Not good with EVC cornering

[fey_spirit]

I have some issues (bad knees, arthritis in the hips, etc.) That mean that in my day to day life I get around just fine most of the time.

But at Disney I have to do far more walking then I normally have to engage in, given that, I need to use an EVC to get around without causing myself a great deal of pain.

Now those two things are very important to note because it means that while I require an EVC at Disney I don't have a lot of practice on them. Our last trip I negotiated outside amongst the crowds just fine. It was in ride ques that I sometimes ran into problems. (Did I mention I also don't have a driver's liscense?)

I just can't seem to corner well at all, and with some ques that means that I had a bad habit of getting wedged in or taking posts with my along the way.

Can someone please help me by giving me a list of places where the que is kind of turny? That way I can park and walk in saving myself and everyone around me a great deal of time and trouble?

I don't mind waiting in line, I just can't do the turny thing.

Also, where would you recommend you park the EVC when you decide to walk the que? Or before shows (I don't see the point in taking seats from those who can't transfer.)

And let's be honest, I missed so much of the parks last year, stuck staring at stranger's bottoms, where can I park an EVC so I can explore close by areas when I want to get photos or actually take in the atmosphere?

As I said I can walk for "normal" periods of time, I just can't do what Disney demands of me. I tried last year on the first day and spent the rest of my trip in so much pain I could barely stand up. (Thank Goddess the wife made me get an EVC on the second day.)

 

[Cheshire Figment]

One thing may be to get an ECV from off-site. The three wheel ECVs they rent out are much easier to maneuver than Disney's four wheel ones.

That said, I never have problems; but some of the more difficult ones would be Mickey's Philharmagic, the Finding Nemo ride, The Great Movie Ride, Test Track.

You can generally park right outside the entrance or in a stroller parking area. However, many of the lines are really much longer than they look from the outside.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Thank you for seeming so concerned about others in your post, and for realizing that those who do drive ECVs need to practice. I can't help you with your questions, but I can explain why you are so correct about needing to drive your ECV correctly.

We were at Pop last July. I was getting coffee at the drink bar when a woman driving an ECV slammed into my ankle. She didn't even say she was sorry - just acted as if it was her right to slam into anyone she pleased.

I have ankle implants. She dislodged the one in my left ankle. It was replaced this past December. I fell on the new one six days after the surgery. We replaced that broken implant in January. I just came out of the hospital two days ago because they had to do a third surgery last week to remove that implant due to a staph infection.

So - again - THANK YOU for having the smarts to realize that those who use ECVs need to be careful!

If the world was full of people like you, fey spirit, it would be a better place.

 

[fey_spirit]

I am so sorry that someone could be so thoughtless.
And thank you for the kind words.

The fact is I did accidentally hit one young girl (around 9 or so) last trip, but there was just no way to avoid it. She jumped out in front of me at the last minute and there was just no way to stop in time. Let me put it this way, her father made her apologize to me, even while I was busy apologizing to her.

I immediately stopped, apologized profusely and wouldn't go until I was sure she was ok (just a little scrape on the ankle). I was so upset that I forgot we were carrying wipes and band aids in my carry pack. When I remembered I turned around, went back located the girl and her family and made sure they got both so they could clean and protect the scrape.

I still felt guilty. I can't imagine how anyone could run into another living being and not so much as say "sorry" - it just boggles my mind.

So on behalf of Cluless McClueless, I am so sorry that happened to you, and I am sorry for the complications since. And thank you for not being that person who decides that because one stupid, horrible little person forgot to act like a human being and happened to be on an EVC did something mean, we're all like that.

Thank you for seeming so concerned about others in your post, and for realizing that those who do drive ECVs need to practice. I can't help you with your questions, but I can explain why you are so correct about needing to drive your ECV correctly.

We were at Pop last July. I was getting coffee at the drink bar when a woman driving an ECV slammed into my ankle. She didn't even say she was sorry - just acted as if it was her right to slam into anyone she pleased.

I have ankle implants. She dislodged the one in my left ankle. It was replaced this past December. I fell on the new one six days after the surgery. We replaced that broken implant in January. I just came out of the hospital two days ago because they had to do a third surgery last week to remove that implant due to a staph infection.

So - again - THANK YOU for having the smarts to realize that those who use ECVs need to be careful!

If the world was full of people like you, fey spirit, it would be a better place.

 

[fey_spirit]

Do you think it's possible to fit one of those into the back seat of a compact car? We're renting and I don't want to pay extra for a van.

