Lots of questions!

[Solliemvd]

Hi everyone! Greetings from Uruguay!
This is my first post, though I must admit I´ve been lurking for about two weeks now, ever since my mum and I decided to go to Disney in January 2012!
We´re going to repeat a wonderful trip we made in 1997, to Disney and afterwards New York, just the two of us.
My mum has rheumatoid arthritis on both knees and one arm, she´s a LOT better, and even though she can walk short distances (around the hotel for example) she cannot spend the entire day walking because her knees start hurting real bad and it can lead to further damage to her bones, so we´re going to rent a scooter. I´ve been doing some research about scooters because I want to make this trip unforgettable, and in order to do so my mum has to be comfortable.....so, on to the questions:
(We´ll be staying at the Yacht Club, CL)

- do any of you know if it is possible to rent the scooter beforehand? I mean since I am not in the States, I would like to rent one from here through the web and make all the arrangements to have it delivered to our hotel the following day after our arrival.
- Do we need to request a room for a disabled person? My mum doesn´t need a special shower or anyhting, like I said before she can walk short distances just fine, mobility wise she´s good too, she can shower by herself and all that, it´s just that I read that it is better to keep and charge the scooters in your own room, so I´m wondering if they fit alright in the rooms.
- An important question: how long does a scooter´s battery last? I´m thinking of renting a three wheeler, one of the simplest ones.
- Is it possible to "park" the scooters at the entrance of any given ride/attraction? Because she won´t need to get inside the ride with the scooter, so I was wondering, can we leave it at the entrance or do we need to bring it inside with us? (This goes for the restaurants as well)
-I´ve been reading about taking the Disney buses with a scooter, I don´t think we´ll have a problem there. We loved the buses when we were there in ´97!
- Do we need to bring some sort of medical certificate stating my mum´s condition? We were already planning on doing so, so.......

I can´t remember anything else right now.....I´d greatly appreciate it if you guys could help me with this!
I´m so happy I found this place, there´s great info in here! And we all share our love for Disney, man the place is MAGICAL!!!

Love,
Soledad

 

[Kristineamb]

 

[pbrim]

Check the stikies at the top of the board for a lot of good information.

1. Check the stickies at the top of the board. You can reserve an ECV ahead of time with a credit card, either by phone or one line. Your credit card will not be charged until the day before the ECV is delivered. It will be at the resort when you get there, at bell services, and you leave it with bell services for pickup at the end of your stay

2. There are a couple of levels of handicap rooms. The standard room typically has a single grab bar at the tub. The basic handicap room has more grab bars in the bathroom, around the tub and the toilet. I understand you can also request a hand held shower head and a bath chair with this type of room. The more advanced handicap room has a roll in shower. Call the Special Reservations Line: (407) 939-7807 and tell them what her needs are and they will help you find the type of room you need.

3. The ECV battery should last long enough for a day in the park. The closer you are to the weight limit of your ECV, the faster the charge runs out. Turn it off any time you're just sitting (in a show, when parking, when eating, etc) and it will last longer. Be sure to plug it in each night to re-charge.

4. You can always park your ECV in stroller parking to walk into stores or in line. Be aware that sometimes the lines can be very long: Soarin is 1/4 mile in and another 1/4 mile out. If your mother can walk some, she can ride the ECV thru the line, then leave it ther and get into a regular seat. Most of the continous load rides can stop or slow down the ride, or provide a separate loading area to give you more time. If you don't exit the ride at the same place you enter, your ECV will be moved to the exit. (Don't leave the keys -- they can put it in neutral and push it.) If you leave your ECV in stroller parking for an extended time, like a meal, it may get moved, as they consolidate the parking area as people leave.

5. The buses are designed to work with ECVs and wheelchairs. Some have lifts, but most are the newer type that lower and extend a ramp. If your mother is concerned driving it on and parking, you may be able to park it on the bus better, or you can put it in free-wheel mode and push it. (Usually a lever on the back, ask you ECV provider.)

6. By law, they can not require any medical documentation, or ask any medical questions. You tell them what you need (I can't walk up stairs, I can't stand for too long, I am unsteady on my feet, etc) and they will tell you what they can do for you.

 

[Solliemvd]

Thank you so much for your answers pbrim!