HI! I just bought my own scooter for use in theme parks and day trips. I have a minor disability that makes walking difficult and painful. But, I can get off and walk into attractions with a cane and transfer to Disney ride vehicles.
Hi, GrandmaLaurie. Congratulations on owning your mobility scooter to use at WDW.
I used to use my own mobility scooter to use at WDW, but now I have a new electric wheelchair.
I agree with everyone else not to leave your wallet or phone with your scooter.
If I get off to go into attractions, what should I do about my scooter backpack? I know to take my key and plan to do so, but I have a small backpack with extra cash, water, a jacket. And while it's all easy to replace...well, you know.... Are these backpacks generally safe from rifling?
I try to take as little as possible on my person when at the parks.
I used to put my mobility scooter key on a stretchy wristband key holder, too. I could always put it around my wrist instead of my pocket.
The only time that I lost things was when I reached in my pocket for something and not realize that something fell out of my pocket in the WDW parks. I used to think that it was stolen by someone, but it was just me not being careful. I really didn't want to lose my mobility scooter key.
I like to use one of those WDW hard plastic card holders that serves as a lanyard. I keep this as my wallet to hold my Driver's License, WDW Annual Pass, VISA credit card, insurance card, and cash, ETC. It's waterproof and I don't have to worry about a wallet falling out of my pocket.
I used to carry my phone in my pocket, but this time, I bought one of those waterproof phone lanyards, so I don't really have to carry anything in my pockets.
Now, I don't carry a backpack, but I used to attach an armrest bag with velcro closer to access things like a cap or poncho or umbrella. I will still use this armrest bag because it is so handy to hold things that I don't want to use at the moment like a cap or poncho or umbrella or cup holder or anything else. I have always felt it was safe to leave the things that I knew that weren't that valuable with my scooter when I had to leave the scooter.
I also used to carry a backpack on my backseat. I tried to make it difficult for any thieves to steal it by running the shoulder straps through the mobility scooter chair metal bars. I would also use a small luggage lock to secure it to the back of the mobility scooters seat through the metal bars by manipulating the should straps and attachments on the backpack. I also would put the same locks on the zippers to keep thieves from trying to open the backpack.
I know that it sounds like a lot, but for the most part, it is just for my reassurance. I realize that any real thief could cut the straps.
But in all of the years that I have been to WDW, I have never had anything happen to my personal items except for when I accidentally lost them when not paying attention to putting something in my pant's pocket or bag and removing the same and having the lost item drop on the park pavement unknowingly. I'm probably the only one that does that.
WDW cast members and security and casts are all so nice.
Just do what you feel comfortable. Try not to take anything that you are worried about being stolen.
AND...We just bought annual passes but haven't been in years. Are there parking spots for scooters at most attractions?
There are usually designated spaces for mobility scooters like there are for strollers. Just ask a Disney cast member where to park.
But you can also drive your mobility scooter through most attraction queues. Once you reach a certain spot in the attraction queue, the Disney cast member will guide you where to park your mobility scooter nearby or they will put it in freewheel mode and park it for you without using your key. I just follow their instructions as to what they would like me to do. Every attraction is different like every attraction queue may be different. You'll just learn as you go or read the FAQ here at the top of this forum for help.
Frankly I am so excited to go with the freedom of a scooter and I just want some reassurance that I don't have anything to worry about. Tips would be welcome!!! Starting with EPCOT tomorrow!
I hope that you have a wonderful time.
It's normal to be nervous the first couple times that you try new things.
You are in one the very best places to feel safe and accessible using your mobility scooter.
Always seek out a Disney cast member if you ever have a question.
Try to only carry things that you will actually use to the parks...the necessities... and leave the rest locked in your suitcase.
