My ECV disney experience

[Bete]

You have baby boomers coming up that will use scooters to travel if necessary. They are not afraid to travel and they will use all kinds of help aids to do it. They are a big population compared to the rest of the demographics. You have an entitled younger generation, the ME generation that will not tolerate scooters getting in their way. Now, I know rudeness knows no bounds to generations, but this particular population will make it very hard to use scooters.

I actually see lawsuits coming because of all of this that is reported, here about scooter collisions. The day will come. It's not like a car accident in the sense that I doubt any witnesses will help with scooter incidents. I see the day that a CM will have to fill out an accident report or if it's serious get a cop.

My husband uses a scooter and we couldn't take trips without it. I have tried being next to him and in front of him. It really doesn't matter, people cut no matter what if they are determined to do so. If you have a big enough group to cover all sides of the scooter I think this will help to block others from coming too close. I watch very carefully for those around me who want to dart. I will move my hands outward to avoid issues for my husband. I have yelled, as well to a passerby that looks like they want to dart.

I will say the best way to avoid run ins with scooters is to go back and forth at non-peak times at the parks. Avoid crowds. With AK, some of my best times for viewing the tigers was after the parade has ended there or when the park was going to close. I wouldn't rush out with the masses.

 

[Piper]

I wonder if any of you guys could help shed some light on a question I have. We are headed to Disney next year and my mum is travelling with us and will be needing to hire an ECV, as impossible for her to stand for long periods of time and would be unable to share a great deal of the vacation with us without one.
What is the protocol for the ride queues and the rest of the family?
I would hate to think that we would be treding on someone's toes (pardon the pun) by jumping line. Briefly, where does the rest of the family go? or are we all able to stay together in one party?

Thank you in advance

Please don't worry. You won't be jumping line because, in most cases, the ECV will be in the same line as everyone else. There are a few rides where you may be diverted to another line, but you may actually have to wait longer than those in the "regular" line. People who have not experienced it think that those in ECVs and WCs get "perks." Not the case. That is one reason why people with challenges love WDW.....it does a lot to make them feel like they are like every one else while helping them meet those challenges!

 

[cmesq61]

I wish all the able bodied people could realize that a person in an ECV often waits longer to ride and often waits longer for a bus.

 

[mrmischief]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your chair or ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

Many thanks for your reply, this will be a big help...although we have been before we are by no means regular visitors and this will be treading totally new waters for us.

 

[mrmischief]

Please don't worry. You won't be jumping line because, in most cases, the ECV will be in the same line as everyone else. There are a few rides where you may be diverted to another line, but you may actually have to wait longer than those in the "regular" line. People who have not experienced it think that those in ECVs and WCs get "perks." Not the case. That is one reason why people with challenges love WDW.....it does a lot to make them feel like they are like every one else while helping them meet those challenges!

Thank you, this does put my mind at ease.

 

[Mama Who]

I wish all the able bodied people could realize that a person in an ECV often waits longer to ride and often waits longer for a bus.

It's funny, I just spent like 15 minutes explaining that to a friend earlier this week. He was under the impression that the disabled folks he saw "entering through a special gate" never had to wait. I broke down how sometimes the line is shorter and sometimes it's longer. I explained why it is fair for scooters to be loaded first and why the occasional FOTL moment is offset by things like having to wait for the only HA vehicle to cycle around.

So... one more irritated through ignorance is more understanding now. It's a start...

 

[watkinsme]

Going back to the PP who was following her DH with her scooter, and collided with people going perpendicular to her, who went between her and her DH. Just imagine traveling on a busy highway in your car. If you leave a safe distance to the car in front of you, everyone and his brother will get into that space to try to get an advantage. You will lose every time. Now think about hanging close to the car in front of you so other cars can't enter the gap. Possible collision with the car in front because you can't see or react to a sudden stop ahead.

My point is, instead of just following a family member with your scooter, for the reason explained above, have the family member to your side, but in front of the scooter's "handlebars." Almost as if the family member could touch the front corner of your scooter basket with his/her hand. This position would benefit you as you wished it would, it would give you more vision of what's ahead, but will not create a gap. Plus you two could converse, which is something not possible if you are following strictly behind. And you will get very lonely if not able to converse with your family on your trip. Just my opinion.

