21 Top Scooter and ECV Tips for Walt Disney World

(Cover Photo Cred: Elliot Brown https://flic.kr/p/Uije2y )

Walt Disney World Resort is known for a lot of things—magic, fun, customer service, princesses, anthropomorphic animals. However, it’s also known to require a lot of walking, more walking than almost any human would normally get in their everyday life.

Many guests report getting between 20-30,000 steps a day, which adds up to more than 10 miles in hot sun and hard pavement. I’ve gotten shin splints from it. Others report the dreaded Disney rash or beg online forums for foot massage recommendations, not to mention the blisters.

Kids can ride in strollers to cut down on their mileage, but for adults that can’t fit in a stroller anymore, consider a mobility scooter or ECV (Electric Conveyance Vehicle), the same technology that gets some people around the grocery store. I’ll use the words interchangeably in this article knowing that scooter can mean a lot of things (razor scooter, Vespa, nickname for my brother-in-law).

Jump to Section:
Who needs a Scooter or ECV at Disney World?
Where Can You Rent a Scooter or ECV?
Disney Transportation with Mobility Scooters
Navigating Disney World Parks with a Scooter
General Tips for Scooters at Disney World

Who needs a Scooter or ECV at Disney World?

An ECV is perfect for anyone over 18 that can’t (or won’t) walk 10 miles a day but still wants to get the full Disney World vacation experience. Lots of people who can walk just fine during their normal daily activities at home opt for a scooter at Disney World. This is the same logic that makes me allow my 8-year-old to ride in the stroller sometimes even though she never stops running at home. If it helps you enjoy the magic, go for it.

Below I’ll cover all the basics, tips, and tricks for using mobility scooters at Disney World.

Do you have to have a medical condition to use a Scooter?

You don’t have to have a medical condition or doctor’s note to use a scooter or ECV at Disney World. You can use it, no questions asked. No shame. No judgment unless you’re hitting people with it or doing parkour off it. All you have to do is be over 18 with a valid ID.

Does having a Scooter or ECV qualify you for DAS Pass?

DAS is the Disability Access Service that allows people with difficulty waiting in long lines get call back times that allow them to use the Lightning Lanes. Having a scooter will not qualify you for it. You must apply separately. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check my explanation of Lightning Lanes, Genie Plus, and DAS here.

Note: DAS is not for mobility issues, so whatever makes the scooter necessary for you won’t qualify for DAS either. Disney has other accommodations for mobility issues. We’ll cover the accommodations for attractions pertaining to ECVs below. (It mostly involves using the scooter in line or transferring to a wheelchair)

Where Can You Rent a Scooter or ECV?

You can rent a scooter or ECV from Disney inside the parks or from third party companies. To decide which is best for you, you need to determine your needs.

If you rent directly from Disney, you can only use it while you are in the parks. You can’t take it back to your hotel or in your car. This is only for people who only need assistance for long stretches of walking, like what is required at the park.

When my mother-in-law comes with us, she rents a scooter at the parks because she can walk moderate distances. However, the long distances required at the Disney Parks are difficult for her knees, back, and patience with my pace.

My mother-in-law, living her best life on the rental scooter at EPCOT.

If you need assistance with even minimal walking, your best option is to rent from a 3rd party, as you can take these back to your Disney resort hotels.

If you decide that using an electric scooter is too difficult, you can also see Disney or third parties for wheelchair rentals. While more difficult to get places, they will be easier in the attraction lines.

Rent a Scooter or ECV from Disney

You can rent a scooter or ECV directly from Disney just inside the gates of each of the parks. Once you get to the park entrance, just ask a cast member to direct you to the rental area. You will probably see the vehicles (as well as strollers) lined up. Rentals will require payment and a refundable deposit (for damages). You should also keep your rental receipt with you in case there is a problem.

You can also rent scooters from Disney Springs, and both water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon). Don’t try to take the scooters on the lazy river.

Pros

There are several benefits to renting directly from Disney. First, if there is a problem with your vehicle, it can be quickly addressed, and faulty vehicles can be swapped out by cast members. Second, you don’t have to navigate transportation with the vehicle. Third, cast members will know how to maneuver them if you have any questions. Fourth, renting an ECV from Disney is also a good idea if you only need a scooter for one or two days. Most rental companies have a multi-day minimum.

Cons

The drawbacks are that you can’t take it back to the hotel, you may end up paying more having to rent daily, and it’s on a first-come/first-served basis. You can’t reserve ahead of time, and if they are out, you are out of luck.

Note: If you want to rent a scooter for multiple parks or Disney Springs in one day, keep your rental receipt and you can get another one at the next venue.

For more information about renting scooters in the Disney Parks, click here. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/ecv-rentals/

Rent a Scooter or ECV from a Third Party

Your other option is to rent a scooter or ECV from an outside company. Good third party companies will drop off your scooter at your hotel or condo. This is especially beneficial on property because you won’t have to transport it by car. That being said, many rental companies offer scooters that can be broken down to more easily fit in most vehicles.

