Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort with an ECV or Scooter: What You Need to Know
- Brenda
- Aug 9, 2023
- 10 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Updated 7/13/25
Wondering where to charge your Electronic Conveyance Vehicle (ECV), also know as a scooter at your Disney resort hotel? Or whether you can store it with Bell Services overnight? We’ve been there too—before one of our trips, we spent hours searching forums and asking Cast Members trying to get a clear answer.
So if you're bringing a personal mobility device (or renting one) and you're unsure how it works at the resorts, you're in the right place! Here's everything we discovered—both from research and personal experience—about storing and charging your ECV while staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
🏨 Which WDW Resort Rooms Work Best for Parking and Charging an ECV?
When you're using a scooter or ECV at Walt Disney World, room layout and resort design can make a big difference.Bigger rooms generally mean more charging space, but other factors like elevators, outdoor entryways, and Murphy beds also come into play.
Here’s a breakdown by resort category to help you choose the best fit:
💙 Value Resorts
Value Resorts are the most compact in size, so space can be tight—especially if you're using both beds.
All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports & Pop Century:These rooms include a Murphy-style table bed. If you don’t need to fold it down, you’ll have enough space to park and charge an ECV near the door. If you do need both beds, it’s a tight squeeze.
🛏️ Our Experience:On a recent trip to All-Star Movies, we brought a scooter from a third-party vendor. The room was snug, but we managed just fine by keeping the Murphy bed folded up during the day. This gave us enough space to charge the ECV and still move around comfortably.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Fold up the Murphy bed during the day to maximize floor space. It makes a big difference in smaller rooms!
All-Star Music Family Suites & Art of Animation Suites:These multi-room layouts have plenty of space for an ECV—charging is no problem here.
Art of Animation (Little Mermaid Standard Rooms):These are the tightest Value rooms, and it may be difficult to fit an ECV comfortably if you're using both beds.
💚 Moderate Resorts
Moderate rooms are slightly larger than Value rooms and generally easier to manage with an ECV. However, elevator access varies by resort, so you'll want to request a ground-floor room unless you're at a building with an elevator.
All Moderates: ECVs should fit for overnight charging with a little creative parking.
Caribbean Beach Resort: No elevators in most buildings—request a first-floor room if you're traveling with an ECV.
Port Orleans Riverside: Buildings in Alligator Bayou don’t have elevators. Request a ground floor or ask to be placed in the Mansion buildings, which do have elevators.
Fort Wilderness Cabins: Request a cabin with a ramp. Inside, there's plenty of space for charging.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Always note your ECV needs on your resort reservation and follow up by phone or at online check-in to ensure an accessible room location.
💎 Deluxe Resorts
Deluxe Resorts offer the most space and comfort for ECV users. Rooms are larger, have interior hallways, and every Deluxe (except Old Key West) has elevators.
Standard Rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge & Wilderness Lodge are a bit smaller than other Deluxes but still manageable.
🦒 Our Experience:When we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge with our Grammy post-knee surgery, the extra space made a huge difference. Parking and charging the scooter was no issue at all.
Old Key West: Many buildings do not have elevators, so be sure to request a ground-floor unit if you're using an ECV.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Deluxe Resorts not only offer more room inside the guest rooms, but their layouts—like covered hallways and lobbies—make it easier to charge scooters securely and stay out of the weather.
🚪 Getting an ECV Through the Door
While most Disney resort rooms can fit an ECV for overnight charging, getting it through the door isn’t always as simple as it sounds—especially at some older Value and Moderate resorts where the doors are heavy and don’t have automatic openers.
If you're traveling with a group, this usually isn’t a big deal. In our case, we’ve always had multiple able-bodied adults and the ECV user was able to walk independently without assistance. But for solo travelers, guests with limited upper body strength, or families where multiple people have mobility challenges, this can be more of a struggle.
🚫 Can Cast Members Help?
Due to policy, Cast Members typically cannot enter your room to help park or maneuver a scooter inside. They can often assist at the door, but that’s about it. It's a good idea to practice driving the scooter before arriving—or have a backup plan in case getting in and out becomes difficult.
🧭 Frequently Asked Questions About ECVs at Walt Disney World Resorts
🛏️ Should I request a wheelchair-accessible room to better fit my ECV?
Generally, no. If you're fully ambulatory and don’t require accessibility features like grab bars, a roll-in shower, or a lower sink, it’s best not to request an accessible room. These rooms are reserved for guests who genuinely need them, and there are a limited number available at each resort.
Most standard Disney resort rooms—especially at Moderate and Deluxe Resorts—have enough space to accommodate a personal or rented scooter with a bit of creative rearranging.
