Lots of ?? for a first time solo w/wc

[fostrmom2mny]

OK, I am going solo, other friends who said they'd go have changed plans. I'm kind of apprehensive about going solo. I love WDW that I figure can manage. I do walk, but I am limited to short distances and such. I've been to WDW four times w/o using a WDW electric scooter. Last trip I used the scooter and it made a HUGE difference in my ability to endure and I seen and did so many more things that on any other trip! I enjoyed that trip and not having to suffer from my back, hips or knees aching, which limits me greatly. Here are some of my questions.

I am planning on renting from Walker and have it delivered to the resort, because I'm going during peak time, and afraid the parks will be out of them. I found the ones at the park very easy to use. How do the ones from the rental places work. Are they also easy to use? How long do the charges to the batteries last? I'd hate to be somewhere and the battery go dead.

Where do I find the list that shows which rides I can go to regular ques, and those that I have to go to an alternate because of the wheelchair?

I'm also fairly worried about the bus trip with the ECV. I think I read that I wouldn't have to stay on the evc to board. I'd really rather not, but not sure what others will have to say when I can get off and get on bus w/o assistance.

Oh, last time I didn't need a GAC since it was obvious I was in a evc, but I'm confused if I'll need one this time or not.?

Have any of you who use a wheelchair or evc went solo? What was your experience? Would you do it again?

Thanks for the help!
Gerri

 

[Cheshire Figment]

How do the ones from the rental places work. Are they also easy to use? How long do the charges to the batteries last? I'd hate to be somewhere and the battery go dead.

The rentals are even easier to use than the ones from Disney. First of all they have only three wheels and not four, so they are much more maneuverable. The other major difference is that there is one lever; push with your right thumb and you go forward, push with your left and you go backwards. Incidentally, you can go up to 4½ MPH with one from Walker, but the Disney ones are limited to 2 MPH.

The batteries are good for about 25 miles on a full charge. It is unlikely that you will ever run out of power. I had times when I would run around the parks for a while and then leave the ECV in the trunk of my car overnight and had plenty of power the next day. Since you will be using Disney Transportation and taking it back to the room every night, each morning you will start out with a full charge.

Where do I find the list that shows which rides I can go to regular ques, and those that I have to go to an alternate because of the wheelchair?

Again, don't worry. Almost all queues are mainstreamed except at MK, which is oldest. If you cannot take the ECV into the queue you will be told what to do by a CM. However, when you go into each park (or at your resort) get the Guidemap. It will have accessibility/transfer information for every attraction. There is also the overall "Guidebook For Guests With Disabilities" which can be obtained from any Guest Services location.

I'm also fairly worried about the bus trip with the ECV. I think I read that I wouldn't have to stay on the evc to board. I'd really rather not, but not sure what others will have to say when I can get off and get on bus w/o assistance.

More of the buses now not only have ramps, but they are low ramps and almost no problem getting on or off. The driver is not allowed to handle the ECV. You will have to get the ECV on and off the bus. The important thing to remember is when boarding a ramped bus lean your body forward and when getting off sit back; this will prevent tipping. Don't worry, after one or two times it will be automatic.

Oh, last time I didn't need a GAC since it was obvious I was in a evc, but I'm confused if I'll need one this time or not.?

Have any of you who use a wheelchair or evc went solo? What was your experience? Would you do it again?

The only reason you would need a GAC is if you had additional problems not relared to stamina/mobility. And I go solo about 50% of the time as I live here and often am by myself.

 

[videogal1]

I go solo with my ECV all the time and, yes, have run out of "juice" several times. Just ask any CM if that happens and they'll find you an electrical outlet to charge up at for however long it takes you to get charged up...Just don't forget to plug it in over night and, if you're cautious and a type A, take a short power strip so you can adapt to the electrical outlet locations...they're never very accessible when you need them to be....

 

[LindaBabe]

I've been alone with an ecv and there are a couple other things.

During busy times, plan on it being more tiring even WITH an ecv because of the difficulty maneuvering through crowds, and the necessitiy for fast passes for virtually every attraction which means backtracking a lot.

Some bus drivers are more helpful than others. I would practice 'backing' with the mobility grocery cart at your local store. If you can 'back' well with your car, you can do it with the ecv - just no rear view mirrors. It also helps to engage someone else waiting to 'spot' you as you back up.

GET THE GAC! Some rides you have to leave the ecv out side and get in a regular wheelchair to go through the queue. Well, that's fine, if you have someone to push it. but if you don't, the gac saying that you cannot stand for long periods is invaluable in getting you more assistance.

Walker is GREAT and I much prefer their machines to the rent-at-the-park ones. One day I ran out of juice - for some reason the outlet had got turned off in the night - anyway, I called them and they brought me a fully charged ecv to the front of epcot and I made the switch very easily.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You most likely will have to stay on the ECV to get ON (and off) the bus, as it can't drive itself - although there's at least one driver who will steer it for you once you're aboard, since he can parallel park it easier than many users can.
Once you're aboard the bus, most drivers strongly prefer that you get off the ECV and sit in a seat, since it's safer to ride that way (ignore the people who claim you're taking up three spaces, and the ones who complain because they had to wait to board until you're settled - YOU have to wait until THEY all get off the bus before you can debark).

 

[taekwondo mom]

I never went solo but have used a ECV on several visits.
I rented mine from Randy's Great service, as for boarding the buses the driver's are Great ( I only had one that made me feel like it a bother), as for losing charge I've never had a problem and we even did the extra magic hours until 3 am ..

Have a Great trip..

 

[spotdog]

As a solo traveler, I just wanted to congratulate you on going to WDW on your own. Most people are afraid to do it even without the challenges you are prepared to deal with.