question about ECV

[Kennywife]

OK, I have a question. I work as a travel writer and I am going on a solo trip to WDW Nov. 29-Dec. 3. I have mobility issues due to a leg injury in 2003; I fell down some stairs and crushed my tibia/femur bone in my lower right leg. Anyway, when I walk long distances, I have to use a cane. My boss has offered to rent me an ECV to use so I will feel comfortable on the trip. (I will be filming footage for online videos).

I feel like it would be a good idea since it really does hurt me to walk a long way and my ankle tends to swell...not a good thing with an implant. I feel that I could use this during the times when I know my leg will give me trouble...i.e. mornings, evenings, after being up on it for a long time. Should I go for it?

Anna

 

[jm-mom]

Definitely go for it. You won't be alone, that's for sure. Disney World has gotten so HUGE over the last 10 years that I think it's impossible to do it all with any sort of mobility issue without help. Back when you could go for 4 days and there was just Epcot and MK, you could pace yourself and get it all in as well as rest along the way. Nowadays there's 4 major parks, Downtown Disney, and all the resorts to cram into a 5-6 day vacation. That's a lot of walking with little rest time. If you swell the first or second day, that will impact the whole rest of the trip. So, get the scooter and motor around with the rest of us and have a great time!

 

[Lou-Ann]

Why not??? It seems like a win /win to me.... I have used Walker Mobility several times and been very happy with their service. Have a great trip.

 

[Wants2Live@WDW]

I would totally take the ECV rental, as walking the parks is miles and miles of walking every day that one is in the parks.

 

[DannysMom]

I don't see why you wouldn't rent the ECV . Renting from an off site rental company (see the disAbilities FAQ for more info) would certainly be cheaper than in park rentals on multiple days.

I used an ECV most days on my last trip, as I was 16-17 weeks pregnant with twins & a general high risk pregnancy. WDW is a big place, if it makes the trip do-able or better for you, go for it.

 

[Bete]

I would definitely do an ECV. It takes a lot of time to video and I imagine you will be in the park for some long days.

You will be able to accomplish more and if your time there includes arriving and departing it will be hard to do 4 parks, if that's what you are doing with your time frame.

 

[Earstou]

I feel that I could use this during the times when I know my leg will give me trouble...i.e. mornings, evenings, after being up on it for a long time. Should I go for it?

Anna

Yes, Anna, go for it!!!!!!!

Instead of using it when your leg is giving you trouble, I suggest you take it with you all day long. You can use it to go distances, then park it and walk the immediate area. If you wait to use it, you will already be in pain, and not enjoying your trip as much as possible.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Basically a person has a certain amount of energy available to them daily. If they relax during the day the amount of energy available will increase; when they sleep at night they recharge their system,

However, when in pain energy is used up much faster than in normal conditions. If you become exhausted, with by what you have done or, more importantly, what you have done while in pain your system will not recharge to the original energy level overnight and you are starting the next day with a lower amount of energy available.

Once around the World Showcase Lagoon Promenade is more than 1¼ miles; most people tend to average 8 - 12 miles per day at WDW.

(I know you are traveling by yourself, but the below also applies to solo travelers.)

Please ask yourself the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[WaltDreamer]

Save your strength and rent a vehicle. You will enjoy everything so much more!

 

[littlefoots]

Hi there..
I just came back from 10 days at WDW.. and I would not have done it if I didnt rent the ECV. I am so glad I did.. I was able to have an enjoyable trip because of it. I would also recommend.. after my personal adventures on this trip with 3 ecv's and 2 companies within the first 4 days.. that which ever company you decide to use.. to ask how you can tell your ecv is charged.
I met a CM who was able to help me ..after my 13 yr old had to push me out of 3 parks because of bad batteries, and faulty wiring.

When I finally had a company(Walker Mobility) and ecv match that worked on this trip.. I was equipped with the amp box ..so I could tell if my battery was truly charging and fully charged.

After many adventures lol I learned the best way to do an ecv and a disney bus.. is the new disney busses if possible. they have ramps that flip out so you can easily zip in and zip out of the bus.
Also.if you need to charge while in the parks.. most rides have outlets.. just ask and be persistant ... I also had a DVC CM at his stand help me charge the ecv while I was in Sci-Fi for dinner.

Good Luck on your vacation.. and have fun!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also.if you need to charge while in the parks.. most rides have outlets.. just ask and be persistant ... I also had a DVC CM at his stand help me charge the ecv while I was in Sci-Fi for dinner.

While this is good advice when necessary, a properly-charged battery should last all day. If it doesn't, contact the rental company.