Restaurants, Rides and ECV

[Blackbird1386]

While we have gone to Disney World so many times, but our next trip will be completely new. This past July, my mom suffered a stroke that left her right side affected (can not use her arm/hand, and limited mobility in walking). I am assuming that with all rides (with the exception of Peter Pan and TTA) she will be able to either drive our rented ECV through or use a wheelchair that will be provided at the ride entrance. Is that correct? Also, for example at the end of POTC, will they bring a wheelchair for her to exit the ride (I believe she will be able to transfer, but walking long distances would be difficult)? Also how do things work at restaurants? I am assuming at most counter service she would be able to drive the ECV inside, but what about Table Service? Thank you so much in advance for any tips or tricks you can send my way so we can once again have a magical vacation!

 

[Mrsjvb]

if she is new to using one the turns in the lines are VERY tight and it can be quite difficult to maneuver. so have her practice.

when making reservations at TS, indicate that you need HA seating. a few places there are steps that she would not be able to drive the ECV . they do prefer that you do not leave the ECV at the table as they make it almost impossible for others to get by. they will happily drive it back to the front for you and then bring it back when you are ready to leave.

again, some CS lines are very tight and with heavy crowds it can be overwhelming.

I can't do POTC any more( I need zero entry access rides now to transfer) so cannot answer that question.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

While we have gone to Disney World so many times, but our next trip will be completely new. This past July, my mom suffered a stroke that left her right side affected (can not use her arm/hand, and limited mobility in walking). I am assuming that with all rides (with the exception of Peter Pan and TTA) she will be able to either drive our rented ECV through or use a wheelchair that will be provided at the ride entrance. Is that correct? Also, for example at the end of POTC, will they bring a wheelchair for her to exit the ride (I believe she will be able to transfer, but walking long distances would be difficult)? Also how do things work at restaurants? I am assuming at most counter service she would be able to drive the ECV inside, but what about Table Service? Thank you so much in advance for any tips or tricks you can send my way so we can once again have a magical vacation!

I have had some trouble at table serves with taking in ECV even had the manger at one tell I could get an ECV to the table as there was not room saying he was sorry about what had happened as we arrived. I had to laugh at hi as I told him one of his people had just taken mine back out front from my table. he came back to say yes my ECV would be brought back for me and it did fit but most still did not. that trip I also did POTC but was before last refurb. had to use their wheelchair and there was another one at exit for me. at that time you had to take a small elevator up and out. only one person of the group could come with me and meet up afterwards. not sure if this is still the way done

 

[gap2368]

there are a few rides you can not take the ECV in

space motion
buzz
are a few I can think of off the top of my head.

but wheel chair are available at thesis rides

 

[The Hunchback]

If she has impairement of her right hand, she may have trouble handling the throttle on a scooter. Are you sure she can use a scooter? Left hand can handle speed but it is harder to do.

 

[Blackbird1386]

If she has impairement of her right hand, she may have trouble handling the throttle on a scooter. Are you sure she can use a scooter? Left hand can handle speed but it is harder to do.

Hopefully she can, we plan on trying out some scooters at local stores like the ones they have for use in Walmart, which appear to be similar in control (delta tiller) at least to the one we are renting. I have read that the ones with the delta tillers are easier to control with just a left hand. Hopefully that is true.

 

[bucky1023]

from my experience with my mom...

POTC you use one of their wheelchairs and their will be one at the end when you get off (just remember that you have to step into the boat so that might be difficult. If there is more then just the two of you have someone get in/out of the boat first and then someone behind to help push her up and keep her steady). Make sure that on any ride with a moving walkway that you ask them to slow/stop it so that it is easier to walk on.

When you call to make your ECV reservation ask them specific questions about the scooters. Explain the situation and they should be able to tell you which would be best.

My mom is still able to park her scooter outside and walk to our table (just can't do hours of walking) so really can't help with that one. Enjoy and go slow, I find that as soon as my mom gets onto her EVC some people tend not to see her (or choose to ignore her) and will walk right in front of her moving scooter (and i sometimes find more adults do this then children).

 

[jmmess]

My parents are coming on our next trip and my mom is renting an ECV. This will be our first trip with this"experience," so trying to get as much info as possible. Is there a list of rides where people can ride their ECVs and where they need to transfer or walk? We are doing one day at each park, so need for all parks. I did just pick up maps for each park to see if they show some kind of designation for each ride? Also, do we go to the same entrance as usual for the rides? Appreciate any help as I keep researching.

 

[Bete]

Ride queues have extremely sharp turns and you need to make left and right turns and you can't make wide turns like a store aisle. If scooters are not allowed there is a wheelchair available at the ride, but it's not unlimited with the amount of wheelchairs at a ride. It may be hard to secure one.

If you are using Disney transportation especially buses to get back and forth from the parks this can be difficult, too. Positioning a scooter on a bus is not easy for a newbie.

Also, Disney has crowds. Will she have quick enough reactions to stop if anyone darts out in front of her? Kids don't pay attention very well. Now, if you have enough people in your group to surround her scooter then that might help.

