New to this forum....?? on ECVs, walkers and trip for friend

[disney's daughter]

I have a friend (65 years old) who has, over the years, become quite limited as to what she can do....and is now using either a cane or a walker whenever she goes any place. She wants to go to Disney World with me...within the coming year. So, I told her I'd "research" as much as I could so that I could show her a good time.

I have already told her she'd need to rent some kind of electrical scooter...as there was no way she could walk all over the parks with either of her walkers...one is just a regular walker and the other was has wheels and a seat. So, except for picking out a place...we know we will need the electric scooter...Did I see somewhere on line that they don't have brakes? How do they stop?

Also, I always stay at Pop Century...She would just use her walker to go to get into the shower...At home, she sits down in a special chair in the shower...Do they provide those?

I have watched people as they have backed up on to the bus in their electric scooters with no problem...She and I have worried, because she isn't used to one...that she will be unable to do that....To tell you the truth...We are worried about her even learning how to "drive one" properly. I always marveled at those who could just weave in and out of a crowd of people.

I also figured that she could take her fold up walker and put it on her scooter to use when going into a restaurant....I can't imagine her driving the scooter into a store to shop (lack of experience with the driving! )

Over the next few months, I will be looking over the disabilites forum to gather up vital infomation for our trip...I really want her to have a good time...We have known each other for over 40 years and she has only been to Disney World once..(not with me) for one day...and she didn't have such a good time because she was sick...(the heat bothers her too)

This is all new to me...so over a period of time...Please excuse my (what will probably seem to be dumb) questions...Throughout the years...I have planned my trips (along with family memebers) ...Used the Excel sheet...putting down the reservations numbers...times...You name it...but, this will be my "First" for disabilities....

 

[Bete]

When you rent from an outside source for a scooter you may be able to accessorize it for an extra fee. I know there are cane holders. I believe there's something for walkers, too as long as it's the simple kind of walker; this may be harder to find as a rental accessory. It may behove you to bring bungee cord with hooks or the equivalent; so, you can tie it down to the back of the seat somehow. In most cases you have to store your scooter in the room for the night. You have to make sure you charge the battery up religiously every night.

Your friend can practice with scooters that are available for free in some grocery stores. This is what we did with my MIL. It's still a little harder in a park; because, there's a lot more people and the queues have a lot of zig zags, but the free ones at the stores get you use to it to a certain degree. Doing the bus is probably going to be the hardest. If worse comes to worse someone else can drive it unto the bus and then your friend can go up the lift standing and holding on without it. It's really not that hard to use one, but reverse is a little harder to do. To accelerate you use the handlebar and press on a lever. When you let go of the lever the scooter stops automatically.

The one downside is you will run into people who will dart out at the scooter and you have to stop or move around them very quickly. For a beginner, it's best just to stop. It's best to concentrate on safety when driving one. Don't be on a cell phone or talking with your group, etc. while riding it.

By no means should you make a big deal out of any of these circumstances; because, it will make your friend feel very discouraged. We have a tendency to park the scooter for one area in Epcot, the Land Pavillon. It's really not worth it to drive around there. We do take it through the ride of Soarin', but that's it.

It would be nice if you let your friend get as close to the restaurant as possible with the scooter and let her get off and someone else should park it away from the entrance. You can't block the entrance with it. You should do the same when you leave the place. The same is true of a lot of restrooms.

It's not that hard to use one and it's great for making the day stretch longer; because, you won't get as tired.

If you look at the threads here on different topics it will help you greatly. There's one thread that's devoted to many topics and it will help you the most.

Many of us scooter at Disney and it's not difficult, really.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is all new to me...so over a period of time...Please excuse my (what will probably seem to be dumb) questions...Throughout the years...I have planned my trips (along with family memebers) ...Used the Excel sheet...putting down the reservations numbers...times...You name it...but, this will be my "First" for disabilities....

Your first thing to learn is that the only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked.
No matter how dumb your question seems to you, it's probably been asked before (or at least someone thought about asking it )

I have a friend (65 years old) who has, over the years, become quite limited as to what she can do....and is now using either a cane or a walker whenever she goes any place. She wants to go to Disney World with me...within the coming year. So, I told her I'd "research" as much as I could so that I could show her a good time.