One thing may be to get an ECV from off-site. The three wheel ECVs they rent out are much easier to maneuver than Disney's four wheel ones.

That said, I never have problems; but some of the more difficult ones would be Mickey's Philharmagic, the Finding Nemo ride, The Great Movie Ride, Test Track.

You can generally park right outside the entrance or in a stroller parking area. However, many of the lines are really much longer than they look from the outside.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I am so sorry that someone could be so thoughtless.
And thank you for the kind words.

The fact is I did accidentally hit one young girl (around 9 or so) last trip, but there was just no way to avoid it. She jumped out in front of me at the last minute and there was just no way to stop in time. Let me put it this way, her father made her apologize to me, even while I was busy apologizing to her.

I immediately stopped, apologized profusely and wouldn't go until I was sure she was ok (just a little scrape on the ankle). I was so upset that I forgot we were carrying wipes and band aids in my carry pack. When I remembered I turned around, went back located the girl and her family and made sure they got both so they could clean and protect the scrape.

I still felt guilty. I can't imagine how anyone could run into another living being and not so much as say "sorry" - it just boggles my mind.

So on behalf of Cluless McClueless, I am so sorry that happened to you, and I am sorry for the complications since. And thank you for not being that person who decides that because one stupid, horrible little person forgot to act like a human being and happened to be on an EVC did something mean, we're all like that.

The world is a better place with you in it. You cared about that little girl. Enjoy your next WDW vacation!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest if possible getting something bigger than a compact. At the very least something with four doors. However, if there is not room in the trunk for it, you can put the batteries on the floor in back and also put the seat on the back seat. The tiller will fold down, and the rear wheel/motor assembly will come apart from the main section.

 

[fey_spirit]

I thought it was called a compact - it will definitely have four doors...
As long as it has four doors will it be big enough between the trunk and the back seat?

I would suggest if possible getting something bigger than a compact. At the very least something with four doors. However, if there is not room in the trunk for it, you can put the batteries on the floor in back and also put the seat on the back seat. The tiller will fold down, and the rear wheel/motor assembly will come apart from the main section.

 

[SueM in MN]

I thought it was called a compact - it will definitely have four doors...
As long as it has four doors will it be big enough between the trunk and the back seat?

If you know what kinds of cars are considered compact for your car rental company, the company you rent an ECV from should be able to help you with that information. (but, I agree with Cheshire Figment that something bigger might be easier)
There is information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about off-site places to rent ECVs (including links to their websites). There is also information about WDW transportation (boats,monorails,buses) and a post from Cheshire Figment about taking an ECV apart and putting it into a car.

 

[ireland_nicole]

also, and this is probably in the sticky, but if you are staying on site, you can have the ecv(from a rental co.) delivered to your resort and then use Disney transportation.
Have a great time!
Nicole

 

[Debbie Jean]

And the added advantage of renting offsite is you have it at the resort and can practice your turns!

 

[mechurchlady]

The thing with cornering is you have to do the same as with a car basically. Pull to side opposite you want to go and then turn so that your back wheel passes the corner, go slowly. If need be back up and turn the wheel in the opposite direction than what you were turning. I have gotten stuck as some corners in lines are not wide enough for a turn. Try practicing at your hotel or your driveway at home. Not everyone is good at making turns in a car and my dad called me Curb Hugger. I have busted several tires from hitting sharp corners, lol. I think my ECV turning is the same as my driving, corners beware.

Park the ECV with the stollers and take the key or in an out of the way spot nearby. As for not wanting to take up a space that others could use just remember that sometimes that other person is like me and can waddle around fine but gets tired at the end of the day. I use an ECV except for shows if the line is not bad because I can waddle to a good seat. At Sea World's Shamu Stadium I take and ECV spot or disabled seat as them stairs are not easy for me. ECV is a tool and you do not have to use it constantly. You are not alone as there are many others like you who can do short distances for a while but overall need that extra bit of relief.

big hugs

 

[sneezy1956]

Watch out for Buzz Lightyr it has lots of turns, I am pretty good with my ECV and I've had trouble with it a time or two

 

[RvUsa]

Nemo was the worst, and it is brand new, you would think they would make it easier, I used it like a slalom course and went as fast as I could, my DS loved it, was laughing all the time. Nemo's walls were all scraped up from ecv accidents lol. I am 6'8" and it was hard to get used to looking at peoples backsides all day.

Those things do need brakes tho, people just walk right in front of you and expect you to stop on a dime.....

