new with question

[seb65]

My mom (70s) will be coming with us on our short weekend trip. Last time we went, she had problems with her knee and ended up with physical therapy. It hasn't been the same, and since she has problems with long distance walking, wants to rent a ECV (is that the right abbreviation?). I suggested renting offsite (just two park days), but she doesn't want that (I think because of the bus). So, I know it is first come first serve. But, how early can they be rented? And are they rented outside or inside the gates? And, she wants to walk on the rides- is this allowed? We are only doing Disney World. And, if we book a breakfast at 8:05, can we rent one before then? Thanks for all your help.

 

[Starwind]

I have not rented an ECV from Disney, so cannot answer those questions.

But, regarding the buses with an ECV:

My first trip and most of my second I navigated the buses on my own with the ECV, with some assistance (usually verbal) from the driver -- the ECV always managed to get in the right place

The last couple times I used it on my second trip, I made a comment to the driver early on that I was not very good with getting it in the right place on the bus -- both times the driver asked if I would prefer if they put it on (or words to that effect). I said if they don't mind that would be really helpful. So they did (I get off it, they flip the switch to turn it into manual mode, and then they push it up and into place -- they know how to do it so it goes pretty quickly and without bumping the thing into things like I normally manage; I then walk on via the real doors and sit on a normal seat.

So that or a variation (once on the first trip the driver had be drive it on and pull it parallel to the bus, but then had me transfer to a seat while he manually moved it into the proper position -- that would work if even the short walk up the ramp is a problem) may be an option. or, have another member of the party who is better at navigating bring the ECV on board.

Anyhow, I just wanted to let you know that the buses aren't so bad and the drivers at least in my experience have always been very patient *and helpful*.

SW

 

[minnie mum]

If they are letting guests into the park, then yes, the ecvs rental places will be open. They are inside the park gates.

Yes, she can park the ecv outside the rides and walk through the queue. Just ask the CM at the entrance where to park it, if the parking area isn't obvious. Or for many rides, she can drive it through the queue until she reaches the boarding area. The CM at that point will make sure it is waiting at the area where you get off the ride.
All show type attractions have areas for guests in ecvs or wheelchairs- she can stay on it during the show or move to a regular seat.

By the way, you said you're only doing Disney World. WDW has 4 different theme parks- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and AK;, 2 water parks; and a large shopping /dining complex (Disney Springs) So I'm going g to assume you might have meant that you are only doing one of these?

 

[SteveMouse]

Many/most of the Disney hotels are large (CSR and CBR in particular) and can require extensive walking on hotel property. Renting from an off-site vendor allows you to use the ECV from the time you get it to the time you leave (subject to your agreement with your provider). All Disney buses can accommodate multiple ECVs; shuttles from other hotels is a whole 'nuther story.

 

[seb65]

By the way, you said you're only doing Disney World. WDW has 4 different theme parks- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and AK;, 2 water parks; and a large shopping /dining complex (Disney Springs) So I'm going g to assume you might have meant that you are only doing one of these?

I am sorry- my mistake! I always, I am not sure why, call Magic Kingdom "Disney World". So yes, I meant we are only doing Magic Kingdom.

Thank you for the replies, everyone. I think I might show her these messages. She is so stubborn about not wanting to ride it onto the bus, but I think it would be easier for her to just have it ready for the day. I think it is nervousness on using it. But, I have been reading through these helpful threads and like the idea of her trying them out at Walmart or someplace to get used to them.

 

[SueM in MN]

I am sorry- my mistake! I always, I am not sure why, call Magic Kingdom "Disney World". So yes, I meant we are only doing Magic Kingdom.

Thank you for the replies, everyone. I think I might show her these messages. She is so stubborn about not wanting to ride it onto the bus, but I think it would be easier for her to just have it ready for the day. I think it is nervousness on using it. But, I have been reading through these helpful threads and like the idea of her trying them out at Walmart or someplace to get used to them.

that reminds me of a funny story.....
On one trip, as we were walking into Epcot, my father-in-law saw a man and wife from his home town. They were standing outside of the Epcot entrance. As they talked to my father-in-law, they said they were waiting for another couple they had arranged to meet at Disney World.
My FIL said, "Oh, you mean here at Epcot? Maybe we'll run into you later"
The man said, "Yes. Here at Disney World. They want to go on Small World and ride the train" (pointing at the monorail).
My FIL explained those were at MK; it was news to the man that there was more than one park. They had been to Disney World several times and came only to Epcot. After FIL explained that, they got on the 'train' to go to Magic Kingdom.
Later on, he found out that the other family had only ever been to Magic Kingdom and called that Disney World.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I am sorry- my mistake! I always, I am not sure why, call Magic Kingdom "Disney World". So yes, I meant we are only doing Magic Kingdom.