I have already told her she'd need to rent some kind of electrical scooter...as there was no way she could walk all over the parks with either of her walkers...one is just a regular walker and the other was has wheels and a seat. So, except for picking out a place...we know we will need the electric scooter...Did I see somewhere on line that they don't have brakes? How do they stop?

There is more information about renting electric scooters (also called ECVs) in post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread - if you don't see it, follow the link in my signature that will take you right there.
It is true that ECVs don't have brakes in the conventional way we think about brakes in a car - step on the brake and it stops.
The brakes on ECVs and power wheelchairs are electronic brakes that are activated when you let go or stop pushing on the control that makes them move. They don't stop on a dime - in fact, if I am driving DD's power wheelchair for her, when she is going fast, the wheelchair will continue going for about 2 feet after I let go of the wheelchair joystick.

Also, I always stay at Pop Century...She would just use her walker to go to get into the shower...At home, she sits down in a special chair in the shower...Do they provide those?

They can provide bath benches or bath chair - sort of basic ones, not special.
If she can step over the bathtub side or sit on the side of the tub and swing her legs over, she can use a regular tub with grab bars.
If she can't step over the side, they do have roll in showers, which have no edge to step over.
There is a post in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about resorts which has pictures of the different options and how to request what she needs.

I have watched people as they have backed up on to the bus in their electric scooters with no problem...She and I have worried, because she isn't used to one...that she will be unable to do that....To tell you the truth...We are worried about her even learning how to "drive one" properly. I always marveled at those who could just weave in and out of a crowd of people.

A lot of it is practice. When she gets the ECV, she should practice backing up, going forward and turning while going forward and while backing up. When she can do those things confidently, she will be much more comfortable driving around. She should make sure that she knows how to turn the speed down (most ECVs have a control that goes from turtle (slow) to rabbit (fast). She will want to be on turtle for anything like getting on the bus or in heavy traffic. She should also make sure that she knows how to release the seat so that it can be turned - that can allow her to pull in straight in some situations where she would otherwise have to make several difficult turns. For example, for many shows, she would be able to pull straight in (with her side to the stage/show area) and then turn just the seat to face the stage. When leaving, turn the seat back and drive straight forward to leave the show.

For the bus, some people never get the hang of driving on and have another member of their party put it on the bus for them or they take it out of gear and push it on (make sure to have it out of gear in 'free-wheeling' only during the short time you are pushing it.

I also figured that she could take her fold up walker and put it on her scooter to use when going into a restaurant....I can't imagine her driving the scooter into a store to shop (lack of experience with the driving! )

That's a good plan and even a lot of experienced people do that because shops and restaurants can be quite crowded and tight.

PS - I'm going to change the title of your thread a little to help people know what kind of information you need help with.

 

[disney's daughter]

Thank you so much for your information...I really appreciate it...I do want to learn as much as possible so I can help make her trip a wonderful one. I don't think she will become too discouraged as when we are together...we laugh about even the silliest of things... She is comfortable with my short comings as I am with her's) I've been so many times to Disney World...I plan to make this trip "her trip"....As long as I can continue to get good tips and ideas from the "experts", I will have more confidence.

I am starting to think of things I never considered before...Like...what about the buffets.....She couldn't use her walker and fill up her plate at the same time...I will go up there with her...and fill up her plate with whatever she tells me to. Like...if we need to use the restroom...Where would we park the scooter while she gets out her walker to use? For instance...the bathroom between Rock N Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror? I don't remember seeing scooters parked outside of that restroom....Gosh...I can remember seeing all kinds of strollers parked in special areas...but, not the scooters.

Also, I know special places are roped off for wheel chairs for watching the parades...Would we have to get her there as early as I have had to do (for the regular spots) ...sometimes an hour and a half earlier in order to get a good viewing area? How does that work? What about if we go see the Beauty and The Beast musical? Do we sit in the very back? Otherwise, there would be steps...Whew! So much to learn!

 

[Bete]

I think the main idea on were to park a scooter is not that bad. For one with a restroom visit you are not in there so long to really necessitate having the perfect parking spot for it. Just make sure you are not blocking something important like doorways, etc. There are times you can park where the strollers go. Most of this is common sense and you will get the hang of it once you are there.

