EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, originally conceptualized to be a perfect smart city and later converted into a futuristic theme park at Bay Lake, Florida on October 1, 1982. It is owned by The Walt Disney Company and the Theme of the park is Human Achievement. There is not much difference between EPCOT and Disneyland, though EPCOT is more about depicting a future world, while Disneyland is about showcasing a dream world. Let us discuss ‘Does EPCOT Have Wheelchair Handicap Carts?’.
Does EPCOT Have Wheelchair Handicap Carts?
EPCOT does provide wheelchair assistance to its visitors, but they are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. It means that there are only limited numbers of wheelchair handicap carts.
Asking For Wheelchair Carts At EPCOT
The wheelchair handicap carts, also known as mobility scooters or ECV, and the demand keeps growing and sinking unpredictably. One can book ECVs if one suffers from a disability. ECVs are Electric conveyance vehicles that are four-wheeled with better control and more options for comfort. They are advanced, faster, easier, and reliable. EPCOT offers these services at rent, or one can buy them permanently.
There are some points one needs to keep in mind before asking for wheelchair assistance:
- No reservations are accepted since there are limited quantities. One must come to the facility area and book for oneself.
- Children below 18 years of age are not allowed to rent Wheelchair Handicap Carts.
- The Guests must keep an identification card with them for proof while renting assistance.
- Only one person can use the wheelchair since they are not designed to hold multiple people, and their weight should be less than 350 pounds.
- One can bring their wheelchair if they wish to. They must register the assistance they brought to the authorities in charge.
- Personal belongings are not allowed.
How Much Does The Rent For Mobility Scooters Cost?
There are different sections based on weight and the number of days the disabled guest will need assistance. The weight section is divided into four types: Transportation-300lbs, Transportable HD-375 lbs, Standard-400 lbs, HD-500 lbs. One can use the mobility scooters for a maximum period of two weeks.
Here is the price range for different weight types:
- Transportable and Standard Type: $43 for Day 1 to $242 for Day 14
- Transportable HD Type: $53 for Day 1 to $252 for Day 14
- HD Type: $43 for Day 1 to $252 for Day 14
How Can One Get A Disability Access Service Card?
One can register on the official site of EPCOT for a DAS card thirty days before their arrival. The registration will be accepted until two days before arrival. There is an inspection process where the authorities check if the information of the specific disability given by the guest is right. Once the inspection is approved, the staff arranges two Advance Selections for each day. If one does not register before arrival, they may do so at Guest Services.
Other Disabilities assisted at EPCOT
- Lighting Sensitivity
- Hearing Disability
- Cognitive Disability
- Visual Disability
- Animal Service
- Magnetic Fields Sensitivity
Conclusion
EPCOT is a futuristic theme park that was originally planned to be a smart city.EPCOT provides Electric Conveyance Vehicles for physically disabled people who cannot walk at Guest Services. This assistance is provided only when a guest comes under the criteria of the given points above. To get access to the assistance, one needs to have a DAS card. This card can be registered within thirty days of one’s arrival. One can also find help at Guest Services if they haven’t pre-registered for it.
Frequently Answered Questions
- Can you rent a wheelchair at Disney Springs?
Yes, one can rent single and double strollers as well as mobility scooters and wheelchairs for a day or the entire length of one’s stay. They are available at the Sundries rental located next to Disney Springs Town Center bus loop, near Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill.
- Do wheelchairs skip the line at Disney?
Mostly not. Disney has been changing its regulations lately to treat everyone equally and make sure to maintain a regular queue wherewith both disabled and able guests. In Some attractions, there are separate lines for the handicapped and non-handicapped guests, but no one has permission to skip the lines.
- What qualifies as a DAS card in EPCOT?
DAS is the acronym for Disability Access Service provided by the staff. Any adult or child with a disability that could endanger them and prevent them from completely enjoying the parks or waiting in a queue is eligible for a DAS card.
- Does EPCOT offer discounts for the disabled?
No, EPCOT does not offer a special discount for disabled guests. Though there are certain kinds of staff hired to volunteer for the comfort of handicapped guests but there is no price difference if someone has a condition.
