My mom has never been to Disneyworld, and at 73 dealing with mobility issues she was convinced this dream would go unfulfilled. We have tried to talk her into going with us this year explaining that the scooter option is a good one, but only upon seeing this video was she convinced she could do this! I found this post through a random search and really appreciate the detailed account of your experience. I am now a subscriber to your channel and look forward to more great content. Thanks again.
Great video, Michael. I am disabled and use a regular wheelchair. It is a similar situation with me in dealing with crowds. Unfortunately, people don't always pay attention to what is going on. I've run into some people because they just turned right into the chair. It's never fun when that happens. I have to give Disney so much credit. They are second to none when it comes to taking care of disabled guests. They go above and beyond to make sure that the disabled guests have an excellent experience.
Scooters are great, not only for the handicapped but for those who get tired after some extended walking. We often take them (own two) and rotate them amongst our little senior group. Helps everyone to enjoy without getting so tired. Makes Disney and other theme parks SO much more enjoyable, and for others it's the only way possible to visit the parks. Keeps the magic going.
I have severe arthritic, up until this year I could use a wheelchair as a walker and set down when needed but now I can't walk longer then 10 minutes, so our last trip I did rent a scooter, it was great not just for me but my family too not having to push me (NOT that they wouldn't).
So glad you and your dad were able to experience Disney in a far easier and more comfortable way. I use an electric wheelchair and a service dog and will be going on our first Disney cruise next year. I'm hoping all will be okay going up and down gangplanks, moving around to get to our table in the restaurants, seeing the fireworks, etc. I saw a RU-vid video of someone with a service dog getting invited for a play date with Pluto. I REALLY hope that happens to us too. My dog will be in focused work mode every moment in public (per usual) and having a chance to play like that would be AMAZING for him (and for me). THANK YOU for sharing your experience! So glad the trip was made so much better for your dad! Happy memories made even happier! :)
I rented one on our last trip for the week we were there and it was a lifesaver. I didnt slow my kids down and it made it super easy to get around. we stayed at pop century as well and we parked it along side the window and put the chairs in that space between the dresser and tall cabinet and it didnt get in the way at all. Thanks for doing a video on it for ppl who may not have known about using an outside company. i had rented one in the parks but they didnt always have enough to rent so it would be frustrating for those who really need one and couldnt get it. Loved the videos of your recent trip with your dad. He is adorable and I can see you have a special relationship. Keep up the great work
I’m glad you mentioned the importance of being cautious when having a scooter. When my son was 6 years old we.were lined up waiting for the parade and a woman on a scooter ran over my son’s foot. He was in a lot of pain and the woman never even said sorry. I’m glad you are addressing this type of problem.
Great Video Michael! The Mobility Scooter became a Game Changer for my wife. It has given her new life and enabled her to enjoy all of WDW, especially with our grandchildren. We had the same getting used to experiences as you and your Dad, but we quickly got the hang of it. Now it’s us trying to keep up with Grandma LOL! The Disney Cast Members are amazingly helpful every “step” of the way from the bus drivers, monorail loaders & boat crews, to the Resorts and Restaurant hosts and staff, and the rides & attractions members.
I agree with everything you said. I'went a year ago with my daughter and granddaughter . I was very thankful to have the scooter despite telling my daughter " I'd be fine and just walk slower if I needed to. Nothing I said could change her mind. A few minutes of experiencing the line just to get thru security , I was so glad I had a scooter . It made it possible for the trip to be wonderful for all of us.
Thank you so much for making this! In my mind I was just gonna use my wheelchair until my doctor was like “how on earth are you gonna wheel yourself over five miles per day! You get tired at the mall!” I had no idea how renting scooters worked and thought I would just have to wait till I got into the park to figure it out, lol. Divine intervention had me stumble on this video though, it’s so much easier than I thought! Honestly getting one at Walmart is harder lol. (although those are free but) I feel so much better after watching this! Thank you again.💕👍
About two years ago, when I went to the parks, by the time I came home I was in a lot of pain. When we went this year, I said that I was going to go ahead and rent one. I'm so glad I did. It was so nice not to be in extreme amounts of pain. Also when getting on the bus, I found that every driver was an extreme professional about helping to park the ECV inside. They always asked if I needed help. I said yes and it was done in two seconds. They're more than happy to help get your scooter on the bus quickly.
