Review of First Time with ECV (aka Scooter)

[tigger_ttfn]

This is a review for anyone who has never done WDW with an ECV and has reservations about doing so…

This was our 7th trip to WDW and our first with an ECV. We are in our mid thirties and DH was diagnosed with MS back in April. With his coordination problems and hip/leg pain, I knew we couldn’t do WDW without a scooter. We even bit the bullet and upgraded to the Polynesian at the last minute so that we could be on the monorail.

Both the scooter and the monorail resort were worth the investment. We had nothing but very helpful and friendly cast members everywhere. The monorails cast members were all too helpful with us getting on and off the monorail with the ramp. The cast members in all the parks were extremely nice and pointed us in the right direction for ride entrances or parking. The bus drivers always loaded us up with a smile.

I just knew that we would feel like a burden to the cast members or get dirty looks from other visitors, but our entire experience was delightful. It was almost as if everyone knew what we were going through and made our trip so much easier.

The monorail made it easy to get back to the hotel room quickly from MK and Epcot. With MS, fatigue is an issue and we loved the convenience of the monorail. It took us an hour to get back from DHS at 8pm (park closed at 10pm) and hour from Grand Floridian to DHS at 9am with the buses.

I'll be happy to answer any questions that you may have. We used Walker Mobility and had no problems. There seemed to be alot of their scooters around.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for your report. It is always encouraging to for people to read reports from other first time users.

 

[dclfun]

I'm so glad you had a great time! I would agree 100% with your decision to upgrade to the Poly- the convenience is worth the extra money for sure. Of course, a monorail resort is not in everyone's budget, but the difference is extreme, esp. when fatigue or pain is a factor. ---Kathy

 

[Tiggerish]

Hi tigger_ttfn. Another MSer here. Did your husband take a cane or forearm crutches with also? I am thinking it would be handy to have something so I can answer yes to the "can you transfer" question at the rides. I can transfer but standing for more than a couple of minutes unsupported is a problem for me plus my walking gait is unsteady and after 20 feet my leg drags awkwardly.

 

[tigger_ttfn]

Yes, he does have a cane. We brought it with us and there was a clip on the back of the scooter to hold it.

On Jungle Cruise they offered to tie the boat to the dock and put it full-throttle so he could enter a steady boat. It worked great both getting on and off.

 

[peemagg]

Another possible MSer here (currently undergoing testing for). When I go at the end of January I will be bringing and using my forearm crutches along with my scooter.

Can't wait!!!!! I have a date with Mickey!!!!!! YEAHHHHH!!!!

 

[Tiggerish]

Thanks for the info. I guess I will have to get a holder for the ECV then and bring something to help with the walking portions.

Slightly off topic, peemagg, do you like the forearm crutches? I have been researching them for inside the house use instead of a cane. I have been feeling a little unsteady even with the cane and am very much a "wall walker" at home.

 

[peemagg]

Yes I do like my forearm crutches. They work better for me than canes do. I used to use a cane also, but I became too unsteady for them. I will also on occasion use a rolling walker (mostly when trying to work around the yard), it gives me the stability of the crutches, but allows me to carry things and a place to sit.

If you have your own scooter, you can get a attachment for them for the back of the scooter.

I find when at Disney I use a backpack on the seat of the scooter for all the things that I want to carry, but nothing that I would worry about if missing.


p.s. I got some covers for the hand grips and the arm wraps. The covers keep the arm wraps from sticking to my skin. That got to be really annoying. The $20 for the arm covers were well worth the cost and it decorates them. Might as well have some fun with them if you have to use them.

 

[demarcilla]

I have been to WDW many times but never with a ECV. This will be my first time in Sept. My biggest concern is the availability of using the bus system with a ECV. When the busses are crowed at the end of the evening is there a problem getting on the bus? I will be with a group of 15. Also I will be renting the ECV from an outside company. How safe is the scooter if left unattended outside of the ride?
Thanks

 

[peemagg]

I have never had a problem with leaving mine, but then I don't leave it with anything of any valuble on it, and I cover it to protect it in case of rain.

