New ECV user

[tiggerlvr]

Hi everyone, I am going to the world in Nov. and have not had to use an ECV before, however I will be using one from now on.....the question I have is which off site company have people used and/or recommendations for me? I am staying onsite. And if your batteries should need to be charged while inside the parks can you charge them somewhere? I am nervous about using one but I know I will be fine! Although I am especially nervous about getting on the bus as I have heard some terrible things. Any and all advise is appreciated!

 

[JenniBugInPink]

I've always used Walker Mobility, and love them, as do several other members here. You'll also find fans of other companies, but for my money, Walker is just the best. I just got back from our trip to WDW, and used my scooter all day every day (as late as 2:30 am). I had a lot of long runs on it as well, like my Epcot days when I had to go from one end of WS back to the Festival Center in the other end of the park for seminars, events, etc. Plus, we were kind of in the middle of nowhere at Kidani this time, so going to the lobby or bar was a long run. It was actually quicker to go to Jambo. My point is, the battery needle barely moved any day that I used the scooter, and I'm not a small girl!

They arrange a time to meet you at your hotel, call you on your cell when they arrive, and you get your ECV. They'll go over how to use it in as much detail as you want/need. If you get held up arriving (we did), just call, and they'll be happy to reschedule as you go along. We ran into huge traffic delays, and our time just kept moving later & later. It happened to virtually all their customers that day. They were very understanding. Then, the day you leave, they call your cell again when they arrive to pick it up at the time you have arranged.

Oh, and get the insurance. This was the first time I ever damaged an ECV, but in trying to avoid a child I ran into a curb and bent the molding that runs along the side.

As to the busses, that gets easier with practice. Most of the bus drivers will help. Tell them you are new at using one, and be very nice, and you'll most likely get all the assistance you need. I do have to say though, this trip we had terrible luck with grumpy drivers. I don't have trouble getting on/off busses, as they soon see, and most of our drivers were fine, but this trip we did have a couple that just irked me no end! Ignore those.

Good luck to you, and hoping you have a great trip!

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Hey, tiggerlvr,
I'm with you.

I rented from Disney in September. And I've used the ones in stores.

But December will be the first time I have to drive one onto a bus. I am terribly worried.

When I was there in September, I walked up to the waiting area at POFQ, and just stood with the group. I didn't try to go to the front or stand in the handicap area. It was crowded, and I didn't want to jump ahead of all of the people that had been waiting.

But there was a woman that pushed her daughter ahead of me, when the bus came. Saying, "We have waited long enough. I don't care who else is here, WE are getting on that bus." Then she looked right at me. I was using a rollator walker. Another woman overheard. She paused the line and told me that I needed to get on the bus. That, "It is Disney, the least we can do is to be nice to each other."

I don't know what I will do if I take a long time to get on the bus with the scooter, and someone says something. Thankfully, I am at an Epcot resort, so I won't need the bus for Epcot or the Studios.

 

[Gracie09]

who cares if you take a long time with the ecv. You will never see these people again. Besides if you get flustered and rush it will just take longer. Meet with the driver from the company. Have him or her show you the ecv and how it works. Spend time getting use to it before she or he leaves so you can ask questions. and enjoy your trip

 

[disney david]

Hey, tiggerlvr, I'm with you. I rented from Disney in September. And I've used the ones in stores. But December will be the first time I have to drive one onto a bus. I am terribly worried. When I was there in September, I walked up to the waiting area at POFQ, and just stood with the group. I didn't try to go to the front or stand in the handicap area. It was crowded, and I didn't want to jump ahead of all of the people that had been waiting. But there was a woman that pushed her daughter ahead of me, when the bus came. Saying, "We have waited long enough. I don't care who else is here, WE are getting on that bus." Then she looked right at me. I was using a rollator walker. Another woman overheard. She paused the line and told me that I needed to get on the bus. That, "It is Disney, the least we can do is to be nice to each other." I don't know what I will do if I take a long time to get on the bus with the scooter, and someone says something. Thankfully, I am at an Epcot resort, so I won't need the bus for Epcot or the Studios.

You don't worry one bit you load your self safely and as long as it takes your at Disney. Please don't worry if a guest dads something let the driver know they can do something and it good for them to know so if it continues on the bus they can have that guest removed from the bus. You have every right to be in the bus and to board the bus at your speed it not easy to board the bus no matter how many times you do it with an ecv. So please don't rush don't get hurt or damage your ecv then your be waiting for a replacement and it ruin part of your trip. As a another disers said which is right you'll never see these people again so don't worry and yes their are fools at Disney that will do what that lady did and needs to be reported to the driver so they can be dealt with.


