Wheelchair and ECV options??? HELP!!!

[WDWGeek1971]

I am in a quandary and am looking for some insight and advice. I am having knee problems, am in the middle of my treatment protocol, and will be unable to stand or walk for long periods on my trip in 10 days. I am considering three options:

1) Rent a wheelchair and an ECV for the length of the trip from a Disney Preferred vendor.
2) Just rent the wheelchair from the Preferred vendor and actually rent an ECV at the parks on days when we need one.
3) Bring a wheelchair from home so I can use it at the airports without relying on the airline transport services, then use either strategy 1 or 2 above.

I think the wheelchair will be easier to deal with in a rental car. Also, we will be at KSC for the Orion EFT-1 launch--where I will really want just a wheelchair since I will need to be on and off busses.

So, if I need to rent an ECV at a park, can I leave my wheelchair where I rented the ECV and then pick it up when I drop off the ECV?

Am I missing other options?

Thanks in advance for any insights, help or advice!

 

[bidnow5]

Personally I would rent an ECV from an approved vendor you will have an independence that a wheelchair doesn't give you there are a lot more hills then you think in Disney and it's about 6 miles a day for someone pushing you

 

[WDWGeek1971]

Good advice!!!!! Thank you!

 

[StirlingSilver83]

Definitely rent an ecv! I have a weak ankle and balance issues related to migraines. I will be renting an ecv from a Disney approved renter for our trip in april

 

[Luvchefmic]

I would do a combination of things you suggested: I would bring the wheelchair from home ( good for the airports like you said ) AND rent from a Disney approved outside vendor. Best of both worlds

You'll have your chair for the KSC launch. Put the ECV in your room that day you're away from WDW.

Since you're coming in December ( busy time ) I wouldn't count on a ECV being available at a park when you want to rent it AND no one is going to take responsibility for your personal wheelchair and let you leave it in an area.

Have a great trip

 

[Tony NY]

seeing your coming in the most magical time of the year. and renting a car I would look in to renting a travel scoter . it comes a part 4 pieces 1 the body 2 battery pack 3 the seat 4 the motor it fits in trunk of the car. renting a ECV in the park is hard to come buy and if you park hope it very unlikely that one will be available. as for renting you can rent from any of the Preferred vendor . just compare prices on the number of days you want to rent it .

 

[WDWGeek1971]

Thank you! I will heed your advice! Buying a wheelchair here isn't expensive at all. I was surprised. So I'll bring the wheelchair and rent the ECV from one of the preferred vendors.

Thank you, again!

 

[WDWGeek1971]

I ended up renting both the wheelchair and the ECV.

I would recommend taking the ECV to Kennedy Space Center over taking a wheelchair, if you have the option.

Using one of the Partnering suppliers is also a big plus. Talked to a few fellow guests with similar mobility issues about their experiences, and the convenience of Bell Services pick up and drop off is a huge advantage.

We were staying at the Polynesian, and I found out that they have wheelchairs for guest use at the resort. So, it turns out that you can use one of those no-charge--at least if you are staying at a Deluxe or DVC resort. Not sure I would count on it for the whole visit, but if you need it, it's there.

I was also surprised at how ECV friendly the Magic Kingdom was. I had, wrongly, assumed that given the age of the park it would be the most difficult to navigate. Turns out that wasn't the case--it was actually quite easy to get around.

I can also recommend using a break during a show or table service meal to recharge your ECV in the park. It was a new adventure looking for available electrical outlets in out of the way, rain protected spots! It worked out well, though, and we were able to take the routes as we would normally have done on foot, for example, taking the footpath from the Studios in the evening to catch Extra Magic Hours at EPCOT.

Thank you again! Great support and advice on the Boards!

 

[SueM in MN]

Glad to hear you had a good trip.

The resorts do[/] have wheelchairs to lend out, but there is no guarantee there will be one available and people have reported a lot of variability in condition. Some have reported pretty bad condition.