First time ECV renter has questions About This Page:

[Simba's Mom]

I just returned from WDW with sore knees, arthritis, so I guess my next trip will be with an ECV. Remember, I've never rented one at WDW, or really paid too much attention, so I'm sorry I've got some real basic questions. I really only need the scooter for long distances-like getting from BCV over to FW in Epcot. But once I'm at, say, the F&W festival center, I could walk all around inside. Same thing at UK, I need the ECV to get there, but I can walk around all the stores. Walking in and around Beaches and Cream is no problem, but where do I leave my ECV while I do these things? I know at MK, there are stroller "parking lots". Is this the type of place I leave my ECV? In Africa/AK, if I want to go to Dawa Bar, shop in some stores, go on the KS ride, is there one central place I can leave the EVC if I really only need it for the long trip back to the front of the park, or do I have to take it everywhere with me? And if anyone knows of any helpful "ECV 101" links, I'd really appreciate it. TIA.

[Teresa]

Yes. You can park the EVC in a central area, near or at the stroller areas (or in cases like the EPCOT countries, just out of the main walking areas), get out, walk around and then come back. The only things you'll need to worry about: Make sure you take the key and don't leave valuables on the EVC. We've never had anything stolen from a stroller or wheelchair (DD's in an electric, but we carry her on to every ride in WDW). That isn't to say it's not possible though. Better safe than sorry.

[Simba's Mom]

Originally Posted by Teresa

Yes. You can park the EVC in a central area, near or at the stroller areas (or in cases like the EPCOT countries, just out of the main walking areas), get out, walk around and then come back. The only things you'll need to worry about: Make sure you take the key and don't leave valuables on the EVC. We've never had anything stolen from a stroller or wheelchair (DD's in an electric, but we carry her on to every ride in WDW). That isn't to say it's not possible though. Better safe than sorry.

Great to hear! I can't visulaize the parking areas in Epcot or on Main Street in the MK, but hopefully I'll see them. Hopefully, I won't forget and leave valuables in there. I'm glad you reminded me.

[jimmymac]

If you take the key you'll be fine

[Eeyore Tattoo]

You will see plenty of other parked ECV's so no worries!
Bring the key & anything you may have in the basket & you are set!

[mechurchlady]

Bob is gone but his memory lives on in his videos.
YouTube - KAHT KAM - Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom tour pt 1
A three part series on Magic Kingdom from a scooter.

On Main Street at Disneyland I park in the street in front of a shop if there is no parade or vehicles otherwise in front of the store as close as I can get to the wall. I also park next to trash cans and along fences in the hubs at Disneyland as that is out of the way. In this video you see a bridge to Tomorrowland around 5 minutes and that is not a good place to park as it is my opinion that it is wrong to block scenic views. Fantasyland is one place you will need to park in the stroller areas though.

Enjoy the videos and each has a link to the next video. If you still have questions on MK parking for scooters ask but that should familiarize you on good places to park at MK.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Hi! I'm so sorry you wore yourself out with the magic. An ECV sounds perfect for you!

If you stop at guest relations at your resort or in the parks, you can pick up The Guide for Guests with Disabilities and you can ask questions about parking areas.

[mechurchlady]

The best place to find out where to park an ECV is with CMs in the area you want to park. Things like parades, time of day, and crowds may change things. CMs will know what is going on and might even have omme good suggestios. or can find someone who knows what is going on.

[Mystic]

I don't want to hijack the thread but I'm glad you posted it. Turns out I need an ECV myself for my upcoming trip in 4 weeks time. I have 2 stress fractures in my left lower leg and I have to wear a removable walking cast on my leg. I know there is absolutely no way that I can do 15 hours in a park on my leg in the boot so I've rented an ECV for the length of my stay from Walker Mobility. This thread has given me some good information.

SORRY from Sandy! I hit edit instead of quote. I hate when I do that!

[Texasgrandma]

I highly recommend renting a scooter from an outside agency, then you can use it no matter where you go -- the parks, downtown disney and your resort. It is there waiting for you when you check into the resort and it is yours the whole trip.