You still have to line up even in the handicap areas for parades for the best views, but I would say it's a little better on time. If you want a front row view for the parades I would say 45 minutes to an hour should do it. There can be a few areas for handicap viewing and I always find the area by the castle for MK (toward Tommorrowland) to be the most crowded. There's another location in Liberty Square near the bell that's a little better. I feel Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom have fewer areas and smaller areas for handicap viewing. Illuminations has some larger areas. All the park maps show where these areas are located. These areas can fill up and then you are not admitted to them.

I don't think you can micro plan your first trip doing a scooter, but you can ask a lot of CMs for what's the best course of action if you are unsure or you don't have a clue. You will have things happen that may not be covered here.

For Beauty and the Beast you have two choices. You can ride your scooter to the back row and park it on the end. There's not too many of these spots; so, more than likely you will park the scooter in the back and walk over to the seats. Another option is to go all the way down to the first rows of the show. I caution about doing this; because, it's a steep way down the ramps and back up again to do this and the front row seating can be hard on the neck. Again, the CMs can direct you for what's available. Sometimes there's no room left in some areas; so, you are forced to go to what's available.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Hi, welcome to the Disablilities forum!! There are so many wonderful people here to help.

I would suggest buying "PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line: Easy Access Vacations for Travelers with Extra Challenges".

It is full of information on the parks, the resorts, the rides, etc. It is an excellent planning tool .

 

[StregaNona]

If you are staying at POP, you must request a king size bed for medical reasons. Otherwise you won't be able to get the scooter into the room. We have stayed at POP several times and this is what I was told be front desk CMs. I saw our friend's room with two beds and knew there was no way I could have gotten the scooter into their room.

 

[disney's daughter]

I just cannot begin to express my appreciation for all of your tips and suggestions...I was just at a movie with my friend today and suggested to her that she start practicing using an electric scooter...and she said she was certainly going to do that...Especially when I informed her that they really didn't have what you call breaks...( How do people stop so quickly?) She, like me, was, at first...taken back...Hee Hee...But, Who ever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks! I also told her our options for the shower. Now, I know about requestiong a king size bed...I was wondering how we were going to be able to have two queen size beds, plus a scooter in our room.

She has many more medical issues...so, I decided, we'd pay for an extra suitcase (to the airline) to put the extras in...Just in case....Sometimes, she needs wrist and ankle guards because of her pain...Not all the time.....just sometimes... and other items....But, we want to be prepared...

I am going to go the Passporter's site and save it in my favorites.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you are staying at POP, you must request a king size bed for medical reasons. Otherwise you won't be able to get the scooter into the room. We have stayed at POP several times and this is what I was told be front desk CMs. I saw our friend's room with two beds and knew there was no way I could have gotten the scooter into their room.

Eh, technically, it can be done - it's just really awkward. The beds in the doubles are very close to the doorway. You need to go in and out on an angle because the door won't open all the way. And if you think that's bad, try getting in and out of one of those rooms, with it's auto-close door, solo!

 

[WheeledTraveler]

She has many more medical issues...so, I decided, we'd pay for an extra suitcase (to the airline) to put the extras in...Just in case....Sometimes, she needs wrist and ankle guards because of her pain...Not all the time.....just sometimes... and other items....But, we want to be prepared...

If the extra suitcase ONLY has medical items in it, you can bring it for free. The airlines are not allowed to charge extra to transport medical supplies/equipment even if it means an extra bag. If you can possibly fit it all into a carry-on, IMO that might be better in case either she has an unexpected problem at an airport or in case a bag goes missing. Again, carryons have the exemption for medical equipment. So really, you should not need to pay extra.

 

[disney's daughter]

So She would be allowed to take another "carry on" for her medical needs? I have always put my insulin, syringes, pills, as well as my makeup and other odds and ends all in one bag. I didn't know we could have a second one for just medical items. That is good to know

 

[Chuck S]

Another option for Pop Century with two beds may be to call maintenance, or request when you make the reservation, that the small table and chairs be removed from the room, while still tight, it would give more space for the ECV to park.

 

[disney's daughter]

That's an idea, too...I will be bringing a small coffee pot...but, I can put that on top of of the fridge...We both will need the fridge (for medical reasons). We could do without the table.