Some thoughts from a trip with a first time scooter user

[klmall]

My DH has severe scoliosis and finally gave in to full scooter use on our recent trip to WDW and Universal (Dec. 12 - 20). We rented from Walker Mobility and ended up exchanging the scooter the second night due to power charging issues etc. but otherwise had a very good experience.

1. The ramps going up to the monorail at Epcot can be a problem for some scooters. Our first scooter literally died enroute uphill so we called Walker and they gave us two steps to get it restarted and we did eventually make it up to the monorail.

2. After this occurred a second time we asked for a replacement scooter which they provided quickly and left at the Baggage Check within 1 hour. The second scooter worked much better and appeared to be a stronger battery/engine?

3. Maneuvering the large scooter in the Poly room we had was very easy; plenty of room and outlets as well. This was not true at the Royal Pacific Resort. Even when we moved furniture and scrounged around and used our own extension cord with outlets things were awkward at best. We ended up parking the scooter by the sink to charge it the second night.

4. Despite reading many complaints/concerns elsewhere, we really had no big problems with other people running into us etc. Once in awhile DH said that someone would try to outrun him like cars try to hurry and pass trucks but that was about it.

5. The CMs were exceptionally courteous on the monorail and made every effort to get us on a car as quickly as possible even when there where multiple scooters. I was very impressed!

6. I had to laugh when DH had "clear space" to zoom a bit ahead of DS and me and left us panting behind him! I think he really got to enjoy a few seconds of freedom without pain and see WDW comfortably this trip for the very first time in at least 9 years. This fact alone made me so happy!

7. We followed the advice in another thread and drove our car to AK and HS. Handicapped parking was limited at HS but we managed to find a spot after driving around for a few minutes. AK's handicapped parking situation was excellent and put us right where we could walk into the entrance.

8. DH did not ride but a few rides and did not attend MVMCP with us but he really can't stand for any length of time at all. He does use a crutch and that proved very difficult to carry on the scooter so he left it behind. The choice not to ride was really all his. He did enjoy being out with us and read his Kindle when we were not with him.


Again, I really want to thank everyone who has contributed information on this board for all your effort. You helped make our trip go smoothly and we had a good time!

 

[POOHsie]

The Epcot monorail approach has an elevator. Maybe you missed it, or it wasn't operating? Anyway, you got a new ECV with a fresher battery, and that was a better situation for you. I've heard so many great reports about Walker.

The ramp to the monorail at the TTC, and also at MK, puts a lot of stress on ECVs and wheelchairs. (Also the ramp at The Land in Epcot.) In my case, because I don't have a back problem, I drive my ECV with one hand and pull myself along the railing with the other hand while going up. Also, a family member is behind me pushing on my back, which replaces a lot of power consumption by the ECV. These things save a lot of ECV battery use.

Your report was very nice. I'm glad you thought Poly gave you room to spare. We stay at POR or POFQ, and though smaller rooms, they still have enough space to maneuver my ECV. I agree with you that the problems you read about on the internet about ECVs don't really exist much when you arrive at your trip. It's just anonymous writers being over-dramatic.

You might consider, on your next trip, bringing an extension cord for charging the ECV in your hotel room.

 

[krisnme]

I agree with you that the problems you read about on the internet about ECVs don't really exist much when you arrive at your trip. It's just anonymous writers being over-dramatic.

.

I think it is important to clarify this statement, these problem DO exist What should be understood is that these problems do not happen on every trip, on every day, or in every situation. I have had a few problems with the wheelchair and with the scooter used by family members, but these are spread over 20 years of visits. Most of our trips go absolutely smoothly like the OP. a few times we have had issues and when asked, I will expand upon them. Misery likes company which encourages others to chime in with their own stories and warnings. But to call us over-dramatic is simply unfair. I am thrilled that you have never faced an inconvenience nor had to use any strategies to insure your safety and comfort at the parks and hope that continues. The OP thanked the posters on this board for helping to be prepared, and even kindly mentioned a few of thier own issues to serve as a warning for other members. over dramatic? I think not. Helpful, Yes.

 

[POOHsie]

I think it is important to clarify this statement, these problem DO exist What should be understood is that these problems do not happen on every trip, on every day, or in every situation. I have had a few problems with the wheelchair and with the scooter used by family members, but these are spread over 20 years of visits. Most of our trips go absolutely smoothly like the OP. a few times we have had issues and when asked, I will expand upon them. Misery likes company which encourages others to chime in with their own stories and warnings. But to call us over-dramatic is simply unfair. I am thrilled that you have never faced an inconvenience nor had to use any strategies to insure your safety and comfort at the parks and hope that continues. The OP thanked the posters on this board for helping to be prepared, and even kindly mentioned a few of thier own issues to serve as a warning for other members. over dramatic? I think not. Helpful, Yes.

I said the problems don't exist much. I have had my problems. In my case, over a decade of ECV use, those incidents are very rare. Therefore my comment.

I was talking about able-bodied people who comment on the internet negatively about wheeled visitors. Every complaint about the bus seems to involve an ECV and 15-30 family members. Personally, I've never seen this large group. I believe it's an internet myth. The complaint about ECV users getting up and walking. Straight-out accusing the ECV user of "cheating the system." WTH? The complaints that ECV users are the cause of all the collisions at WDW, bar none. I call BS. I know how inattentive walking people are, and I have been walked into at least once a trip.

 

[Bete]

when nothing happens to you, you have a tendency to believe others may be exaggerating; this is human nature.

We are very careful driving our scooters and I believe it helps. I'm in no hurry; so, if someone is dying to get by me I let them. I feel I'm very attentive with looking every where before proceeding while I'm in a scooter. We have not had too many situations, but even in our case there were a few scooter incidents across our over 30 trips trips.

Also, I believe some shouldn't be driving scooters; they are not attentive enough. My MIL is such a woman. We did it once with her and never again.
I never even tried with my own mother; she needs to be in a wheelchair around Disney.

Thanks OP for your report.

 

[heimlichfan]

Thank you so much for posting and to the others who've commented. My FIL will be using a scooter for the first time on our trip next month after a foot injury. I appreciate all the info about navigating the ramps!

 

[pampam]

The Epcot monorail approach has an elevator. Maybe you missed it, or it wasn't operating? Anyway, you got a new ECV with a fresher battery, and that was a better situation for you. I've heard so many great reports about Walker.

The ramp to the monorail at the TTC, and also at MK, puts a lot of stress on ECVs and wheelchairs. (Also the ramp at The Land in Epcot.) In my case, because I don't have a back problem, I drive my ECV with one hand and pull myself along the railing with the other hand while going up. Also, a family member is behind me pushing on my back, which replaces a lot of power consumption by the ECV. These things save a lot of ECV battery use.

Your report was very nice. I'm glad you thought Poly gave you room to spare. We stay at POR or POFQ, and though smaller rooms, they still have enough space to maneuver my ECV. I agree with you that the problems you read about on the internet about ECVs don't really exist much when you arrive at your trip. It's just anonymous writers being over-dramatic.

You might consider, on your next trip, bringing an extension cord for charging the ECV in your hotel room.

The elevator is at Epcot, and the resorts. If you are trying to enter at the TTC is is a very very steep ramp.

 

[jlevis]

when nothing happens to you, you have a tendency to believe others may be exaggerating; this is human nature.

Thanks OP for your report.

The opposite is also true. When something happens to you, you tend to think it happens to everybody.