We stayed at a condo for one trip because we had multiple families. My wife was seven months pregnant and opted to rent a scooter to save her swollen feet. The company we used plugged in the scooter outside our door prior to arrival. We were able to get the scooter in the back of our van whenever we headed to the parks.

If the most beautiful woman in the world can rent a scooter. You can, too. Especially if you’re in your third trimester.

Note: Even if it is disassembled, an ECV is still extremely heavy. It will take at least two able-bodied adults to lift it into and out of a car. This is something to think about if you don’t have enough help.

Pros

There are several benefits to using a third party is that you will have access to the scooter outside the parks. You also can reserve ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about Disney being out of stock. Third party rentals are also usually cheaper than the Disney ones per day and often come with more features like better storage, shade canopies, or theming.

Cons

The drawbacks to using a third party are that you are usually locked in to a 2-day or longer rental. It’s also harder to deal with a malfunction since the company is not on site.

I used Facebook queries as polling data to find the best options for ECV rentals, and the most highly recommended third-party rental services are ScooterBug (which is Disney’s featured partner), Buena Vista Rentals, and Gold Mobility.

Disney Transportation with Mobility Scooters

All Disney transportation options are ready and equipped to handle ECV. However, some work differently than others.

Scooter Size Limits for Disney Transportation

While Disney allows scooters up to 32”x52” in the parks, the maximum allowed on transportation is 30”x48”, which is also the size required by ADA.

Scooters on the Disney Buses

To ride the Disney bus with the scooter, navigate around the lines at the bus stops to the specially marked scooter parking box. The box both alerts the driver to your presence and makes sure your scooter fits the regulations.

When the bus arrives, usually a maximum of 2 (sometimes 3) scooters can get on the bus. You can drive your vehicle directly on and stay on the scooter, or you can move to a seat. You will use the rear door because it lowers to the ground to accommodate you. I have often seen drivers navigate the transfer for the guests by driving the scooter for them.

Note: If the bus is crowded, it’s courteous to stay on your scooter instead of taking up a seat.

Riding a scooter on the Disney bus is a gamble. In one sense, if you are the only scooter in line, you can skip the line a get on the bus first (and the rest of your party). However, if there are several scooters, you may have to wait for multiple buses before boarding.

Scooters on the Disney Monorail

The Monorail is very scooter friendly. A cast member will guide you to a specific car that will have a ramp for you to ride your vehicle on to the train. You’ll be able to fit between the seats and stay on your vehicle if you choose. It’s a tight fit, so proceed with caution.

Scooters on the Disney Boats

The Disney Friendship Boats and ferries will all accommodate scooters with one exception. The small boats that go between Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, and Contemporary will require you to fold up your scooter (if possible).

Be careful boarding the watercraft. The transfer can be tricky if the boat is rocking, and there are several sharp turns to negotiate.

Scooters on the Disney Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner is by far the easiest boarding option for scooters. You just need to drive straight on after you wait your turn in line and then ride with your party. However, just like the bus, you may to wait for specific handicap accommodations.

The Disney Skyliner

Navigating Disney World Parks with a Scooter

Navigating the parks between rides is simple. Disney did a great job creating wide open spaces for scooters to navigate except during the most crowded of times, when it becomes more difficult.

Below, I’ll offer a few tips, such as which lines and attractions will accommodate your electric scooter and where to park it when you can’t take it on a ride. The rides are listed by category and theme parks.

Disney Attractions with a Scooter or ECV

To make things extra confusing for you, Disney has four different sets of rules for scooter drivers depending on the ride.

1. Some attractions will allow you (or make you) stay on your scooter for the line and the ride.

2. Some attractions will allow you to use the scooter in the line, but you must transfer onto the ride without the scooter.

3. Some attractions will ask you to transfer to a wheelchair that you will take in the line and on the ride.

4. Some attractions will ask you to transfer to a wheelchair for the ride and then transfer onto the ride without it.

The differences have to do with the width of the queue, whether there’s scooter parking, and what the ride requires as far as seating. It’s easy to take a scooter on Jungle Cruise, a little more difficult on a rollercoaster.

Here’s what you can expect from each ride at each park. However, I recommend checking the accessibility information on each ride in the app before heading there.

Magic Kingdom Accessibility

1. Carousel of Progress, Jungle Cruise, Liberty Square Riverboat

2. Thunder Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Mad Tea Party, The Barnstormer, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tomorrowland Speedway, Dumbo, Haunted Mansion

3. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, The Little Mermaid ride, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Space Ranger Spin, Winnie the Pooh, It’s a small world, Walt Disney World Railroad

4. Tron, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain

Epcot Accessibility

1. Journey into the Imagination with Figment

2. Mission Space, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, Frozen, Soarin’

3. Ratatouille, Three Caballeros, Living with the Land, The Seas with Nemo and Friends

4. Spaceship Earth

Hollywood Studios

1. None

2. Smugglers Run, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Rise of the Resistance, Alien Swirling Saucers

3. Toy Story Mania

4. Tower of Terror, Rock N’ Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash

Animal Kingdom

1. None

2. Kali River Rapids, Dinosaur, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest

3. TriceraTop Spin, Kilimanjaro Safari

4. Avatar Flight of Passage

If you can walk through lines and sit on rides without discomfort, I highly recommend parking your scooter outside the attraction and walking. It will be less difficult to navigate the queues, and you won’t have to wait for special carts that can accommodate handicapped seating. Keep reading to learn more about parking.

