Might have to use a scooter this trip- any advice?

[Bearybear]

Somehow, I seem to have either injured my back or have degenerative arthritis in my lower back. I've never had to use a scooter before and am wondering about them. I can walk for a little while, but I can't stand without extreme discomfort. Do I have to "park" the scooter like you would a stroller before entering a ride queue? Because that would make it impossible for me to wait on lines (standing). Can I get on the rafts to Tom Sawyer Island with the scooter, or do I have to leave it behind? Also, how early do I have to reserve/rent the scooter before my vacation? We will be there in a little over a month, is it too late now to reserve one?

Also, do they fit in the rooms, or do you leave them outside? We'll be at POFQ, if that makes a difference.

I never paid much attention to the scooters in the past, except for one time when someone accidentally knocked into DS with one, so I have no idea how they work with rides and other attractions.

Thanks!

 

[JulFromMD]

We just got back in December with a gal who had to use a scooter for medical reasons. Each ride is different, so when in doubt, ask a CM. For some rides you will drive the scooter in the normal lines. In some cases, there will be marked a wheelchair entrance or you will be asked to use the fast pass lane. In some cases, you will be asked to park your scooter. If you are unable to walk through the fast pass line, there are transfer wheelchairs there that can be used to get you to the ride, although I am not sure if a CM would be able to push you or if you have to have someone with you to do it. (My friend's husband did the pushing.)

Scooters come in different sizes, but I believe there would be enough room for you to bring it in where you are staying. My advice...about a week before you are set to arrive, call the resort directly and ask what arrangements would be made. If nothing more, you might get a preferred room location--that is what happened to us.

We rented through Buena Vista Scooters and had great luck getting something about a month out, but scooter rentals can sell out. The earlier you call, probably the better.

Hope that helps!

 

[SueM in MN]

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
Post 2 of that thread has information about renting ECVs, including phone numbers and web links to the companies DIS posters recommend most.
Post 1 of that thread is an index that tells which post in that thread has what information.

 

[ttintagel]

We fit two scooters in a standard room in POFQ. I wouldn't recommend leaving it outside, because you'll want to leave it plugged in all night to recharge.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You can go through to Load at any attraction. Most queues are "mainstreamed" so you go through the regular queue. Some, especially in MK, you and your group will need to go through an alternate entrance.

You cannot take an ECV in the rafts to TSI.

If you rent on a day-to-day basis at the Parks there are no reservations and the possibility of selling out. Our normal recommendation is to rent from off-site so you have the ECV for the entire trip as the ECVs cost less and are more maneuverable than Disney's. As Sue said, see Post #2 in the sticky for more detailed information.

And the value Resort rooms may be crowded with an ECV and you may need to move a table for parking and charging, but anything larger than value should be no problem with an ECV.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Somehow, I seem to have either injured my back or have degenerative arthritis in my lower back. I've never had to use a scooter before and am wondering about them. I can walk for a little while, but I can't stand without extreme discomfort. Do I have to "park" the scooter like you would a stroller before entering a ride queue? Because that would make it impossible for me to wait on lines (standing). Can I get on the rafts to Tom Sawyer Island with the scooter, or do I have to leave it behind? Also, how early do I have to reserve/rent the scooter before my vacation? We will be there in a little over a month, is it too late now to reserve one?

Also, do they fit in the rooms, or do you leave them outside? We'll be at POFQ, if that makes a difference.

I never paid much attention to the scooters in the past, except for one time when someone accidentally knocked into DS with one, so I have no idea how they work with rides and other attractions.

Thanks!

Thanks so much for asking this question! I also have degenerative arthritis in my back and also my feet, so at some point very soon, I'll start using a scooter at WDW. And like you, I never paid a whole lot of attention before. For some reason, my biggest question is about opening doors. Many of my trips are solo, and I don't know how hard it will be to figure out how to get through doors (including my own room).

 

[rsleleux]

Hi! I just asked the same question yesterday, look at my thread "I'm so bummed, what to do?" And there is lots of useful info by many nice Dissers and a few not so nice but all in all it is very helpful info! Be sure to check out the disABILITIES board