Question about scooters

[anonymousegirl]

Hi all,

I'll be going to WDW with a friend who has dodgy hips. Daily life here at home is fine, but we are both worried about the long distances at WDW. Standing in lines isn't really going to be a problem (I'm a veteran FP user), so if we rent a scooter can we park it near an attraction and not bring it into the queue?

She is also worried about getting the scooter on and off buses. Any tips?

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have time for a long answer, but wanted to welcome you and give you the short answer.

Yes, you can park the ECV and walk in line; you would park it with the strollers or as directed by the CM at the entrance. Since you are a WDW veteran, you are probably aware of the attractions with very long queues - like Soarin, Bug's Life and the Safari. She may want to bring the ECV into those lines because of the distance, even if you have Fastpasses. She would be able to keep the ECV until actually boarding. In some cases (Safari), the wait would be longer because of using a different boarding area.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The majority of attraction lines in WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that a wheelchair or ECV will use the regular entrance and line all the way to either a show seating or ride load area. If a line is not mainstreamed there will be signs and/or Cast Members to direct you where to go.

If a show, normally there will be spaces to park a chair or ECV and there will be seats next to the space for other members of the group.

If a ride, usually you will have to transfer to a ride vehicle, although some rides will allow a person in a wheelchair to remain in their chair. If you have to transfer to a ride, and unload is not at the same location as load, your ECV will magically appear at the unload area.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that Post #2 discusses mobility and equipment. Post #3 had a wide variety of information and links; it might be a good idea to look at the various park "Guidebook For Persons With Disabilities" for more detailed information.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Thanks for the info. Danyelle is worried about causing us to have to wait longer if she takes the ECV into the lines. I already told her she'll want it for Soarin', ITTBAB, et al. I'm afraid she'll decide not to get one because she feels it will slow us down. I keep telling her it will speed us up instead!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The first day, many years ago, that I decided I needed an ECV at Epcot made my wife very happy. She said we no longer had to stop every few minutes for me to relax and have the pain stop. Later, as I used off-site rentals (or my own), I was the one to run ahead to get fastpasses, etc.

 

[ckdsnynt]

Up until about five years ago, I was the first one up in the moring (after being the last to bed), outran everyone in our group to get FPs and outlasted everyone when they wanted to go back to the resort and rest. Now, I have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning and walking or standing for any length of time is a real struggle. But I look fine and I worried about the snide remarks of others who thought people on scooters get special treatment in line. Nevertheless, for our trip last May, I rented a scooter and it was the best decision I ever made (after deciding to go to WDW!). Parking the scooter on the bus was hard at first but the drivers are very helpful (some more than others, -one actually had me park it while the bus was full - you should have seen people grabbing up their kids so I wouldn't run over their toes - but just ask them if you have trouble). It makes all the difference in the world at the end of a long day: excruciating, drive you out of your mind pain or just normal tiredness like everyone else. No brainer.