I don't normally leave my scooter though. I can't walk very far, so for me it is better to take the scooter with me through the lines. The lines can be longer than you think.

 

[peemagg]

At park closing, I would hang back and let most of the others in the park go first. As far as your group goes know that you will be split up no matter whether it is a ride, show or bus. You may all be able to get on the same bus, but not with the person who uses the ECV. They only allow 5 plus the one on the ECV on in the handicapped line. If you want to be sure that you all ride together, you need to hang back and let the others get in the regular line. When it looks like they will be able to get on the next bus and you will too, then get in line (or get in line and let others go ahead of you if you can't all get on the same bus).

The 5 plus the ECV user is also the rule for rides. The rest have to go through the regular lines if the line is not already mainstreamed (handicapped accessible). In shows they only have space for the ECV user and an attendant, the rest will have to sit elsewhere.

 

[sonjaandsue]

My DP has MS - we leave on Saturday and are planning to rent a ECV just in the parks. Fatigue is the major concern for her, she has never used a ECV before. Any suggestions for a first time ECV driver dealing with crowds?

 

[jham]

Thanks for the report! I will be leaving in a few weeks for my first trip with a scooter. Research on the DIS helped me make that decision. I broke my right foot and sprained my left ankle and will be having foot surgery 3 weeks before my trip and have been nervous about the whole scooter thing.

 

[BroganMc]

I have been to WDW many times but never with a ECV. This will be my first time in Sept. My biggest concern is the availability of using the bus system with a ECV. When the busses are crowed at the end of the evening is there a problem getting on the bus? I will be with a group of 15. Also I will be renting the ECV from an outside company. How safe is the scooter if left unattended outside of the ride?
Thanks

Unless your trip is Labor Day weekend crowds will be very light in September.

The only important tip I have for first time wheelies with the busses is to make sure you park yourself out in the chair waiting area, which is actually outside the line in front where the driver can see you.

The procedure for loading wheelies is this:

1. Driver pulls up to a stop, assesses crowd waiting including any waiting wheelies.
2. Driver opens front door and back door allowing passengers to depart.
3. Driver closes front door preventing any new passengers from boarding.
4. Driver goes back to the rear of the bus and prepares all necessary wheelie spots. (He/she has to pull up a section of seats, ask passengers to relocate for him to load wheelies, and put the bus into neutral for the ramp/lift deployment.)
5. Driver loads wheelies based on where they are getting off and the maneuverability of their vehicles. (Powerchairs and manual chairs are usually loaded in front since they can make tighter turns and scooters take the last slot that doesn't require as much turning.)
6. Driver straps down wheels with 4 tie downs. Most scooter users transfer to bus seats but if not then you get a 5th seatbelt tie-down.
7. Driver allows the family of the wheelie to board, up to 5 people. This is where courtesy comes into play. If it is busy at the bus stop and you just arrived, it's nicer to just manage with one helper and split up your party.
8. Driver confirms your stop so he/she knows when the process has to be undone.
9. Driver then returns to the front of the bus, opens the front doors and allows everyone else to board.

The tie-down process is probably the longest of the entire thing. So many straps to pull out, hook to the vehicle and lock in place. And they have to get down on the floor to do it. Unfortunately this is the only safe way to have a universal system for wheelies. So be sure to thank your bus driver for the extra effort. And if non-wheelies have issues with the wait just remind them this is done so that your 100+lb vehicle doesn't careen into them while the bus is moving, stops quickly or gets into an accident.

Also keep in mind that while you are loaded first you will always be the last to unload at any stop. If you're pressed for time trying to reach a rope drop or Fast Pass distribution, send some of your non-wheelie party ahead to do that for you. They'll beat you by a good 5-10 minutes.

 

[BroganMc]

My DP has MS - we leave on Saturday and are planning to rent a ECV just in the parks. Fatigue is the major concern for her, she has never used a ECV before. Any suggestions for a first time ECV driver dealing with crowds?

