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Post by a1000monkeys on Jul 23, 2023 23:26:34 GMT -5
So my parents will be doing their first (and likely last) WDW trip with us for NYE. While they initially scoffed at my suggestion of getting a scooter they have since received advice from others that they will definitely need them to handle multiple park days.
Neither of them have used scooters before. Any suggestions on rental companies that can provide scooters that are easy to use, maneuver and charge and will deliver to BWV?
where do people, normally charge them? In the room?
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Post by JaxFLBear on Jul 24, 2023 6:16:37 GMT -5
Not necessarily a recommendation, but ScooterBug is the only vendor that doesn't require you to be present for drop off and pick up at the WDW Resorts.
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Post by jflatto on Jul 24, 2023 6:38:52 GMT -5
I use Gold Mobility Scooters for a number of years and been very happy with their service. You do need to meet with them for dropoff and pickup but that is usually not an issue. The drivers text you the day before to set up the dropoff. They are flexible if things change. On a recent trip, our flight down kept getting delayed due to ATC staffing issues and they worked with me to meet me when we finally made it to the resort. They rent two major types of scooters - The GoGo elites which are smaller and the Victory which are bigger. I typically rented the GoGo Elites but sometimes was pushing the battery limit. I finally switched to the Victory and had no issues or worries about the battery. I didn't find the Victories much harder to get onto the buses than the GoGO's. The Gold Mobility Scooters include a USB port for charging phones if needed. AS for charging, whenever we went back to the room, I always plugged it in on general principle even if just for an hour but that is just me. I always carry the charger with me, in the pocket behind the seat. I put it in a gallon zip lock bag just in case it rains. I also bring a three prong extension cord and put it in the back of the seat. It gives me extra flexibility in charging. I put a "Wedge-it" in the front basket. This is a flexible door stop; I find it useful if going back to the room by myself to hold the door open. The over hinge aspect works well. Wedge ItThere was resent discussion on the other board about Scooterbug where it was not well loved. I have heard similar things before related to Scooterbug including how slow it moves and the generally "beat up" quality of the units. Scooterbug feedback on another board |
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Post by lovindisney on Jul 24, 2023 7:00:38 GMT -5
I 2nd Gold.
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Post by tink711 on Jul 24, 2023 7:07:19 GMT -5
I tried ScooterBug when they first became the only vendor that Disney allowed pick up and drop off with BS and it was not a good experience. I will never use them again. I've always had good experiences with Gold Mobility and Best Price Mobility. Gold is a little more expensive, the equipment is always pristine and you can get some extra bells and whistles on your scooter. The only issue I have with them is they are a bit over the top on the drop off and pick up which makes them more inconvenient. For example, instead of planning drop off 30+ minutes after your expected resort arrival, they want to plan it over an hour after your expected resort arrival. It's easy to kill 30-40 minutes hanging around the lobby area waiting for them, but waiting over an hour or going to your room only to turn around and have to go right back down is annoying. On pick you - every time I rented from them they just "showed up" 30-45 minutes ahead of time which was super annoying. If I ever rent from them again, I think I will edit the times I tell them so that I can get them to show up when I want them there  . Best Price Mobility is less expensive, more laid back and easiest to work with. BP equipment does not have some of the extras that you can get with Gold (fans, cup holders), and it's not unusual to get a scooter that has scratches where some previous renter has run it up on the curb, but the equipment is always in top operational condition and seat in very good shape. I had an issue one time with a BP ECV where battery wasn't staying charged and they had someone at my resort in 30 min with a new battery and new charger. |
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Post by tomandrobin on Jul 24, 2023 9:19:45 GMT -5
Couple things here.....
Since your parents have never used a scooter before, have them go to the grocery store and practice using their complimentary scooters. Learning to drive one for the first time, at Disney will cause frustration. I once had a scooter literally run over my grandson in Disney. It was there first time driving, panicked and literally ran him over. Thank god since he was 4 at the time, fit under the scooter without being crushed....That was the most pissed off I have ever been in Disney.
We use Buena Vista scooters. The downside is you have to arrange to be at the resort to pickup the scooter.
Only scooterbug is allowed to drop off to Disney bell services. This might be your preferred option.
We charge in the room and Disney prefers that also. Those who charge their scooters are wrong, selfish and are blocking the hallways.....yes, I have strong feelings about this practice.
When we use a scooter, I tend to ride the scooter on the bus for Robin. She is not comfortable driving up the ramps.
NYE and scooters is the worse. So many people and they "all" will cut in front of the scooters, usually a quick dart....be careful.
There are lots of reserved spots for fireworks, shows and parades.....use them and get there early.
