Hiya, Amy!
Welcome back to planDisney, friend! I am so excited to hear that your grandma will get to experience the magic of Walt Disney World Resort for the first time ever! This is sure to be a trip that you will both remember always. I am happy to report that you have a variety of options available when it comes to wheelchair and ECV rentals at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Here's all you need to know about the various rental processes and transportation options during your upcoming visit.
You can
rent a wheelchair at each of the four theme parks. These rentals are first-come, first-served, and reservations cannot be made in advance. You can choose between a single-day rental or a length-of-stay rental, which offers a discounted price. The rental is also transferable between locations, so if plan on Park Hopping, Hakuna Matata! You can leave the rented wheelchair at the first park and pick up another when you arrive at the next.
ECV Rentals are also available in the parks, water parks, and at Disney Springs. These rentals follow many of the same guidelines as wheelchair rentals. Advanced reservations cannot be made and the rental must stay in its original location. The primary difference is that length of stay rental is not available for ECVs. The full
ECV rental policy and pricing information can be found on the Walt Disney World website.
It is important to note that wheelchairs and ECVs rented in the theme parks cannot leave their destinations. This means you will have to leave the rental in the park when you leave. If having the rental at your resort hotel and to get to and from transportation is an option you prefer, I recommend checking out Walt Disney World Resort's featured provider, ScooterBug. Rentals made through ScooterBug can be made in advance, and they will even leave your rental with Bell Services at your hotel if you have not arrived yet. This is a great option as your wheelchair or ECV will be waiting for you when you arrive. You can contact ScotterBug by visiting scooterbug.com/orlando or calling (800) 726-8284.
Should you go the route of securing a rental through a company rather than in the theme parks,
most modes of Disney Transportation are accessible and equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. All bus routes, the monorail system, and Disney Skyliner are equipped for mobility disabilities. Watercraft access can vary, so it is important to check with a Cast Member at the dock for information and assistance. If you prefer to drive to your marvelous destination, there are theme park disability parking lots, and courtesy trams available in all parking lots.
Amy, I hope that you and your grandma have the trip of a lifetime. Be sure to pick up a 1st Visit Celebration Button from the front desk of your resort hotel or at any Guest Relations location. This will help let Cast Members know that you are celebrating something truly special during your visit.
We'll see ya real soon!
Tammy