Hi all, I just was diagnosed with a condition that means I will not be able to walk normally during our trip to WDW in May. I am planning on renting an
ECV. We are staying (as usual) at Boardwalk Villas.
What do I need to know?
What is the best
ECV rental?
I am able to walk short distances, is there anything I must avoid or can I do the 'usual' stuff my family does?
I am going to make my FP+ reservations in a couple weeks, so I'm trying to figure out how the DW experience might change for my family. We go every year, and have for quite some time. My kids are 5 and 8.
Tips? Help? This is all new to me and I don't really know where to start.
Boardwalk is so pretty! We always visit every trip - I have to have my Jersey Crumb Cake!
Who to rent from is very subjective. I recommend CALLING and talking to several companies, and see which one you like best. Prior to buying my own personal ECV, I rented from Walker, but that was several years ago.
You need to know that Betty is right: Practicing your ECV driving and parking skills with the electric carts at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, the grocery store, etc. will help a great deal. If you can tame one of those wheezing beasties, a mere rental at WDW will be a breeze!
Please remember that WDW has a rule - for everyone's safety - that only you ride the ECV. You will undoubtedly see people holding children on their laps while driving their scooters, but it's very dangerous, and I hope you will agree that your babies are safer off of the
scooter.
Bring a brightly colored scarf, ribbon or bandana to tie on your rental scooter. It will help it stand out in a sea of similar units (if you park it to ride, eat, or shop a bit).
Bring a heavy-duty extension cord (i carry a six-footer these days) so that you can plug the scooter in at night to charge it. The scooter should be delivered with a full battery, but it will be up to you to make sure it is charged every night. The extension cord is so that you can charge the scooter anywhere you want in the room.
Speaking of your room, you will have to park the ECV in your room every night, so if you need to make a bit of space, ask for the table and chairs to be removed. You are not allowed to park it outside in a hallway or breezeway, or down at the lobby or bell services.
If the scooter has a key, always take it with you.
Don't be surprised if you park the ECV and it is moved when you return. The Cast Members are in a constant struggle to keep walkways clear and safe, as well as making sure that parking areas for mobility devices and strollers stay reasonably tidy. You will typically find it quite nearby, but if you don't, just ask any CM you see, and they will help you find it.
Remember to stay sharp and focused while driving the ECV - people at WDW tend to be doing everything but paying attention when they are walking, and many of us here have had folks run right into us, or walk right in front of us as we are moving! I try to make eye contact, smile politely, and offer an cheerful "Excuse me!" when needed, but know that you WILL at some point find yourself nearly running over someone who is either texting, taking a "selfie" or posting their latest selfie to Instagram.
Probably the hardest thing you will do with the ECV all revolves around dealing with the buses. Make sure you are parked in the white painted rectangle at the bus stop (unless another guest beat you to it) so that the driver sees you, and knows you are waiting to ride.
When the ramp comes down, line up on the ramp, and try to go right up the center. At the top of the ramp you will typically have to turn a bit to the right. GO SLOWLY, especially until you are used to the ECV. Even experienced users take this carefully - the last thing you want is to run over the driver, or hit the side of the doorway going in. Important to know: the drivers will give you instructions and will help as much as they can, but it is up to you (or a member of your party) to actually get the ECV up into the bus. You will always board first, and exit last.
Finally, a few quick driving tips: anytime at WDW (or anytime using an ECV for that matter) be aware of ramps, hills and slopes. Going up, you will want to lean forward to help shift your center of gravity towards the front of the ECV. Take your time on steep slopes, hills or ramps, and if possible, approach them at a slight angle at the base.
Coming down, be very aware of your speed, and make sure you can brake effectively. This is not the time to try and drink your Starbucks; two hands on the wheel!
When crossing the train tracks embedded in Main Street at MK, be sure to cross at an angle. Otherwise, you risk the wheel(s) getting caught, and you could find yourself dumped on to Main Street. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable trip - just for the right reasons!
Have a Magical trip - and remember that your scooter is just a tool to let you keep up with your beautiful family, and have fun!
around the lake early in the morning and taking the "walking" path down to the Studios in the evening.