If my parents went there is no way they could walk the whole way, especially the rate in which I walk. This is awesome information and well worth the cost if needed.
Be mindful they may be reluctant to the idea at first as I was. My most recent trip was 25 years ago. This time I was 78 and having trouble walking any significant distance. The scooter was wonderful . You get to go in a special line with usually no wait. The cast members were very helpful and friendly. On some rides you have to park outside near stroller parking . Then your family can just tell the cast member you need a wheelchair to transfer to. You go back to your short line and use the wheelchair to where you get on the line. They will take your chair to where you get off. Be sure to always take your scooter key with you . I know your parents will appreciate how much the scooter helps them enjoy the trip if at some point you decide to get them.
My mother and I are both bilateral amputees. Like your dad, we can walk. We can walk a lot. I was a track athlete and played softball my whole life. But the amount of walking within the parks, through thick crowds and uneven surfaces is a bit nerve wracking because of our increased fall risk. Being a huge disney fan, I can't imagine NOT going. So we rent ECVs. They change the game. We can go and enjoy the parks without tiring out, wearing blisters on my stumps, or falling down. I get sad when people get so annoyed with the fact that we use them, because they don't understand.
Thank you Michael! As someone who uses a scooter I too have had great experiences. Universal studios Orlando was also a terrific experience. I too was embarrassed when I started using a scooter but I was able to see everything I wanted without assistance from my family. Carnival and Norwegian cruises have also been a wonderful experience!
Thank you so much for this video! I am going with my best friend, and hopefully with my sister's two kids who will be 13 and 15 when we go, and I was worried about holding them back because of needing breaks, or needing to go back to the hotel early to rest etc. - because while I can pretty comfortably walk around 3 miles without much discomfort, after that it starts to get tough, and my back and hips start hurting and forcing me to stop, and I don't want that to happen on my vacation. I want to be able to go to the parks every day without worrying about stopping in time so I am not hurting too much to be able to go the next day etc., and this seems like the PERFECT solution for me, as well as for my niece and nephew, that I want to be able to keep up with as well, so.... THANK YOU for showing me this option through your vlogs, and making it so clear how it works through this video. I am now no longer worried about how I will handle the HUGE amount of walking at Disney World, because with a scooter I know I will be fine, and that I will be able to enjoy every single moment of my dream vacattion FINALLY happening without my physical limitations being allowed to limit me or my loved ones in any way
I am so happy for you. I used a scooter on my trip last year with my 5 year old granddaughter and daughter. It was truly a life saver. It was first time with a scooter. I was kind of Leary at first , but got the hang of it quickly . The park had gotten so much larger compared to my previous trip 25years ago. 😇
@@franklinmimi thank you for sharing that. Yeah, the parks are HUGE, but it's nice to know that the scooter can make it possible to enjoy Disney without having to worry about keeping up, and being physically capable of doing all that walking :-)
@@franklinmimi That's great to hear. I definitely feel that is the perfect solution for me, and am glad to know that you had a great experience with a scooter as well :-)
My mom had to use a EVC for the first time on our trip at the beginning of May. She tried to walk our first day in Magic Kingdom and just couldn't do it. I called Buena Vista Scooters that night and they were able to get us a scooter they next day by 8 am. It was seriously a trip saver for my mom. We stayed at Fort Wilderness this trip so we drove ourselves a lot, but next year we will be staying at Art of Animation. Thanks for the information on the buses and hotels with EVCs!
My daughter, granddaughter and I stayed at Art Of Animation last year Prior to going , my daughter said she was going to rent a scooter for me . I was reluctant remembering that I got along my trip before
On my last trip to WDW, I used a scooter because I was waiting for hip replacement surgery. It was a Godsend. Mine was easy to operate and saved me from a lot pain and unnecessary energy consumption. As you stated, I had to always be on alert for people and strollers darting in front of me. My other issue was getting into and out of my room at Port Orleans French Quarter by myself. I dont know if the ADA rooms make it easier, but I needed help in a regular room. Once inside, there was enough room to park it. Overall, I highly recommend using them for a WDW visit.
