassy Suites

ECV on Mickey's railroad, plus it shuts down as party gears up?

Typically, ECVs are required to be left at the station where you board the Train, and you can make the "Grand Circle Tour" and pick up the ECV at the station you boarded at. Yes, in the past, the train stops running around the time that the party "officially" starts. Things can, and do change, however, so there is no guarantee that it *won't* run, either.

I am to afraid there won't be any ECV left at TTK, because I probably won't get there til 6pm or so! Then night is for not.

Actually, if you are considering renting a Disney Parks ECV, you will rent the ECV *after* the ferry boat ride, just before you enter the Magic Kingdom. And yes, 6pm on a party night, I would be concerned about them being out of rentals.

Can the ES accept ECV at bell mgr? Is there a better part in the hotel to ask for? I asked for near an elevator. What else should I know?

Again, you will need to call Embassy Suites directly and ask them if they can receive the ECV for you at their bell services. I have zero experience with this hotel, so I cannot speak to any particular area of that hotel or how the accommodations are in general.

For the parade and light show is there a good place in Liberty square to watch both shows at a table?

You won't be able to see much of the Castle show at all from Liberty Square. There are a few benches (or there were last year - LOL they could be gone by now) but if you have the ECV, you will sit on it to watch the Parade regardless. Ask any CM out in front of the Castle where the handicapped viewing is; most years it's a section of the hub they rope off.

Are any of the shuttles to Cocca Beach ECV accessible?

Call the shuttle operator you are considering using, and ask them directly.

I just like the others; this bites that I have to need one, but it is where I am at right now. I just feel it will save energy to have a great night in the park of riding rides, and watching shows and getting a tad bit of candy, and the pumpkin waffle item.

Many people who use an ECV at WDW never need one in their day to day lives at home. Recognizing the need to use a tool to maximize your experience at WDW is nothing to be upset about; what would be upsetting is if you needed an ECV and didn't use one, and then had a bad trip!

I know that you see me replying "Call the ... directly, and ask them" but some of your questions are truly best answered by working directly with the hotel or shuttle company; we just don't have enough (recent) experience within our community to answer those questions with any amount of certainty. What we *do* know about, we happily share here!


edited to add explanation

 

[Selket]

Don’t forget that if they are already 2 wheelchairs in line in front of you, you will have to sit and wait for the next bus. Or if the bus comes already having an ECV on board you may have to wait for the next bus. Try not to let other people’s comments or perceived criticism upset you. Remind anyone who makes a comment about you getting on the bus first that you will also be the last one able to get off the bus.

You have as much right as anyone else to board the bus, only a wheelchair/ECV guest has fewer available places to “sit” on the bus.

If you’d really like to wait for the next bus, just shake your head no as the bus driver pulls up so that they don’t drop the ramp for the wheelchair.

Oh yes I know it's usually just 2 chairs at most on a bus and if there were 2 in front of me I'd go ahead and get in line as I'd likely be on the next bus anyway. I just prefer (in my ideal situation) to be one of the first waiting at the bus stop lol! My uncomfortable scenario is when there already looks to be a bus or more full of people and no WC's waiting and then I arrive - then I often just hang far enough back (not in any que) and spend some quality time with my cell phone. I agree though - not encouraging anyone else to do this. Like if you had the "take a number" scenario and could show that you had a low enough number to have gotten on the bus without bumping off others who came before you - that would be my ideal. Not sure I want Disney to start that - maybe I can get a FP for the bus! haha!

 

[CatNipRules]

On our last trip we had an issue with the buses being full. We were going to Animal Kingdom. We were staying at Animal Kingdom lodge and we literally had to wait for 3 buses before the person that was in charge of the buses saw how frustrated I was and got a bus to our stop. I understand that if the buses are full they can load an ECV, but it was extremely frustrating. What was worse was how rude the bus drive was to me and my sons.

So, yeah, we use a ECV, but it isn't always the most convenient and quickest way to get on the buses.

 

[jemlover]

I am contemplating using an ECV for the first time due to knee issues. I have been to WDW many times and have always waited patiently while guests with ECV's were loaded first. I am not going to feel bad now that I will be the one with the ECV. It's unfortunate that some people are so rude and don't realize that some day they might need an ECV.

 

[UncleMike101]

I am contemplating using an ECV for the first time due to knee issues. I have been to WDW many times and have always waited patiently while guests with ECV's were loaded first. I am not going to feel bad now that I will be the one with the ECV. It's unfortunate that some people are so rude and don't realize that some day they might need an ECV.

