resort choice with ecv

[maxiesmom]

I'm wondering how much having an ecv at the resort as well as in the parks affects which resort you pick.

I booked CSR for a stay next May, and am struggling with that decision. Mainly because of having the ecv at the resort with me and worrying about the buses. My stays after having an ecv have all been at either skyliner resorts or Epcot area resorts. Am I overthinking it? Or is it really something I should be worrying about?

How much does having an ecv factor into which resort you pick?

 

[1Venus]

I don't think you should worry. The buses accommodate ECVs at all the resorts. You will be loaded on 1st before the rest of the line, so you'll be in good shape. I haven't stayed at CSR in many years. Do all the buildings have elevators? If not, be sure to request a 1st floor room. I usually stay at Old Key West where most of the building do not have elevators for the 2nd and 3rd floors. When my mom is with me, I always request a 1st floor room for the scooter and I've always received that. Have fun!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've found that the elevators at the Polynesian (resort, not tower) seemed slightly smaller than at other resorts, making them a little harder to navigate.

 

[KPeterso]

I have not stayed at CSR, but I know it has multiple stops. Maybe figure out which stop is the first one and request a room near there to help with the buses.

 

[elvispursley]

Given that you ah e an ECV, I’d recommend requesting a specific area of CSR that is near the first bus stop. That way you can scoot on over to that bus stop. Our last resort we stayed at OKW and were the 3rd bus stop. Most of the time it did not matter, we were the only two scooters on the bus. But we also went in Aug. when it did matter, we scooted o er to the first bus stop to make sure we got on that first bus. So it can, indeed, matter, regardless if they load you before everyone else, if you are the last bus stop and all the scooter spots are filled bus after bus.

 

[HeiHei2018]

When I used an ECV, I did have to wait for multiple buses once (rope dropping), but I still wouldn’t spend the $$$ for the Epcot resorts. I would spend more time looking at bus stop options. I stayed at CSR without an ECV, and a first floor room there could be very convenient to the bus stops. I think the bus went clockwise around the loop, stopping at the tower last.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Given that you ah e an ECV, I’d recommend requesting a specific area of CSR that is near the first bus stop. That way you can scoot on over to that bus stop. Our last resort we stayed at OKW and were the 3rd bus stop. Most of the time it did not matter, we were the only two scooters on the bus. But we also went in Aug. when it did matter, we scooted o er to the first bus stop to make sure we got on that first bus. So it can, indeed, matter, regardless if they load you before everyone else, if you are the last bus stop and all the scooter spots are filled bus after bus.

I'd agree with that recommendation. I've seen people on scooters at the third bus stop at OKW turned down for lack of room.

 

[Evita_W]

I'd agree with that recommendation. I've seen people on scooters at the third bus stop at OKW turned down for lack of room.

The nice thing about a scooter is distance isn't a huge issue, you can always go to the first stop and get on there.

 

[Lewisc]

ECV guests waiting at their resorts first bus stop may find the scooter spots occupied by returning guests.

Value resorts have one bus stop and rarely share buses.
Swan and Dolphin are good options.

POFQ has one stop. Occassionally shares with POR.

CBR doesn't have elevators. PO and CSR has multiple stops. Issues with returning guests.

Minnie Vans and Mears accessible taxis are options to supplement free options

Edited to add..You can take an available bus to DHS then use the Skyliner to get to EPCOT. Great if their are too MANY ECV waiting for buses to EPCOT

 

[pooh2001]

I too am now in a wheelchair - Hubby said if we save money on the resort - we can use the WDW Minnie Vans that are wheelchair accessible
My choice is the Contemporary - because we only do MK & EPCOT - the monorail has no problems with EVCs or wheelchairs
But if we stay at POFQ - 2nd choice - then we may do the minnie vans

 

[Lewisc]

Mears accessible taxis are the same price as a regular taxi. Cheaper then a Minnie van. It fits 1 ECV MV fit 2.

ECV is better then a wheelchair at WDW.

 

[Lewisc]

IMPORTANT POINT TO CONSIDER

Scooterbug is the only vendor allowed to use bell services at WDW resorts. All vendors are allowed to use bell services at Swan Dolphin and Reserve. Walk or Boat to 2 parks.. Can you transfer and Walk up a few steps? Swan...use Mears motor coaches. Scooters go under the bus. Many scooters can fit.

