Renting ECV at Epcot

[Disneylvr]

Can it be rented at the main entrance but returned at the international gateway entrance? The Disney FAQ states "Rented units must be returned to the original rental location before park closing time to receive a refund of the security deposit." but I am not sure how this applies at Epcot?

 

[mamabunny]

It took a bit of research, but I did find this on the WDW Web Page for ECV Rentals in the park: "Rented units must be returned to the original rental location before park closing time to receive a refund of the security deposit."

Hope this helps answer your question!

 

[Disneylvr]

Yes, I found that quote too (see my post above) but I am hoping to hear first hand experiences at Epcot since it is the only park with two entrances and two rental locations. Thanks!

 

[Disneylvr]

The Disney Mom's Panel answered my question about this and here is their answer: "You have asked an excellent question! Yes, you are welcome to rent Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECV) at the location near the Epcot park entrance and return it to the International Gateway location. ECVs must remain in the theme park where rented and returned before park closing to receive the security deposit refund. I also want to note that after speaking to a Cast Member about ECV rental specifics, she pointed out that the International Gateway site only has manual folding wheelchairs available for rentals. Therefore, if you plan to leave Epcot and return later in the day, it is likely that you may need to go back to the Epcot entrance location to pick up another ECV."

 

[stitchlovestink]

The Disney Mom's Panel answered my question about this and here is their answer: "You have asked an excellent question! Yes, you are welcome to rent Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECV) at the location near the Epcot park entrance and return it to the International Gateway location. ECVs must remain in the theme park where rented and returned before park closing to receive the security deposit refund. I also want to note that after speaking to a Cast Member about ECV rental specifics, she pointed out that the International Gateway site only has manual folding wheelchairs available for rentals. Therefore, if you plan to leave Epcot and return later in the day, it is likely that you may need to go back to the Epcot entrance location to pick up another ECV."

Hopefully, they are correct. The mom's panel has at times given incorrect info. They aren't CMs. They are people who apply to be on a panel for a year's time and go through a process but they aren't Disney employees. Disney doesn't guarantee their accuracy in their advice. Here's their disclosure stating so....

 

[CJN]

The Disney Mom's Panel answered my question about this and here is their answer: "You have asked an excellent question! Yes, you are welcome to rent Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECV) at the location near the Epcot park entrance and return it to the International Gateway location. ECVs must remain in the theme park where rented and returned before park closing to receive the security deposit refund. I also want to note that after speaking to a Cast Member about ECV rental specifics, she pointed out that the International Gateway site only has manual folding wheelchairs available for rentals. Therefore, if you plan to leave Epcot and return later in the day, it is likely that you may need to go back to the Epcot entrance location to pick up another ECV."

I'm confused. So the info gathered from the Mom's Panel is that ECVs are no longer available at IG, just wheelchairs? Since when? If true that's an important change.

 

[mamabunny]

I'm confused. So the info gathered from the Mom's Panel is that ECVs are no longer available at IG, just wheelchairs? Since when? If true that's an important change.

Well... we don't know what "Cast Member" the Mom's Panel person talked to... so there really is no way to know for sure... :::sigh::: If she asked someone other than a CM at the wheelchair rental at the IG, then I'm not so sure I would 100% trust the info...

 

[Disneylvr]

So in other words it doesn't do any good to call, write or email Disney any question because you will never get a 100% trusted answer? I guess I will just rent from an outside company then even though I don't need an ECV all the time. I really didn't want to have to use it on the buses.

 

[kaytieeldr]

To the best o my knowledge, there are limited ECVs available at the IG. Now, granted, it's been years since I rented from that location, but it used to be two, then CMs would bring over two more if available - I think due to limited space. But it's been more than ten years since I stayed at BC; maybe fifteen.

 

[stitchlovestink]

So in other words it doesn't do any good to call, write or email Disney any question because you will never get a 100% trusted answer? I guess I will just rent from an outside company then even though I don't need an ECV all the time. I really didn't want to have to use it on the buses.

Keep in mind that there is NO guarantee that they will have any ECVs available for rent at the parks. They are first come, first served. The only way to be 100% sure you would have one is to rent from an off site vendor.

 

[Disneylvr]

Keep in mind that there is NO guarantee that they will have any ECVs available for rent at the parks. They are first come, first served. The only way to be 100% sure you would have one is to rent from an off site vendor.

Oh I do realize this. I will arriving before rope drop and there should be some available then. I do know there may not be an ECV available at the next park when I hop. I can walk but I have just 3 park days during this and want to cover a lot of ground. My bad knee might be fine for 2-3 miles but not the 8 or 9 I will probably be covering.

 

[mamabunny]

So in other words it doesn't do any good to call, write or email Disney any question because you will never get a 100% trusted answer? I guess I will just rent from an outside company then even though I don't need an ECV all the time. I really didn't want to have to use it on the buses.

Sadly, there is a substantial percentage of the CMs who are "public facing" who have never been to the parks. They will NEVER admit that though. The first time we realized that was happening was when we called to book our next trip right after arriving home. As we were chatting the CM, we mentioned that we had just returned. She made several remarks that tipped us off right away that she had never actually been to WDW, not the least of which was her description of what she had "just seen" when she was "just there last weekend. I'm surprised I didn't run right into you!" Right. Because according to her, "all the construction around the castle is completely done!" but it clearly wasn't (late Sept/early Oct last year) not to mention all her babble about F&W at Epcot was waaaaay wrong too; we covered that hardcore, and she did not know what she was talking about at all. It would have been funny, except I kept thinking how many people she has/is giving incorrect information to.