Therein lies the root of some peoples dislike for ECV riders.
They fail to realize that it only takes one incident to change their mobility status forever.
Until last year I've never needed a cane, or an ECV, to get around at WDW, or anywhere else for that matter.
After my recovery from a damn near fatal bout of Sepsis I'm left with organ and nerve damage which has given me Atrial Fibrillation, and the lifetime of medication that it requires, and joint damage which causes my left knee to buckle without warning.
I spent several months relearning to walk and stand without assistance but I still fell in my garage a while ago and broke three knuckles on my left hand.
Now I carry my cane everywhere and will be using an ECV for the first time at WDW.
I'm sorry if my misfortune causes others distress but I'm not going to sit at home and vegetate just because I've become mobility challenged.

 

[mamabunny]

@jemlover and @UncleMike101 - welcome to the wild and sometimes wacky world of personal mobility use at WDW!

Let us know if you have any questions - and remember that the "Search..." box up there on the right acts just like Google for the DISBoards... A great first search is "first time ECV user"

If you look around long enough, you will see many stories - mine included - about how many of us arrived at that decision to use an ECV at WDW. Personally, I cried the first time I had to use one, thought it was the end of the world, and that I was ruining our family's vacation. Turned out, the world didn't end (I know, because I am still here, years later LOL) and our vacation actually *improved* because my family wasn't constantly searching for places for me to sit while I tried to walk from bench to bench, resting for "just a minute" every time. I had more energy, and could move faster; they didn't have to worry about me, and could move at any pace they wanted, and I could keep up. I dried my tears, and here we are.

I now have to use my personal mobility device on a daily basis. I don't have to like that - believe me, if I could leave it to rot in the garage, I would. But it's a *tool*, nothing more, that allows me to do all the things I need to do, and want to do, every day.

And that's what you need to remember when you are at WDW - the ECV is a *tool* to accomplish a task, nothing more. It has no bearing on who you are. It's no different than using prescription glasses to see better, hearing aids to improve hearing, or a calculator to do math.

And yes, you will load on buses first - but you also get off last. Ignore the people who stare; as folks say in my neck of the woods, they weren't raised right. And, also consider that because the damn bus has to "kneel", and it wheezes, and beeps and moans, and lurches over to the side... and then barfs out a ramp! that what people are *actually* watching is the spectacle of the bus, and not necessarily *you*. Folks who have never been to WDW before, and have never seen that are always mesmerized by it!

There are so many people on ECVs at WDW, that you on a scooter is a non-event. I promise! Just be sure to set the expectation with your travel party before you arrive - and remember to make accommodations if you will need them for the airport.

 

[DisneyOma]

Oh yes I know it's usually just 2 chairs at most on a bus and if there were 2 in front of me I'd go ahead and get in line as I'd likely be on the next bus anyway. I just prefer (in my ideal situation) to be one of the first waiting at the bus stop lol! My uncomfortable scenario is when there already looks to be a bus or more full of people and no WC's waiting and then I arrive - then I often just hang far enough back (not in any que) and spend some quality time with my cell phone. I agree though - not encouraging anyone else to do this. Like if you had the "take a number" scenario and could show that you had a low enough number to have gotten on the bus without bumping off others who came before you - that would be my ideal. Not sure I want Disney to start that - maybe I can get a FP for the bus! haha!

I don't know if they still do this but at MK, they had wheelchair and ECV users go in the standard queue at the bus stops, and then when they got to a certain gate, they were pulled out to load on the accessible ramp. I only witnessed this at park closing, when they had plenty of CMs at the stops to direct the flow. It seemed more fair - if there was a bus load of people ahead of you, they'd get on before you.

 

[gap2368]

I don't know if they still do this but at MK, they had wheelchair and ECV users go in the standard queue at the bus stops, and then when they got to a certain gate, they were pulled out to load on the accessible ramp. I only witnessed this at park closing, when they had plenty of CMs at the stops to direct the flow. It seemed more fair - if there was a bus load of people ahead of you, they'd get on before you.

I have seen this too when the lines for the bus get very long st the end of the night

 

[Simba's Mom]

I am contemplating using an ECV for the first time due to knee issues. I have been to WDW many times and have always waited patiently while guests with ECV's were loaded first. I am not going to feel bad now that I will be the one with the ECV. It's unfortunate that some people are so rude and don't realize that some day they might need an ECV.

Fortunately I haven't encountered many rude people, but believe me, I expected it at first! When I first needed an ECV, I drove around, just waiting for the dirty looks and rude comments. But surprisingly (and fortunately), for every rude comment or look, there were dozens of super-polite, helpful people.