Our Disney ECV experience - Apple Scooters

[princess o's mom]

We just returned from a 8 day/7 night trip to Disney staying at Coronado Springs. We rented an ECV for my Dad to use from Apple Scooters and were very pleased with the experience. We rented the Pride Victory 10 Super Deluxe 3-wheeled scooter for $175. The scooter was waiting for us when we checked into Coronado and everything from the billing to the customer service was handled very easily. He only had to charge it one time during the whole week and he used it everyday at the parks and around Coronado. He found the captains chair to be really comfortable compared to the ones he has used at grocery stores and other stores and was glad to have it since he was using it for so long.

We used the Disney buses for every trip except to Downtown Disney and Hoop De Doo. We drove in my parents car to those locations. He probably needed it at Downtown Disney but we didn't realize till we got there how large the area was. The buses were easy to use and most drivers were very helpful. The older type buses with the lift that you had to back into were slightly more complicated as it took longer and one driver had a really hard time lining the bus up at the Coronado bus stop. The other drivers didn't seem to have this problem though. Dad had no problem navigating the scooter onto the buses but then again he was a truck driver so he can probably drive most anything!

The parks were more difficult as people will just walk/jump right in front of the scooters. I don't know if they don't notice them or are just rude. Dad is a very patient person so he just made the best of it. We found the cast members to be very good at answering questions as to where the handicap entrances to rides/shows were but it would have been nice to have more or more clear signage at some locations so that we didn't have to track down the CMs to ask.

He was very glad to have the scooter as he would not have made it even a 1/2 day in the parks without it. He has back problems and heart issues which make it hard for him to walk/stand for long periods of time. His advice is not to be too proud and get the scooter if you need it so you can go and have a good time!

 

[SueM in MN]

We just returned from a 8 day/7 night trip to Disney staying at Coronado Springs. We rented an ECV for my Dad to use from Apple Scooters and were very pleased with the experience. We rented the Pride Victory 10 Super Deluxe 3-wheeled scooter for $175. The scooter was waiting for us when we checked into Coronado and everything from the billing to the customer service was handled very easily. He only had to charge it one time during the whole week and he used it everyday at the parks and around Coronado. He found the captains chair to be really comfortable compared to the ones he has used at grocery stores and other stores and was glad to have it since he was using it for so long.

We used the Disney buses for every trip except to Downtown Disney and Hoop De Doo. We drove in my parents car to those locations. He probably needed it at Downtown Disney but we didn't realize till we got there how large the area was. The buses were easy to use and most drivers were very helpful. The older type buses with the lift that you had to back into were slightly more complicated as it took longer and one driver had a really hard time lining the bus up at the Coronado bus stop. The other drivers didn't seem to have this problem though. Dad had no problem navigating the scooter onto the buses but then again he was a truck driver so he can probably drive most anything!

The parks were more difficult as people will just walk/jump right in front of the scooters. I don't know if they don't notice them or are just rude. Dad is a very patient person so he just made the best of it. We found the cast members to be very good at answering questions as to where the handicap entrances to rides/shows were but it would have been nice to have more or more clear signage at some locations so that we didn't have to track down the CMs to ask.

He was very glad to have the scooter as he would not have made it even a 1/2 day in the parks without it. He has back problems and heart issues which make it hard for him to walk/stand for long periods of time. His advice is not to be too proud and get the scooter if you need it so you can go and have a good time!

Thanks for the report and the encouragement to other readers.

They don't have a lot of signs for the wheelchair entrance because, in most cases, the Handicapped Entrances are just getting into the regular line with everyone else. These are called Mainstream Lines.

The Studio and AK were mostly built with Mainstream Lines. MK and Epcot had Mainstream Lines added where ever possible and most attractions at Epcot do have Mainstream Access. MK is older and did not have room in all attractions, so do have more places where there are handicapped entrances.

If you go on any future trips, look for the special park maps for Guests with Disabilities. They are usually with the other park maps at the park entrance, but you can also pick one up at Guest Relations, the wheelchair rental area and possibly at your resort. The maps look the same as the other park maps except for a black band on the top. Those special maps list the "Mobility Access' for each attraction.
I copied the Mobility Access for the parks from those maps on a post in the disABILITIES FAQs thread if you are interested.

 

[disney david]

There getting rid of all the old buses so you won't have to deal with them for to much longer. It says alot of the Disney bus drivers he had a hard time but didn't give up and worked hard so your father could get on safely. Well he sounded like he was determined to get you guys on the bus not matter what he didnt want that stop to defeat him. Once again glad you all had a great time and didn't have any major problems.

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes, there are not that many of the older lift buses around and they are being replaced with the buses that have ramps.

IF you don't feel comfortable getting on one of the older buses, just tell the driver that you prefer to wait for one of the ramp buses because you find the lift ones hard to use. Trust me, they have heard that before and will not take it personally.

 

[princess o's mom]

I didn't know about the special maps, good info for next time! MK and Epcot were where we experienced the lack of info the most but the CMs were all very helpful and willing to answer our questions.

The drivers did mention that the old buses would soon be gone. That will sure make their jobs easier I would think.

 

[mom3sonstt]

I must be in the minority - but I got better using the lift buses than I did the ramp ones. I think with the lift I was already pointing backwards and just had to turn into the spot. On the ramp ones you have to pull up into the aisle then turn back into the spot. That seems to be one step too many for me. It doesn't help that my husband gives me directions like "other way" when I think I an going straight - so I don't know if the "other" way is left or right since I don't think I am turning. I think I turn the wheels slightly when I am trying to look behind me. I figure by the time I get comfortable doing it I will receive my kidney transplant and hopefully not need to use them anymore. Not that that is a bad thing!

 

[GrammyJudy]

Thanks for the good report. I have that same scooter reserved for Jan trip. Because of all the negative posts regarding the ECV on the buses I have been rethinking renting off site versus at the parks but the price is so much better and I had a hard time 2 years ago walking from bus to park and/or our room and my arthritis is worse now. I just hate to hold up my family...I don't care one bit of the rude people who make comments etc..... but know in the long run I need it to enjoy my family and the trip and all the $$$ I am spending. Thanks again, I feel better now.