When people start planning a Walt Disney World vacation, they usually spend their time thinking about the fun stuff. Which resort should we stay at? Should we buy Lightning Lane? Where are we going to eat? How many park days do we need? Those are all important decisions, but there is one part of the vacation that almost nobody plans for.
How you’re going to feel on day three.
The first day is fueled almost entirely by excitement. You’re finally at Disney, you’re taking in the sights, and your adrenaline is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Even the miles of walking don’t seem like a big deal because you’re just so happy to be there. Day two is usually pretty good, too.
Then day three rolls around.
For a lot of people, that’s when reality starts to set in. Your feet hurt when you get out of bed. Your knees are a little stiff. Maybe your lower back is reminding you that yesterday’s walk around World Showcase was a little more ambitious than you thought. Suddenly, crossing Magic Kingdom from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to TRON Lightcycle / Run doesn’t sound quite as exciting as it did a couple of days earlier.
I’ve watched it happen with friends, family members, and honestly, even myself. You start noticing how many benches are occupied. Air-conditioned attractions suddenly become much more appealing. Instead of wandering into every shop on Main Street, U.S.A., you’re looking for the quickest way back to the resort because your body has simply had enough.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve completely changed how I think about mobility rentals.
Years ago, I viewed renting an ECV as something people did only if they absolutely had no other option. As I get older, ahem, I see it very differently. I see it as a way to protect the vacation you’ve spent months planning and thousands of dollars enjoying. If having a little extra comfort means you can stay for Happily Ever After instead of leaving two hours early because you’re completely exhausted, I’d call that money well spent.
The thing is, Disney vacations aren’t measured by how many steps your smartwatch records. They’re measured by the memories you make with the people you’re with.
It’s riding “just one more attraction” because everyone is still having fun. It’s saying yes when someone suggests walking over to another resort after dinner. It’s deciding to stay for Extended Evening Hours because you still have plenty of energy left. Those are the moments you’ll remember long after you’ve forgotten how many miles you walked.
That’s exactly why I’ve become such a fan of Buena Vista Rentals over the years.
Whenever I visit Walt Disney World, they’re the company I trust for my ECV rental. Their equipment has always been in excellent condition, and after spending an entire day in the parks, that really does matter. It’s easy to overlook the quality of a scooter until you’ve spent eight or ten hours using one, but a comfortable, reliable ride can make a surprisingly big difference in how much you enjoy your day.
What has impressed me even more, though, has been the people behind the company.
Some of you may remember that a while back, my flight home was unexpectedly canceled at the last minute, throwing the rest of my vacation into complete chaos. I also ended up spending an extra day at Universal Epic Universe before heading over to Walt Disney World, which meant my rental plans changed at the last minute as well. I fully expected to spend part of that stressful day trying to sort everything out.
Instead, Buena Vista Rentals handled it magnificently without hesitation.
They adjusted my reservation, changed the delivery schedule, and made the whole situation feel like it wasn’t a problem at all. That level of customer service sticks with you because it’s the kind of thing you remember long after the vacation is over.
One of the things I’ve tried to appreciate most is that renting an ECV isn’t about giving up or admitting you can’t walk the parks. For many people, me included, it’s simply about making sure they still have something left in the tank at the end of the day. Disney vacations are expensive, and if a little extra comfort helps you enjoy every minute you’ve paid for, that’s a pretty smart investment in my book.
If you’re planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, I’d encourage you to think about comfort the same way you think about your resort or your dining reservations. It’s another part of the experience, and one that’s easy to overlook until you’re halfway through your trip.
Because after all these years of visiting Disney, I’ve learned that the best vacation upgrades aren’t always the flashy ones. Sometimes, they’re the ones you don’t truly appreciate until day three.
If you book your wheelchair, ECV (scooter), or stroller rental through our affiliate link, you’ll get a 10% discount plus a free accessory, such as a cup holder.
