New to ECV rental, a few questions

[JLTraveling]

This might sound crazy, but could they/the person giving them a ride rent a cargo van or small moving truck with a ramp? My parents both had big, heavy scooters for awhile, and they had a van. They just removed the back seats and built a plywood ramp that they could run the scooters straight up (not while sitting on them). If your friends could effectively do the same thing with a rental, it would solve several problems. And shouldn't be too expensive for a two-day local rental.

 

[pryncess527]

One day MK, one day EPCOT

I’d call Golds Mobility and explain the situation fully. See if they can help.

If they can’t, I’d still rent ECVs, have them delivered to the condo, and try to use wheelchair accessible vans through Mears to get to the park those days. I’ve never used that service but I’m pretty sure they have transportation that can handle them, they would be my second call after Golds

 

[lanejudy]

What do people who stay offsite.
I have a friend in her late 70’s going end of January with her sister (81) and another friend (80+) who will both need a scooter.

They definitely will not be able to make rope drop. What are the chances of a Disney vehicle being sold out mid morning? And if they rent from another company, where is it delivered when staying off site??

Thanks a bunch in advance!

They will be staying at a friends condo in Kissmmee and getting a ride to the parks.
Just two days, MK one and EPCOT the other.

Between this situation and park reservations, tickets, and Geniw+ I really don’t know what to tell them/ guide them and that makes me very sad.

Thanks for the insight. They are all near or over 80 and doubt they will be able to handle all that.

I think they’re all option is looking to be arrive at the park early and rent one there.??

These are 3 religious sisters from the Midwest. Two of them are 80+ one is just shy of 80 and all with a very long list of medical and mobility issues. They are finding themselves in Kissimmee at a family member’s condo. They thought they could have “one last chance” to see WDW.
Staying onsite is not an option for them.

One day MK, one day EPCOT

It kind of seems as though you are ruling out suggestions without looking into it, but it's hard to tell from your posts.

If they are willing and able to put some $$ and effort into it, I do think they can make this work. How much $$ may be conversely dependent on the amount of effort -- meaning less effort = more money.

• Contact an offsite vendor to discuss options. Gold Mobility gets mentioned here a lot, but Gold only rents for a full week so that may be much more than these ladies need. Maybe try Walker Mobility, Randy's Mobility or Orlando Medical Rentals who do shorter-term rentals. Any of these offer at least a couple options.
• If they cannot break-down a portable ECV, they can use an accessible Mears taxi. I'm not sure if Mears has one that accommodates 2 ECV or not, so it may mean 2 taxis. They can get that information by calling Mears, and probably an estimate of the cost. Regarding cost - a taxi may only be a bit more than they would pay for parking, and the taxi will drop them closer to the entrance (or for MK closer to the ferry). Walking the parking lot can be brutal, even if they can use HA parking.
• If renting an ECV is too much cost or effort and they still want to go, I strongly recommend getting there as early as they can. In-park ECV rentals can run-out by mid-morning. And they should have a "plan B" in case they run into that very situation. Maybe pushing an (empty) wheelchair like a walker and having it to sit when needing a rest. Hard to suggest without knowing their specific capabilities/limitations.

Your first post also mentioned Genie+ and LL$. Depending on when they plan to visit, those may be a good idea but not required. Especially if they won't be interested in the higher-thrill rides (coasters, etc.).

If they are truly 3 little old ladies who can't lift anything heavier than a bag of flour and can't walk more than to the end of the block -- unfortunately WDW may be much more of a challenge than they realize. I'd hate for them to have a bad experience.

 

[JLTraveling]

It kind of seems as though you are ruling out suggestions without looking into it, but it's hard to tell from your posts.

If they are willing and able to put some $$ and effort into it, I do think they can make this work. How much $$ may be conversely dependent on the amount of effort -- meaning less effort = more money.

• Contact an offsite vendor to discuss options. Gold Mobility gets mentioned here a lot, but Gold only rents for a full week so that may be much more than these ladies need. Maybe try Walker Mobility, Randy's Mobility or Orlando Medical Rentals who do shorter-term rentals. Any of these offer at least a couple options.
• If they cannot break-down a portable ECV, they can use an accessible Mears taxi. I'm not sure if Mears has one that accommodates 2 ECV or not, so it may mean 2 taxis. They can get that information by calling Mears, and probably an estimate of the cost. Regarding cost - a taxi may only be a bit more than they would pay for parking, and the taxi will drop them closer to the entrance (or for MK closer to the ferry). Walking the parking lot can be brutal, even if they can use HA parking.
• If renting an ECV is too much cost or effort and they still want to go, I strongly recommend getting there as early as they can. In-park ECV rentals can run-out by mid-morning. And they should have a "plan B" in case they run into that very situation. Maybe pushing an (empty) wheelchair like a walker and having it to sit when needing a rest. Hard to suggest without knowing their specific capabilities/limitations.

Your first post also mentioned Genie+ and LL$. Depending on when they plan to visit, those may be a good idea but not required. Especially if they won't be interested in the higher-thrill rides (coasters, etc.).

If they are truly 3 little old ladies who can't lift anything heavier than a bag of flour and can't walk more than to the end of the block -- unfortunately WDW may be much more of a challenge than they realize. I'd hate for them to have a bad experience.

Adding on one more suggestion, though I suspect it's pricey:
I know there are local nannies/childcare experts who you can hire to visit the parks with your family and attend to the kids' needs. Maybe someone like that would be willing to act as the "muscle" for lack of a better word? Manage the ECVs, including any taking apart/reassembling that might be required, plus assist the ladies with everything from simply navigating the parks to dealing with mobile orders etc. Definitely not cheap, but it sounds like another pair of hands might be what they really need.

 

[Lewisc]

they are truly 3 little old ladies who can't lift anything heavier than a bag of flour and can't walk more than to the end of the block -- unfortunately WDW may be much more of a challenge than they realize. I'd hate for them to have a bad experience.

A great point.

An off the wall suggesrion..Make a reservation with scooterbug for a one day rental with a pickup and drop off at POLY. Take ride share to POLY, if you can't get dropped of at POLY take monorail from TTC to POLY. Tell bellhop you have 2 scooters reserved. Return to bell services at POLY the end of the day, ride share back to your condo.

Staying one night at a WDW resort would make everything easier.

 

[maryblanchard49]

A couple of weeks ago I used Walker Mobility Scooter Rentals and they saved my vacation! Friendly helpful staff when you call to order. I met with the driver for the delivery of my scooter at the resort and he was very punctual, on time delivery. The battery life on their scooters are Amazing, it lasted me all day and night at the park without having to charge it! Since the scooter from Walker Mobility is water resistant I was able to keep driving on a day where it was pouring rain with no troubles. Overnight I'd take it to my room and charge it for the next day. Super easy rental from start to finish! The monorails, ferry's, skyliner and busses are all accessible to ECV riders. Hope this helps!