People with mobility issues love to enjoy the magic too! Here are the things you need to know if you require the use of an electric conveyance vehicle (scooter), wheelchair or stroller.
All of these items are available for rent at each theme park and Downtown Disney. There are a limited number available and they can not be reserved. They are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, you may not leave the park with these items. If you are visiting another park, you must return the item in the park you are in and you can present your rental receipt at the next park to receive a replacement at no additional charge. Replacements are based on availability.
These are the current WDW rental rates:
ECV - Guests must be 18 years or older to operate and a photo ID is required to rent
Theme Parks - $50 daily plus $20 refundable deposit
Disney Springs - $50 daily plus $100 refundable deposit
Rented units must be returned to the original rental location before park closing time to receive a refund of the security deposit.
Note: ECVs can be held if you will be leaving and returning to the same park that day
WHEELCHAIRS - Guests must be 18 or older to rent and a photo ID is required
Theme Parks - $12 daily or Pre-pay for your length of stay at $10 daily
Disney Springs - $12 daily plus $100 refundable deposit
WDW Resort Hotels - Complimentary plus $315 refundable deposit based on limited availability
STROLLERS -
Single strollers - Recommended for children 50 lbs or less
$15 daily or Length of Stay $13 daily Note: a $100 credit card deposit is required for stroller rentals at Disney Springs
Double strollers - Recommended for children 100 lbs or less
$31 daily or Length of Stay $27 daily Note: Not available in Disney Springs
All of these items can also be rented from independent companies. The benefits of renting from outside companies are you will generally save money on rental fees, you will have use of it everywhere you go rather than just inside the parks and you will be guaranteed to have the unit for your entire stay. The drawback to doing this is that you will have the unit with you at all times, in and out of the parks. Therefore, you will need to transport the units on busses, boats, monorail, car or whatever transportation you are using during your stay. While they are generally easy to maneuver, it can be tricky for those not used to handling them on a daily basis. Some practice time when you arrive at the resort is recommended.
WDW policies have changed allowing only approved companies to deliver units to your resort. When you rent from these approved companies, your unit will be delivered directly to your resort and held for you until arrival. When your vacation is over, you can also return the units right at your resort. If you choose to rent from a company not on the approved list, you will be responsible for setting up a meet to pick up and return your unit. These are the current approved vendors:
ECV and Wheelchair
- Buena Vista Scooter Rentals: (866) 484-4797
- Best Price Mobility: (866) 866-3434
- Apple Scooter: (800) 701-1971
- ScooterBug: (800) 726-8284
Strollers
- Orlando Stroller Rentals: (800) 281-0884
- Kingdom Strollers: (407) 271-5301
- Magic Strollers: (866) 866-6177
Some things to keep in mind:
When leaving your units for any reason, look for the stroller and/or scooter parking areas. Be sure to park in these designated areas and not leave your unit anywhere. If you leave your items in the wrong area, cast members will move them! Sometimes it is better to attach something noticeable to your unit to make it stand out and easier to locate in a crowd.
Although many people pile their bags and packages on units, it's not a good idea to leave valuables on an unattended stroller, scooter or wheelchair. While most items are not bothered by anyone, theft can happen even in our happy place. Don't leave anything you can't replace. Also, squirrels are notorious for stealing food from the vehicles.
When parking an ECV, ALWAYS be sure to take out the key. Keep the key with you when you leave the unit. This will prevent anyone from operating the vehicle without your permission and possibly hurting someone or taking your unit. However, CMs are still able to move them without the key so please be sure to park in the designated areas. Also you may want to bring your own keyring such as an elastic coil wristband or lanyard to help keep the key from being dropped or lost. You should also bring a towel for your comfort on the seat.
Only one person may ride on an ECV or wheelchair. This includes small children on your lap. If you try to ride with an extra person. you will be stopped by security and/or cast members. Repeated offenses may result in being asked to leave.
Even if you don't need a handicapped room, be sure to mention if you will be using an ECV or wheelchair when you make your reservation. This will avoid getting a room where there is no elevator or can not fit the scooter through the door. You will need to drive the ECV into your room every night to recharge the battery.
Practice, Practice, Practice! Especially if you are not used to using these items on a daily basis. Keep the speed at LOW setting and get used to the starting and stopping. You will be operating these in very large crowds of excited park visitors who are not always aware of the people around them. Don't be one of them! Many people will stop or walk right in front of you without noticing. To avoid arguments and injury, you must be constantly aware of the people around you, especially small children. They can be seriously injured if they are run over with these scooters. Although bumps may be unavoidable or not "your fault", try to do everything you can to keep yourself and the people around you safe. The same is true for wheelchairs and strollers. They can also cause injury and pain if you bump into someone or knock them over. Do NOT use them to push your way through crowds!
Driving at slow speeds and taking out the key when not in use can help get more "mileage" out of your scooter. Most will go all day. However, if you plan to arrive early and stay late, you may need to recharge at some point during the day. Try to park near an outlet while you're at a meal or show to recharge a bit. Or if you take a midday break back at your resort, plug in for a while. There is a charge indicator gauge on the controls, and when it gets into the "yellow" zone and starts to run slower you need to start thinking about plugging in. You can usually call your rental vendor for any problems and they will come out and take care of the problem.
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