Thank you so much for this video!!! I will rent one when I travel there the next time. My last trip without one was terrible. I had to stop and rest due to my problem with my legs.
You and her will be so glad and amazed at how much easier it is to have a scooter. My first time was last year . Tell her to keep the speed turn down very low , especially getting use to it and if it's crowded. Some people will close right in front of you , etc. The worst are the moms or dads that are racing down the street with the stroller with kids. Fortunately , people are pretty considerant . When you park , always take your key
I've posted a few reply's to some of the posts (my name Franklinmimi) you can read those if you want.Believe me, it makes it possible for elderly parents enjoy Disney like they did on previous trips. So glad Michael did the wonderful videos of his dad and him having this exciting trip to Disney World, especially seeing all the beautiful sites at Flower and Garden . Hope you and your parents have this magical time at Disney World. .
Thank you! My sister, brother and I rented three at once, and went to epcot staying at the beach club DVC suites! What a lovely time! We'd ride over to epcot using the back entrance and just had the most enjoyable time and even in the rain!! The scooter company provides ponchos!
Just got back from a weeks vacation with my family at WDW. Planned this trip 7 months ago, and a couple days before leaving I had a gout flare up in my foot. I didn’t know what to do, since I normally can walk, but with the gout flare up I cannot stand or walk for long times or distances. I did a little research and called Best Price mobility (Disney preferred provider) the day before arrival, and the scooter was waiting for me at my arrival at Pop Century as promised, fully charged and ready to go. The scooter saved my vacation from being ruined! I was able to park it inside the hotel room at night near the window (just have to pickup the Murphy bed to get it in/out of the room). Just charged it overnight, and it would run all day the next day with no problems. Crowds are difficult to maneuver in safely, but like your Dad I just drove it at a safe speed and didn’t have any incidents the whole week. I’m not too old (51), but am overweight and like others here have mentioned, got more than a few stares as if I was just using the scooter being lazy. Guess you’ve got to expect that since unfortunately there are some folks I’m sure that ‘game’ the system in that way to get a guaranteed seat on a bus, monorail etc. But the folks who were unpleasant were the minority, by far.
I always use a scooter for travel. Years ago the bus ramps were really different. I had to BACK UP while everyone in line was watching me. They couldn't board until I was on. Sooooo stressful!! Once I nearly tipped off the ramp! Was so happy they changed the ramps and you can drive straight on. Awesome!!
Thank you SO much for talking about touring Disney on wheels! I've used a scooter in WDW (three times) two trips were also "Wish Trips" for my two kids (with Make-A-Wish). I have severe lung disease, so self propelling in a wheelchair would be too exhausting, and I don't want my family to wear themselves out pushing me ☹️ - a private rental scooter is the perfect solution. Plus you can use it everywhere, not just the parks. So thankful scooters are available. Driving & using a handicapped parking spot is probably the easiest (but you need to bring your disability parking pass). We found the Monorail easy as well, the staff were SO kind. Busses were... awkward. We found it easier to move the scooter in Neutral than to drive it in place. The boats can be either really great (MK Ferry) or a little dicey (smaller ferries). We found the best rooms for a scooter were either a family suite at Art of Animation, or Port Orleans Riverside Alligator Bayou (but unfortunately, the only ramps for most of the buildings are also the garbage ramps ☹️). The Grand Floridian rooms were MUCH too small for a scooter. One of the reasons Disney is *SO* popular with Wish families and people with disabilities is their accommodations. Their tools for HI/Deaf and visually impaired people are also great, plus their kindness and understanding is wonderful. Next time, check out the scooters with a phone holder and charger and fan included. We have even splurged for a canopy (it was great for sun & rain protection). A canopy may mean you have to park & walk a bit, but the shade was SO nice to have.
I had to use an electric wheel chair the last time I was there after having surgery on my leg. Its amazing how accessible WDW is including Disney Springs. I can walk also like your Dad but not 8 miles a day in the parks. The scooter makes the entire trip so much more relaxing and an anxiety reliever knowing that I can keep up with everyone and still enjoy the parks. Also last time at Starbucks we had to get the vanilla caramel frappaccino. I bet its a popular item now!
