Navigating ECV during Christmas

[Dawnlight]

I am wondering how difficult it is to maneuver and navigate around the parks during peak times with a scooter. We'll be there at Christmas with my mother, who is considering getting an ECV (though reluctantly) to help her get around. She's got knee, back, and hip issues that make it difficult to walk too much at any given time.

One of the things she's worried about it how difficult it will be due to large volumes of people. I'm concerned that if we don't reserve now with an outside vendor, she may be out of luck by the time she realizes that she needs one.

 

[Disworldluv]

I am wondering how difficult it is to maneuver and navigate around the parks during peak times with a scooter. We'll be there at Christmas with my mother, who is considering getting an ECV (though reluctantly) to help her get around. She's got knee, back, and hip issues that make it difficult to walk too much at any given time.

One of the things she's worried about it how difficult it will be due to large volumes of people. I'm concerned that if we don't reserve now with an outside vendor, she may be out of luck by the time she realizes that she needs one.

Be prepared to go slow and easy with the scooter. I have seen peak crowds and ECV's trying to maneuver and the crowds have difficulty moving for the chair due to the large crowd itself. It can be trying at times.

 

[ttintagel]

Yeah, it can be really slow going. It helps to have someone walking right next to the ECV so your party is in people's sightlines. When I was at MVMCP with a person using one, I walked next to her with my hand on the back of her seat, and at least it helped people notice us more. Keep the speed to a crawl and get good at inching forward a bit at a time.

Also, we've found that in certain situations it pays to just plan on being the last people out. Leaving a theater or show area, leaving the parks after fireworks or a parade, or even just moving away from a crowded parade area when it's over are all examples. Somebody's got to be the last one out, and it might as well be us.

ETA: Since it was Christmas, she decorated her ECV with lots of shiny tinsel garland and battery-operated Christmas lights. It made us more visible and helped us not disappear into the crowd.

 

[lanejudy]

If your mom is concerned about navigating the ECV through the crowds, would it be better to use a wheelchair? Crowds will remain the same, and not much different than with an ECV, but mom herself will not necessarily have to put all her focus on driving and can relax a bit more. Others can take turns pushing. It might make for a more enjoyable experience if she isn't stressed all day trying to navigate crowds.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[EpcotQueen]

Just came back fro F&W. Really packed. Took my time and weaved thru the massive weekend crowds. Do-able but frustrating.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Be prepared to go slow and easy with the scooter . . .

1) Yep.
2) REALLY CROWDED and very congested.
3) Just have her put it at the lowest speed setting and be very aware of her surroundings


. . . The option is to put it into high gear and ram right ahead.
. . . Like lots of others do.