Photo credit: Disneyworldbasics.com

The following is an update to the information in this post.  Update posted October 26, 2012:

Walt Disney World Resort has selected five featured vendors that have agreed to rent resort Guests only those Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) that, based on size and speed, have been determined safest for use in the theme parks, resort hotels and transportation system.

Disney will recommend the featured vendors to our Guests and allow them to drop off and pick up their devices at our resort hotels, without the need for Guests to be present. All other vendors will have to arrange drop off and pick up directly with Guests and will not be able to leave the devices unattended.
This process will be implemented across all resort hotels beginning on November 1, 2012.

Begin previous post:

I adore my father-in-law. He smiles when I call him my FAVORITE father-in-law, since he’s the only one I’ve ever had. He really is one of the most terrific people I have ever known. Brilliant business man, cigar aficionado,Yankees fan, lover of all great music – (including Sinatra AND disco!), husband to his wife for over 60 years, embracer of laughter and life…and my favorite thing of all…he is a wonderful adviser and best friend to my husband.

Just like some other seasoned, mature folks however, my favorite father-in-law also happens to have mobility issues.  I love his company and I have wanted to take him to Disney World with me for years. I keep hoping to talk him into it one day. Out of curiosity – I started looking into the options Disney has regarding electric convenience vehicles – or scooters as we locals like to call them. Not that he’d really need or want one – but I thought it would be nice to give him the option.

I am hoping maybe you can benefit from some of my research on the subject. I threw in some wheelchair and stroller information too.

According to Disney,

“ECVs are available only on a same-day basis and may only be used in the Park where they are rented.  ECVs will be held if Guests wish to leave and return to the same Park.  Guests planning to visit more than one Park on the same day should retain their deposit ticket from the first Park they visit.  This will enable them to obtain a replacement wheelchair or ECV on the same day, if available, at the next Park with no additional charge.  NOTE: Wheelchairs or ECVs may not be available at the second Park. NOTE:  Guests must be 18 years of age or older to rent ECVs.  Devices are to be single-rider only. Guest Relations, located inside the Theme parks, provides a variety of services including: general information, priority seating for restaurants, ticket media information, Park guidemaps and entertainment schedules, and information on services for Guests with Disabilities.The Guide for Guests with Disabilities  provides a detailed overview of services and facilities available for Guests with disabilities and is available at Guest Relations locations within all four Parks as well as Guest Services locations at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resorts. Requests for brochures prior to a vacation should be sent to the Disney Reservation Center at (407) 934-7639.”

While you wait for your brochure to arrive however, here are some tips to help you start planning. Please keep in mind that in all of these locations – Disney REALLY stresses that vehicles are available on a first come first serve basis and of course – they are not free. For more information, ask for the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities at any of these locations.

Magic Kingdom 
Wheelchair and ECV rentals are available at the Stroller Shop inside the Magic Kingdom theme park entrance.

Epcot

Wheelchair and ECV rentals are available on the east side of the Epcot theme park Entrance Plaza and at the International Gateway. For more information, ask for the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities at Guest Relations on the east side of Spaceship Earth.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

At HS you will want to check with Oscar’s Super Service near the main entrance. Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios are able to rent strollers (single or double), manual wheelchairs, or electric scooters in this location. Replacement wheelchairs are available at the In Character Costume Shop.

Animal Kingdom

AK has ECV Rentals located  in Garden Gate Gifts near the main entrance. Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park are able to rent strollers (single or double), manual wheelchairs, or electric scooters. Rentals are subject to availability.

Downtown Disney Marketplace Strollers and Wheelchairs

There is information to suggest there may be ECVs to rent, as well as strollers, and wheelchairs, located between Tren-D and Once Upon a Toy near the restrooms. However, when I called Disney, the operator on the line told me they do not rent them there. Not that I doubt – her but I am still curious and want to find out the whole story. I guess I will have to make a research trip myself to find out for sure. Anything for my Disneyways readers! Aw, who am I kidding. It’s all about feeling the wind in my hair on the new Dumbo ride.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Water Parks

Wheelchairs are welcome at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Blizzard Beach; however, they are not available for rent. No ECVs available at either.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
A limited number of wheelchairs (not ECV’s) are available at each Disney Resort Hotel.  A $315 USD deposit will be held on the Guest room account—charged only if the wheelchair is not returned.

Something to keep in mind:

Each of these locations have opening and closing hours that tend to vary, as well as an additional cost for rentals. You will want to check with Disney directly for details.

But what if you are staying at Disney for a whole week or even longer? Well first of all the first call you should make is to ME so I can come along.  LOL

On your next call perhaps, Disney will refer you to the area rental companies such as those listed below.

Apple Scooter

• applescooter.com
• 321-SCOOTER (321-726-6837)
• ECVs, powerchairs, wheelchairs

• Best Price Mobility
• bpmobility.com
• 866-866-3434
• ECVs, powerchairs, wheelchairs

• Buena Vista Scooter Rentals
• buenavistascooters.com
• 866-484-4797 / 407-938-0349
• ECVs, strollers, wheelchairs, and more

• CARE Medical Equipment
• caremedicalequipment.com
• 1-800-741-2282 / 407-856-2273
• ECVs, medical equipment, wheelchairs, and more

• Scooter Bug
• scooterbug.com

Another GREAT source of info (and the first place I thought of in my search) is  www.disneyonwheelsblog.com.

You can find a WEALTH of information here, including;

Walt Disney World Guest Assistance Card info

Parade viewing from a wheelchair

Tips for when you make dining reservations

Companion restrooms

And from theinfomouse.com – here are tips on your first visit.

Do you or a loved one have experiences you’d like to share regarding strollers, wheelchairs or ECV rentals at Walt Disney World?