So again sorry to say it again but I feel it needs repeating because I don't want you to feel bad or not use the bus. You have every right to board the bus safely and at your rate and speed the driver will help you as much as they can most will park it for you but some won't because Disney policy say they not allowed to touch it. But almost all the drivers understand it hard for guest and that most and new timers so they park it to also speed up loading not in a bad way. Please enjoy your self have fun and a fun a safe time on the bus take your time don't ever feel rushed it feel you took to long and if a guest ever says anything to you or try's to make you feel bad or uncomfortable let the driver know when it safe to.

 

[dayvewc]

I've always had really good experiences with AATourist Rentals. They have always been really cooperative to meet when I arrive, even if I forget to call until just before I check in. (I usually drive down, and tell them I'll call about 60 - 90 minutes before I get there, then will think of it when I'm pulling into the parking lot.) Will go over the operation of the ECV until you are happy and comfortable with it, and are extremely helpful if something happens. I've had 2 scooter break down on different trips, they met me at the back end of World Showcase to replace one of them. I've used a couple of other companies, and never had as good as service as with AA. I will say I haven't tried Walker, but once I found AA, I knew I didn't need to look any further.

And don't worry about the buses. Just take it slow, and if you are really worried ask the driver for some assistance.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

I've booked with Florida Mobility Rentals for our next trip (Sun Mobility were a nightmare).

Regarding the buses, if you're in an ECV you just go to the white rectangle painted in the bus stop and wait there. The driver has to load you and your party first, as they can't load both at the same time for safety reasons. All I had to do was drive up the ramp and turn right into the area where the ECVs get secured, got off and sat in one of the seats designated for the ECV/wheelchair users, and let the driver manoeuvre into position and lock the ECV down himself. It took 5 minutes, tops.

That said, I never found I was sharing the bus with another ECV or wheelchair user, so if there's already one on the bus or ahead of you, it would take longer as the driver has to fold 3 seats out of the way to get the second one on board.

 

[GrandMa Betty 1]

I find this forum so reassuring..thanks to all who post here ! My daughter has ALS and we ( 12 of us !) will be going to WDW in 5 weeks so she can enjoy seeing her 2 yr and 5 yr old boys at the Happiest Place on Earth .. Using an ECV at the parks will be new to all of us. I know we probably won't be able to board the bus in a group, and I am worried about comments the kids may hear. Is there a taxi service that can transport an ECV on property ?

 

[disney david]

I find this forum so reassuring..thanks to all who post here ! My daughter has ALS and we ( 12 of us !) will be going to WDW in 5 weeks so she can enjoy seeing her 2 yr and 5 yr old boys at the Happiest Place on Earth .. Using an ECV at the parks will be new to all of us. I know we probably won't be able to board the bus in a group, and I am worried about comments the kids may hear. Is there a taxi service that can transport an ECV on property ?

You will have to split up because the policy is only 6 guest through the back door five plus the guest in ecv. So the rest will have to wait in the que to the general boarding begins. Yes their is a accessible taxi on property mears is the official taxi service for Disney your resort can call for one or you can call ahead of time they are limited. But please don't worry use the buses your all their to have fun don't let any other guest ruin your time. It you let just one guest prevent you from riding the bus and pay for a taxi because your afraid of the comments then they win don't let them win. I know it hard to ignore comments sometimes and you don't want your kids hearing it but guess what you tell your kids guess what kids hear that that how not to act in public you can use it as a lesson on how to treat other people. A lot of people needs lessons on how to treat others with respect and common decency.


I said it before and I say it agin I still don't understand how someone can complain how expensive Disney is. Then get to Disney and spend the trio making rude comments and giving dirty looks instead of enjoying their expensive trip. While those guest they make comments about or give dirty looks are enjoying their selves and having fun with their families they must be jealous or something of how happy you are.

So please have fun with your family enjoy your trip don't worry about anyone else. Ride the bus and don't pay any attention to those rude people. Hope you have a great time and a fun and safe trip on the magical Disney buses

 

[GrandMa Betty 1]

Thank you, Disney David , for your encouraging words ! I guess I'm just over-thinking this because I want this trip to go smoothly for my daughter. I'll let you know how it works out ..

