A recent viral video has sparked a heated debate over who should be eligible to rent an ECV at the Disney Parks, with some commenters even arguing that the requirements should be as strict as those for Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS).
Let’s take a closer look at the recent viral moments fueling this debate and break down Disney’s current policies for renting ECVs and using other accessibility services at the parks. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including the newest popcorn buckets at September in Disneyland and the perfect quick-service restaurant in Disney California Adventure.
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Video of Group of Guests Using Scooters Goes Viral
A video went viral recently of a group of women riding ECVs through Disney’s Animal Kingdom with the audio of “Ridin'” playing as the background music. The clip showed the women riding the scooters, seemingly as a joke, through the park. The caption for the video read, “Don’t worry, Disney has enough scooters to rent for everyone! Best $65 we’ve ever spent!”
The video quickly circulated on online Disney Facebook groups and Reddit pages, with many guests expressing their frustration over what is being perceived as “scooter abuse.”
Some commenters pointed out that Disney often runs out of scooters, especially during peak times of the year, which is a valid statement. Some guests even prefer to rent their scooters from third-party companies to avoid this issue.
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This concern was echoed by others, especially those with physical disabilities who do not qualify for Disability Access Service (DAS) after changes previously. In fact, Disney’s main advice to those suffering from primarily physical disabilities is to rent a scooter or wheelchair to navigate the parks.
Some commenters suggested that renting a scooter should require proof or a similar process that DAS applicants have to go through to apply for services. Others shrugged off the incident, pointing instead to the high use of strollers in the parks being a larger concern.
A few comments also pointed out that some disabilities are invisible, so some guests can be using scooters that on the surface appear to be physically healthy.
Around the same time, a more recent video showing a group of women riding scooters at EPCOT while using the same song also began circulating online. The video prompted a similar wave of reactions, with some viewers questioning whether the women genuinely needed the scooters. However, one woman featured in the video has since commented online that their scooter use was out of necessity, despite the video itself being presented as a humorous moment.
Currently, there is no policy in place at Walt Disney World or Disneyland restricting who can rent an ECV. All guests need to do is be 18 years old and provide a photo ID. Both theme parks do note that ECVs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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What do you think? Do you think Disney should require proof of disability to rent ECVs?
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