Are the scooters at Disney World only for the handicapped?

Question

I am 62 and just got back from Disney World. The heat was horrible and the walking just made it miserable. I am not handicapped, although I do have asthma and high blood pressure. Are there restrictions on who can rent these things? Even in the cooler climate I have trouble catching a good breath. Thanks.

Answer 1

There are no restrictions on who can rent the ECVs at the Disney parks. Disney actually *recomends* that folks who have difficulty walking (especially in heat) use scooters or wheelchairs, even if they have no other medical problems.

Although there is a common perception of preference, using a mobility device (of ANY kind) does NOT get you special treatment at the attractions - in fact, it can sometimes mean a LONGER wait to get on the rides. There *are* seperate entrances at some of the rides and such, but that is simply to allow those with devices full access in lines where there is not enough room, and (often) to allow those with mobility issues to board at the exit so that their devices can be there waiting for them at the end of the ride. Since, for safety reasons, there is a limit to how many mobility limited folks can be on any ride at one time, and since Disney is a favorite vacation spot of a lot of mobility-challenged folks (mostly because it's one of the few places where a disabled person can actually enjoy most of the attractions!!) sometimes there is a slightly longer wait to ride than there would be in the regular line...

Wheelchairs and ECVs are available, first come, first serve at all parks. (They may not be reserved ahead of time.) There is a pretty good supply of wheelchairs, but the ECVs are often all rented out by mid-morning. Currently the prices at the parks are:
Wheelchairs: $10/day rental (no deposit)
ECVs: $35/day with $5 refundable deposit

If you are staying on property for more than a day or two, it's often a lot easier and cheaper to rent an ECV off-site. The off-site ECVs are smaller than the ones the parks rent, and they have much better batteries. The ECV is usually delivered to your hotel the day you arrive, and you leave it for the company to pick up when you check out. It often works out to be a bit cheaper, and you have the ECV for getting around outside the parks, as well as not having to worry if there will be any left when you need one. (You can use all of the Disney transportation system with an ECV, so getting around on property isn't a problem.)

The three places that are best recomended for offsite rentals are
Care Medical: http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/
Walker Mobility: http://www.walkermobility.com
RANDY'S Mobility: http://randysmobility.com/
Of the three, Walker Mobility is the one I usually use.

Answer 2

Anyone can rent a scooter or wheelchair at Disney World. My mom has bad asthma as well and we rented a wheel chair for her when visiting the parks. Next time you visit, be sure to rent one right away and purchase a cooling hat from Wal Mart (before your trip) or at the park, where you dip the hat into water, which reacts with crystals to keep the hat cold all day.

f you would like any help planning your next trip, or would like some other tips and ideas, check out my Disney Vacation Blog, I'm All Ears at:

http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/

I used to be a cast member and worked at Disney World, so I have all kinds of tips! Have a great time!

Answer 3

there is truly no favor to describe your sickness the following. yet with some thing as severe as you've defined one can not imagine walking miles upon miles on the parks. How painful for you. the acceptable suggestion may be to employ an ECV, and bypass through the handicap get admission to line. in case you go with to attempt getting a GAC bypass to visitor facilities before shifting into the park. At MK it is on the right. do no longer assume it to be a breeze to get, notwithstanding. you'd be requested questions, to boot as a no longer so favorable seem. Disney is superb conscious that many those who do not truly favor them, attempt to get one besides. that is a significant challenge for Disney, and obviously the visitors, to boot. regrettably those who legitimately favor it are scrutinized, too. Sorry. Do get a scooter, if plausible. They lease them on the parks.

Answer 4

Anyone can rent a wheelchair or electric wheelchair. But here is a hint to save you money. Rent your own from outside WDW and bring it with you, even if you have to fly with it. You can get one for a WEEK for about what you'd pay for a single DAY at WDW. I rent one in downtown Kissimmee whenever I take my Mom to "Wally World", and it's $35/week for manual and $85/week for electric. The electrics disassemble into 2-3 smaller modules, so you can easily get the thing in and out of a car trunk.

Answer 5

Anyone can rent those out but the electric ones are kinda expensive. They are around $60 for the day, but if you get one at one park and hop to another one you can get a new one at the next park or at your resort (if it is a Disney one). The wheelchairs are less costly and the same things apply.

Answer 6

Anyone can rent them. My sister does when we go. It helps her to have a full day. She isn't handicapped, but cannot walk too much.

Answer 7

I just got back and let me tell you I think everyone and their brother had them. I think some people use them to get into the front of the lines. I don't know what type of medical condition you have to have in order to get one, but I'd try it next time.

Answer 8

Yep, there shouldn't be a problem especially in your case, people rent wheelchairs all the time to avoid lines

Answer 9

i believe the scooters if you are refering to ones where you stand are used by park personnel , you could have rented a a sitting scooter given your medical condition

Answer 10

please tell me why a handicap m/f wants a scooter ?