Tips for room at Beach Club resort with an ECV?

[Euby]

It's official! My sister and I will be staying at the Beach Club resort in 2020 to celebrate some milestone birthdays (#50 for me and #65 for her). As with past trips, I plan on renting an ECV from Gold Mobility (the Pride Victory 10 3-wheel model) during my stay. I do not require a scooter in normal life, but certainly do while at Disney.


Has anyone stayed at Beach Club (not the Villas) with an ECV? What was your experience? Did you have a particular room you liked?

I know that I could request a handicap room, but I don't feel comfortable doing that. I don't want to take one "out of circulation" when someone that is permanently disabled may need one.

 

[mamabunny]

...I know that I could request a handicap room, but I don't feel comfortable doing that. I don't want to take one "out of circulation" when someone that is permanently disabled may need one.

If you need the amenities that an HA room offers, then you should book that room type. Period. Full stop.

We already know that going to WDW is not like our "real life" at home; often people can benefit from accommodations at WDW (including at the Resorts) that they might never consider at home.

(see also: using an ECV in the Parks when you don't use one in your daily life outside Disney World)

Those rooms are for anyone who needs those kinds of assistance - whether it's a permanent disability, or a situational one.

I hope you all have the best trip! Beach Club is still on my Resort Bucket List - I hope you bring us back TONS of pictures!

 

[Euby]

Thanks @mamabunny! I know can always count on you. I guess my main concern is having space to park the ECV in the room. The deluxe hotels have more sq footage but I've learned it really varies by the room itself. At Boardwalk, I had enough space in the room that I could do figure eights with the scooter. At Animal Kingdom Lodge, my room had bunk beds and I had to park the scooter in front of one of the sinks. That's ok when you are by yourself, but not so much when you are traveling with someone.

I checked out touringplans room finder and noticed that there are some odd sized rooms, as well as some that are smaller than others. So we'll see what happens. I'll definitely take pics.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I rented from Gold, but my experience was in the Villas. Sorry!

 

[AGoofykindagirl]

We stay at Beach Club. I actually have 2 people that use ECV’s. It takes a little practice backing in (very slowly), but the ECV’s fit in the room just fine. I don’t like to go all the way back to the window, and find that parking them in front of the TV stand works great for having outlets to recharge.

 

[mamabunny]

Thanks @mamabunny! I know can always count on you. I guess my main concern is having space to park the ECV in the room. The deluxe hotels have more sq footage but I've learned it really varies by the room itself. At Boardwalk, I had enough space in the room that I could do figure eights with the scooter. At Animal Kingdom Lodge, my room had bunk beds and I had to park the scooter in front of one of the sinks. That's ok when you are by yourself, but not so much when you are traveling with someone.

I checked out touringplans room finder and noticed that there are some odd sized rooms, as well as some that are smaller than others. So we'll see what happens. I'll definitely take pics.

So guess what! LOL I bet you will be fine - based not only on the great picture supplied by @AGoofykindagirl above, but also this fact:

There are *2* Deluxe hotels that have smaller rooms than any other Deluxes...

One is Wilderness Lodge. Those rooms are just a wee bit bigger than the rooms at POR/POFQ! (344 square feet)

The other one was built by the same architect that built Wilderness Lodge... and that's Animal Kingdom! (also 344 square feet!)

So... LOL you were right that AKL feels "tight" (and those bunk beds don't help the situation, they make it feel smaller because they take up so much vertical space in the room!)

Go to Beach Club. Rent the room that you really *need* to rent to have a great trip. And come back and post pictures for all of us to be jealous of!

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

At the Grnad Floridian I kept the ecv in the hallway. Others were there too, there are even outlets to charge. There really isnt room to keep them in the room comfortably.

 

[mamabunny]

At the Grnad Floridian I kept the ecv in the hallway. Others were there too, there are even outlets to charge. There really isnt room to keep them in the room comfortably.

The Grand Floridian has some of the biggest rooms on property. There are people here who routinely keep *2* ECVs in a room at Pop Century, which is considerably smaller.

But it's not just about the width of the hallways.

It's about leaving a high-ticket item unattended in a public space, where it could potentially cause a traffic flow issue. I double-dog dare you to call any Fire Marshall in this country and ask *their* opinion. They are going to tell you that it either has to be in the room (and not blocking the door) or down in an open, public space (like the Lobby, which Disney won't allow) or in a specially designated area (which Disney does not provide, because you are supposed to park it in the Resort room.)

It's about leaving the very piece of equipment that you are relying upon to be your legs at WDW out of your control all night long. What if someone comes along in the middle of the night, and unplugs it? You will spend the next day constantly searching for outlets in the Parks instead of having fun. That, BTW is the best case scenario. They could also move it - down the hall, or to another floor or building, or even push it into the pool. They could hide it in a Guest room, and until the Resort was searched, room-by-room, no one would know where it was.

Yes, WDW *is* a safe place - the vast majority of Guests there never have a problem with the security of our personal items. But that doesn't mean that it can't happen... and leaving an item like a scooter unattended all night could pose an opportunity for mischief that needn't have happened.