Best advice, when WDW is crowded to the max, like closing time, hang back 15 min-30 min. Then go when the crowds have thinned.

The person who cut me off was originally was walking beside me -- then decided to just cross in front of me.

It was the only time we left at park closing. Even when we left MNSSHP after midnight we hung back and waited for crowds to thin...

AFA loading first - we went during a low travel time - there were a few times I was loaded in front of others that had been waiting for a while, but the bus was not full even after loading me, my family, and the rest that were waiting.

We are heading back in Feb, I am probably going to have to use one again because while my knee is getting worse, it apparently isn't bad enough yet to have surgery - kinda in knee limbo for now...

 

[SueM in MN]

There are several other posts on the dosABILITIES FAQs thread that will also be helpful to you- so just look around a bit. one of the posts does list the Mobility entrances. In most cases, they are the same entrances as everyone else use.

 

[Leota]

Thank you for posting this! I was coming over specifically to read about 1st time ECV using. We've done WDW for years with health issues that we could work around on our own pretty well.

This is the first trip where I'll need an ECV tho & I'm a little nervous about running some poor Oblivion over. I was thinking about packing a squirt gun so when someone darted in front of me, I could give them a warning shot "Hey - Dude - watch it!"

I can get in & out of the ECV easily - I just can't handle it for very long. Do I stay in my scooter for lines or do I leave it somewhere & wait on foot?

I like the idea of the Family Force Field around the ECV. I think we'll employ that method.

 

[Bete]

Thank you for posting this! I was coming over specifically to read about 1st time ECV using. We've done WDW for years with health issues that we could work around on our own pretty well.

This is the first trip where I'll need an ECV tho & I'm a little nervous about running some poor Oblivion over. I was thinking about packing a squirt gun so when someone darted in front of me, I could give them a warning shot "Hey - Dude - watch it!"

I can get in & out of the ECV easily - I just can't handle it for very long. Do I stay in my scooter for lines or do I leave it somewhere & wait on foot?

I like the idea of the Family Force Field around the ECV. I think we'll employ that method.

is totally up to you. You can park the scooter outside of the ride line and manuever the ride queue by foot. Also, you can take the scooter through most of the ride queues. There will be some ride queues that you scooter through the handicap entrance. Some ride queues do have some tight twists and turns; so, be careful. Some rides are a breeze to use a scooter through the line waiting.

Keep in mind that on shows you are limited where you can go with the scooter. In a lot of instances you sit in the back area. So, you may want to walk for a show if you want a different seat.

In addition to using a force field around the scooter we have our own bike horn that we attach to a scooter. It's much louder than the ones on the scooters. Also, we bring bike head lights and reflectors for night driving if we get the small scooter to use. Those scooters like Pride's travel scooter are not equipped with lights; unless, the rental place did it which I have never seen.

To me a good defense will help against people trying to dart on you. They have less excuses about not seeing you and so forth with some extra tools.

Another good stradegy is to avoid moving during the crowded times. Let everyone leave the parade or fireworks area, for example. Leaving right after a parade or fireworks and getting out of the park is the absolute worse time to do it. Same is true of opening time at the parks; although, this is not quite as bad especially if you do the morning extra hour park if your an on site guest. Going back and forth in non peak times is a very good stradegy.

We try very hard not to have any incidence with using a scooter. If I see someone determined to pass; I let them go. Sometimes this happens over and over again; I'm just not in a rush about it. We have a wheelchair besides a scooter; so, we can really have some situations.

I will say by using all the above we seldom have an incident and if we do it's a child who just doesn't know any better and darts out to fast. Fortunately, we have been able to stop on the dime.

 

[klmall]

Reading all these responses is very helpful! We just booked our first trip where we will be renting an ECV for use the whole time. DH has severe scoliosis and cannot stand or walk for any length of time. We had just about given up travel in general!

During our last trip I finally convinced him to try renting at Epcot and he agreed that they made his trip so much better! This time we will have a rental car and I hope to avoid buses entirely since we are staying at the Poly.

Now off to read more!