You’re right, Michael, in many ways Disney World is built for the disabled. Or at least, with the disabled in mind. You should see, or rather hear, their audio description for the blind. Put it this way: I can’t see anything but light, and was able to fully enjoy and comprehend Flight Of Passage. Great, helpful video.
This is an amazing video, as a person with ms this is something that I was very interested to know about. I have found this video amazing and very helpful, would you mind if I shared the link of this video on my twitter and facebook group as my fellow MS friends would find this very helpful too? many thanks Tara x
So glad you did a video on the ecvs! It should definitely help people think a little more before getting annoyed about seeing folks using them. So glad you & Dad had an amazing trip & I'm loving following along!
It only annoys me when people are inconsiderate. Once when I was taking my food from fryers nook to Harbor House (All the seating was full at Fryers Nook) I was walking behind an elderly couple with a scooter. I was waling a little slower then the speed of them when suddenly one of the came to a complete stop even though there was no one in front go them. I almost tripped and would of lost all my food. I understand that some people can not walk enough to enjoy the parks but the should remember that doesn't make the special. Micheals dad was the perfect example of how to be respectful of other guest.
We rented in September from Gold Mobility Scooters for my mother-In-law and the experience was wonderful. We used the built in phone charger and fan a lot and the price was great. It came with a wonderful seat and the batter got her through 2+ days without charging. We did not find it to be inconvenient that we had to be present for pickup and drop off because they were super prompt and extremely flexible. 100% would rent from them again. Also, we had a 7 person family and the fact that we opted for a 2 bedroom suite DVC rental within walking distance of MK made it really nice. Plenty of space to keep it in the room and we only had to do the bus for AK and HS.
We just came back from WDW. I chose to rent my scooter in the park, a little pricey but worth it not having to take it back and forth from the hotel. It was a life saver for me, I have bad knees and could never do all that walking.
Thank you for the helpful information , we rented a scooter for my sister in law back in Oct. for the day it was 50 bucks at Hollywood Studio's, she was only going for the day, so I guess using an outside company for 2 or more days is definitely the way to go.
My brother and I are planning to take our grandma next May and were considering renting a wheelchair for her, but after watching your dad with the scooter I think the scooter will be a better option for her! I also believe that WDW does an amazing job at accommodating those with disabilities. On my first trip I actually got so dehydrated that i had to rent a wheelchair on my last day because I could hardly walk (ALWAYS STAY HYDRATED) but the cast members were incredible to me and made sure that i was okay!!
You trying to park the scooter was definitely interesting. I think it was a great move getting your dad the scooter. My mother used one last time well worth it. Have a magical day
Sounds like you are a pro now! My father and my husband use a ECV at Disney, you are hitting all the great points of using a ECV at Disney. We had a problem one year with our own ECV and disney maintenance cast member helped us get going again! Thanks for sharing
Thank you so very much for posting this video. I will be using an ECV for the first time at Disney World next year and traveling alone. Again thank you.
Great video. Thank you for doing it. I am able to walk but have Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia and overdoing can wipe me completely out as well as leave me wracked in agony. I was anxious about renting a scooter, but now feel encouraged to do so. I feel it will be a better overall experience for me as well as my Family members and enable me to enjoy the experience more. Thanks
I would wonder about the price difference on an accessible room and availability of an accessible room. I agree the wheelchair accessible rooms are a lot bigger and it is a lot easier to navigate a Mobility device such as a wheelchair or scooter inside of them.
Another trick on the buses is to have the rider get out of the scooter and sit down while an able bodied person throws the scooter into neutral and just walks the scooter into place. It is much easier than trying to have the rider try and back it into its position and saves a TON of time. Also, the new fleet of scooters that you can rent from Disney in the parks now have governed speed so they can only go about the pace of walking. I am guessing that Disney might have the rental companies do the same to avoid all of the accidents that keep happening with the scooters and walking guests.
The last time I was in Disney was 2014 and it would not have been possible without the scooter. I also used the same rental company and they were great. The scooter was at the Yacht Club when we arrived. I really enjoy your videos Michael as I no longer can travel. Keep up the great work.
Love to Rent from the park. I used an off site rental for a trip I took to DL & employee for the company are not allowed on property. Not a problem unless you have Battery issues on property.