JMO. Swan and Dolphin are the best resorts for guests using ECV. Restaurants don't require leaving the building. Great option during thunderstorms

 

[Simba's Mom]

IMPORTANT POINT TO CONSIDER



JMO. Swan and Dolphin are the best resorts for guests using ECV. Restaurants don't require leaving the building. Great option during thunderstorms

LOL! That's one reason I love Beach Club-I can get to Beaches and Cream in the rain, without getting wet-you know, the No Way Jose Sundae makes an excellent meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

 

[Tinksmom6575]

IMPORTANT POINT TO CONSIDER

Scooterbug is the only vendor allowed to use bell services at WDW resorts. All vendors are allowed to use bell services at Swan Dolphin and Reserve. Walk or Boat to 2 parks.. Can you transfer and Walk up a few steps? Swan...use Mears motor coaches. Scooters go under the bus. Many scooters can fit.

JMO. Swan and Dolphin are the best resorts for guests using ECV. Restaurants don't require leaving the building. Great option during thunderstorms

You are also close enough to the Boardwalk to get a Disney bus there, with the added bonus of skipping the TTC if heading to MK.

 

[Evita_W]

You are also close enough to the Boardwalk to get a Disney bus there, with the added bonus of skipping the TTC if heading to MK.

Also, for EPCOT and Hollywood studios, you don't even need to use transportation with an ECV as long as you have decent battery power.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

You are also close enough to the Boardwalk to get a Disney bus there, with the added bonus of skipping the TTC if heading to MK.

I know people do it but the volume of buses that run to BW/YC is already not enough to meet the demand for those resorts, let alone adding the guests (and ECVs!) from Swolphin. Unpopular opinion perhaps but I wish Disney would check room keys/magic bands or something to keep transit with limited capacity to those staying on property. Not necessarily that property because there are plenty of reasons to move around, but at least at a Disney resort.

 

[Tinksmom6575]

I know people do it but the volume of buses that run to BW/YC is already not enough to meet the demand for those resorts, let alone adding the guests (and ECVs!) from Swolphin. Unpopular opinion perhaps but I wish Disney would check room keys/magic bands or something to keep transit with limited capacity to those staying on property. Not necessarily that property because there are plenty of reasons to move around, but at least at a Disney resort.

I wish there were more spaces on busses for ECVs, or buses dedicated to transporting all ECVs. I often have to wait for a 2nd or sometimes 3rd bus. We have stayed at the BW multiple times and never found the bus stops to be overly crowded. I very rarely had to wait for another bus there, unlike places like Pop where it was a cattle call and always packed at open and close. It's just not practical to travel with an ECV on Swalphin's buses. They don't come often enough and sometimes scooters have to go under the bus. What about people with a dining reservation, or just coming to check out the resort. Should they not be allowed on buses?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I know people do it but the volume of buses that run to BW/YC is already not enough to meet the demand for those resorts, let alone adding the guests (and ECVs!) from Swolphin. Unpopular opinion perhaps but I wish Disney would check room keys/magic bands or something to keep transit with limited capacity to those staying on property.

I can still remember a time when WDW did check for room keys before you got on the bus going to the resort, at busy times. One night at MK closing they checked our DD's and since she'd forgotten her key, I forget how she and DH got back to our resort (this was way back in the 80s) but it wasn't by bus. At the time, we didn't blame anyone for it-that was the policy. As a frequent ECV guest at the Beach Club who's had to wait for subsequent buses because all ECV capacity was taken, I don't disagree with your opinion.

 

[Lewisc]

. It's just not practical to travel with an ECV on Swalphin's buses. They don't come often enough and sometimes scooters have to go under the bus.

My experience...Swan Dolphin buses come every 15 - 20 minutes. Wait is less then Disney resort buses.
A lot more then 2 scooters fit under the bus. A plus for guests who can walk up a few steps.

AT TTC...couldn't lower the tiller. A second bus, with ramp, pulled in immediately after the bus left. The bus was to pull out right after we boarded. A ferry was docking. The bus waited a few minutes.
No complaints.

 

[elvispursley]

I know people do it but the volume of buses that run to BW/YC is already not enough to meet the demand for those resorts, let alone adding the guests (and ECVs!) from Swolphin. Unpopular opinion perhaps but I wish Disney would check room keys/magic bands or something to keep transit with limited capacity to those staying on property. Not necessarily that property because there are plenty of reasons to move around, but at least at a Disney resort.

Sure except Disney transportation is for all guests regardless of where you’re staying. What do you do if you’re offsite and have an ADR at a resort?? Rideshate? I get your point but it’s just not a practical solution.