MVMCP and ECV Rental

[mickeysaver]

We are going to be going to MVMCP on the day that we arrive (12/11/05). We are staying at CSR. Gabby's mom, Pati, and the rest of the family, more or less, live in FL and will be driving to meet us for MVMCP. Pati will require an ECV. She just doesn't have the stamina to walk from the bus stop to the train station without taking a 10 minute sit down break, so needless to say, we have to have an ECV or the night is a bust. Now, I have a couple of options and I need input to help me decide what is the best plan.

Option one is for us just to go to MK around 4pm for entry to the park for MVMCP and pray that there is an ECV there that is charged up and ready to handle the extra hours in the park. Magically having option one happen is my preference because it's cheaper and less hassle. I have no idea how realistic it is to expect/hope/pray that we will be blessed with the best possible scenerio here.

The second option is for us to pre-arrange delivery of an ECV to our resort through a home healthcare company so that there is definately one charged up and ready to go. With option two, we would most likely be paying for the two day minimum rental on the chair and the hassle factor with coordinating the time that we arrive and the time that it arrives and the day that it needs to be returned with our planned activities.

Has anyone had to deal with this sort of thing before? What did you do? How did it turn out? I have as yet to find a home healthcare agency that rents ECV's that has less than a two day minimum, am I missing something? TIA Maggie

 

[mickeysaver]

bumping....anyone?

 

[JudithM]

I realize from your perspective that option one is less expensive & less hassle, but I would definitley go with option two, renting an off site ECV. I have walked into parks at WDW when there were no ECVs available. I would not take the chance of nothing available.

I rent from Walker Mobility, & they always deliver to the resort. I do not have to be there for the delivery (or the pickup for that matter). If your friend has difficulty wlaking short distances, then having an ECV all the time might be better than waiting (& hoping) until you get to the park.

 

[mickeysaver]

Thanks for the information! I guess we will just bite the bullet and pay the extra money so that she can have more freedom and energy with us that night. Maggie

 

[scootch]

Can you get on a bus with them?? if not, how do you get to MGM/Animal Kingdom??? thanks

 

[SueM in MN]

Can you get on a bus with them?? if not, how do you get to MGM/Animal Kingdom??? thanks

Yes. If you check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find an explanation about how ECVs go on the bus.

 

[JudithM]

Can you get on a bus with them?? if not, how do you get to MGM/Animal Kingdom??? thanks

Are you asking about getting an ECV on the bus? If so, then not to worry! Most Disney bus drivers that I have encountered have been very helpful. They will let you know how to get on the bus - there are three different styles of busses.

 

[princssdisnygina]

Ok, we have done both! My mom has a bum knee so when we were there last year we just had one delivered to the room and we loaded it in the rental car. We did not use the buses with the ECV because it was a hassle. It caused a slow down of the buses and when it was time to leave the park when it closed getting on a bus was even worse because they try to pile as many people on as possible. But, we have been to the parks where there wasnt one immediately available. BUT...it was not long before one showed up! Especially around 4pm that day because most people will know the park will be closing at 6 and they will start filing in. Worst cast scenario you would have to use a manual wheelchair temporarily or wait until an ECV showed up. The longest we waited was 10 minutes. Disney seems to have all that under control. If I were you I would not spend the extra money for the extra day. I think you can make that work! To us...it was more of a hassle to rent one off property for one day! Now...for the week, it was cheaper but not for one day. Just my thoughts!

Gina

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would suggest renting from either Randy's or Walker.

As far as I remember, these companies charge for a 24 hour day vs. a calendar day. Randy's will only deliver TO you; Walker will deliver to Bell Services at your hotel. I'm not sure either company will deliver to you at a park, though.
Call both companies to confirm their current policies.

 

[monami7]

I can confirm Randy's only will drop off if you are there. Reserved mine yesterday!
Heidi