Wheelchair rental questions.

[toyota]

My step-mom is going to come and stay for one day with us during our DL trip in May. She uses portable oxygen, and tires easily, so we are going to rent a wheelchair for her. She has never used the motorized type (ECV?) and I think she would be dangerous on one. How easy are they to drive? I think a push chair will be a better option for us. It will only be for a 1/2 day (we are staying for 5 days) that she will be there.

She will be arriving mid-day (taking train up from San Diego), so can we reserve one in the morning? Can we reserve one even earlier? If we didn't, and waited until mid-day, could they run out (it will be a weekday)?

Do you have to return it to the rental spot at the end of the day, or could you leave it at the Tomarrowland Monorail station? Can you take them to the DLH? If not, maybe the hotel has a courtesy transportation vehicle (like airports do). I know it is a short walk, but she may be really tired at the end of the day. So, we'll see.

 

[toyota]

Bumping- need answers, anyone? I'll call DLH next.

 

[THE_Mom]

My dad rented an ECV while we were there last week. If you rent a wheelchair, remember that someone has to push it up and down those ramps (which can be exhausting), and there is more of a possibility of the person in the chair getting bumped or ignored in a wheelchair than a scooter.

Just a tip - the CMs there told us that most ECVs are rented out by 10:30am, so get it early. Also, although you're not usually allowed to take them out of the park, even with the use of the scooter, was EXHAUSTED at the end of the day and could not stand - they sent a CM to the shuttle with us to bring the ECV back to DL.

Thanks Rocky!:goodvibe

I just re read your post and realized I missed something.

You need to go early to rent it. Maybe someone can go to the park and rent it first thing? You are allowed to leave the park and come back for it later... they will hold it for you. It's $35 a day, plus a $20 deposit.

 

[NWPrincess]

My mom rented a ECV in 2006 during our last trip. We were actually WITH a CM (he's a family friend) and we rented it in DCA and went across to DL with it no problem...but I'm not sure if those were breaking the official rules and we just got away with it because of who we were with.

Anyway, my mom was not looking forward to DL because she has COPD and it is hard for her to walk long distances without getting out of breath, so she chose to only go one day when my dad and I went 4. She loved the ECV. It took her about 5 minutes for her to learn how to use it and she was off. I don't think it's very hard to use...The whole process was pretty seamless--even going on rides (we'd use the wheelchair access and leave the ECV near a CM).

In fact, she loved it so much that we decided to go again this September for 4 days and she will be renting an ECV the whole time. She said at first she was afraid people would look at her and be judgmental, but everyone is so happy and nice in DL that she felt very comfortable. I highly recommend it.

 

[lisaflores]

we had planned to take my DD to Disneyland this Saturday for her birthday (#4). Everything is planned, we have PS at ariel's for lunch. Unfortunately, I went hiking this past weekend and fell and tore some ligaments in my ankle. I have to wear a cam walker and have been using crutches. I can shuffle around in the boot and think i can lose the crutches by saturday, but just don't see me walkign all over both resorts for a long Saturday. We talked about getting a wheelchair rental. But that leaves DH pushing me and a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. I never thought of the ECV as an option. I don't know. I have so many expectations for our day, i don't want to ruin it. We used to have annual passes but live far enough away it did not seem worth it and now this will be my birthday girls first visit she can remember.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

we had planned to take my DD to Disneyland this Saturday for her birthday (#4). Everything is planned, we have PS at ariel's for lunch. Unfortunately, I went hiking this past weekend and fell and tore some ligaments in my ankle. I have to wear a cam walker and have been using crutches. I can shuffle around in the boot and think i can lose the crutches by saturday, but just don't see me walkign all over both resorts for a long Saturday. We talked about getting a wheelchair rental. But that leaves DH pushing me and a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. I never thought of the ECV as an option. I don't know. I have so many expectations for our day, i don't want to ruin it. We used to have annual passes but live far enough away it did not seem worth it and now this will be my birthday girls first visit she can remember.

I'd get the ECV. It's exhausting enough for any person to transport themselves around the park all day and night, but when you have to do that and push someone a full weight adult around, it can turn what should be a fun experience into a nightmare. Even the slightest inclines are difficult to push people up.