First ecv trip

drag n' fly

Sassy, salty and sweet....
Joined
Jun 6, 2006
So I've developed some pretty nasty back issues that require me to rent a scooter for our upcoming trip.
I've never had to use a scooter before or navigate the parks disabled.
So this is all new for me.
What are some things I need to know?
 
go slow if you go to RD or at the end of the night as people will not see you because they are to busy doing what ever, ( and for some people with a disability like me, we sometimes do not see you at all)

Most lines you can take your ECV in, but some you can not. My friend will just smile at the CM at the entrance when she goes in.

if you are taking disney bus, for the most part, you will be the first one in, last one off. some times at the end of the night when the lines are very long every one waits in the same line, but this will be easey to tell.

if you get the ECV off site take a few minute to drive it at the resorts starting it stoping it turning it, ( try to do this at the parks too, if you can. This will help you out.
 
Remember, the turtle is your friend! There's usually a dial that makes your scooter go faster/slower. The fast side is a rabbit picture/the slow side is a turtle picture. I keep one hand on that dial as much as possible-you'd be surprised how many people come dashing out of nowhere in front of you making you slow down in a hurry. Also, don't hesitate to ask questions of other scooter drivers if you need to know something the first time. I remember the first time I went to use a rest room the first day I ever had a scooter, and since I was solo I didn't know what to do with my scooter. Park it-and if so, where? Take it with me? Finally I just asked some other scooter drivers, and they were so nice and helpful! Or ask CMs too. The next day (day #2 as a scooter driver), I lost my ECV while I was on Kilimanjaro Safari. The nearest CM offered to help, and he found it (fortunately). Yes, ECVs sometimes get moved. And relax-I've found 99% of people to be super nice to ECV drivers.
 
Take something distinctive to tie to the basket. Most ECVs look a lot alike. Makes it easier to find when cast members move them. Mine is pink but we have "lost" it when eating. I do not try to take mine inside at restaurants or restrooms.

Take some light up sticks or such for nighttime. Makes it easier for others to see you. Check the dollar store for those treasures.

Take your key when you leave it. Cast members can "pop the clutch" to move it if needed.

Stay away from the trolley track at MK. Front wheels get stuck in those.

Turn off the ECV during parades or shows. Saves on battery life.

Rent from an outside vendor. If driving, be sure to get a scooter that will break down into parts you can lift into the car. I like Walker Mobility but a lot on the board use Buena Vista.

Consider getting a handicapped parking tag at home. Makes parking easier as ECV and trams don't go together.

Toughest que line for ECV is Nemo at Seas in EPCOT. There is a back door (exit) that I use and just skip the ride. The combination of light outdoors to darkness and very tight turns makes this ride difficult with an ECV. Since I tend to watch the fish for a long time, having my own "chair" is a big plus.

Longest lines when you hurt is Soaring. I take my ECV into that one. CM will tell you where to park in theater.

Bring a garbage bag to cover the controls if it rains. Fold seat down too when you leave it.

Sorry you had to join the ECV community. I remember my first ECV trip. I felt a bit lost. Just ask a CM any questions and have a great time.
 
Remember, the turtle is your friend! There's usually a dial that makes your scooter go faster/slower. The fast side is a rabbit picture/the slow side is a turtle picture. I keep one hand on that dial as much as possible-you'd be surprised how many people come dashing out of nowhere in front of you making you slow down in a hurry. .

Thats interesting because I've never had to use that dial to regulate my speed while actually driving the scooter. The bar that you squeeze to make the scooter actually "go" can be squeezed more or less tightly to speed up or slow down and letting go of it stops you instantly. I usually set mine to rabbit or higher up there and use the squeeze bar to modulate my speed. This is with the Buena Vista Scooters and I really like how the squeeze handle works...not sure they'd all work that way. I'm just noting this as I've had a TBI (traumatic brain injury) and I think if I had to keep one hand on the squeeze bar and the other on the dial - well .... disaster would be imminent - lol!

I also practiced driving it around the resort - and practice backing up - like parallel parking into a defined spot - that will help you park it on the bus. Practice with the elevators as well.

Depending on how I feel I will park the scooter sometimes and walk - other times I stay in it. If you are able to walk into restaurants and stores that is easiest but you can certainly remain seated and bring the scooter in - it is just hard to maneuver in stores when they are crowded. That sort of situation definitely calls for the turtle - haha!

Great advice from everyone. Get a plastic shower cap to put over the controls if you can find one - that works best for covering that area up in the rain. I usually keep some in my bag. Have fun!
 
Thats interesting because I've never had to use that dial to regulate my speed while actually driving the scooter. The bar that you squeeze to make the scooter actually "go" can be squeezed more or less tightly to speed up or slow down and letting go of it stops you instantly. I usually set mine to rabbit or higher up there and use the squeeze bar to modulate my speed. This is with the Buena Vista Scooters and I really like how the squeeze handle works...not sure they'd all work that way. I'm just noting this as I've had a TBI (traumatic brain injury) and I think if I had to keep one hand on the squeeze bar and the other on the dial - well .... disaster would be imminent - lol!

Thanks for mentioning that squeeze bar. I've always rented from Walker and although their service has been great, they have "lever"-type ECVs, which make my thumb sore after a while (a while being about 5 minutes). I saw someone with that lever-type from Buena Vista, and with my sore thumb, that looked great so I asked her about it and have been thinking of renting from Buena Vista next time, in order to save my thumb! You just gave me added incentive-thanks!
 
Thanks for mentioning that squeeze bar. I've always rented from Walker and although their service has been great, they have "lever"-type ECVs, which make my thumb sore after a while (a while being about 5 minutes). I saw someone with that lever-type from Buena Vista, and with my sore thumb, that looked great so I asked her about it and have been thinking of renting from Buena Vista next time, in order to save my thumb! You just gave me added incentive-thanks!

You're welcome! I originally rented from BVS because someone else mentioned this was a major issue for them because of pain in their hands (or wrists - not sure) and the BVS were so much more comfortable to operate. I have some carpel tunnel in both hands and I find the squeeze lever has really been comfortable to operate. I can set it to go fast but then use the lever to regulate the speed by squeezing - works great! :)
 


You're welcome! I originally rented from BVS because someone else mentioned this was a major issue for them because of pain in their hands (or wrists - not sure) and the BVS were so much more comfortable to operate. I have some carpel tunnel in both hands and I find the squeeze lever has really been comfortable to operate. I can set it to go fast but then use the lever to regulate the speed by squeezing - works great! :)

That was probably me. I also found the BVS mechanism of action so much better than the lever-style (which Walker and perhaps others have). The leverl style is painful to my hands after a while, while the action BVS uses is not.

Glad you found an ECV model that works for you !

SW
 
I'm in a similar situation. I'm going to Disney for the first time in 17 years this Friday with my 8 year old but hurt my back on Saturday and sometimes can't really feel my legs or walk. I've fallen and been unable to get up without help... So I'm looking into renting an ECV too.

I've read about staircase for cinderella's royal table - is there an elevator too?

Would I be able get close enough to do the pirate scavenger hunt game with my daughter?

When I made dining reservations and hotel reservations, I didn't have a mobility problem so didn't check off that box. Do you think that is ok (primarily for dining)? I will call the two resorts.
 

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