Rent a scooter, or Not rent a scooter

[plove53]

I had an issue with some comments the very first time I used an ECV at Disneyland. I was quite nervous to use one the next visit, but I am simply unable to visit the parks without one. (My doctor even insisted upon it.)

I came to these forums asking for advice and got much the same response. I'm not good about developing a thick skin. The best piece of advice I received was to put a little sign on my scooter.

I asked one of the wonderful designers on the creative designs forum to create a license plate for me. One thing it does is help distinguish my scooter from all the others. The other thing is on the bottom it says "Not letting my disability slow me down!" I have had nothing but positive comments ever since I started using that.

I like the idea of the plate/sign!!!! thanks

 

[niftywench]

I'm so thankful for this thread - i have been having a rough few months after two surgeries and was hoping that today I'd get the word that I could be on both feet normally, but things are not at that point and I've had to face the fact that I will need to have an ECV for our trip next week. I am very thankful that i can afford to do so, and that they are available, but I was so hoping to not have to use one. It's so nice to have people going through similar feelings here and helping me feel better about the whole thing...and now I can't stop thinking of cool things to decorate my ECV with!! Thanks, DIS Friends!!

 

[Glittercat]

*hug* @niftywench You're not alone okay. Mobility stuff can feel very lonely sometimes and we all have to support each other whether for a short injury or a lifetime of disability. We're all in this together.

@plove53 Anything you can do to customize your wheels will help you feel more like they belong with you, including signs. Also, Im serious about lights, they help you and those around you stay safe. My 10$ light up Mickey ears from DL are going with me to WDW! I will also have lights on the top of my chair, and down near the footrests. ECV's are a fair bit taller but you might find the lights a festive way to stay safer in the parks at night.

 

[niftywench]

Thanks @Glittercat <3 I have been disabled for a few years but this is the first time that walking will be a problem - i really appreciate your words You rock! I am having a cool 'license plate' made for my scooter and I'm going to take your advice and have some kind of lights for sure. I had tried one of the supermarket scooters and it was a nightmare but I'm told the ECVs are a LOT easier to handle!

 

[lorijohnhill]

What kind of lights do you use? I'd love to be able to light up the pavement in front of me when driving the scooter. I actually drove off the sidewalk in DL once because I thought I was at the point where it dipped down to the street. Oh boy was that terrifying! Unfortunately, the headlights on the off site rental scooters are above the basket, so don't do much for visibility (other than shining in other guests eyes). The DL rental scooters have the light down below, where it actually serves a good purpose.

 

[shrinkydinky]

My sister and i have rented ECVs at DisneyWorld and Disneyland last two trips. They are a life saver. They allowed us to truly enjoy the parks. We can both walk short distances and stand for a little bit, but anything beyond that is excruciating. We never had anyone make rude comments or glare at us . . . well, except that guy i accidentally bumped into while trying to position to watch World of Color. (i said i was sorry, but he wasn't buying it). The bus drivers were always very helpful getting us on and off buses. i especially appreciated the handicap entrance at Pirates in Disneyland. Not only can you drive your ECV right up to the ride, other side from the regular riders. But they allow you extra time to get on and off the ride. i think that's what scares me the most about rides, being rushed to get on or off. That's when slips and falls or bumps can happen.

We used Buena Vista Scooters at WDW and their scooters were in great shape, held a charge all day, and they respond immediately if there is a problem. They have a booth set up in front of the Boardwalk Resort. But best to order ahead of time. Last October they gave 10% off if you mention "allears.net".

 

[ammag]

I've been disabled for 16 years but I didn't have serious issues walking until the last two. I also do not look sick (usually) and I am also overweight. Tends to happen to those of us who can't move well and are on meds! Anyhow, my mom had a scooter on our little two day trip because she is a post cancer patient with nerve damage, it helped her. Lot, she was embarrassed but took to well. I didn't see anyone give her a look or say anything, I was ready with a little speech too. Then the second day halfway through she was feeling great but I hit a wall. I couldn't make it out of the park never mind enjoy myself while there. So she insisted I use the scooter for the rest of the day. Now I know this year I won't be able to do it. I have no problem wiht the IDEA until I imagine myself riding along the whole trip. Then I get the same insecurities that you guys have had.

I've been trying to think of a cute way to decorate you have some great ideas! I was thinking maybe one of those silly awareness ribbons for my illness, would be a subtle way of indication people should ****. But also I might decorate a bit for my kids, they might feel uoset at first. I made my mom a little sign that said "nana's ride" and she said it made her feel better! The lights are an the some idea.

