Hi Jotasha,
Renting an ECV for your upcoming Walt Disney World trip is a convenient option regardless of whether you rent it directly or through a third-party rental company. The biggest difference for me lies in how you plan to utilize the ECV and how often you need it.
When you
rent one directly from Disney World, you will only be able to use it while in the theme parks or at Disney Springs. As you exit the location you are visiting for the day, you will need to return your ECV to the rental counter. You will not be able to take the ECV from park to park and will utilize transportation between locations without a mobility device. For someone who does not need an ECV all of the time this is a great option because you do not have to worry about what to do with your ECV at the hotel or when you don't need it.
If you require a mobility device for the entirety of your trip including while at your resort hotel and on transportation, then renting from a third-party provider is your best option. The Disney Featured Provider in Orlando is ScooterBug. If you are going to rent from a third party, I highly recommend utilizing them because they will be able to deliver to your Disney resort hotel without you being present. This means it will be anxiously awaiting your arrival and ready to go adventuring as soon as you are.
Once you receive your ECV from the third-party service, you will be responsible for it for the entirety of your trip. This means you can take it on Disney transportation. In my experience
bus transportation and the
monorail system are the best options when traveling with an ECV because they are easy to access and are all equipped to handle mobility devices. You will also need to find a parking and charging location for it in your resort hotel room. These devices can be a little cumbersome so make sure that the room you have chosen will have enough space. I recommend checking with
disability services at your resort hotel before arrival to make sure your room can handle your device or if you can leave it in the hall for the evening.
I also recommend reviewing this
list of attractions before you arrive so you are prepared for which ones will require you to park your ECV and transfer to a ride vehicle. This will enable you to prioritize rides that require a transfer for times when you think you can handle it most easily.
Happy Planning
Jenna