 

[VioletYoshi]

I recently went to Disney World. My sister uses an ECV, and she has such amazing patience when it comes to people who think someone in an ECV is lesser than an able bodied park goer. By this I mean, situations like people jumping out in front of ECVs, like they're toys. I have no idea why people do this, it's like placing a neon sign over your own head saying, "I'm an inconsiderate jerk!" (wish we had a facepalm smiley, as that would convey my feelings better)

I don't really understand theconcept of mainstreaming lines, outside of giving those who are able bodied the sense of fairness. I would be fine with this, but this is the thing that really frustrates me, I cannot turn an ECV around the sharp turns in the line. I don't understand how creating a situation where someone has to back up, and try to turn again and again, keeps a line moving smoothly. Particularly when there are other options, like at the Living Seas going through the exit and using the handicap entrance. Or can you only do that if you have a special guest card?

If anyone has advice on turns, or knows of ECVs that make turning easier I'd appreciate it. I'mnot going back to Disney World till next year, but I figured I'd investigate this while it's on my mind.

Also, have you been on the new version of Haunted Mansion at Disneyworld? The hitchiking ghosts interact with you. It even suspended my sense of reality, and I'm something of a techno nerd, so it's really impressive when I go "Wow what just happened?" as I usually can figure out how the computers worked behind the effect. Or maybe I was just so startled at it looking like my head was being streched while not feeling it. That really can confuse your brain.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If anyone has advice on turns, or knows of ECVs that make turning easier I'd appreciate it. I'm not going back to Disney World till next year, but I figured I'd investigate this while it's on my mind.

If you use a three-wheel ECV it is much easier to maneuver than a four-wheel. And the ones Disney rents out are terrible.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information, including Post #2 which gives information about ECVs and some suggested rental locations.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[bouncycat]

I just recently got a power chair, and that thing stops pretty well, and controls the speed really well. We are at the parks every weekend, and I have had minimal problems hitting people. The ones who walk in front of me just kill me. How hard is it to look where you're going? It even happens on the rare occasion that I walk, I feel like I'm gonna get knocked over because I don't walk very fast. Few times the only thing that saved me from going to the ground was a family member, or another guest walking near me!! Slow down people, you're on vacation, smell the flowers, see the colors in the birds, watch the baby ducks swim!! Yeesh! the one that stands out in my mind was also at AK, waiting for people to go thru a line in front of the tree, and I got my room to go, and a guy coming at me pushes his way thru between me and the line of people, well, he got his foot run over. But, didn't say a word, just kept right on chuggin!! I have never had anyone yell at me, that's a huge relief!! I do try to be a courteous driver, and try to anticipate when people are gonna swerve and such, but that's hard!! I think a power chair handles the lines and corners much better, since it can turn on a dime. I don't know how people do it with the Disney scooters, they're monsters!!

 

[SueM in MN]

I recently went to Disney World. My sister uses an ECV, and she has such amazing patience when it comes to people who think someone in an ECV is lesser than an able bodied park goer. By this I mean, situations like people jumping out in front of ECVs, like they're toys. I have no idea why people do this, it's like placing a neon sign over your own head saying, "I'm an inconsiderate jerk!" (wish we had a facepalm smiley, as that would convey my feelings better)

I don't really understand theconcept of mainstreaming lines, outside of giving those who are able bodied the sense of fairness. I would be fine with this, but this is the thing that really frustrates me, I cannot turn an ECV around the sharp turns in the line. I don't understand how creating a situation where someone has to back up, and try to turn again and again, keeps a line moving smoothly. Particularly when there are other options, like at the Living Seas going through the exit and using the handicap entrance. Or can you only do that if you have a special guest card?

If anyone has advice on turns, or knows of ECVs that make turning easier I'd appreciate it. I'mnot going back to Disney World till next year, but I figured I'd investigate this while it's on my mind.

Also, have you been on the new version of Haunted Mansion at Disneyworld? The hitchiking ghosts interact with you. It even suspended my sense of reality, and I'm something of a techno nerd, so it's really impressive when I go "Wow what just happened?" as I usually can figure out how the computers worked behind the effect. Or maybe I was just so startled at it looking like my head was being streched while not feeling it. That really can confuse your brain.

