Solo Traveller Negotiating Elevators

[Mousetopia]

I am travelling solo and using a scooter for the first time. What is the best practice for elevators? I will be using them at AKL. Thank you in advance!

 

[Groot]

just like parking a car- drive in frontwards and back up to exit. Never try to turn in an elevator.

 

[mamabunny]

Since you are traveling solo, I would suggest that you try to back straight in, so that you can easily reach the elevator controls (hopefully without getting off the ECV). This will also allow you to drive straight out once you are on your destination floor, which is better from a visual standpoint; you aren't gong to have to worry about people crowding behind you to get on the elevator as you back out.

 

[Selket]

If I was the only one getting into the elevator I went straight in and hit the button when I was midway in (probably some scooter sticking out the door but at a good spot for me to hit the button) then went all the way in. I probably also could turn and hit it. If someone else is going in or already in there I ask them to hit the button.

Wow @mamabunny I have never tried to back in! I am good at driving backwards and parallel park my ECV for the fun of it, but you are next level!! I just imagine backing through those narrow door elevators at the Contemporary.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, when waiting for the elevator, wait far enough away for someone coming off the elevator to come off and turn.
When getting off, expect there might be someone with an ECV/mobility device crowding the door. That happens to us very frequently and sometimes the waiting person just sits there, blocking our way and we need to ask them to please move. People get into ‘I’m tired and not paying attention Disney mode’.

 

[Bete]

It all depends how capable you are but in some situations I get off the scooter and control the scooter by reaching the handle controls with no rider on it. You have to be very careful here. I seldom do this but on occassion I have done it this way.

Worse to worse, I will ask a stranger to please hold the elevator door for me; so, it doesn't close. They can also use the hold button on the elevator; so, it will stay open. Most people will be kind this way.

I will skip the elevator and wait for the next one if there are too many people all ready on the elevator or getting on the elevator at the same time.

I think the best answer is to avoid elevators. Get a first floor resort location for one. Skip any dining reservations that involve using an elevator. Even for the ride Soarin' in Epcot you can leave and park your scooter and then use the elevator on your own accord. If that is not possible I would skip the ride.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I am most often traveling solo. If you pull straight on, you can easily pull straight back to exit the elevator. Never had an issue getting to the buttons… just turn and reach. I’m short so sometimes I need to lean off the seat.

I definitely second making sure you are well back when the elevator arrives… so when the door opens any ECV, wheelchair or stroller can exit easily. The two elevators in The Land at Epcot are both very tight… more problems there with people who don’t seem to realize they can’t get in until they let you out!

 

[Mousetopia]

It all depends how capable you are but in some situations I get off the scooter and control the scooter by reaching the handle controls with no rider on it. You have to be very careful here. I seldom do this but on occassion I have done it this way.

Worse to worse, I will ask a stranger to please hold the elevator door for me; so, it doesn't close. They can also use the hold button on the elevator; so, it will stay open. Most people will be kind this way.

I will skip the elevator and wait for the next one if there are too many people all ready on the elevator or getting on the elevator at the same time.

I think the best answer is to avoid elevators. Get a first floor resort location for one. Skip any dining reservations that involve using an elevator. Even for the ride Soarin' in Epcot you can leave and park your scooter and then use the elevator on your own accord. If that is not possible I would skip the ride.

Yah, no not going to be able to choose floor at AKL. 5th floor so Ill have to figure it out.

 

[Mousetopia]

Thank you everyone..I like the backing in idea but getting elevator open and closed seems complicated. Ill just have to wing it. I can get off and move it if I have to

 

[Simba's Mom]

Are you staying at the Lodge or at Kidani? At Kidani, you have to be ready for it, watch for the light! But it's easier than at the Lodge, where you push one button, but most areas have several elevators, so it's possible that it may be the elevator furthest from you that opens its doors. For that situation, where there are several elevators, I find it much easier to drive straight in and back out when you get to your floor. If you're somewhere where there's just one elevator, like at BCV, you can do either-go in forward or back in.

 

[Lilsia]

Also, when waiting for the elevator, wait far enough away for someone coming off the elevator to come off and turn.
When getting off, expect there might be someone with an ECV/mobility device crowding the door. That happens to us very frequently and sometimes the waiting person just sits there, blocking our way and we need to ask them to please move. People get into ‘I’m tired and not paying attention Disney mode’.

When the door opens and you can't get off and the person can't get on so you just sit there, staring at each other. LOL I have had that happen before.

 

[RoseGold]

When the door opens and you can't get off and the person can't get on so you just sit there, staring at each other. LOL I have had that happen before.

You say beep beep. And leave out the choice word that goes next.

 

[Lilsia]

You say beep beep. And leave out the choice word that goes next.

I actually do say "beep beep". LOL

 

[mamabunny]

I actually do say "beep beep". LOL

You are my new favorite!

 

[jo-jo]

These hints are great. I came upon a person who I think didn't use a scooter every day but needed one at disney. She would get off, push button ,but by the time she got on the scooter and ready to go, the doors were closing again. I saw her go through two cycles. No idea how many times she tried. Of course I push the button and held the doors open for her, but so frustrating on her part.

 

[Bete]

For AKL I would stay on the third floor for a room location. Then, you don't need to use the elevator.

 

[Mousetopia]

Are you staying at the Lodge or at Kidani? At Kidani, you have to be ready for it, watch for the light! But it's easier than at the Lodge, where you push one button, but most areas have several elevators, so it's possible that it may be the elevator furthest from you that opens its doors. For that situation, where there are several elevators, I find it much easier to drive straight in and back out when you get to your floor. If you're somewhere where there's just one elevator, like at BCV, you can do either-go in forward or back in.

5th floor Jambo!

 

[Mousetopia]

These hints are great. I came upon a person who I think didn't use a scooter every day but needed one at disney. She would get off, push button ,but by the time she got on the scooter and ready to go, the doors were closing again. I saw her go through two cycles. No idea how many times she tried. Of course I push the button and held the doors open for her, but so frustrating on her part.

Yes this is my worry exactly..and same for me. I take an after cancer drug that is making all my joints painful (temporary) so needing to figure this out and hope to not die of embarassment in the process. I will have a cane that will be with me so I can possibly use that for buttons.

 

[jo-jo]

Yes this is my worry exactly..and same for me. I take an after cancer drug that is making all my joints painful (temporary) so needing to figure this out and hope to not die of embarassment in the process. I will have a cane that will be with me so I can possibly use that for buttons.

Or maybe hold it out, so the doors don't close . Not sure if that will work, just throwing ideas out.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Since I own AKV I stay at Jambo frequently… always solo. The biggest challenge I find is that there are six elevators servicing the one button push… you never know which door will light up and open!

I’ve done it for years and there are still times I mess up. Take your time… no need to rush. And never underestimate the kindness of strangers! It is especially wonderful when a young person jumps in to help hold a door or press a button. I make sure to lavish lots of thanks… it makes my day to see how kind hearted people can be!