 

[mechurchlady]

For me it was one of the trails in AK. They put a building there and you walked throught a twisting line while looking at stuff. The worst for stuck was on the MGM Backlot Tour. I was coming down a ramp in a building where you looked at props. I could not get it around the corner and had scoot aka manhandle it around the corner. I did take out part of the moulding around the floorboard at Casey's Coke Corner in WDW and they were so nice despite my ripping out the woodwork.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Why don't you go to Walmart and practice using theirs up and down the aisles. It helped me with steering before our last WDW trip

 

[yoopermom]

My mom and I both use ECVs and also panic easy in that type of situation! Buzz is the worst, by far. I hate to admit it, but once I got so stuck, I just got off and let my 13DS and some nice stranger heft it back into a straight line! Like someone said, try practicing with cones, if you can, ahead of time.
Terri

 

[Vijoge]

Do you think it's possible to fit one of those into the back seat of a compact car? We're renting and I don't want to pay extra for a van.

If you rent a 3-wheeled ECV off site you should be able to fit it in the trunk of a compact car. Mine (Pride Sundancer) fits fine in the trunk of my Pontiac Sunfire once it's broken down in three pieces plus two batteries)
(Of course the folks at Alamo say it wont fit and we need to rent a full size van or a pick-up! Yeah, right. . . )

 

[SueM in MN]

If you rent a 3-wheeled ECV off site you should be able to fit it in the trunk of a compact car. Mine (Pride Sundancer) fits fine in the trunk of my Pontiac Sunfire once it's broken down in three pieces plus two batteries)
(Of course the folks at Alamo say it wont fit and we need to rent a full size van or a pick-up! Yeah, right. . . )

The 3 wheeled ones are also easier to turn.

 

[BroganMc]

Now those two things are very important to note because it means that while I require an EVC at Disney I don't have a lot of practice on them. Our last trip I negotiated outside amongst the crowds just fine. It was in ride ques that I sometimes ran into problems. (Did I mention I also don't have a driver's liscense?)

The trick to navigating with an ECV or powerchair around corners is to make wide turns. I do the same thing when I drive my minivan. (Scraped a few parking lot curbs before I figured that out.) Always try to go for the outside edge of a curve and you should be fine. Also, reduce your speed by turning down the max speed knob. Many folks don't realize when the pull out the key then replace it, the speed knob goes back up to full. At full speed, the controls are much more sensitive and less maneuverable.

Second tip is to give yourself lots of breaking distance as truck drivers would on the road. Usually that translates to a couple people's leg span. In an ECV, you are more like a freight truck and cross-cutting pedestrians like mini sportscars. There will be those who cross-cut and maneuver erratically, just as you see on the road. All you can do is try to give yourself that buffer zone and go at a predictable pace. If you do that, any collisions you encounter will most likely be the fault of those little speedsters.

I should say I do not feel overly guilty when I have a brush with a cross-cutting speedster. But then I know I am a good driver and I am more likely to be hurt in a collision. (I use a powerchair and my feet are exposed on the footrests.) People who cross-cut me are usually guessing they can outmaneuver me and end up scraping my foot. I've learned to yank them back quickly as a result.

Rides that have hard to maneuver turns are:

• Living Seas (Nemo Ride specifically due to the curves and dark lighting, but be aware this ride lets out into the aquarium which is a large walking exhibit -- enter through the gift shop and leave your scooter by the ride exit if you want to avoid the queue)
• Test Track (mainly because it is packed and people jockey for position all around you)
• Buzz Lightyear (park it by the Lunching Pad eatery or else the CMs will move it)
• Mickey's Philharmagic (can be tight but the exit is separate from the entrance so you'll have a long walk back to your ECV)
• Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and Small World all have separate wheelchair/scooter lanes. They are straight shots with parking by the ride loading. Only use HM's main entrance if you want that extra bit of theming.
• Backlot Tour - the trouble here is that the wheelchair lane is to the right, directly on the inside of the curve. I've seen many unskilled ECV users get hung up on the concrete here. Take it slow and let the crowd pass around you so you can make as wide a turn as possible. Beware that those cross-cutting speedsters will often reach for the inside curve as well just to save a few steps. Children are the worst offenders.

Lastly, I appreciate your wanting to be courteous to pedestrians. The best thing you can do is to rent an offsite 3-wheel scooter. The ones Disney provides are like driving a semi. They're great for clear straight paths but are horrible in stores or tight places.