It's about taking good care of the ECV you rented, and returning it to the vendor for another person to rent, knowing that you took good care of it. I was raised on the Golden Rule, and was taught that you ALWAYS return anything that was borrowed or rented in at least the same condition as you received it in, if not better. This board has many sad stories of people who have rented scooters in good faith, only to have to trade them out because the scooter has been treated so harshly by a previous customer, and as a result, those people have lost hours - even days - of their vacation time at WDW.

It's about being an adult, and taking responsibility for this large piece of equipment. Yes, we all come to WDW to live inside the "bubble" for a few days, and escape reality, but that does not mean that we can just ignore our basic adult responsibilities.

Two final thoughts: Just because you *can* do something, doesn't mean that you should.

and...

Just because "everyone said so" on the DISboards doesn't mean that it's WDW policy. Ask at the front desk of your Resort if it's OK. You will be told to park the scooter in the room. It is not incumbent upon Disney to allow you, or any other Guest, to potentially cause a traffic issue in a Resort hallway just because you don't want to bother with moving the scooter in and out of the room.

Sometimes, doing what is right takes a bit more time or inconvience than what is easy. Do the right thing, every time. We have enough folks in the world who try to take the easy way out.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The Grand Floridian has some of the biggest rooms on property. There are people here who routinely keep *2* ECVs in a room at Pop Century, which is considerably smaller.

GF rooms are more than 50% larger than Value rooms.

Given that two ECVs can be managed inside a Value room, and easily stored in a BC room (thanks for the visual proof, @AGoofykindagirl!), one or even two can fit in a GF room.

there are even outlets to charge.

those outlets are there for the resort's use, not the guests'.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

I spoke to the bellman about where to keep the ECV when we arrived. He told me to keep it in the hallway and pointed out the outlet. The rooms at GF may be large but the configuration makes it difficult to fit the ecv in the room. There were 2 ECVs in my area hallway so it is common there.

 

[Selket]

At the Grnad Floridian I kept the ecv in the hallway. Others were there too, there are even outlets to charge. There really isnt room to keep them in the room comfortably.

The Grand Floridian has some of the biggest rooms on property. There are people here who routinely keep *2* ECVs in a room at Pop Century, which is considerably smaller.

GF rooms are more than 50% larger than Value rooms.

Given that two ECVs can be managed inside a Value room, and easily stored in a BC room (thanks for the visual proof, @AGoofykindagirl!), one or even two can fit in a GF room.
those outlets are there for the resort's use, not the guests'.

I just wanted to note that when I stayed at the GF a few years ago the housekeeper asked me to park my ECV in the hallway outside my door. I was trying to take it inside and she was like "no no just put it here" so I did. Our room had a little hallway entrance which would have been perfect for it but I'm like "uh..ok." I hadn't rented ECV's as much at that point and I wasn't going to argue with her. I didn't know if they didn't want them in the room there or what the deal was. We did have a room with a large corner space outside so it really was out of the way compared to a usual hallway. Perhaps that housekeeper at the GF started a trend...haha!

I agree that it's best not to leave it in the hallway generally just cause it may not be there later which would freak me out since I'm responsible for it. However I do think that hotel employees are sometimes telling people to park them in the hallway (and others see them parked there and think they are supposed to so it just goes on). I saw some parked outside at Pop my last trip so I can see how someone might think they were supposed to do that or it's ok to do it or that's what I'm supposed to do with it. I'm able to fit an ECV without a problem in the Pop room so I'd think BC shouldn't be a problem.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Oh mamabunny I missed your reply. No need to worry the hallway space in the GF, it is wide enough to accomodate the ECV and people walking, etc. As a matter of fact a full uturn was possible in the hallway! Dont worry, no guests were run over during this manuever as I ran it on turtle speed indoors. I do take care of my ECV rental and for you to insinuate otherwise is ridiculous. Naturally I took my key with me at all times and nothing enticing was left in the ecv basket. Do you leave your car unattended ever? It could be a target for mischief too. Your need to lecture was uncalled for.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Oh mamabunny I missed your reply. No need to worry the hallway space in the GF, it is wide enough to accomodate the ECV and people walking, etc.

Not the point. Main Street is wide enough. World Showcase Promenade is wide enough. Store aisles are wide enough. It might be better to focus on being responsible for this several thousand dollar item that is replacing one's legs.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Naturally I took my key with me at all times and nothing enticing was left in the ecv basket. Do you leave your car unattended ever? It could be a target for mischief too. Your need to lecture was uncalled for.

Are you aware of freewheeling - flipping a switch on the ECV to allow it to be rolled without needing a key? Or that unlike cars, one key operates more than one scooter? Or that you aren't the only ECV user who will ever read @mammabunny's response?

