Terrified of having to use an ECV

[rubybpc]

This Christmas trip my parents will be joining us. Last time they vacationed to Disney with us was in '08. My mom who suffers from server Arthritis mainly legs and bottom of feet used a manual wheelchair. We pushed her around the whole trip. She's a small framed lady 4' 11” 115lbs or so, but by the end we were exhausted. So this year I was considering an ECV. She refuses to use a wheel chair at home mainly because she doesn't have to walk too much and if she's not feeling well she stays home. Walking for 9 days@ Disney is impossible for her.
My concerns are, first since she isn't really use to driving an ECV people will never let her through. Should we just bite the bullet and push her around to avoid her being too passive and being a little aggressive?

Second, transportation. We will be using Disney transportation and a taxi to Universal. IF we decide getting an ECV would it be better to disassemble it at the bus stop to avoid bus drivers not wanting to load us? (this is really sad)

 

[lanejudy]

I'm not sure if you mean "Christmas time" as truly late December over the holiday, or early December when the decorations are already up. If at the holiday, it will be a VERY crowded time of year. I strongly suggest that you get your mom some practice at home at a local Walmart or grocery store if she will be using an ECV in the parks during those crowds. The ECVs at your local stores will be larger and harder to maneuver than a rental, but it can be a challenge in the crowds. If she's resistent, a w/c may actually be the better option considering the crowds.

As to the question about disassembling an ECV to get on a bus - there's really no good reason to do this. Some ECVs can be broken down to fit into a car trunk, but to ride the bus you would need to hold and carry each of the individual parts and it would still need to be secured. If mom is fearful of loading and parking it on the bus, maybe someone else in your party could do that for her? She'd need to transfer to a seat anyway as it's not safe to remain on the ECV while riding the bus.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[rubybpc]

I mean THE very week of Christmas! Yikes! She's generally familiar with an ECV. My main concern is the people who cut in front of wheelchairs.

I realize it's not necessary but all over this thread there's horror stories how DISabled people in wheelchairs were forced to wait at the bus stop for hours waiting on ” the next bus” that would be able to load them because bus drivers didn't Santo to go through the trouble of loading them.

 

[lanejudy]

I mean THE very week of Christmas! Yikes! She's generally familiar with an ECV. My main concern is the people who cut in front of wheelchairs.

I realize it's not necessary but all over this thread there's horror stories how DISabled people in wheelchairs were forced to wait at the bus stop for hours waiting on ” the next bus” that would be able to load them because bus drivers didn't Santo to go through the trouble of loading them.

It's good that she's familiar with using an ECV - I would then leave it up to her to decide if she comfortable enough with the ECV to use it in very crowded situations. That would definitely save your backs pushing, but could end up being unpleasant for her unless she's up to it because with so many people it can be tiresome to be on alert contantly for someone walking in front.

Yes, issues boarding buses do happen, though keep in mind that as with most anything - it's the negative experiences that get reported much more often than the positive experiences. The more crowded the resorts/parks, the more likely there are to be more ECVs and buses could be filled, plus the occasions with unhelpful drivers; so that time of year runs a higher risk of challenges with loading ECVs. I still don't see how disassembling the ECV to ride on the bus would help; there is no "luggage" area so every single part would need to be carried/held on someone's lap. A folding manual wheelchair will be easier to load on a bus and you won't have to worry about waiting for an ECV to load. There's pros and cons to each choice, you and your family will want to decide where your preferences lie - ease of boarding the bus or not pushing in the parks. Or if your budget can manage it, a car rental might help so you can avoid buses.

I can sympathize with your concerns. There's no right or wrong answer. Good luck!

 

[BarbO]

I haven't used an ECV but I use a walker. I never had any issues with the buses. You go to the entrance that is marked wheelchair and they lower a ramp. She would have to back in, but I know that if she can't I've seen the bus driver do it. Not sure what resort you are staying at but she could practice there before heading to the parks. I think Disney does a great job for people with disabilities....I go at least 2-3 times a year and I've not once had a problem. Hope you have a great time.

 

[disney david]

It's good that she's familiar with using an ECV - I would then leave it up to her to decide if she comfortable enough with the ECV to use it in very crowded situations. That would definitely save your backs pushing, but could end up being unpleasant for her unless she's up to it because with so many people it can be tiresome to be on alert contantly for someone walking in front.

