Scooter Rental

[maxwellsdemon]

Hi, I've searched and I haven't been able to find this question asked or answered so I'm starting a new thread. Apologies if there is somewhere obvious I've missed.

I'm staying in Disney World for the third time this Autumn (late September) but my health has significantly declined since my last trip and I know I'm going to need a Scooter/ECV to get around the parks. I've read that there are Disney scooters but they are limited in number and also there are the preferred providers.

I'm only going to need a scooter for the parks, not to get around our resort.

Are there so few Disney scooters that it will be better for me to rent from one of the preferred providers and have to struggle with it on the buses? Or do you think I can get away with relying on the Disney ones since it is off season?

Thanks for your help!
Hannah

 

[bidnow5]

They have a lot of scooters but do run out if you go early there shouldn't be a problem I've only had problems mid day

 

[WheeledTraveler]

If you get there early, you should be able to get a scooter, but be warned that the WDW scooters are also substantially more expensive than renting offsite. (We're talking approx $20/day more expensive depending on your length of stay.)

 

[maxwellsdemon]

Thank you for your replies.

I did see they were more expensive from Disney but we're not planning to go to the parks every day so I think it might balance out.

Just how early is early though? We're planning to be at parks by mid-morning every day we're going. Hopefully earlier. But it depends on how my energy levels are going.

 

[MikeS.]

Where do you find these "preferred providers"?

 

[bedogged]

Hi, I've searched and I haven't been able to find this question asked or answered so I'm starting a new thread. Apologies if there is somewhere obvious I've missed.

I'm staying in Disney World for the third time this Autumn (late September) but my health has significantly declined since my last trip and I know I'm going to need a Scooter/ECV to get around the parks. I've read that there are Disney scooters but they are limited in number and also there are the preferred providers.

I'm only going to need a scooter for the parks, not to get around our resort.

Are there so few Disney scooters that it will be better for me to rent from one of the preferred providers and have to struggle with it on the buses? Or do you think I can get away with relying on the Disney ones since it is off season?

Thanks for your help!
Hannah

I just wanted to add that the scooters you can rent from Disney are larger and more difficult to maneuver than most of the scooters you rent off site. Also, you need to be aware that the distance from the bus stop or parking lot is considerable. You might find yourself very tired after the walk. I know the thought of transporting a scooter on a bus can be daunting, but it really is very easy and pleasant.

 

[joelkfla]

Don't be afraid to rent an outside scooter because of bus transportation. Disney Transport handles hundreds of scooters each day. Most drivers will help guide you into the tie-down area; many will even offer to push the scooter in for you. If you can parallel-park a car, you can park a scooter on the bus. Just keep the speed down, and take the time you need to feel safe.

Make sure you are in the designated wheelchair area at the resort bus stop, so the driver can clearly see you when driving up. During peak times at the theme parks, scooters and wheelchairs are usually integrated into the main boarding queue until they reach the front.

The only downside is you may have to wait longer at times if a bus is too full to load the scooter or if there are more scooters/wheelchairs waiting than can fit on the bus (each bus can hold either 2 or 3).

Disney Preferred Providers are authorized to deliver scooters to the resort before your arrival; other providers have to deliver the scooter to you personally. It doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a better scooter or better service; there have been some complaints posted here about the condition of scooters from some of the Preferred Providers.

 

[maxwellsdemon]

Thank you, those replies are really helpful too. I can't actually drive any more for medical reasons (I have permanent vertigo which can make the world spin with no warning) but I can just about remember parallel parking!

 

[Earstou]

If you can't drive a car any longer, should you be driving a scooter? If the world spins without warning, will you lose control?
If that happens you could possibly:
run up a curb and tip, or
run into a tree, hurting yourself or
run into another guest, hurting them?

Driving a scooter is like driving a car, it is a moving vehicle that should be under your control at all times. The first time I had a child dart in front of me and had to stop suddenly to avoid hitting them, I realized that.
Not trying to be snarky here, just wanting you to realize this could be a safety issue for you.

 

[maxwellsdemon]

No, I appreciate it. I have spoken to my GP about it and she believes I'll be fine otherwise I wouldn't be doing it.

ETA: I should probably say it's mostly the framework of a car moving with respect to the background that makes me dizzy in a car not the movement itself. I'm fine walking.

 

[Andianna]

I have vertigo issues as well and have successfully rented and maneuvered scooters at the parks for the past 6 years. The bus drivers are fantastic in helping me park and I find them very easy to get off and on with. I just booked APPLE scooters for myself and hubby for a trip in May. We are a more "mature" couple but still love the mouse. Without scooters we could not do it even the walk from exit to buses has become tough scooters are the way to go.