Thank you so much for all your help and advice

[diberry]

Just got back after 2 weeks at WDW and wanted to thank everyone who helped me before we went. I was hesitating to hire an ECV (I'm having knee replacement surgery next month) and was encouraged greatly to go ahead and get one. I was, like others here I know, very resistant to the idea so thank you so much to all of you who recommended it - you were so right! We had a wonderful 2 weeks and I know it would have been a much different experience without the ECV. I was too chicken to take it on a Disney bus but we used the monorail and boats with no problem - one evening there was a big height difference between the boat and the dock so the captain asked everyone to go the the opposite side of the boat so the exit level would be higher - and it worked!! The monorail staff were brilliant without exception as were all the ride CMs - so kind and helpful and I wasn't aware of a single guest looking at me as if I was a fraud when I got out of my ECV (though I do tend to be a bit stiff when I first stand up so it probably looked like I was a genuine case - which I am, but you know what I mean!)
I was absolutely amazed by all the people who walk right in front of you without any thought that it might be difficult for you to stop suddenly! People seem to just think: "Oh I'll just nip across in front of her" and what was truly amazing was the number of people who wander about without looking where they're going and the number who walk backwards without looking first. On 2 occasions CMs were talking to other guests and walking backwards and I had to yell to stop them tripping over me! Sadly one evening I ran into a small child who wandered into my path and fell over right in front of me! I felt dreadful but the parents were lovely and thankfully the little boy wasn't hurt - didn't even cry!
I LOVED being able to zip around when it wasn't busy - World Showcase at Epcot is brilliant for that!
I was very lucky, judging by other people's posts - I had no problems with the ECV or with any CMs or other guests - it was perfect. One CM on BTM escorted me back to my ECV after the ride, bowed low and said: "Your carriage awaits, Princess" - just fantastic!!
So once again a very BIG "thank you!" to you all and hopefully next time, after my surgery, I'll be able to get around on my own 2 legs and will try to be much more wheelchair aware and considerate!!!

 

[nursetibs]

As a new wheelchair user myself it is lovely to read such a positive post

Have to agree with you about people not looking where they are going or leaping in front of you - difficult to stop quickly and I'm not even in control of the chair, as one of my daughters pushes me

Looking forward to my hols now, not long to go

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I'm glad you survived and had a good time. Now you'll understand why we talk about air horns, barbed wire, cattle prods and similar items as necessary.

 

[diberry]

Now you'll understand why we talk about air horns, barbed wire, cattle prods and similar items as necessary.

Absolutely!!!

 

[KPeveler]

i want to put a "cattle catcher" on my wheelchair like the front of a train and knock all the rude people who cut in front of me out of the way!

just kidding, of course

 

[diberry]

i want to put a "cattle catcher" on my wheelchair like the front of a train and knock all the rude people who cut in front of me out of the way!

just kidding, of course

By the end of our 2 weeks my DH was saying: "Just run them over"!!! He was kidding too but it would be justifiable homicide!!!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

By the end of our 2 weeks my DH was saying: "Just run them over"!!! He was kidding too but it would be justifiable homicide!!!

First of all I want to say, I am glad you had a wonderful trip. I am jealous of 2 weeks at the world, someday . My Dh says the same thing to me, he says it will teach them a lesson, but I am usually the one that gets yelled at, then he goes into defense mode.

Here I come World, only 9.5 days. Hey, Cheshire, can I borrow your air horn and cattle prod, I promise to bring them back before we leave

Suzanne

 

[mechurchlady]

i want to put a "cattle catcher" on my wheelchair like the front of a train and knock all the rude people who cut in front of me out of the way!

just kidding, of course

I am glad you had a safe trip and I too would love a cattle catcher on the ECV. It is so nice to hear that someone had a happy trip. Even when walking in parks I have had the people jump out in front of me. Great trip report and now I await pictures, lol.

 

[diberry]

BTW forgot to say it was extremely comfortable and incredibly manoeuverable - it could turn on a sixpence (or perhaps I should say a dime!! )

 

[mechurchlady]

Thanks for the picture. Nice scooter but it is brand new apparently. I can tell because there are no hash marks and dings the shape of human bodies, lol.

If every I get a chance to meet you in park it is 2 out of 3 race. Double points for pedestrians who dart in front of you.


me, jumpy pedestrian, pedestrian feels me, I do CPR if it is a cute guy even if he does not need it.

 

[Carnator]

Sounds like you had a good time:

I think I want one of those bumpers that the Indy cars in Tomorrow land have on my ECV. Wonder if that will work?

 

[SueM in MN]

thanks for the report and glad to hear things went well