I agree with Cheshire Figment that a 3 wheeled ECV is much easier because it can turn much sharper. The park rental ones are huge 4 wheeled ones.

Power wheelchairs do turn sharper, but do require more practice to drive than an ECV. Everything is controlled by a single joystick, which means a small push of the joystick can mean a large movement of the power wheelchair in a direction the driver is not intending.
Because they are harder to drive, most of the rental companies do not rent power wheelchairs to people unless they have experience driving one.

For the Seas, anyone can enter the building from the exit to see the exhibits and go to Turtle Talk with Crush. There is not a CM standing there to keep people from walking in and out there (and lots of people do).
For the Nemo ride, it is considered to be a Mainstream Line that is entered thru the regular entrance.
I do understand the difficulties in all the turns involved in entering there. Many people with ECVs can do it without trouble, but the larger ECVs have a more difficult time with making the turns.

If you are in the building already (having come in the exit) and want to ride the Nemo ride, you could ask the CMs at the exit whether they will let you get on there. (A door leads from the sort of back side side of the unload area to the boarding area. It is used by CMs to get ECVs from the boarding area to the unload area). They may let you use that if you ask nicely and explain the difficulty you had with the turns getting into the building - the people I have heard/seen myself having problems were demanding to board at the exit, insisting it was the handicapped entrance. The CM told them that there was not a handicapped entrance for that attraction.
The Epcot park map for guests with disabilities lists the ‘Mobility Entrance ‘ for the Nemo attraction as “enter thru the regular Line”, so insisting there is a handicapped entrance and demanding to use it does not work well with the CMs.

Mainstream Lines are actually required, if possible, by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). So, WDW added them if they could as attractions were added or renovated. In most cases, they work pretty well. The Seas is one that doesn’t work particularly well, but it was actually a Mainstream Entrance from the time that the pavilion first opened. There never was a handicapped entrance.

 

[bouncycat]

Sue, I didn't know that about the power chairs and renting them. I practiced on mine before taking it to Disney for the first time. I do agree, the joystick is really touchy, but in my case, I can't hold my arms out in front of me for very long, so steering a ECV is painful, and almost impossible. I found a travel chair, that folds down and claims to fit in any trunk or car, and the heaviest piece is the battery. Easy, and it zips! here's the link, I got it in red. http://www.spinlife.com/Invacare-At...ent={creative}&utm_campaign=Power_Wheelchairs

I don't need it all the time, but for any walking or standing for long, it comes in handy. Malls, theme parks, etc. I have driven it thru the Nemo mainstream line, and it was pretty easy, I just wish it wasn't so dark in there!! LOL The feature I DO like about it, is it can be easily converted into a manual chair, by pulling the levers on the bottom that drive the wheels. That comes in handy in lines where they make you transfer to a manual chair to board the ride, like TOT, POTC and TM And Space. So they let me take it everywhere, and they can move it due to it converting to manual. Otherwise they have me leave it outside of the line.

 

[pampam]

I agree with Cheshire Figment that a 3 wheeled ECV is much easier because it can turn much sharper. The park rental ones are huge 4 wheeled ones.

Power wheelchairs do turn sharper, but do require more practice to drive than an ECV. Everything is controlled by a single joystick, which means a small push of the joystick can mean a large movement of the power wheelchair in a direction the driver is not intending.
Because they are harder to drive, most of the rental companies do not rent power wheelchairs to people unless they have experience driving one.

For the Seas, anyone can enter the building from the exit to see the exhibits and go to Turtle Talk with Crush. There is not a CM standing there to keep people from walking in and out there (and lots of people do).
For the Nemo ride, it is considered to be a Mainstream Line that is entered thru the regular entrance.
I do understand the difficulties in all the turns involved in entering there. Many people with ECVs can do it without trouble, but the larger ECVs have a more difficult time with making the turns.

