Mobility Etiquette

Annette Miller5.9.19Traversing the Parks can be challenging, especially for those who need to rely on using a scooter (ECV) in order to get around. This can be an even greater challenge when the Parks are busier. I was in this position last Fall while healing from a stress fracture in my ankle. Here are some of my discoveries and ways that we can help everyone get around the Parks smoothly.Plan ahead. If you know that you will need an ECV for the duration of your trip or will need to use it outside of the Parks, talk with your Wishes agent about reserving one prior to your arrival. It can be dropped off at your hotel so that it is waiting for you when you check in.ECVs can’t stop on a dime. I know I have been guilty of thinking that I can walk faster than the ECV next to me and it will be fine if I zip in front of it. While they can stop quickly, they don’t stop instantly. If someone on foot needs to stop in front of n ECV, it may not be able to stop in time. The same can be said for folks following ECVs. There tends to be a nice little pocket directly behind ECVs, and I have been known to use it to help me scoot around a pocket of folks who may be standing or walking slower. Walkers may not be able to see that an ECV needs to stop quickly. So, please leave a pocket around it to allow them to do what they need.Share the road. Going along with the last point, please be kind. When an ECV needs to pull out into traffic, give them the space they need to get going. If you find yourself using an ECV, please be kind and move to the side before stopping whenever possible. This will help to keep the traffic flowing so that everyone can enjoy all the rides and shows they have envisioned.Visibility is a challenge. Walkers may not notice ECVs because they sit lower than their direct line of sight. ECVs may have difficulty seeing parades or fireworks because of the walkers standing around them. This is especially difficult at the end of a parade/fireworks. Please try to be aware of those around you and help one another. A walker who extends their arms to let other walkers know that an ECV is about to move can make a huge difference for everyone.Single riders. ECVs are designed to carry a single person and do have weight limits. Allowing children to ride poses a safety hazard and may make it more difficult to see clearly, steer properly, or stop quickly. It is also not safe for someone to ride behind. (I have seen ECVs pull strollers or walkers with riders.) In these instances, the person on the ECV can’t keep an eye on their extra passenger and the person behind may not be able to see potential hazards.Helpful hints. If you’re traveling with family, consider bringing an over-the-door shoe organizer with you. You can attach it to the back of the ECV with string or zip ties and it can help you stay organized. Use it to hold cups, snacks, sunscreen, etc. Also bring an extra rain poncho or large garbage bag. If it rains, this will allow you to keep the ECV (and your possessions) dry while you’re enjoying a ride or show. Finally, always bring the charging cord with you into the Parks so that you can charge it if needed. (The battery will typically last all day if you charge it each night, but I prefer to take the better-safe-than-sorry approach.)Please reach out to me if I can help you determine which mobility option might be the best fit for you. I would be honored to help you make your vacation magical AND comfortable. I can be reached by email at annette@wishesfamilytravel.com.