Thank you for the replies, everyone. I think I might show her these messages. She is so stubborn about not wanting to ride it onto the bus, but I think it would be easier for her to just have it ready for the day. I think it is nervousness on using it. But, I have been reading through these helpful threads and like the idea of her trying them out at Walmart or someplace to get used to them.

Rent offsite. You can drive it on and off the buses for her.

 

[mamabunny]

I am sorry- my mistake! I always, I am not sure why, call Magic Kingdom "Disney World". So yes, I meant we are only doing Magic Kingdom.

Thank you for the replies, everyone. I think I might show her these messages. She is so stubborn about not wanting to ride it onto the bus, but I think it would be easier for her to just have it ready for the day. I think it is nervousness on using it. But, I have been reading through these helpful threads and like the idea of her trying them out at Walmart or someplace to get used to them.

Tell your Mom that if she can manage one of those giant wheezing beasties at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes and/or Home Depot... she will find that any rental ECV she has at WDW in Florida will be a *breeze* by comparison! Those store carts are horribly unwieldy, and difficult to manage. Drive one of those around, and then hop onto a standard ECV, and be amazed and delighted by how easy the standard ECV is to drive!

As others have said - she doesn't have to be the one to drive onto the bus; you can, or it can even be put into manual mode, and pushed up the ramp. But there can be tons of walking at the Resort hotel - and if you go to Disney Springs, even just to grab a meal, or a few souvenirs, you'll want the ECV!

Have a lovely trip!

 

[seb65]

Tell your Mom that if she can manage one of those giant wheezing beasties at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes and/or Home Depot... she will find that any rental ECV she has at WDW in Florida will be a *breeze* by comparison! Those store carts are horribly unwieldy, and difficult to manage. Drive one of those around, and then hop onto a standard ECV, and be amazed and delighted by how easy the standard ECV is to drive!

As others have said - she doesn't have to be the one to drive onto the bus; you can, or it can even be put into manual mode, and pushed up the ramp. But there can be tons of walking at the Resort hotel - and if you go to Disney Springs, even just to grab a meal, or a few souvenirs, you'll want the ECV!

Have a lovely trip!

Thanks all, again.
My dad feels better if she rents off site, to ensure having it, so maybe he can convince her. I will be sure to tel her I can drive it on the bus- good idea!
Mamabunny, she loves the boat from Port Orleans to Disney Springs (will probably always call it Downtown Disney)...can the scooter go on the boats do you know? Good point that there is a lot of walking there as well!

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks all, again.
My dad feels better if she rents off site, to ensure having it, so maybe he can convince her. I will be sure to tel her I can drive it on the bus- good idea!
Mamabunny, she loves the boat from Port Orleans to Disney Springs (will probably always call it Downtown Disney)...can the scooter go on the boats do you know? Good point that there is a lot of walking there as well!

Oh yes! The boat captain will put down a portable ramp, and you drive straight into the boat! The hardest part is backing out when you get to the other dock - but depending on the model of the scooter, some are small enough that you can do a "bootleggers" u-turn inside the boat if you are careful. My personal ECV is super lightweight, so we just pick up the rear wheels, and pivot it around and off I go!

We ALWAYS ride those boats every trip - even if we don't stay at POFQ, we love to take the river cruise up to POFQ & POR! And the boats really are handy for getting from one end of Disney Springs to the other!

Again - don't let her get too worried about the ramps, and driving on and off. Once she is there, she will see that it's no big deal, and she will have LOTS of help - and a great trip too!

 

[SueM in MN]

Follow the link in my signature for the disABILITIES FAQs thread (or look for it near the top of this board).
Post 8 of that thread has specific information about accessibility of boats, monorails, etc, along with pictures of the boats, ramps and accessible spot on the type of boat mamabunny wrote about.

Post one of that thread is an index to what each post in the thread is about.