You shouldn't have any major crowds that time of year. January gets very light as soon as the holidays end.

But here are a few tips for you:

• Pedestrians never walk in a straight line. You'll notice they tend to drift to the side and will cross your path eventually. Give people in front of you a good 5 foot lead distance so you can adjust if they do.
  
• If you're boxed in, slow down a bit and let the crush of pedestrians squeeze by. They'll do it anyway and this way you are less likely to have a collision.
  
• Use your headlight at night. It allows pedestrians to see you.
  
• Watch out for children. They dart randomly and never look where they're going. This is especially true on Main Street in Magic Kingdom.
  
• Speaking of, if you're cruising down Main Street expect odd behavior from the crowd. They will happily meander down the street then stop dead as soon as they catch sight of the Castle. Picture time.
  
• Also be aware of the PhotoPass folks lining Main Street and Mickey Avenue (in DHS). They create a bit of a traffic jam in the middle of the street.
  
• Watch out for curb cuts or the lack thereof! You do not want to drive off a curb so make sure you are going down a cut. In Magic Kingdom Town Square (the entrance), curb cuts are on the sides.
  
• Be prepared to say "EXCUSE ME!" loud enough to be heard if you spot someone walking backwards into your path. They do this when trying to take a picture and getting their scene into focus. The most dangerous part is when a party is standing off to the side as you're going by and one steps backward into you. They are not looking where they are going so do not realize the danger they put themselves in. That 5 foot buffer zone comes in very handy. In the worst crowds you may have to avoid the collision by stopping or veering. Your voice is your horn.
  
• The larger the crowd the slower you go. Save the speed racing for wide open paths. Reduce your speed when approaching a corner or crossway. You have to see who's coming into your path to safely judge the situation. if you can't see them coming, then slow down and assume they are.
  
• The biggest crowds form around fireworks, parades and park closing. For fireworks and parades get to your spot at least a half hour in advance. I usually grab a snack and munch down while watching pedestrians jockey for position. There are designated wheelchair viewing spots for parades and some fireworks. Those will keep the inconsiderate pedestrians from stepping in front of you last minute.
  
• When you have the biggest crowds, it is much more comfortable giving them a few minutes to clear before you move. Enjoy the scenery, talk with family, shop a little, just kill about 15-30 minutes while the pedestrians make their way to their destinations. At park closing, you'll all be waiting for the bus anyway so it is better to not kill yourself for the first bus.
  
• Be courteous to other wheelies and small children. Remember you are their eye level so are their direct competition. If your scooter has a canopy, take it down for shows.
  
• If someone stares at you, smile back and say hello. We are all curious. Ignorance is our only enemy here. So by engaging the curious you dispel any ignorance and can make a pleasant friendly exchange out of it. Sometimes wheelies, especially newbies, take the stare as a judgment on themselves. It plays on your insecurity (the same one you felt in Junior High) to get unwanted attention. Don't let those dark feelings inside you win the moment. Disney is a magical place where everyone can feel good about life, family and being a kid. Have a little Mickey in your heart and banish those evil party poopers in your mind. (Caveat: if you're tired or hurting it's reasonable to be grumpy. Then you may consider it's time for a break: i.e. rest or medicine or just some solitude.)
  
• Last but not least HAVE FUN! The nicest thing about having your own wheels in the park is that your entire day becomes a ride. You can relax your hurting legs and enjoy the sights and sounds of Disney. Your scooter basket (or wheelchair backpack) becomes a great advantage in holding things. Your pedestrian family will want to "add a few things" so be careful you don't get overloaded. (I frequently turn into the family packhorse lugging spare coats, toys, snacks and whatever was purchased. Fortunately my powerchair doesn't complain about hauling me and the stuff.)

 

[sonjaandsue]

Thank you for the very helpful suggestions!

 

[ang]

Thanks so much for your suggestions. They are greatly appreciated. This is going to be a first trip to Universal and first time using ECV or wheelchair.
Any insight is a great help!