Thanks Michael! This was a great vlog. When we went to Disney, we rented inside Magic Kingdom. It was for my dad. I didn't know you could get from your hotel. We also stayed at Pop. Great useful information.
Very informative. Thank you for making this video. We are going to disney with a scooter for a family member that has peripheral neuropathy. Asking Disney directly my questions was futile. I'm a planner; I like to prepare. Thank you for doing this .
Good morning Michael, you always learn new things. Great information to know. It was the best choice for that to use a scooter for his magical trip. Tfs be blessed.😇
Great video on the pros (and a few cons) associated with scooter rentals. We have rented from Tanner scooter rentals and found their rates to be a bit better than those on the recommended list from Disney. We have been very pleased with their service and products. They deliver directly to the resorts, meet you and review how to operate the equipment, and arrange a pick-up time at the end of your stay.
Thank you so much for this information! I'm planning my first disney trip (since I was little!) with my kids and will need an ECV and am a bit nervous about the experience. All this information definitely makes me feel more confident and excited for our vacation
Yes checking out and checking back in the scooter at bell services is exactly how you rent strollers too. Rented one for my 7 year old and it was a huge lifesaver
So nice. I didn't want too rent one. But I was so glad I did.We stayed at music just park in front of the window. I would not feel comfortable leaving it outside.
this is very helpful we are planning a big family disney trip and my mom is not on board i think if she knew that she could use a scooter she might feel differently
It makes such a difference. My daughter insisted I have one . It made the trip possible cause I could not walk very far without bad hip pain. Tell her not to be afraid and that the cast members will help you and her. I was very hesitant to have a scooter , but it made it possible for me to enjoy the park with my daughter and granddaughter.
Michael, thank you so much for doing a video on accessibility at Disney. As a person with a disability, who uses a Permobil power wheelchair full-time, I think you hit all the high points. :)
Excellent review. I have rented scooters the last 2 trips and have only 2 bumps: 1: a family in line at Toy Story Midway Mania let their child, approximately 6 yrs old, CLIMB on me. Yes, climb... My husband had to run blocker to keep him off me through the 45 minute wait. 2: another family was letting their child, approximately 4 yrs old, run through the park. The child made a sudden left and BAM!! Right into me. I had almost completely stopped so thankfully he wasn't hurt, but the parents still looked at me like I was somehow responsible for their child's sudden wail of pain. Thank you for mentioning the not blocking views. We were 2nd row viewing at EPCOT and the person in front of me stood... It was so agrivating... TFS❤❤
Thank you day 1 I swelled up so much pregnant life and started contractions, so my midwife said less walking so I’m going get a scooter for the next day that helped a lot
My husband needed a scooter for our last Walt Disney World trip. We used Gold Mobility Scooters and were very pleased with them. All of their scooters are less than 6 months old and the battery life was awesome. They offer a lot of options and their prices are lower than most. My favorite feature was the onboard USB charger. Our phones stayed charged up and it was a fantastic perk! The scooters have special lighting around the bottom and it was helpful at night. We got excellent customer service with Gold Mobility. We met the delivery person for delivery and they were great in keeping contact with us.
Such Great 👍 Information!!! Thank You SO MUCH for doing this Video! We have went back & forth on this issue and this will Certainly Help us in the Future!! Thank You Michael!! 👍😉👏
I rented a scooter a couple of years ago and had a really good experience for a lot of the reasons you described. The issue navigating thick crowds like you mentioned was challenging, but I had a friend with me, and she helped navigate because she could see things that I couldn’t from that low vantage point. My one recommendation that you didn’t mention is to use something to identify your scooter so when it is parked with the masses of other scooters, you can easily spot yours. I used a brightly colored bandana tied to the handlebar, and it worked really well for me. Oh, and I almost forgot. We used Buena Vista rentals, and we had an issue with the battery holding a charge so we called and they brought a replacement scooter within a couple of hours. Great company to work with.