When it comes to the kinds of issues folks in this forum face on a regular basis, and the accommodations that some of us need, the mis-information becomes even more profound - and can (and has) caused real issues for people who believed what they were told on the phone, or somewhere else on the Internet, and then found something completely different upon arriving at WDW.

Please believe me when I tell you - I have bad knees, and I just don't want you to be in a situation that could cast a shadow on your trip to WDW. Not trying to be stinky... None of the regulars here want to see someone have to struggle or wait for an ECV when we can set a more appropriate expectation for you.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Sadly, there is a substantial percentage of the CMs who are "public facing" who have never been to the parks. They will NEVER admit that though. The first time we realized that was happening was when we called to book our next trip right after arriving home. As we were chatting the CM, we mentioned that we had just returned. She made several remarks that tipped us off right away that she had never actually been to WDW, not the least of which was her description of what she had "just seen" when she was "just there last weekend. I'm surprised I didn't run right into you!" Right. Because according to her, "all the construction around the castle is completely done!" but it clearly wasn't (late Sept/early Oct last year) not to mention all her babble about F&W at Epcot was waaaaay wrong too; we covered that hardcore, and she did not know what she was talking about at all. It would have been funny, except I kept thinking how many people she has/is giving incorrect information to.

When it comes to the kinds of issues folks in this forum face on a regular basis, and the accommodations that some of us need, the mis-information becomes even more profound - and can (and has) caused real issues for people who believed what they were told on the phone, or somewhere else on the Internet, and then found something completely different upon arriving at WDW.

Please believe me when I tell you - I have bad knees, and I just don't want you to be in a situation that could cast a shadow on your trip to WDW. Not trying to be stinky... None of the regulars here want to see someone have to struggle or wait for an ECV when we can set a more appropriate expectation for you.

Well I know for fact that the disabilities dept is on site. And if you talk to someone in that dept, they do know what they are talking about. They are very well trained in that dept. However it is a small dept, isn't available 24/7, and isn't always easy to access. They use stage names and I know a few. And I know they know the parks and the area. We go off site enough to know the local places they talk about. So I know they are very familiar with the area and what is going on.

 

[mamabunny]

Well I know for fact that the disabilities dept is on site. And if you talk to someone in that dept, they do know what they are talking about. They are very well trained in that dept. However it is a small dept, isn't available 24/7, and isn't always easy to access. They use stage names and I know a few. And I know they know the parks and the area. We go off site enough to know the local places they talk about. So I know they are very familiar with the area and what is going on.

I didn't know that the Disabilities department is now on site at WDW - but I do agree with you; it's really tough to get a hold of them. There have been a couple of times when we really needed to reach out to them, and were given such a run-around on the phone that it wasn't even funny. We finally got through, but it took multiple transfers, and a lot of persistence on my part. Even then, they couldn't really answer the question we had (about whether or not the HA room doors at that resort had an electric opener, operated by a button. It did, as we discovered after we checked in) I used to have a direct number for that department, but the last time we tried to call it, it had been changed.

I was not referring to the folks in the Disabilities department, however. In my last post above, I was referencing the CMs who answer the phone when you call about your reservation. I find it very frustrating that we consistently hear of incorrect information being passed along by this group of CMs; I know why Disney wants to perpetuate the myth that every CM you talk to on the phone is in the parks right now, in the middle of The Magic! but I would far rather hear the truth ("I'm sorry, but I don't have the resources at hand to answer that question") than to hear a bunch of fabricated bull-fluff.

 

[Disneylvr]

I just decided to go ahead and rent from an outside company, Walker Mobility to be specific. I worry about getting it on or off the buses and in/out of my hotel room as I will be on a solo trip. I asked the question on Mom's panel as if it was for a family member but it is for me and my very bad knee. I really struggled this past weekend at a local theme park.

 

[Hopefully]

Bring a door stop for your hotel room. It is very difficult to get the ECV into and out of your room without one.

 

[Lambiebell]

It is also important to know that if you are going to rent an ECV at an individual park, they are on a first come first served basis. They can (and sometimes do) run out. Which is why my mom always makes sure she rents from one of the companies that contracts with Disney. That and making the travel to/from the buses easier, especially at EPCOT!

 

[Lambiebell]

^ Which may have something to do with the information about the international gateway. At the time that the question was asked, they may have been out of ECVs for the day.

 

[Disneylvr]

It is also important to know that if you are going to rent an ECV at an individual park, they are on a first come first served basis. They can (and sometimes do) run out. Which is why my mom always makes sure she rents from one of the companies that contracts with Disney. That and making the travel to/from the buses easier, especially at EPCOT!

Is there any benefit of renting from a Disney contracted company other than they are allowed to drop the scooter off at luggage services without the guest being there? I rented from Walker, which is not a Disney preferred company but they can drop the scooter off at POP but I have to meet their employee. The same is true about pickup. I am actually thinking about having them pick up the scooter at a theme park entrance, if they are allowed, on my last night. Walker gets good reviews from many on these boards.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Is there any benefit of renting from a Disney contracted company other than they are allowed to drop the scooter off at luggage services without the guest being there? I rented from Walker, which is not a Disney preferred company but they can drop the scooter off at POP but I have to meet their employee. The same is true about pickup. I am actually thinking about having them pick up the scooter at a theme park entrance, if they are allowed, on my last night. Walker gets good reviews from many on these boards.

Walker is an excellent company to deal with!!
Good choice!!!