I am sensitive and I know if I am called a name or anyhting I will either cry or have words to say that are too choice for my young kids ears. I will work on toughening up, and maybe come uo with a sentence or two to put someone in their place in a way that is family friendly.

People really need to learn compassion, it's so sad they often act without it.

 

[ammag]

Ps. We were very happy wiht apple scooters. Don't forget to bring something to cover it in case of rain!

 

[lorijohnhill]

My go to line is "I'll trade my pain for your attitude and see how you like it." (If I was ever brave enough to say it!)

 

[Micki NJ]

Get the scooter and don't worry about what people will think. That is their problem and not yours.

I made my DH get one on our last trip because he is diabetic with a partial foot amputation already. He was also worried people will think he's 'too big to walk', but I know that if he walks all day he will get blisters that don't heal and have to be hospitalized for iv antibiotics and could endure another amputation. Risking your health to take to placate those who have no idea what your individual situation might be is just not worth it and my DH's use of an ECV doesn't impact them at all.

We didn't encounter anyone making negative comments or giving us looks. We didn't find it got us to the front of the line either, but the CMs were helpful with making sure his walking was limited. Not sure who is getting to the front of the line with an ECV, as that was not our experience - most lines seem to accommodate the ECV.

Like you he can walk, but just limited durations, so we would park in front of some rides with shorter lines and when we were eating. The CMs tell you where to park and ask you to leave your key.

Make sure to grab a handicapped map when you enter so you can identify where the parade and fireworks viewing is. Those areas are a lot easier to navigate for those in ECVs.

We also drove to MK and didn't find the handicapped spot to be that far away.

Oh and another thing - the ECV made our vacation with our 7 year old daughter that much more enjoyable. Her memories will include Daddy because he could participate in everything and THAT makes it all worthwhile.

 

[Nanajo1]

I have an ECV at WDW for year. No negative comments bit some insensitive ones like "that looks like fun " "wish I had l one of those". I smile and say "not as much fun as you think" some folks just don't know what to say.

 

[shrinkydinky]

Last October at WDW, my sister and i put fairy wings on the back of our seats. Got them at the Dollar Store. It helped us find our ECVs quickly, and lots of people commented how cute they were. i also found rectangular foam plates that fit perfectly over the baskets. It helped to have our own little tables at the Food & Wine festival where regular tables are so hard to find. i'm going to look into lights, as on one of our scooters the lights didn't work. On the other the light worked, but still didn't provide enough light when driving at night.

 

[Elevationist]

Last October at WDW, my sister and i put fairy wings on the back of our seats. Got them at the Dollar Store. It helped us find our ECVs quickly, and lots of people commented how cute they were. i also found rectangular foam plates that fit perfectly over the baskets. It helped to have our own little tables at the Food & Wine festival where regular tables are so hard to find.

I love BOTH of these ideas!!! Just brilliant!!!

 

[Pappa Bear]

I have an ECV at WDW for year. No negative comments bit some insensitive ones like "that looks like fun " "wish I had l one of those". I smile and say "not as much fun as you think" some folks just don't know what to say.

I will practice my reply ahead of time for comments like those.

"I'll trade my ECV for your fully functioning knees."

 

[niftywench]

We had a BLAST on our vacation! The scooter/ECV WAS PERFECT!! I am so thankful to have had it, I was able to keep up with my family and be in the parks for 12 hours! The cast members were all so kind and helpful, and even with the people who thought they could walk in front of A MOVING VEHICLE without getting hit I made it through unscathed and no negativity! I had two pirate flags that I bought at Pirates on my front basket and at night I bought one of the new light up Mickey ear hats and wore it - not a problem. The not thing I will do next time is get a sun cover for the daytime. I was so jealous of the people who had those
AWESOMESAUCE!

 

[milza26]

I agree with everyone is saying! If you need the ECV, get one! You will be so much happier with yourself! I never personally had to use one but my son did during his first trip to WDW last year. Two weeks before the trip he sprained his ankle in 4 places. He doctor strongly suggested we use a wheelchair for the trip because it was way to much walking. I was insecure with the idea at first but in the end I knew it was the best thing for him. The CMs are so nice and helpful. Of course a few people gave us looks but we were having to much fun to care about them! I think it is their lost of the Disney magic by being concern with others!!!

 

[3Gsandme]

You know, if someone "judges" you for being in a scooter, that's on them and not you. If you have low stamina and need the help to have an enjoyable trip, you should go for it. Please spare your party, though, and get the scooter instead of the chair. ALSO, consider practicing with the scooter at home before your trip so you're an experienced driver and not learning to drive while navigating the parks.