Where to Park Your Scooter or ECV at Disney World

Inside the Disney parks, you can park your scooter just about anywhere along the walls or near stroller parking. Cast Members know how to put it in neutral and guide it to where it needs to be if they decide it’s in the way.

A scooter parked amidst a sea of strollers. Photo Cred: Theme Park Tourist https://flic.kr/p/zGMFq5

General Tips for Scooters at Disney World

Here’s some tips to help you enjoy your experience on a scooter as much as possible.

​Gift Shops

You can take your scooter in all of the gift shops at Disney World and Disney Springs, but be aware that this will sometimes require navigating tight spaces, crowds, and blind spots.

Charging Your Scooter at Disney World

You can charge your scooter at Disney World any public place with an outlet. The best places are along the walls of buildings. But there are hidden charging stations in the tree stumps in the Tangled bathroom area. This our favorite place to charge anything.

Charge your scooter every time you rest or park it for a ride. The last thing you want is for your battery to die and your family to have to push you to the nearest outlet, or worse, the exit. And constantly keep an eye on your battery life.

You also want to charge your scooter overnight in your hotel room or in the hallway, so it’s ready for the next day.

Electric Scooters and Rain

Rain can make your scooter malfunction. Keep them under cover during rain. Also, whenever you park a scooter for a show, restaurant, or ride, try to park it under cover. Weather in Florida can change in an instant.

Disney World Scooter Etiquette

Getting hit or run over by a scooter hurts, bad. Keep your head on a swivel and don’t drive recklessly. Be kindly vocal if someone needs to get out of your way. Most scooters come with horns, but this might be misunderstood or seen as rude more so than saying, “Excuse me. I need to get through.” That being said, my mother-in-law used the horn liberally.

Also, scooters can go faster than the average person can walk. Don’t exhaust your party by going full speed everywhere. Be patient with your friends and family members and with everyone else.

And don’t operate your scooter under the influence. Nobody needs that variable in their lives.

A beautiful lady smiles gleefully as she attempts to run down another guest.

Practice Driving Your Scooter

If it’s your first time on a Disney World scooter, consider giving it a practice run in an open atrium or parking lot. It can take some time getting used to the throttle and turning radius. It’s especially critical to practice backing up. People tend to goose the throttle going backwards. Practicing will keep you from hurting people or embarrassing yourself by crashing in tight spaces.

Take Your Scooter Key

Every scooter comes with a key. Don’t leave it on the scooter. You don’t want someone joyriding with your scooter when you go into a restaurant. It also might be a good idea to bring a lanyard or keychain to attach the key so that you don’t lose it.

No Kids on Moving Scooters

You are not allowed to drive your scooter with a child in your lap. You’ll see plenty of it at Disney World, but cast members will stop you and ask them to get down. Be prepared for this, and don’t be rude if you get caught trying to risk it.

And definitely don’t let kids drive. If you’ve ever let a kid drive on Tomorrowland Speedway, you understand why this isn’t a good idea. They can, however, sit there while it’s parked.

Disney Scooter Size Requirements

Disney requires that scooters be smaller than 32”wide x 52”high in order to be used at the parks. They must be 30”x48” to use Disney transportation.

Storage

One of the hidden benefits of having a scooter is the extra storage space. Look for ways to utilize the basket, area under your legs, and anywhere else to store your snacks, drinks, coolers, and souvenirs. Your friends and family will thank you.

Decorating Your Disney World Scooter

If you want to make your scooter experience more fun, bring battery powered lights to attach to it. You could also find a way to mount a bubble wand to make all the kids chase you. If you make your scooter ostentatious enough, it will be easier to find as well.

Here’s some inspiration for decorating your scooter. Photo Cred: davitydave https://flic.kr/p/dn391u

Accessories

For third party rentals, they offer a lot of accessories. Take a look even if there’s an upcharge. The sun canopy is by far the most popular, as well as anything that adds storage space.

Bathrooms at Disney World with Scooters

It’s difficult to navigate the main bathrooms with a scooter, especially with a crowd. Either wait for the companion bathroom if you can’t get out of the scooter easily, or park it and walk in (if you’re able).

Conclusion and Further Reading

If you need a mobility device like an electric scooter or ECV to navigate Disney World on your next Disney vacation, hopefully this guide prepared you for all of the different circumstances you might experience.

If you have an ECV tip or favorite rental company, share in the comments below.

For further reading on Disney, check out my guide to single strollers at Disney, double strollers at Disney, or the scariest rides at Disney. Or pick from the latest posts below.