 

[disney david]

Thank you, Disney David , for your encouraging words ! I guess I'm just over-thinking this because I want this trip to go smoothly for my daughter. I'll let you know how it works out ..

Your welcome please do because I hope it goes great and she has a great trip. I hope you all have no problem with the buses or any guest at all and are able to enjoy the safe and fun bus ride. Have fun and enjoy your trip

 

[tiggerlvr]

Thank you everyone for your information and especially your encouraging words about the buses!! I know I am going to have a wonderful time and I am less worried now!!

 

[ttintagel]

We've used both Walker and Apple, and been happy with both. We had a better customer service experience with Apple, but no company gets everything right 100% of the time, and Walker did offer us coupons off our next rental. If you don't have time in your schedule to meet a rep from the company, you may want to choose one of the companies that's authorized to drop off equipment at your resort. (The list is in one of the stickies at the top of the board.)

The Disney drivers, without exception, have been absolutely wonderful, polite, and helpful to us in getting on and off buses, boats, and monorails. I half-expect them to wear big coats and hats to hide their wings and halos. Even when able-bodied passengers copped an attitude, every driver I've met has been great. WDW was the first place I ever had to drive an ECV (broke my foot checking into the resort), and for the first couple of days they all volunteered to steer me up and down the ramps until I got the hang of it, and all with a sympathetic sense of humor. Whatever they're getting paid, I'd love to see them get a raise.

Also seconding the recommendation of taking a practice run at a grocery or big-box store. Their ECV's tend to be bigger and clunkier than the Orlando rentals, so if you can master them you should be fine! One skill you'll need is the quick stop. because people WILL run out in front of you as if you don't exist, and then blame you if you can't stop in time. I recommend putting something tall like a flag on your ECV so there'll be soething at people's eye level.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

We've used both Walker and Apple, and been happy with both. We had a better customer service experience with Apple, but no company gets everything right 100% of the time, and Walker did offer us coupons off our next rental. If you don't have time in your schedule to meet a rep from the company, you may want to choose one of the companies that's authorized to drop off equipment at your resort. (The list is in one of the stickies at the top of the board.)

The Disney drivers, without exception, have been absolutely wonderful, polite, and helpful to us in getting on and off buses, boats, and monorails. I half-expect them to wear big coats and hats to hide their wings and halos. Even when able-bodied passengers copped an attitude, every driver I've met has been great. WDW was the first place I ever had to drive an ECV (broke my foot checking into the resort), and for the first couple of days they all volunteered to steer me up and down the ramps until I got the hang of it, and all with a sympathetic sense of humor. Whatever they're getting paid, I'd love to see them get a raise.

Also seconding the recommendation of taking a practice run at a grocery or big-box store. Their ECV's tend to be bigger and clunkier than the Orlando rentals, so if you can master them you should be fine! One skill you'll need is the quick stop. because people WILL run out in front of you as if you don't exist, and then blame you if you can't stop in time. I recommend putting something tall like a flag on your ECV so there'll be soething at people's eye level.

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a quick stop! They all run on at least a few inches, with some running on over a foot before coming to a halt. I was told they don't stop on a dime so that the rider can't get injured (whiplash is not nice, after all).

 

[ttintagel]

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a quick stop! They all run on at least a few inches, with some running on over a foot before coming to a halt. I was told they don't stop on a dime so that the rider can't get injured (whiplash is not nice, after all).

Well, when I say "quick stop," of course I mean relatively quick.

 

[hsmamato2]

Looking at the Apple scooter site, I see options that say 12 mile range,and 16 mile range, what does that mean? Is that the battery life? is 12 enough for a LONG park day, say 9 a.m. -midnight?

 

[Toffeewoffy]

Looking at the Apple scooter site, I see options that say 12 mile range,and 16 mile range, what does that mean? Is that the battery life? is 12 enough for a LONG park day, say 9 a.m. -midnight?

As long as the ECV is switched off more than it is on, then yes. The mileage would be a continuous run of 12 miles, of course. All batteries recover slightly during a period of inactivity, so stop-starting even if you left it on would give you a few more miles. However, there's a time thing as much as anything else. I certainly got a full day right through to gone midnight out of mine a couple of days - but it was obviously parked up during rides, fireworks and parades, meals and switched off during non-moving queues, etc.