Yes, issues boarding buses do happen, though keep in mind that as with most anything - it's the negative experiences that get reported much more often than the positive experiences. The more crowded the resorts/parks, the more likely there are to be more ECVs and buses could be filled, plus the occasions with unhelpful drivers; so that time of year runs a higher risk of challenges with loading ECVs. I still don't see how disassembling the ECV to ride on the bus would help; there is no "luggage" area so every single part would need to be carried/held on someone's lap. A folding manual wheelchair will be easier to load on a bus and you won't have to worry about waiting for an ECV to load. There's pros and cons to each choice, you and your family will want to decide where your preferences lie - ease of boarding the bus or not pushing in the parks. Or if your budget can manage it, a car rental might help so you can avoid buses.

I can sympathize with your concerns. There's no right or wrong answer. Good luck!

 

[disney david]

This Christmas trip my parents will be joining us. Last time they vacationed to Disney with us was in '08. My mom who suffers from server Arthritis mainly legs and bottom of feet used a manual wheelchair. We pushed her around the whole trip. She's a small framed lady 4' 11” 115lbs or so, but by the end we were exhausted. So this year I was considering an ECV. She refuses to use a wheel chair at home mainly because she doesn't have to walk too much and if she's not feeling well she stays home. Walking for 9 days@ Disney is impossible for her.
My concerns are, first since she isn't really use to driving an ECV people will never let her through. Should we just bite the bullet and push her around to avoid her being too passive and being a little aggressive?

Second, transportation. We will be using Disney transportation and a taxi to Universal. IF we decide getting an ECV would it be better to disassemble it at the bus stop to avoid bus drivers not wanting to load us? (this is really sad)

please don't take apart the ecv i understand your worried but you most likely wont be able to ride with it taken apart. Little tip a driver seeing a dissembled ecv wont make them want to load you any more then seeing the ecv it might make them want to load you less because of the fact that it take you awhile to get on. then have to worry your holding the stuff safely and not injury your self or other guests. then the fact what to do with the bottom of the ecv it can't block the isle so that why they have tie down spots.

 

[Sandmanswife9]

This Christmas trip my parents will be joining us. Last time they vacationed to Disney with us was in '08. My mom who suffers from server Arthritis mainly legs and bottom of feet used a manual wheelchair. We pushed her around the whole trip. She's a small framed lady 4' 11” 115lbs or so, but by the end we were exhausted. So this year I was considering an ECV. She refuses to use a wheel chair at home mainly because she doesn't have to walk too much and if she's not feeling well she stays home. Walking for 9 days@ Disney is impossible for her.
My concerns are, first since she isn't really use to driving an ECV people will never let her through. Should we just bite the bullet and push her around to avoid her being too passive and being a little aggressive?

Second, transportation. We will be using Disney transportation and a taxi to Universal. IF we decide getting an ECV would it be better to disassemble it at the bus stop to avoid bus drivers not wanting to load us? (this is really sad)

The first time using an ECV is a little scary, but after a day she will be a pro. It is so much easier than a wheelchair. The bus issue is not bad, most of the drivers are very respectable and loading the ECV can be challenging. I have used one for the last 2 trips and still cant load. I get off and my daughter loads it on for me. DO not take it apart to load the bus. We also used taxis and just let them know when you call that you have an ECV, most of the taxi's can accommodate them. Also let your resort know that you will be using an ECV so that you will have a 1st floor room. You will need to bring it in during the evening to charge it. Also, as far as people letting her through, my family walk in front of me and pave the way they will even get on both sides of me and guide me through. No problems..believe me after the 1st day, she will be able to navigate just fine, even in crowded areas.. Most of all, tell her to relax and have fun. She will do great!!

 

[zaynee]

I am going late Nov and this will be my first trip using a walker ( a wheeled walker with a seat ). Would appreciate any tips that you have.
Thanks

 

[disney david]

I am going late Nov and this will be my first trip using a walker ( a wheeled walker with a seat ). Would appreciate any tips that you have.
Thanks

Their a couple options one is have the driver lower the ramp walk up it then sit and fold the walker. That proberly the best option the second one is ask the driver to kneel the buss if they already has not and go through the front door but their will be a gap between te bus and side walk. So the ramp will give an even walkway to use.