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Post by oldhalfelf on Jul 24, 2023 10:54:05 GMT -5
We charge in the room and Disney prefers that also. Those who charge their scooters are wrong, selfish and are blocking the hallways.....yes, I have strong feelings about this practice. A probably not very important aside: on Halcyon, in-room charging is forbidden by Disney, and charging corrals are provided off the halls. That was one of two unusual features -- the other was a safety feature best explained on a need-to-know basis on arrival. It will be interesting if (a) corrals are provided in any new DVC sites, (b) it was under consideration but is discarded, or (c) it was a one-off due to the size of Halcyon cabins. Driving ECVs in rooms probably causes some wear and tear. (We do in-room charging at AKV, and I once had to report at the front desk that a furniture scratch had been made by an elderly guest we were hosting.) On a related point, when one hosts first time ECV users who have never been to WDW (or not for many years...), I would suggest advance or early discussion of the challenges of and differences between loading buses, boats, Rise of the Resistance, etc. That might include who engages or disengages the gears and when, whether or not to drive the ECV or have the bus driver or cast member guide it, whether to tip, etc. WDW can be overwhelming, and it is easy for ECV details to add to the fluster if encountered in the instant.  |
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Post by tomandrobin on Jul 24, 2023 13:48:23 GMT -5
That might be the only hotel on WDW property where that is so. But how does a person like Jen from the boards charge her wheelie, if it can't be in the room? Is someone going to carry her around in her room? I am assuming that rule does not apply to handicap rooms, only guest that require wheelies for getting around long distances. |
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Post by helenabear on Jul 24, 2023 14:29:55 GMT -5
Please charge in your room. Most rentals want that. The hotel halls were not designed for ECV charging. That might be the only hotel on WDW property where that is so. But how does a person like Jen from the boards charge her wheelie, if it can't be in the room? Is someone going to carry her around in her room? I am assuming that rule does not apply to handicap rooms, only guest that require wheelies for getting around long distances. Yeah that wouldn't fly well if my aunt were still alive. The only time we had her rented wheels in the hall (insurance was a b to start with so we never flew with her own) was when it malfunctioned. If the walk was too far what would they expect? I have a friend of a friend who is confined even more than most. Uncool. |
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Post by a1000monkeys on Jul 24, 2023 18:01:53 GMT -5
I doubt they will stay for NYE at Epcot at night but we’ll be there during the day. My step father is a New Yorker with little patience so I expect he’ll get frustrated and leave if people keep getting in his way.
How does the reserved spaces work for scooters. Do I need to sign up for disability services or just show up in a specific area? Can the 5 of us able bodied folks join my scootering parents in the area?
My Mom does have a disability placard. Do I need to bring any info fo disability access?
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Post by LauraLea on Jul 24, 2023 18:37:45 GMT -5
My Mom does have a disability placard. Do I need to bring any info fo disability access? If you will have a car, bring the placard. It will get you free valet parking at the resorts. This is esp. needed at BWV. Laura |
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Post by helenabear on Jul 24, 2023 19:18:04 GMT -5
I doubt they will stay for NYE at Epcot at night but we’ll be there during the day. My step father is a New Yorker with little patience so I expect he’ll get frustrated and leave if people keep getting in his way. How does the reserved spaces work for scooters. Do I need to sign up for disability services or just show up in a specific area? Can the 5 of us able bodied folks join my scootering parents in the area? My Mom does have a disability placard. Do I need to bring any info fo disability access? The HA placard is only for parking. You will not need it for anything else. For HA "seating" a CM will direct you. It can be taken up. The disability services (DAS) is for non mobility issues. |
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Post by tink711 on Jul 25, 2023 14:08:32 GMT -5
I don't want to start a debate, but I have been told at more than one resort that they prefer that you *not* take ECV into the room if you are capable of walking short distance back to the room. I assume it is because of damage being done in the rooms, especially studios where space is tight. I would suggest that you ask at check in. They will tell you what they prefer and suggest options of places to park and charge.
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Post by simbasmom on Jul 25, 2023 15:42:44 GMT -5
I don't want to start a debate, but I have been told at more than one resort that they prefer that you *not* take ECV into the room if you are capable of walking short distance back to the room. I assume it is because of damage being done in the rooms, especially studios where space is tight. I would suggest that you ask at check in. They will tell you what they prefer and suggest options of places to park and charge. You know, they tried that with me at VGF. Bell services, when they brought my luggage to my room, saw that I had my ECV in the room, and at first, he said I could leave it in the hall to charge. When I kept saying "no, thank you" to his offer, he kept insisting and finally offered to drive it out there himself and plug it in. I didn't really know for sure what to do, but I've never been comfortable leaving my ECV in the hall. He was not happy! |
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Post by helenabear on Jul 25, 2023 16:23:36 GMT -5
I don't want to start a debate, but I have been told at more than one resort that they prefer that you *not* take ECV into the room if you are capable of walking short distance back to the room. I assume it is because of damage being done in the rooms, especially studios where space is tight. I would suggest that you ask at check in. They will tell you what they prefer and suggest options of places to park and charge. Ask your rental company first. Then ask if there is a place to charge out of the way. It's been pointed out what a risk it is many times different places in terms of fire hazards. TBH many CMs offer poor advice. This is one I wish they'd get it together on. |
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. Best Price Mobility is less expensive, more laid back and easiest to work with. BP equipment does not have some of the extras that you can get with Gold (fans, cup holders), and it's not unusual to get a scooter that has scratches where some previous renter has run it up on the curb, but the equipment is always in top operational condition and seat in very good shape. I had an issue one time with a BP ECV where battery wasn't staying charged and they had someone at my resort in 30 min with a new battery and new charger.
