Preferred ECV rental companies?

[Simba's Mom]

I was under the impression that there were preferred ECV rental companies and that they were the only ones allowed to drop off and pick up at resorts when you weren't there. So I decided to get that list "straight from the horse's mouth" by asking lobby concierge at our resort on October 26th. According to them, ALL ECV rental companies could drop off and pick up when you weren't there and there was no policy change coming. They did recommend certain companies that they say that they know have excellent service, but you can rent from anyone. Now I'm really confused! What's the policy?

 

[Talking Hands]

I was under the impression that there were preferred ECV rental companies and that they were the only ones allowed to drop off and pick up at resorts when you weren't there. So I decided to get that list "straight from the horse's mouth" by asking lobby concierge at our resort on October 26th. According to them, ALL ECV rental companies could drop off and pick up when you weren't there and there was no policy change coming. They did recommend certain companies that they say that they know have excellent service, but you can rent from anyone. Now I'm really confused! What's the policy?

The change in policy wasn't in effect when you asked. I believe Nov 2 was the effective date.

 

[SueM in MN]

The effective date was November 1, 2012.

There is more information in post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs (follow link in my signature or find the thread near the top of this page). You will find the Preferred Companies listed there.

It has been confirmed directly to me from 2 companies that are involved. It has also been reported in multiple places.

Other companies will need to deliver to and pick up directly from the guest.

We have been at OKW for 2 weeks and definately saw a change. Our first few days, when we walked past Hopitality House, there were scooters from multiple companies in a porch area that has been taken over the past few years for ECV storage. After Nov, 1, there were many fewer ECVs and all were from the preferred vendors.
People have also posted on DISBOARDS and other discussion boards that they were contacted by the non-preferred companies they were renting from and told they would have to arrange to meet.

 

[JudithM]

I for one do NOT like this new policy. I have rented from Walker Mobility about two dozen times over the past ten years. The scooter was always waiting for me upon arrival,and I left if off the night before we left. I have always received wonderful service from Walker and really do not wish to change companies. We usually drive to WDW, so we don't necessarily know what time we will be arriving. On the day we leave, we now have to wait for the scooter to be picked up in person. Very inconvenient ... My first reaction is to just take less trips to WDW and spend my money elsewhere.

 

[aubriee]

I for one do NOT like this new policy. I have rented from Walker Mobility about two dozen times over the past ten years. The scooter was always waiting for me upon arrival,and I left if off the night before we left. I have always received wonderful service from Walker and really do not wish to change companies. We usually drive to WDW, so we don't necessarily know what time we will be arriving. On the day we leave, we now have to wait for the scooter to be picked up in person. Very inconvenient ... My first reaction is to just take less trips to WDW and spend my money elsewhere.

My understanding is that Walker's is one of the preferred companies, so you'll still be able to pick the ECV up at bell services and drop it off there, just like we always have. Apple is one of the preferred companies too, I believe. We've used both Walkers and Apple and like both (even though Apple is just a little cheaper).

 

[ttintagel]

According to them, ALL ECV rental companies could drop off and pick up when you weren't there and there was no policy change coming.

I'm not surprised that the person you spoke to wasn't aware of upcoming changes. It's not uncommon in really big organizations for information to not completely filter down to the front lines until it actually takes effect.

 

[lanejudy]

My understanding is that Walker's is one of the preferred companies

I have not read anywhere that Walker's is preferred, though possibly I missed it. However, I don't see them noted as preferred in the SueM's sticky that was updated recently. Since Walker's is quite popular, it is surprising to not see them listed as "preferred" so it does leave the question whether that was their choice (opted not to bid) or WDW did not solicit or accept their bid?

To PP - I'd suggest calling Walker. Ask if they are preferred and get your quote. If you don't like the idea of having to meet in-person for pick-up/return, then you can rent through someone else and let Walker's know why. I don't know if WDW will be revising/updating the preferred list anytime, but maybe Walker will have opportunity to be on it in the future.

 

[zumbergc]

Walker is not a preferred vendor for the ecv.
We have used them for years, and always loved them, great service, always working great ecv product.
Never had a problem.

Husband called to day for next rental and told we have to be there for pick-up and delivery.

so disappointed

I just called and spoke with a lady at walker, and she was saying they were hoping to get things fixed for next year, so for right now we have to try another company. Yuck

 

[JudithM]

My understanding is that Walker's is one of the preferred companies,

Walker is NOT a preferred company at this time . I spoke to them about an upcoming rental. I am still going to use them because of the wonderful service I have had over the last decade. The young lady I spoke to said they are trying to make it as easy as possible for guests renting their equipment.