Used an EVC & GAC - so glad I did- report on using them

[mackay_j]

For anyone not sure about getting an ECV - in my experience it made our holiday. If not my DH would have been pushing me around in the heat. After all day walking, he would have really struggled.
I had reservations about it because I can walk (a little with sticks) and so would be getting off and on it, so I was worried about how others would think/react (and had also read bad reports about this). My expectations could not have been further from reality, the people we met were fine and their reactions friendly, eg placing me infront of them for the e-parade also someone put a bag over my seat in the rain. I was there for 14 nights and did not come across any bad looks/stares at all. Most people moved aside without asking to let me through gaps (I had dreaded moving the evc about a very busy 4th july week).

Now to the GAC- so glad we also did this ( note- getting this was not linked to using the EVC).

Hope this info helps others to just use the EVCs

 

[ZPT1022]

I'm so happy to read a good report on the ecv, I am using one for the first time this trip and I am nervous about it. I'm glad to hear that it made your vacation easier

 

[Schmeck]

Just got back yesterday from WDW, and I have to say I agree with the OP's post - the parks are very ECV friendly, the buses load very quickly (except for the older lift buses) and the ECV population is pretty small during the heat of the summer. Never had more than 3 parties waiting to board a bus, usually 2 parties could get on at a time, and a bus was called for the 3rd.

Saw a bit of ECV 'abuse' - kids sitting on laps and steering, people going way too fast in the parks, one kid about 8 years old driving someone else's scooter (a Walker rental) but no accidents, no crashes, etc. For the summer, it was pretty calm and organized.

Saw lots of ECVs in the queues for shows and some rides, there are very few 'alternate entrance' attractions now, even at MK. CMs seem very well trained to handle the situations that may occur.

If my mom ever joins us again at WDW, she'll definitely be on an ECV, so I kept an eye open to how they were received in queues, etc. I think she can do it, can't wait to get her back down there!

 

[bedogged]

Just got back yesterday from WDW, and I have to say I agree with the OP's post - the parks are very ECV friendly, the buses load very quickly (except for the older lift buses) and the ECV population is pretty small during the heat of the summer. Never had more than 3 parties waiting to board a bus, usually 2 parties could get on at a time, and a bus was called for the 3rd.

Saw a bit of ECV 'abuse' - kids sitting on laps and steering, people going way too fast in the parks, one kid about 8 years old driving someone else's scooter (a Walker rental) but no accidents, no crashes, etc. For the summer, it was pretty calm and organized.

Saw lots of ECVs in the queues for shows and some rides, there are very few 'alternate entrance' attractions now, even at MK. CMs seem very well trained to handle the situations that may occur.

If my mom ever joins us again at WDW, she'll definitely be on an ECV, so I kept an eye open to how they were received in queues, etc. I think she can do it, can't wait to get her back down there!

On my trip in May, I just could not believe the number of people with children on their laps while driving an ECV. I wonder if the CMs are even enforcing this anymore?

 

[stitchlovestink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmeck

Just got back yesterday from WDW, and I have to say I agree with the OP's post - the parks are very ECV friendly, the buses load very quickly (except for the older lift buses) and the ECV population is pretty small during the heat of the summer. Never had more than 3 parties waiting to board a bus, usually 2 parties could get on at a time, and a bus was called for the 3rd.

Saw a bit of ECV 'abuse' - kids sitting on laps and steering, people going way too fast in the parks, one kid about 8 years old driving someone else's scooter (a Walker rental) but no accidents, no crashes, etc. For the summer, it was pretty calm and organized.

Saw lots of ECVs in the queues for shows and some rides, there are very few 'alternate entrance' attractions now, even at MK. CMs seem very well trained to handle the situations that may occur.

If my mom ever joins us again at WDW, she'll definitely be on an ECV, so I kept an eye open to how they were received in queues, etc. I think she can do it, can't wait to get her back down there!

On my trip in May, I just could not believe the number of people with children on their laps while driving an ECV. I wonder if the CMs are even enforcing this anymore?

Oh my goodness!!!! you just opened a HUGE can of worms with me regarding this issue!! I just addressed this with management on my last trip!!!
I was in Epcot one day and it was POURING and there was an older lady driving fairly quickly with an INFANT asleep on her lap in the pouring down rain on a wdw scooter and I watched TWO different CMs LOOK right at her and walk on past her. So I asked another member of mgt (I know what they look like...business casual w/ the badge) and asked, "was it not their job to address it if they saw a guest blatantly breaking a rule?" That manager went after the lady and told her she had to stop... I couldn't believe this woman would risk holding this child in such conditions! It was pouring & windy! If that baby slipped!! and you know chances are they may have attempted to sue. I guess I don't understand why people think they don't have to abide by the terms of the contract they sign?? They really do need to start pulling them from people who break the rule and then blacklist them from the outside rental companies too. I know it will never happen but we can dream, right? It's really for the safety of the children! And actually others, they could actually hit a control and lurch the machine forward into someone hurting them....not that it couldn't happen without the child on there but it's just one more risk...and an unnecessary one. sorry, I will step down from my soapbox now...


Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[tinkerpea]

I was just curious after reading this thread about the rules of havingchildren on laps of ECV driver!

Is it only a rule for people renting ECV from Disney? and other outside rentals? As im guessing that nothing can be said or done to those who are doing it with their OWN ECV's as its nothing to do with anybody else.

To the Op im really pleased you had a great trip and that the ECV helped you out,I know that the last trip my mum gave in and got one after 50yrs of going to the parks and felt that she would be a huge bother to us,when infact it was much better for her and us, she kept up and could go back to resort when she wanted without help "and we could store our drink cups in her basket"

 

[ppony]

I'm so happy to read a good report on the ecv, I am using one for the first time this trip and I am nervous about it. I'm glad to hear that it made your vacation easier

I concur!!!! Glad you had a great trip and people were filled w/ Disney magic!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It does not matter the ownership of the ECV. I know in my manual it warns against carrying any passenger. It is a safety issue.

 

[SueM in MN]

It does not matter the ownership of the ECV. I know in my manual it warns against carrying any passenger. It is a safety issue.

And, when people sign the rental agreement for park rental ECVs or renting from off-site, they agree that they will not carry any passengers.

 

[mackay_j]

bumping in response to a question

 

[OurBigTrip]

bumping in response to a question

Not sure this is relevant any longer, since the GAC no longer exists.

 

[mackay_j]

it was for another poster who had asked for info on using an ECV wrt how others treat you in it.