My ECV expericence at WDW

[chirurgeon]

I went to WDW the first part of December, I had rented an ECV from Randy's. They were waiting for me when I arrived at AKL. I got a little lesson on the functions and off I went. I must say it really saved my energy since I was just off chemo. I did notice, the time I was there by myself I tended to run the battery out because I was at rabbit speed alot of the time. I couldn't help myself, I just zipped around. Especially at Epcot. My only complaint was people who didn't pay attention. I didn't hit anyone thankfully, but there was a time or two, where I actually put my feet down to stop the scooter so I didn't run into someone who just walked right in front of me. All of the bus drivers were so nice. I am a terrible reverse driver, but they were so patient and helpful getting me on the buses. I only had one grumpy CM on the monorail at the Grand Floridian, he had no patience with me getting off on the monorail, the accessible compartment was quite lined up right and it was a little difficult off in reverse. All of the guests were also very nice, holding doors for me and just not being judgemental. Randy's was waiting ahead of time and were able to pick up the scooter when I was ready to turn it in. All in all a wonderful experience helping to make my post chemo celebration a magnificent trip.

 

[OKWMom]

So glad you had a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Jacqui8374]

You have cmpany I am a terrible reverse driver - no mirrors doesnt help, have my own ECV which helps a bit.

I really know what you mean about people walking on front of the scooter, sometimes I just think it would be easier to mow them down! The problem is that people are so busy looking at the scerery they dont look where theya re going!

Jacqui

 

[SuziQZee]

My mom used an ECV in WDW last year over the 4th of July. It was soooo crowded and it seemed that noone watched where they were going!! My mom was so scared that she would run into someone so she drove really slowly. We had a great time anyway and it was such a blessing to have it and there would have been no way we could have pushed her through all of the parks!!!

Chiru....I'm so glad you got to experience WDW after chemo!! What a great way to recharge your spirit. We've never been to WDW during the holidays but I've heard it's amazing. Don't worry about "Grumpy CM", he's that way to everyone. Maybe next time you'll find "Bashful CM" or maybe "Sneezy CM". (You can't let others ruin your vacation...especially people you'll never see again!)

 

[freemore]

I have found that I enjoy going turtle speed much more than rabbit speed, not only do I have to worry less about someone walking in front of me, or stopping, that way I get to relax more and have more time to enjoy the scenery. The only time I would go rabbit speed is when there are no other people around.

 

[friendnc]

I'm glad your trip went so well. Thanks for telling us about it.

I'm so thankful for this subforum. As I know all of you can attest to, most people who don't have a disability many times don't understand what it takes to deal with the theme parks and enjoy them at the same time. It's so awesome to be able to read and converse with others who face and deal with these same things.

Yes, I experience the same thing each time I go to a theme park anywhere. People just act like we're invisable sometimes. I've found personally the staff of WDW to be the most helpful and accomidating to the disabled of any theme park I've been to.

 

[disneyfreak87]

My dad used an ECV for the first time when we went to WDW last March. We both suffer from a genetic skin disease called epidermolysis bullosa that causes severe lesions and blisters deep into the nerves of your skin. It has gotten worse as he has gotten older (something to look forward to) and the heat and friction caused by all the walking was just too much this last trip. He only had to have it at EPCOT due to the huge amount of walking. What I really wanted to comment about though, was the incredible rudeness I watched him deal with from the guests around us. No one cared at all that he was trying to drive through, they just walked in front of and into him constantly. When we left Alfredo's after dinner, he wanted to go through the store located nearby, a woman actually said that she "couldn't believe he had the audacity to take that thing in there, how inconvenient for everyone else." I just don't understand how people can be that way, the CMs were great but does anyone think people that aren't trained to be helpful will ever get a grip that people don't purposely have a disability? It worries me knowing that I will have to deal with this eventually.

 

[freemore]

My dad used an ECV for the first time when we went to WDW last March. We both suffer from a genetic skin disease called epidermolysis bullosa that causes severe lesions and blisters deep into the nerves of your skin. It has gotten worse as he has gotten older (something to look forward to) and the heat and friction caused by all the walking was just too much this last trip. He only had to have it at EPCOT due to the huge amount of walking. What I really wanted to comment about though, was the incredible rudeness I watched him deal with from the guests around us. No one cared at all that he was trying to drive through, they just walked in front of and into him constantly. When we left Alfredo's after dinner, he wanted to go through the store located nearby, a woman actually said that she "couldn't believe he had the audacity to take that thing in there, how inconvenient for everyone else." I just don't understand how people can be that way, the CMs were great but does anyone think people that aren't trained to be helpful will ever get a grip that people don't purposely have a disability? It worries me knowing that I will have to deal with this eventually.

There are stupid and self centered people everywhere, it is hard not to let them get you down! I get frustrated sometimes too but then I try to keep in mind that some people are just rude to everyone not just me.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

But for every rude obnoxious person in the world, there are at least 10 genuinely nice helpful people (though I have days when I think the nice ones are all on holiday in my area ).

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

We are planning a trip in February 2008 and we want to bring my mom who has mobility issues. We are planning on renting an ECV for her use, so that she can feel more independent than being in a wheelchair. Does anyone have any thoughts about the ECV vs a wheelchair.

She wouldn't have any problem getting off the ECV to board a ride, but I am concerned about how long she will be able to stand in line. Do you know if there are there any rides where she wouldn't be able to drive the ECV right up to the boarding point?

Thanks,
Linda

 

[SueM in MN]

We are planning a trip in February 2008 and we want to bring my mom who has mobility issues. We are planning on renting an ECV for her use, so that she can feel more independent than being in a wheelchair. Does anyone have any thoughts about the ECV vs a wheelchair.

here's a link to a thread where we were discussing ECVs vs wheelchairs.
An ECV will give her more independence and allow someone to not have to push her. Most people will do fine with the ECV with a little practice, but there are people who feel too nervous to use one comfortably.

She wouldn't have any problem getting off the ECV to board a ride, but I am concerned about how long she will be able to stand in line. Do you know if there are there any rides where she wouldn't be able to drive the ECV right up to the boarding point?

The attractions where she could not drive the ECV right up to the boarding point are supposed to have a wheelchair at the line entrance so you can switch and take the wheelchair in line.
If you check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board, there is a link to the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities (click here for a link directly to the Mobility page of the Guidebook. The attractions where a wheelchair or ECV can be used throughout the attraction are listed there.
There is also a link in the disABILITIES FAQs thread (on post 3) about boarding rides, specifically those with moving walkways.

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

SueM

Thanks so much for the links and information. It is very much appreciated. I want her to feel as independent so that she will be comfortable. Talking her into this first time trip will be hard enough (she has never been sprinkled with pixie dust) without making her feel like she will be dependent or a burden. I can't wait for her to see Disney through the eyes of her grandchildren and children.