Also, there are curbs at the parks and you don't want to jump a curb with a scooter. You will have to be very aware and make sure to use all the ramps at a park. This is especially bad at the Magic Kingdom castle.

Navigating through a restaurant with a scooter will be extremely difficult and add someone with limited mobility capacity and that's a recipe for problems.

I really believe all the above will stress your mother out. It will probably be mentally exhausting for her, too.

I strongly recommend using a wheelchair for the trip. Let your mom enjoy and sit back. She will last longer, too. If you have multiple people to push it won't be that hard on the pushers. Alternate shows and rides to give the pushers a rest. There are more rides where you can actually take a wheelchair on the ride. It will be exhausting enough for your mom to get in and out of some rides. Always have some one in front of her and someone in back of her when you go in and out of rides.

If you insist on doing a scooter then you may have to help getting the scooter on and off a bus and not expect your mom to do it.

We took over 6 trips with my mom and we always used a wheelchair. You can purchase a light weight travel portable wheelchair for $150.

 

[lanejudy]

Is there a list of rides where people can ride their ECVs and where they need to transfer or walk?

The disABILITIES FAQs thread pinned near the top of this forum has that info. And when you get to the parks, be sure to pick up the map for guests with disabilities which shows this info as well.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[mamabunny]

While we have gone to Disney World so many times, but our next trip will be completely new. This past July, my mom suffered a stroke that left her right side affected (can not use her arm/hand, and limited mobility in walking). I am assuming that with all rides (with the exception of Peter Pan and TTA) she will be able to either drive our rented ECV through or use a wheelchair that will be provided at the ride entrance. Is that correct? Also, for example at the end of POTC, will they bring a wheelchair for her to exit the ride (I believe she will be able to transfer, but walking long distances would be difficult)? Also how do things work at restaurants? I am assuming at most counter service she would be able to drive the ECV inside, but what about Table Service? Thank you so much in advance for any tips or tricks you can send my way so we can once again have a magical vacation!

Hi Blackbird! to our little corner of The DIS!

Just a few extra notes to add:

- Is your Mom more temperature sensitive post-stroke? If so, you may want to bring a lightweight throw, shawl or pashmina to cover her shoulders - believe it or not, on a cool night you can actually get cold riding on an ECV or in a wheelchair! (folks who are walking tend not to notice because they are typically exerting enough energy to stay warm) (this also goes for the little strolller-nuggets BTW)

- If your Mom has light, sound or startle sensitivities post-stroke you may want to review the rides she takes now. My Mom had multiple strokes over the years, and while she was still able to enjoy some rides, many rides and attractions at WDW became too noisy or too stressful for her.

- If your Mom requires assistance with toileting, you may want to bring along a folding walker (you can strap it to the back of the ECV with either Velcro One-Wrap or bungees) or a folding cane so that she can more easily get into and out of the companion stalls/bathrooms. There are a few of the handicap stalls around WDW where she may struggle driving the ECV into the stall.

- I know that your Mom may want the ECV because she wants to maintain her freedom at WDW, however... if she is still learning to use her left side more effectively, you may want to consider using a wheelchair that a family member will push for this trip. As her recovery continues, she may be more able to handle using an ECV at WDW - but the wheelchair will allow her to gain access to more spaces/places at WDW and will cause fewer ride transfers. I personally recommend bringing bike gloves for the "pusher" because the last thing you want is a bister at WDW! A wheelchair with a nice gel cushion on the seat may be more comfortable for her right now, and might also allow for better control of her right leg/foot.

Let us know if there are any more questions we can help with!

 

[RubySue]

The disABILITIES FAQs thread pinned near the top of this forum has that info. And when you get to the parks, be sure to pick up the map for guests with disabilities which shows this info as well.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/

Enjoy your vacation!

The FAQs thread has great information! And the WDW maps for guests with disabilities are very helpful.
Just remember, the CMs are use to ECVs, wheelchairs, and walkers. If you are in doubt about any ride/show, just roll up to the CM at the entrance to the line queue and they will instruct you on what you need to do and where to go.

 

[Kaytie]

Hopefully she can, we plan on trying out some scooters at local stores like the ones they have for use in Walmart, which appear to be similar in control (delta tiller) at least to the one we are renting. I have read that the ones with the delta tillers are easier to control with just a left hand. Hopefully that is true.

Let the rental company know you need an ECV that can be operated completely w with just a left hand

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

My ECV is operated by the right hand. The left one is reverse. When I rent one in the US ( I live in the UK ) I notice the levers are the other way around sometimes. I would check for sure with the rental company they can clearly differ. But you could easily move your hand across to do the reverse in my model but I would want the throttle to be on my working hand side. You could help her with reverse perhaps.

A better option might be a powerchair with the controls on her stronger side. Something light like the jazzy. I have a power chair also.

I hope you have a lovely vacation. Good rides are IASW and Jungle cruise! I can remain in my chair! Also Toy Story!