If you are in the building already (having come in the exit) and want to ride the Nemo ride, you could ask the CMs at the exit whether they will let you get on there. (A door leads from the sort of back side side of the unload area to the boarding area. It is used by CMs to get ECVs from the boarding area to the unload area). They may let you use that if you ask nicely and explain the difficulty you had with the turns getting into the building - the people I have heard/seen myself having problems were demanding to board at the exit, insisting it was the handicapped entrance. The CM told them that there was not a handicapped entrance for that attraction.
The Epcot park map for guests with disabilities lists the ‘Mobility Entrance ‘ for the Nemo attraction as “enter thru the regular Line”, so insisting there is a handicapped entrance and demanding to use it does not work well with the CMs.

Mainstream Lines are actually required, if possible, by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). So, WDW added them if they could as attractions were added or renovated. In most cases, they work pretty well. The Seas is one that doesn’t work particularly well, but it was actually a Mainstream Entrance from the time that the pavilion first opened. There never was a handicapped entrance.

When going on the Nemo ride, we enter the building through the exit, walk past the gift shop and Talking with Crush to the other WC entrance for Nemo. We always need to wait for the WC accessable pod, so we wait at the side. When the pod becomes available, they stop the loading and board us. Then the regular line starts up again. I don't know if this will help you or not.

 

[Ashley]

I'm sorry you had such a bad time at AK. I agree with the others about waiting at closing time. We usually head for the nearest bathroom and give the crowds time to thin.

One of the funniest things I remember from a trip 8 years ago was when we were at the Studios, I was sitting in my ECV in the street near one of the shops waiting for my family. Wasn't moving & had pulled out a paperback and was reading it. Two guys probably about my age (I was 28) walked into the side of my scooter and then were cussing at my about running them over as they stormed off. I didn't even have the key in the ignition!

 

[roshb]

Sounds like on the whole most people have had a decent experience with an ECV. I'm going to be visiting the US and WDW for the first time next week. Really looking forward to it but at the same time I am quite apprehensive about getting around. I have been researching into renting an ECV (I have problems standing/walking for more than an hour) but I am just worried about knocking someone by accident. I have not driven one before and I've read that there is no brake lever! To top it off - as if I wasn't already nervous - I was at the Mall today and someone on an ECV nearly drove in to the back of me. I was walking down a slope so I assume the scooter had sped up because of that. Luckily she steered enough to just brush me. I was completely unaware she was behind me and I had't cut in front her so I can see that in some situations it it's not always the surrounding persons fault.

Anyway, I'll be travelling with a few friends so I guess that I could get them to act as a force field when needed. I also wanted to ask whether there is anyone that has preferred using a wheelchair instead of ECV? Would it be too much for someone to push me around for the day? I weigh about 145 pounds and I guess my friends would be able to take it in turns. Would it be possible to wheel myself around for sometime too? I realised some of these questions might have been asked before but would be great to get some other opinions.

Also, with an ECV..is there plenty of shelter or places to park in the event of rain? I've had a look at the weather for next week and it says rain from 11-5pm? Will the showers last that long?

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[POOHsie]

True, there's no brake lever on an ECV, but there's automatic brakes. That's to say, if you aren't engaging the throttle, the brakes are automatically activated. It takes a second for an ECV to stop, any faster and your ECV could tip forward and you with it. You are observant in that you noticed the person on the ECV in the mall came upon you with no warning. ECVs don't make any noise. If you ride one, be sensitive to this, and act as an extra pair of eyes to walking folks who aren't expecting you. My ECV can accelerate from either the left or right lever, so I power it with one hand, and use the other arm straight out to gently and politely touch someone who I feel is getting too close. It works and doesn't seem to cause harsh feelings.

It's hard to describe how big WDW property is. Maybe if I said it's the size of San Francisco. Or, that it's twice the size of Manhattan. If you think of it that way, I doubt you and your group would want to push a wheelchair big distances, all day in the Florida heat and humidity. And believe it, there's lots of gentle inclines that you don't notice, but a wheelchair pusher will.

As far as rain, I buy the cheap ponchos from Walmart to cover the ECV. I use two -- one from back to front, one from front to back. For the controller, I use a plastic shopping bag or two. Keep a few extra ponchos and bags handy in case of rips. Wind could catch the ponchos, so think about buying a pack of bungee cords in different sizes. I also got a drink holder meant for a car, but I hung it on the ECV basket, with assist from a bungee cord.