WDW ECV rentals vs. off-site rental

[Simba's Mom]

Last time I was at WDW, I rented at the parks, not off-site, simply because it was a last minute decision to rent. At the time, I found the ECVs super-easy to maneuver and the seats very comfortable. Now I get home and find the huge disadvantage-for what I paid to rent on 2 days from WDW, I could have gotten a 4 day rental from off-site. And instead of walking back to the resort or bus stop, I'd still have the ECV. So what's the disadvantage of $25-$30/day for a 3 wheel ECV vs. $50 for a WDW ECV?

 

[Simba's Mom]

Does the lack of responses mean that there is no difference or that the difference should be obvious?

 

[lanejudy]

I believe you can rent both 3-wheel or 4-wheel models from the off-site vendors.
Disadvantages may be subjective, as in some people don't feel it's an issue but others may. Just a few I can think of that have been mentioned here over the years: driving the ECV onto the bus and parking it; getting "looks" when allowed to board buses first (but then again, ECVs wait to get off buses last); having to dismantle the ECV for transport in a car/SUV/mini-van if driving; unable to take the parking lot trams if driving; having the ECV take up space in your hotel room; where to park the ECV in the hotel room to be close enough to an outlet for overnight charging; opening hotel room doors when using an ECV.

As with anything, there are pros and cons to both options and that decision often weighs convenience versus price. You have to decide what is best for your situation. I'm glad you enjoyed your vacation!

 

[Bete]

Adding to the last post for disadvantages of off site scooter renting is when the scooter stops working for whatever reason. A Disney park scooter is easily replaced. You can get any cast member to help and exchange one. It may take a little while depending on how far into the park you are, but it will never be as bad as when an off site scooter goes wrong. There have been good stories about replacing offsite rental scooters when something goes wrong, but there have been horror stories, too.

We have done it both ways. As long as you can handle what you need to do with an offsite rental, I'd rather save the money and have more use of an off site scooter at the resort and so forth.

 

[Nanajo1]

Very often it is less expensive the more days you rent off site. I liked having the ECV at Disney Springs and around the resort.

 

[The Hunchback]

I have done it both ways. We have a car at Disney, so having an off site rental is easier for us. That way I have the ECV for the Parking lots, outlet stores, Universal, etc. Disney also runs out of ECV units on busy days. With an outside rental, you always have one.

 

[keepswimming76]

The disadvantage of off-site is if there is a problem with the scooter, but it seems most companies are quick to help replace them at the park if there is an issue. Also, it can be a pain with transportation. But overall we feel it is best to rent off-site. It's cheaper and you have more options for the type of scooter.

 

[connie1042]

The worst part of renting on site is you have to walk to the bus stop, and that is a very long walk at the end of a day in the parks.

 

[txfigment]

Those of you that have rented off site, have you ever tried to call an taxi, Uber or Lyft and put in the trunk or always used busses or personal vehicles? My dad is 79 and just had his hip replaced and we will need something for every day.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We've just used the WDW buses and the monorail.

When we rent off-site, DH gets a 4-wheel ECV and I get a 3-wheel. It's because DH is larger so he needs a sturdier frame and a heavier-duty battery. The 3-wheelers are easier to maneuver around corners. When you call to reserve an ECV, the rental agent can match up your dad's size to the appropriate vehicle.

We stayed at the Grand Floridian and there was no way to park two ECV's in the room, so we were told to "plug in" overnight out in the hallway. After a busy day at the parks, the batteries really need 8 hours to get a full charge. Since we had the keys, the ECV's were safe. (We were told to do the same thing at the Grand Californian in DLR -- they like to point out that they haven't lost an ECV yet.)

 

[txfigment]

Thank you Jdb. Very helpful. Nice to know we can charge in the hallway.