ECV's at Walt Disney World

It is estimated that on a typical trip to Walt Disney World, guests walk approximately 6-10 miles per day, depending on the park (Disney's Hollywood Studios is smaller, so 6 miles, and Epcot is huge so 10+ miles per day). For healthy individuals with no disabilities this can be quite the workout, but for those that do have disabilities or are ill, the walking can be treacherous and discourages many from the magical and wonderful experience of visiting Walt Disney World, and the Disney theme parks.

Walt Disney World is very user friendly for guests of all shapes and sizes, for those that are healthy and for those who are ill, for those who are able to walk and for those who will need assistance in walking. Walt Disney World offers rentals of all kinds to help assist those who are not able to do all the walking, whether they need assistance for the entire trip or for just for a day or two. The rentals that are offered are Wheelchairs, ECV, strollers (for younger ones), Equipment and Accessible Van Rentals.

An ECV, also known as Electric Convenience Vehicles, is available to rent at various places throughout Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks and Downtown Disney. The ECV rental fee is $45.00 per day plus a $20.00 refundable security deposit from the Theme Parks, and $45.00 per day plus a $100 refundable security deposit from Downtown Disney. The ECV must be returned to the location that they were rented from in order to receive your deposit back. The rental of an ECV is on a first come, first serve basis, and they often are completely out of stock by mid-morning and you are not able to reserve them throughout the parks. The ECV that you are able to rent through the Theme Parks or Downtown Disney is for daily use only, and is not able to leave the park. An ECV is only allowed to be rented or dreven by guests who are 18 years of age or older.

If you are looking for an ECV to rent for the duration of your stay, to have throughout the Walt Disney World parks and throughout the Walt Disney Resorts, there are several businesses in Orlando, Florida that will rent out equipment to suit your needs and requirements. One of these ECV businesses, Buena Vista Scooters is actually on Walt Disney World Property, located at Disney Boardwalk Resort and will deliver to any of the resorts on Disney property.

For guests that bring their own ECV or are renting an ECV for the duration of their stay, you are able to use the Disney Transportation with an ECV. The buses at Walt Disney World are equipped with wheelchair ramps and lifts. The lifts are in four different variations. The first variation is the "fold out" type of ramp, this is used on the newer buses as it can be manually deployed if the mechanics malfunction, and will be continued to be seen on buses in years to come. The second variation is a "factory installed" lift, which is seen on many older buses. It is able to accommodate virtually all standard wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and most small ECVs. The third variation is the "retro fit" lift, a unit that has been added to some of the buses that are somewhat older models. This lift has a larger platform and therefore is able to accommodate virtually any wheelchair and most ECV's. Some of the larger ECV are somewhat awkward and have trouble fitting on the platform. The last type of lift is on the lower and newer buses, and is simply a ramp that can accommodate all makes and models of wheelchairs and ECV's.

There are two spots available for ECV's on the standard Walt Disney World Buses. If you are in need of more spaces to accommodate your party, you are asked to contact Disney Services and they will send a "Special Services" bus that has room for up to 5 ECVs/wheelchairs, and plenty of seating.

On the Walt Disney World Bus, you are able to stay on your ECV/wheelchair or you may transfer to a seat if you are able to. It is probably a much safer idea to transfer to another seat, as ECVs are very top heavy, and if there is an accident, being seated in a seat would be much safer for you and those around you.

If you are travelling with a group of people, it is asked that just one member from your party accommodate you as you board the bus, out of respect for the other guests that are waiting to also board the bus (the ECV will board first). If you want to ensure that you are able to ride with your entire party, try to leave before park closing, or wait for awhile after the park closes to board the buses.

Companies in Orlando that rent out ECV:

Buena Vista Scooters - found at Disney's Boardwalk Resort - (866)484-4797 www.buenavistascooters.com

Care Medical Equipment - (800) 741-2282 www.caremedicalequipment.com

Walker Mobility - (888) 726-6837 www.walkermobility.com

Randy's Mobility - (407) 892-4777 www.randysmobility.com

Scootaround - www.scootaround.com

Scootarama - www.scootarama.com

Click here for more Walt Disney World information and tips by Amanda M. Rose