Have you ever considered staying at shades of green with your dad since he served in the military? That’s where we’ve stayed with my grandparents who served in Vietnam as well
We use a manual wheelchair for my mom. ( she has vision issues so wouldnt be able to drive a scooter) Crowds were my isseue for sure. Especially when people stop suddenly in front of you. I didnt hit anyone but it was close and frustrating. Doing attractions was easy too. We only did those ride that she could stay in her chair as she s not strong enough to move quickly to get on a ride. Or cant see what she is doing. Its alot of work but worth it all for sure. She loves disney as much as we do. So as long as she is able she will go with us! Great thoughts Michael. So glad your dad was able to get around with more ease. 💖💖💖
Apple Scooter is a great company too. We rented a scooter for my dad in February of 2018, who had mobility issues. The scooter was waiting for him at our resort, Wilderness Lodge. It really made everything so much easier for him, and allowed him to enjoy the trip so much more. He drove that scooter like a champ. Getting on and off Disney transportation was really easy, except for the boats...was a bit of a height difference between the boats and the docks. We had to lift the front of the scooter on and off the boats, but not too bad.
Very well made video. i have heard from others with varying abilities how accommodating and how much fun at Disney world with their families and friends despite their mobility challenges. They even make accommodations for folks who are autistic. One note is that if they are staying at the resort, they can also go to guest services to go with over their special needs and rent wheel chairs or scooters there also. Reserving ahead is always recommended just so its there waiting as some peak times, they may not have any available when not reserved ahead. Very good to know that you can pick up with bell desk. Did not know that before.
Crowds were heavy that week. Saw a little girl get her ankle crushed same week you were there right outside Toy story mania. Those things are SUPER touchy. Felt terrible for the elderly man who hit her. Bad news all around. Glad you guys had a safe experience! 👍 thanks for the videos as always!!🙌
I've used an ECV at Disney for the past several trips. The "Disney Featured Providers" on the site are those that allow guests to pick up the rental at the bell services desk of their Disney resort. There are other providers that are allowed to deliver the scooter directly to the client at the resort. Often times, this is better for a first time user, since the rental company can instruct how to use the ECV as well as make any adjustments to the seat and/or steering tiller. The non-featured providers may also be less expensive since they do not have to enter into a contract with Disney. Do your research. There have been times when a "Featured" provider had an F rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Thank you for this information. My sister and I will be visiting Disney World the first part of August and this year I will be in need of a scooter so was going to have to research information on rental companies. But with your information I've been saved some time. It's great to know you can pick up and leave off a guest services when you arrive and depart. I think the driving carefully applies not only to Disney, as I find in my local grocery store when I'm using one to shop if I don't go very slowly and even stop at aisle corners someone would walk into at least once every time. It's like people aren't even aware you're there or that these machines can't maneuver like the human body. I'm just so thankful that Disney takes guests with disabilities in mind so that we too can enjoy a day at the park. Question, how long did the battery stay charged before needing recharging?
Thank you sooo much for doing a video on scooters and accessibility! I have a lung disease, so I will need to use one in order to keep up with my family at Disneyworld. It’s so nice to hear how accessible things are (as I know that’s not always the case for vacations). Yet another reason to love Disney. They think of everyone!
That was an awesome video Micheal. I am thinking I will be traveling to WDW and was looking for a scooter. I am 68 and cannot walk well so thank you for the video!
Recently rented one for my mom...we were only at EPCOT. She couldn't have gone in the trip with us without it...so it is very much worth it for us. Buena Vista is a great company! I wish there was a list of how to utilize each line...so we'd kind of know how to approach other rides. Although...the cast members were always very helpful in guiding us with each ride.
You could have requested a HC room. The room is configured differently. We stayed at Movies this weekend and our room had the fridge further down the wall and it was very open near the door...probably for the scooter. Something to keep in mind for the future.
I visited WDW a number of times with my mom in a wheelchair. When we used the monorail that makes 5 stops instead of 2, they always asked where we would be getting off. I finally realized the cast member was pushing a button on the outside of the monorail at the door to indicate our exit point. That is how they knew where and when to place the ramp.
Thank you, Michael. I just found your video and subscribed. I am going to share it with many others that would like to share it with their parents that might be in the same situation. What a wonderful video. And you are right there used to be a handicap section at DHS. They may yet add one at some point. If you use a mobility device, look for the cast member using masking tape on the pavement in creating a walkway from left to right and back to the DHS entrance to allow walking before the fireworks. Park on the taped area and there will be no one standing in front of you when the fireworks start.
