Personally, Walker is my preference. As
@Kaytie mentioned, she will need to meet the delivery person for both drop off and pick up, but that's no big deal, because it gives her a chance to learn a bit about the
ECV from someone who deals with them all day long - and to practice a bit at the Resort - which is something those of us around here with a bit of experience recommend anyway. Taking even 10 minutes to get used to how the
scooter handles on curb cuts (the little ramps up and down from the sidewalk to a street level), how it takes tight turns, how it feels to do a sudden or panic stop and especially a wee bit of practice backing up will all benefit her in the long run. A quick run through the Resort shop and/or the Quick Serve is great practice for the Parks too! If you have the time, a run down to Disney Springs (especially during the day when everyone else it at the parks) is a great training ground as well.
Always keep the contact info for the rental company in your phone's contacts, and make sure you know what their after-hours policies and procedures are, just in case there is a problem with the scooter after the office closes for the day. It's very rare that she will ever need that info, but it could save her hours of frustration and problems if she does need it.
Here's a few more tips for a first-time ECV driver:
Practicing ECV driving and parking skills with the electric carts at Wal-Mart, Target, Lowe's, the grocery store, etc. will help a great deal. If you can tame one of those wheezing beasties, a mere rental at WDW will be a breeze!
Please remember that WDW has a rule - for everyone's safety - that it's one rider per ECV. You will undoubtedly see people holding children on their laps while driving their scooters, but it's very dangerous, for the rider, the child, and nearby pedestrians.
Bring a brightly colored scarf, ribbon or bandana to tie on your rental scooter. It will help it stand out in a sea of similar units (if you park it to ride, eat, or shop a bit).
You will have to park the ECV in your room every night to charge it, so if you need to make a bit of space, ask for the table and chairs to be removed. You are not allowed to park it outside in a hallway or breezeway, or down at the lobby or bell services. (Pro tip: go directly to the front desk to ask for the table & chairs to be moved - don't call the "Front Desk" from the room phone, as that call goes to a Call Center for the Resorts, and not the Front Desk of the hotel you are at)
Make sure to charge the ECV completely overnight, every night. Any time the ECV is stopped for more than a few seconds (literally!) TURN IT OFF to conserve battery power. Waiting in a long, slow line? Turn it off. Watching a parade? Turn it off. Parked inside Starbucks for a coffee? Turn it off. If she isn't moving, turn it off. Reputable vendors (like Walker, and others) will make sure to deliver a unit that can hold up to a full "Disney day" - but if she finds the battery runs down too quickly, then she should call the vendor immediately, and ask for a replacement battery - or a replacement unit.
If the scooter has a key, always take it with you.
Don't be surprised if she parks the ECV to go on a ride, or attraction, and it is
moved when she returns. (Don't panic! It has NOT been stolen!) The Cast Members are in a constant struggle to keep walkways clear and safe, as well as making sure that parking areas for mobility devices and strollers stay reasonably tidy. She will typically find it quite nearby, but if she doesn't, just ask any nearby CM, and they will help her find it. (And bringing along that length of ribbon, or bandana... Yep, that's where it comes in handy.)
Remember to stay sharp and focused while driving the ECV - people at WDW tend to be doing everything but paying attention when they are walking, and many of us here have had folks run right into us, or walk right in front of us as we are moving! I try to make eye contact, smile politely, and offer an cheerful "Excuse me!" when needed, but know that she WILL at some point find herself nearly running over someone who is either texting, taking a "selfie" or posting their latest snack to Instagram.
Probably the hardest thing she will do with the ECV all revolves around dealing with the buses. Make sure she is parked in the white painted rectangle at the bus stop (unless another guest beat you to it) so that the driver sees her, and knows she is waiting to ride.
When the ramp comes down, line up on the ramp, and try to go right up the center. At the top of the ramp she will typically have to turn a bit to the right. GO SLOWLY, especially until she is used to the ECV. Even experienced users take this carefully - the last thing you want is to run over the driver, or hit the side of the doorway going in. Important to know: the drivers will give instructions and will help as much as they can, but it is up to her (or a member of her party) to actually get the ECV up into the bus. She (and any other mobility device users) will always board first, and exit last. Her family can walk up the ramp and board behind her. The bus driver will let them know when it is safe to board the bus *after* the ECV is properly tied down. The bus drivers (and all of the transportation CMs) are nothing short of amazing at WDW!
She can take the ECV on all of the boats (except for the smaller launches) and the Captains have a portable ramp you should be able to use. It is identical to the ramp they will use at the Monorail stations.
Finally, a few quick driving tips: anytime at WDW (or anytime using an ECV for that matter) be aware of ramps, hills and slopes. Going up, you will want to lean forward to help shift your center of gravity towards the front of the ECV. Take your time on steep slopes, hills or ramps, and if possible, approach them at a slight angle at the base.
Coming down, be very aware of speed, and she needs to make sure she can brake effectively. This is not the time to try and drink your Starbucks; two hands on the wheel!
When crossing the train tracks embedded in Main Street at MK, be sure to cross at an angle. Otherwise, she will risk the wheel(s) getting caught, and could find herself dumped on to Main Street. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable trip - just for the right reasons!
I hope she has a Magical trip!
