Multiple Transportation Questions

[toocherie]

It is now 60 days from my first trip to WDW and I am completely befuddled. Please bear with me as I know I've probably asked these questions many months ago, but am still wrestling with some decisions.

I am going with my Mom, who has multiple disabilities, and me, who has fibro and osteo and cannot walk for long periods. We will both be on ECVs.

Question 1: My Mom owns her own ECV, would it be best to take hers on the plane (so she could have it for transporting around the airport?) or rent one for each of us from one of the ECV rental companies in Orlando? I am tending toward taking hers--not so much for the cost aspect, but because I think she will be more comfortable with her own and because of concerns about getting her to the gate and back in the airport (what if we can't find a wheelchair?) The issue I have is that she has a "GoGo" and the "range" is only about 11 miles. Do not want her getting stuck somewhere! I would still rent from an offsite company--either Randy's, Walker's or Buena Vista. If her were to break down, would one of those companies service a scooter that wasn't theirs?

Question 2: Do we rent a car or depend on Magical Express and Disney transportation? My Mom and I would not be able to move her ECV into a vehicle, and since we are staying at SSR, which doesn't have valet parking, would not have help getting it in and out of a vehicle. So I think if we had a car and went offsite we would not be doing a lot of walking as she would need to use her walker. On the other hand, I am concerned that with two of us on ECVs we are going to run into a lot of issues where there is only one place available on a bus (and might have to split up temporarily?) We are planning to spend one "resort day" visiting some of the other DCV resorts--would that entail as much walking as a park?

I am 60 days out and need to make some decisions but just keep going back and forth on these questions. any words of advice would be welcome!

Cheryl

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi

One of my two ECVs is a Go-Go. It had belonged to my late wife.

The only times I have ever had trouble with it was when I was using it , since I am over the 250 pound weight limit. It is very unusual to go as many as 11 miles a day. She might want to get the batteries checked (or, if they are much more than a year old, replaced) before the trip.

I would carry the charging unit in the little holder they provide. When you go into a restaurant, or even a fast food area, there is normally no problem in leaving it at an electrical outlet, plugged in, and recharging. This will assist in not running out of power.

She should definitely bring it along and gate check it. Just be sure to take the basket and charger into the airplane with you. Just let the ME people know you need a bus with a lift.

I would also think that renting off-site for you would be a good idea, especially considering the size of SSR. Also as SSR is usually not crowded, there shoulkd not be any problem in getting both of you on a bus at one time. Even if there is a problem, one of you can get on the bus and wait at the destination bus stop; normally during the day buses tend to run every 20 minutes.

If you use a car getting two ECVs into one car can be very difficult. We had a Ford Taurus 4 door sedan and we had to but both seats and my batteries in the back seat to get the rest of both ECVs (one Go-Go, the other about the size of a rental) into the trunk.

And if the Go-Go has any problems, I know that Buena Vista has a repair shop wight at WDW, the other two are close and also handle Pride ECVs.

 

[toocherie]

Chester: thank you! She is little (compared to me)--only about 130 pounds so probably would be ok on the 11 miles. (Plus we will charge while eating, etc.--thanks for that tip.)

Ok--I think not having to worry about pushing her in a wheelchair to the gate is what has made a decision for me . . . . so we will gate-check her ECV.

I will just rent one for myself.

No rental car--will call MS at DVC tomorrow to make arrangements for ME.

Thanks again!

 

[mechurchlady]

Your options are a van rental or use Disney transportation. At times you have to be assertive and demand things be done as far as Disney transportation is concerned but overall it is good service. Some people are blessed with the perfect trip and others like myself suffer and have problems. Most of the time most people have no major problems.

Based on recent reports on the board here is some suggestions. You may need a ramp to board a monorail or boat and if they do not one put one down then politely ask for one. You may be told to do something unsafe like use a bus that has a ramp that is not working right or that has missing tie downs. The CM may be rude to you or worst violate Disney or even state and federal laws so you should speak to a lead or manager if you necessary.

In those time you have to fight for what is right. However remember that there are only so many spaces on the transportation so you may have to take separate busses or monorails. You will have to wait your turn but you should not have to try to get into a boat without a ramp for example.

FAQs are very important to read and there is an old list of places that have electrical outlets. Also you can ask a CM where to plug in the ECV while you are in a show or dining. It should not need recharging but why not plug it in while you are having a leisurely meal. I always turn off an ECV when I am in a show or talking to someone or anything where I will be parked for a while.

Good luck on your trip and do post pictures of you two ECV racing.