 

[lanejudy]

There was quite a discussion on the Resorts forum last month about ECVs and strollers in hallways. I recommend making every effort to keep it in your room. Regardless of whether a CM says it’s ok in the hall, you are responsible for it. Furniture can be moved or removed from the room if necessary.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[mamabunny]

Oh mamabunny I missed your reply. No need to worry the hallway space in the GF, it is wide enough to accomodate the ECV and people walking, etc. As a matter of fact a full uturn was possible in the hallway! Dont worry, no guests were run over during this manuever as I ran it on turtle speed indoors. I do take care of my ECV rental and for you to insinuate otherwise is ridiculous. Naturally I took my key with me at all times and nothing enticing was left in the ecv basket. Do you leave your car unattended ever? It could be a target for mischief too. Your need to lecture was uncalled for.

:::sigh::: Despite what you believe, I am not picking on you. I promise.

First of all, your argument re: my automobile is a case of reductio ad ridiculum, and it is a false equivalency as well. In short, it has nothing to do with topic at hand.

And I want to believe you when you say that you take good care of your rental ECV. Except it is out in the hallway, so you can't actually be "taking care of it" because it is out of your control. So that's not actually ridiculous, despite your assertions to the contrary.

Over the years, I have asked management (not housekeepers, not bell services personnel, not maintenance workers, not security guards, but MANAGERS) of every WDW hotel I have *ever* stayed in what I am supposed to do with my personal ECV. And they have - time after time - universally answered the same: It needs to be kept in your Guest room whenever you are not using it.

Please do not store it in the hallway.

Please do not leave it outside your room on the sidewalk.

Thank you for asking, and if you need us to remove the table and chairs in your room so that you can park your ECV, we will be glad to arrange that.

Those are *their* words, not mine. I have stayed at Deluxe, Moderate & Value Resorts - almost every one of them now (I have a couple left on my bucket list, because you have to have something to look forward to!) and have been using an ECV at WDW for far longer than I care to remember. On average, we travel to WDW 2 to 3 times per year. I ask this question on a regular basis, because if the answer ever changes, I promise you, I will shut up about it. If the day ever comes when a Disney World Resort Manager tells me that it's OK to do that? Cross my heart, you won't hear another peep out of me about it.

I try *really* hard to never set an incorrect expectation here on the DISboards. The reason for that is because I don't want someone to go to WDW, maybe on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and then be upset or disappointed because "someone on the internet said I could" didn't work in their case. I won't be that person; it would break my heart to think that I had a hand in ruining someone else's trip to WDW.

Imagine how it would impact your trip if you walked outside your room one morning, only to find that the ECV you left there was gone. And no one had any idea where it was. GF is a big Resort, with way too many places to hide a stolen mobility device. Maybe that wouldn't be a big deal to you, I don't presume to know your personal needs. It would be to me, and to a lot of the regulars here. It would stop the entire day, possibly the entire trip, cold for us. It could potentially ruin our vacation.

I am *not* saying that Disney World Resort Hotels are not safe. And I am *not* saying that you are a bad person. I am, however, asking you to not encourage this behavior on the part of others.

This is not a popularity contest for me. I'm sorry if you don't like my answer to your previous post - I genuinely am. But most of the folks in this little corner of the DIS are dedicated to making sure that we get the most current, the most correct, and the right information out so that people have the best possible overall experience at Disney World.

I have a feeling that you are here for the same reason as most all of us are: Because we love going to Disney World, and the memories that we make there with our loved ones. We share the anticipation of the next trip, and the excitement of being there at our favorite place.

And believe it or not, I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.

 

[Euby]

Furniture can be moved or removed from the room if necessary.

Who would someone need to call for furniture to be removed if needed? I know calling the "Front Desk" from your room gets you to a central phone back, not the actual front desk. Would it be maintenance or some special number?

 

[lanejudy]

@Euby i’ve never had to call for that so I’m not positive the best way - but I would probably start with the “housekeeping” button on the phone as I believe that does go directly onsite, or go to the front desk to make the request in-person.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Well you now opened my eyes to some things. I never thought about the scooter being stolen by wheeling it away.It really did make my visit much easier, Woukd not want to be without it. I didnt know you could request furniture removal. If the chair is removed from the room the ecv would have fit perfectly. Mammabunny yes I thought you were criticizing me personally. Sorry for causing any bad feelings. I can admit when I am wrong and in this situation I was Wrong!

 

[mamabunny]

I didnt know you could request furniture removal. If the chair is removed from the room the ecv would have fit perfectly.

So, to answer you and my friend @Euby above, when it comes to asking to have furniture moved/removed, what we have found that works best is to just go to the Front Desk/Concierge and ask directly to have it removed in person. Typically, when I have explained that I need the table/chairs moved out to make more space for parking the ECV in the room to charge overnight, we have never had a problem. We did have one time at POFQ when it was too late in the evening, but they came the next day while we were gone.

To date, we have never gotten any pushback from any WDW Resort staff on asking to have it done.

@Euby is right that (as far as we currently know) the calls from the rooms go to a central call center, so you aren't actually talking to the Front Desk. I think the one exception to that may be the Cabins out at Fort Wilderness, but that may have changed too. (That's also why it's recommended not to call the front desk if you have a medical emergency - call 911 directly instead)

@lanejudy, I'm pretty sure that the Housekeeping calls are still answered "in house" at the Resort, but I don't know if they are the department that actually moves the furniture, or if that falls on Engineering?