Resort bus or AAA Parking...with an ECV??

[annieb727]

Hey everyone...we're driving down to WDW next weekend! YAY!

Anyway, I have read that they are now mainlining the ECVs so getting on the buses may take longer than it used to (when they had the designated wheelechair line).

So I am wondering if it would be faster/better to just drive and park -- we have a AAA parking pass, so we would be in some of the closer parking...the good thing is that the ECV breaks down really easily...and we could leave it in the van at night -- because we can just take the battery out and charge it.

What do you think the best option would be? It's kinda nice not to have to drive on vacation...but is it worth it?

 

[Missyrose]

Hey everyone...we're driving down to WDW next weekend! YAY!

Anyway, I have read that they are now mainlining the ECVs so getting on the buses may take longer than it used to (when they had the designated wheelechair line).

So I am wondering if it would be faster/better to just drive and park -- we have a AAA parking pass, so we would be in some of the closer parking...the good thing is that the ECV breaks down really easily...and we could leave it in the van at night -- because we can just take the battery out and charge it.

What do you think the best option would be? It's kinda nice not to have to drive on vacation...but is it worth it?

We went in March with an ECV and used AAA parking, it was great! No dirty looks from other people waiting in line for the bus. Just reassembled the ECV behind the car and scooted right into the park.

 

[annieb727]

We went in March with an ECV and used AAA parking, it was great! No dirty looks from other people waiting in line for the bus. Just reassembled the ECV behind the car and scooted right into the park.

You definitely make it sound like so much less of a headache than the buses!! Thanks for your reply!

 

[Inkmahm]

Don't you have a handicap card for parking if you have someone using an ECV? Handicap parking is closer than AAA parking.

 

[annieb727]

Don't you have a handicap card for parking if you have someone using an ECV? Handicap parking is closer than AAA parking.

No. Mobility issues doesn't necessarily mean "handicapped"
For me I'm fine for about an hour or two...then the pain starts, and soon becomes excruciating.
I don't need an ECV on a daily basis...just when I am doing things that require more than a couple of hours of walking/standing. Thankfully it's a bit better than it has been in the past. Maybe someday I won't have to use one -- I SO look forward to that day!

 

[goofy4tink]

To the best of my knowledge, wheelchairs and ECVs still have to have their own waiting area...otherwise, they can't be boarded. They have to be put on the bus first...that's an ADA issue. The others in the party may very well have to wait in the regular que though.
So....you may want to just use your AAA parking pass. With the exception of MK, it gets you right up closer to the park entrance. At MK, you can probably still get a closer spot, but you still have to either ferry or monorail over to MK.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Three things to be aware of: standard blackout dates, 'sudden' blackout dates (when some event or unexpectedly large crowds impel Disney to not hold the Diamond Parking area for qualifying AAA members, and the potential of the area being full.

Plan accordingly.

 

[pilferk]

Resort bus to MK. If you use your AAA parking pass....you still have to contend with the TTC, and the monorail or boat to get over to MK. Easier to let the resort bus do the work (incidentally, that's true if you're staying on site and have your own vehicle in pretty much EVERY situation...not just if you're loading/unloading an ECV from your vehicle for use in the parks).

Your vehicle and AAA parking pass in all the other parks. It will be far less of a hassle for you, in general.