When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, one important consideration for many guests is mobility. For those needing a scooter or Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) and not bringing their own from home, deciding where to rent one can significantly impact convenience, cost, and overall experience. The big question is: Is it better to rent a scooter from an outside vendor or directly from Disney? Let’s break it down.
Renting a Scooter Directly from Disney
Disney offers scooter rentals at all four theme parks and Disney Springs. Here are some pros and cons of renting directly from Disney:
Pros:
- Convenience: Scooters are readily available – as long as they haven’t sold out for the day – at the entrance of each park, eliminating the need to transport the scooter to and from your resort.
- Flexibility: You only pay for the rental when you need it. If you’re planning a more relaxed day at your resort, you won’t be paying for an unused scooter.
- Hassle-Free Returns: At the end of the day, you can return the scooter at the park exit without worrying about storage or charging overnight.
Cons:
- Limited Availability: Scooters are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, and there’s no guarantee that one will be available, especially during peak seasons. Scooters cannot be reserved in advance through Disney.
- In-Park Use Only: Disney’s scooters cannot leave the theme parks. This means you’ll have to navigate the parking lot or resort areas without one, which could be inconvenient for some guests.
- Higher Daily Cost: Renting directly from Disney is often more expensive per day compared to outside vendors.
- At the time of this post, renting an ECV from Disney costs $65 per day plus a $20 deposit when you rent at one of the four major theme parks. If you rent at Disney Springs or one of the water parks, the deposit goes up to $100.
Renting a Scooter from an Outside Vendor
Local companies near Walt Disney World, like Buena Vista Rentals, specialize in scooter rentals. Not only will you receive a free accessory with your rental, but you’ll also get a 10% discount if you use our affiliate link for your booking. These companies deliver scooters to your resort, offering a different set of pros and cons:
Pros:
- Lower Cost: Outside vendors often provide better rates for multi-day rentals, making them a more budget-friendly option for longer trips.
- At the time of this post, Buena Vista Rentals charges $31.50 per day for a standard scooter (weight capacity 325) and $41.50 per day for a larger “Maxima” model (weight capacity 500).
- Guaranteed Availability: You can reserve your scooter in advance, ensuring you won’t arrive to find all scooters rented out.
- Use Beyond the Parks: With an outside rental, you can use your scooter at your resort, Disney Springs, and even off-property if needed. Buena Vista Rentals provides FREE drop-off and pick-up at your resort.
- Personalization: Many vendors offer a variety of scooter models, allowing you to choose one that best suits your needs in terms of size, comfort, and battery life.
Cons:
- Transportation Challenges: You’ll need to transport the scooter yourself, whether on Disney buses, monorails, or your own vehicle. While Disney transportation accommodates scooters, it can add extra time and steps to your journey.
- Overnight Storage: You’ll need to store and charge the scooter in your resort room each night, which can be cumbersome if space is tight.
- Responsibility for Damage: Outside rentals typically require you to take responsibility for any damage, which may include additional insurance costs.
Key Considerations for Your Choice
When deciding between renting directly from Disney or an outside vendor, consider these factors:
- Trip Length: Disney’s rentals might be more convenient if you only need a scooter for a day or two. For longer trips, outside vendors often provide better value.
- Resort and Park Plans: An outside vendor’s scooter will give you more flexibility if you plan to explore your resort or other areas outside the parks.
- Budget: Outside vendors tend to be more affordable, especially for extended stays.
- Peace of Mind: Booking with an outside vendor guarantees availability, while Disney’s scooters are first-come, first-served.
The best choice obviously depends on your specific needs and preferences. If convenience and simplicity are your top priorities and you’re only planning on visiting the theme parks, renting from Disney might be the way to go. However, an outside vendor will likely be your best bet if you’re looking for flexibility, cost savings, and the ability to use the scooter outside of the parks.
