What are the odds an ecv will be available

[Belle1962]

We are spending one day at EPCOT (Sunday Feb 16 FotARTS and holiday weekend-have I lost my mind?) What are the odds the front gate would still have an ecv available around 9:00 or will all of the early entry folks have nabbed them? Would the back gate possibly be a better option? We are staying off-site for the first time in years. TIA

 

[NYCgrrl]

What time does the park open that day? I do think coming in the International Gate would have less off site guests entering and thus the ECV rentals would be there longer.

 

[Belle1962]

9:00. With EE at 8:30. But are there the same number of ecvs or do they have most of them upfront? Thanks.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Sorry, no idea how many ECVs are retained for rental at any park. I just know I’ve saw a lot of them over the Christmas holidays - kinda distinct looking.

 

[Bete]

As a backup is anyone willing to push you in a wheelchair if a park scooter is not available?

You can be put on a wait list for a park scooter if you don't get one right off.

Finally, if you have your own vehicle you could rent a portable scooter from an outside rental. There may be a two-day rental cost but you would be guaranteed to have a scooter that way.

 

[MICKIMINI]

International Gate has few ECV's. We found that out in 2022 when staying at BWV. WDW never increased the amount available when the Skyliner was created.

If you are at the front of the park at 9 am you should be good. Good luck!

 

[nherbert]

I don’t know if this helps, but they now do the test for eligibility for EE *inside* the park. Those eligible get to go further in the park and ride, those that aren’t eligible have to hang around the entrance area. So you could get there for 8:30 get your ecv sorted before 9am.
We saw lots of people get there before 9am and just wait in all the parks - eg in MK they were able to do all the shops on main street all the way up to castle. In Epcot I am not sure how far they could go but I do remember they move all of us eligible people to the right and other people just roamed around the entry area.

 

[Belle1962]

Thanks all. Yes I have a grandson who could push me in a standard chair but I value my independence too much. I’m a bit stubborn. That also means I have to go and do where they go.

 

[elvispursley]

Just note that if you don’t have ADRs, your chances of getting to the IG are very slim (unless you go to swan/dolphin). The Crescent Lake resorts and skyliner resorts are quite restrictive.

 

[gap2368]

I would think 9 am would be a good change of them still there

 

[andystamz]

We just use a push wheelchair. Less of a hassle.

 

[Lewisc]

Just note that if you don’t have ADRs, your chances of getting to the IG are very slim (unless you go to swan/dolphin). The Crescent Lake resorts and skyliner resorts are quite restrictive.

In other words getting to the IG gate is all but guaranteed if you select the Swan or Dolphin as your destination.