Scooter Questions

[momto3gsds]

I've decided to rent a scooter from Buena Vista Scooters for my trip next week, but I have a couple of questions.

My goal, at least in the Magic Kingdom, is to ride the scooter to the different lands, park it and walk around. My question is where can I park it?

Also I know that I read somewhere here that there is a switch that CM's might use to move the scooter and that the scooter won't work again until you switch it back???? Where is that switch? Since the scooter will be dropped off at my resort I likely won't be there when that happens so I won't have anyone to ask.

One more question. I plan to spend a few hours in the park, return to the resort for rest and later go back to the parks. Should I charge the scooter during this rest? The battery shouldn't be too low but I'm thinking a little boost might be ok.

Lastly, I want to thank you all. I never would have thought about a scooter before coming here.

 

[Chip_Dale]

Most times after the CM move the ECV they put it back to regular drive mode. The ECV that I have rented the switch is near the rear wheels.

 

[bidnow5]

The switch is usually a lever near the back end they almost always put it back you park it in stroller parking areas. It's not a good idea to top off a battery it shortens the life of the battery if it's not charged fully

 

[whitney250]

We had one for my grandma the last time we were there. I would definitely charge it during breaks and carry the charger with you just in case. The scooter company also said to keep the scooter off anytime you stopped for an extended period of time or when it was parked. Her scooter never died, but the day we didn't stop for a break it got down pretty low for comfort. The switch is near the back wheels on top, it's yellow and is easily switched back to the locked position. If you can, get one of the Canopies for the scooter, not just for shade, but so that you are more visible to those around you. My poor grandma had a very hard time moving in crowds because she just wasn't visible, the canopy is at about shoulder level to someone who is standing.

 

[momto3gsds]

Thanks, I can visualize where this switch is but its nice to know the CMs usually switch it back if they do have to move it.

Does anyone know where I can park the scooter in the different lands of the Magic Kingdom? I'm sure I'll need it most other places but am really hoping I can park it each land of the MK and just enjoy the rides there then move on. I've never seen scooter parking signs but I never looked for them before.

 

[concertkatie]

I know in tomorrowland I parked in the stroller parking across from Buzz and we walked around that area.

Be Our Guest had stroller parking but when I went to park there they told me the ECV parking was closer to the door.

Everywhere else I just parked it in stroller parking unless told otherwise and it wasn't an issue.

 

[HizMinnie2015]

thanks for asking these questions... I'm only 43ish but have severe knee issues that would keep me out of Disney without a scooter. i don't want to use it constantly, but at least to help with a good portion of the walking.

 

[Bete]

Topping off the battery is really not a good thing, but I would decide by looking at the gage and see how the power is going. If you have a full charge then you don't need to recharge mid day. This is somewhat dependent on weight of yourself and the size scooter you are using. If you are maximizing the weight on the scooter model you are renting then the battery power will go down faster.

Parking the scooter is probably safest near a restaurant on the side, not by the entrance even if you are not going to the restaurant. Don't park it where there is a traffic pattern or a parade route. Stroller areas are good, too.

You may want to consider using the scooter through the attraction lines. You will get use to the twist and turns required in queue ride/show lines. You might find yourself staying in the park longer that way. You pay high prices for park tickets; so, enjoying the parks for a longer time is a plus. I have a knee issue and it makes a big difference for me.

 

[momto3gsds]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I might just end up using the scooter in the lines but I'm going to try to use it (at least in the MK) to get me to a central location in each land and then walk from there. Unfortunately, I might need it more than that but I can at least try.

It's amazing how difficult it is to make the decision to rent a scooter. I put it off until just days before the trip. I guess I didn't want to admit my health is what it is. The truth is, I'm thankful this is a possibility. Oddly enough, I felt better as soon as I made the reservation.

The scooter I'm renting has a 300lb limit and I'm no where near that so I shouldn't have battery problems. I'll just watch the power thing and make sure it doesn't go too low.

Thanks again.

 

[bidnow5]

Most of us fought using an ECV then once we used one once wish we did it long ago. After renting I ended up buying my own that I use at home and take to Disney

 

[jdb in AZ]

Topping off the battery is really not a good thing, but I would decide by looking at the gage and see how the power is going. If you have a full charge then you don't need to recharge mid day. This is somewhat dependent on weight of yourself and the size scooter you are using. If you are maximizing the weight on the scooter model you are renting then the battery power will go down faster.

You may want to consider using the scooter through the attraction lines. You will get use to the twist and turns required in queue ride/show lines. You might find yourself staying in the park longer that way. You pay high prices for park tickets; so, enjoying the parks for a longer time is a plus. I have a knee issue and it makes a big difference for me.

The gauge on most of the ECV's we've rented aren't very reliable. We go more on how sluggish the ECV is acting. If it's losing it's "oomph" and barely makes it up the hills, then it's a good idea to plug it in while you're having dinner.

If you park near the strollers and the area becomes crowded enough to impede traffic, then cast members might move your ECV while you're gone. It's a bit of a surprise when you come out of a ride and your "royal carriage" is missing, but it's not hard to locate it. eventually. If the cast member leaves the lever in the manually-operating position and you can't figure out how to fix it, just ask a CM to turn it back for you.

 

[Roccosmom]

If you can, get one of the Canopies for the scooter, not just for shade, but so that you are more visible to those around you. My poor grandma had a very hard time moving in crowds because she just wasn't visible, the canopy is at about shoulder level to someone who is standing.

Great idea Whitney250 - thank you!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I've decided to rent a scooter from Buena Vista Scooters for my trip next week,.......

If you not already done so, email Buena Vista Scooters to get a 10% discount, mentioning Deb's allears.net site.