I just got back from WDW and I would not recommend the scooter company I used, Scooterama. I had several difficulties with them, starting with no instructions on how to charge the scooter (they said it was on the website, but I was not on the website) and in addition to plugging it in, you have to push a switch and monitor the lights to see if it is fully charged, etc...etc... I spent the whole first day at Epcot and 1/2 of the second day at AK charging my scooter for hours at a time (after I charged it all night the right way - it still was not fully charged). They finally gave me a new one at AK 1/2 way through the day, but refused to work with me because they said it was user error. I have a motorized wheelchair at home and never had any problem. This was very very frustrating. Those of you with health problems know the stress can do you in quickly.

So, yes rent a ECV, don't be embarrased because it is just another way to ensure you have lots of fun at WDW!! Have a GREAT time!!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Mystic

I don't want to hijack the thread but I'm glad you posted it. Turns out I need an ECV myself for my upcoming trip in 4 weeks time. I have 2 stress fractures in my left lower leg and I have to wear a removable walking cast on my leg. I know there is absolutely no way that I can do 15 hours in a park on my leg in the boot so I've rented an ECV for the length of my stay from Walker Mobility. This thread has given me some good information.

Hi there!

Any time you want to hijack a thread to say our posters have been helpful, feel free!

I am SO sorry to hear about your difficulties, OUCH! Please let us know if you have any other questions.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Texasgrandma

I highly recommend renting a scooter from an outside agency, then you can use it no matter where you go -- the parks, downtown disney and your resort. It is there waiting for you when you check into the resort and it is yours the whole trip.

I just got back from WDW and I would not recommend the scooter company I used, Scooterama. I had several difficulties with them, starting with no instructions on how to charge the scooter (they said it was on the website, but I was not on the website) and in addition to plugging it in, you have to push a switch and monitor the lights to see if it is fully charged, etc...etc... I spent the whole first day at Epcot and 1/2 of the second day at AK charging my scooter for hours at a time (after I charged it all night the right way - it still was not fully charged). They finally gave me a new one at AK 1/2 way through the day, but refused to work with me because they said it was user error. I have a motorized wheelchair at home and never had any problem. This was very very frustrating. Those of you with health problems know the stress can do you in quickly.

So, yes rent a ECV, don't be embarrased because it is just another way to ensure you have lots of fun at WDW!! Have a GREAT time!!

Thanks for that information. Sorry you had a problem with that.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

I am sorry you had trouble with Scooterama, I have used them for years & have not ever had any trouble..
It may be because they rent the same type of scooter I own & am very familiar with it's workings.. Glad they got you a new one & you had a wonderful vacation..

Originally Posted by Texasgrandma

I highly recommend renting a scooter from an outside agency, then you can use it no matter where you go -- the parks, downtown Disney and your resort. It is there waiting for you when you check into the resort and it is yours the whole trip.

I just got back from WDW and I would not recommend the scooter company I used, Scooterama. I had several difficulties with them, starting with no instructions on how to charge the scooter (they said it was on the website, but I was not on the website) and in addition to plugging it in, you have to push a switch and monitor the lights to see if it is fully charged, etc...etc... I spent the whole first day at Epcot and 1/2 of the second day at AK charging my scooter for hours at a time (after I charged it all night the right way - it still was not fully charged). They finally gave me a new one at AK 1/2 way through the day, but refused to work with me because they said it was user error. I have a motorized wheelchair at home and never had any problem. This was very very frustrating. Those of you with health problems know the stress can do you in quickly.

So, yes rent a ECV, don't be embarrassed because it is just another way to ensure you have lots of fun at WDW!! Have a GREAT time!!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Eeyore Tattoo

It may be because they rent the same type of scooter I own & am very familiar with it's workings.. Glad they got you a new one & you had a wonderful vacation..

Hmmmmm, sounds like a good topic for another sharing question.

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks everyone! Something else just occured to me-where do you keep it when you're in your room? And they said it has to be recharged. Is that something you can do just with a regular plug or what? And once it's been recharged, is it good for all day?