🔌 Can I leave and charge my ECV in the hallway overnight?
The short answer: No, not usually.
At many Walt Disney World resorts, especially those with indoor hallways like Deluxe Resorts, parking an ECV in the hallway can block walkways and violate fire codes. Cast Members may ask you to move it immediately.
If you're staying at a Value or Moderate Resort, rooms typically open to outdoor walkways—but it’s still not advised to leave your ECV outside overnight. Florida weather is unpredictable, and your device (or charger) could be damaged by rain or humidity.
That said, there are exceptions based on the resort’s layout. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge, some hallways have recessed entryways with small alcoves between room doors. In our experience, Cast Members at Animal Kingdom Lodge were okay with us charging the scooter overnight in these nooks—but always check with the front desk before doing this, and never forget to take the key with you!
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Even if it looks like there's space in the hallway, always ask a Cast Member before parking your ECV overnight outside your room. They’ll let you know what’s allowed based on fire safety codes and current resort policy.
🎒 Can I store my ECV with Bell Services overnight?
According to planDisney (on Disney’s official website), you cannot store an ECV or scooter overnight with Bell Services, even if it's rented from ScooterBug, Disney’s preferred vendor.
That said, we’ve seen reports in online groups that some guests have been allowed to store scooters temporarily. Policies may vary slightly by resort or shift, so it doesn’t hurt to ask your resort’s Bell Services desk directly—just don’t count on this option being available as a backup plan.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you need more space in your room, consider booking a Preferred Room or upgrading to a resort with larger layouts. It can make parking and charging your scooter far less stressful.
🧳 Transporting Luggage & ECVs at Check-In and Check-Out
Traveling with both a scooter and multiple suitcases can be a bit of a juggling act—especially during check-in and check-out. Here are some helpful tips to make the process smoother:
🛎️ Bell Services Can Help (But Plan for Delays)
At every Disney resort, Bell Services can assist with transporting your luggage—and in most cases, they can also help guide or move an ECV if needed. However, they aren’t always immediately available, especially during busy times like early morning check-outs or midday arrivals.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you're relying on Bell Services, call down well in advance—especially if you need help getting your bags and ECV to the lobby before a scheduled pickup or airport transfer.
🧺 Luggage Carts: Yes, You Can Borrow One!
While guests aren't allowed to operate the large rolling carts inside the lobby buildings, some resorts now allow you to check out a luggage cart from Bell Services—especially at Value and Moderate Resorts. We've personally done this multiple times at All-Star and Port Orleans resorts to get our delivery-grocieries from bell services.
This option is a lifesaver if:
You’re able to load your own items,
You prefer not to wait for assistance,
You're juggling both bags and a scooter.
Just ask at Bell Services, and they’ll note your room number and loan you a cart to return later.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Bring a bungee cord or luggage strap to secure rolling bags on the cart while navigating the resort—especially if you’re also steering an ECV or helping a family member.
Trying to figure out what to bring? We can help!
🛍️ What to Do With Your ECV on Check-Out Day
Wondering what happens to your ECV once your Disney vacation comes to an end? The return process depends on the vendor you used.
If you rented through ScooterBug, the official Disney-approved provider, the process is super simple: just return the scooter to Bell Services at your resort before you leave. There's no need to coordinate a pickup time—they’ll take care of it for you!
For other private vendors, the process may vary:
Some will meet you in the resort lobby at a designated time for both delivery and pickup.
Others may offer airport drop-off and return options, meaning they’ll meet you at Orlando International Airport when you arrive and depart.
While we’ve only personally used ScooterBug (and found it incredibly convenient), be sure to check with your chosen vendor in advance so you know exactly what to expect on checkout day.
🧑🦽 Want to know more about renting a scooter from a third-party vendor? We break down all the details—including pricing, delivery, and vendor comparisons—in our full ECV Rental Guide for Walt Disney World.
🚍 Getting Around: Using Disney Transportation with an ECV
Worried about how your ECV will affect getting to and from the parks? Good news—all of Disney’s transportation options are designed to accommodate guests using scooters and wheelchairs.
Whether you're hopping on a bus, monorail, or the Disney Skyliner, there are accessible features in place to make boarding smoother. Drivers and Cast Members are trained to assist with ramps, lifts, and boarding procedures for guests using mobility devices.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’re heading out at peak times (like park opening or post-fireworks), be prepared for a short wait. Each vehicle can only fit a limited number of ECVs at a time.
Want a full breakdown of what to expect on each mode of transportation? We’ve got you covered! 👉 Check out our full guide to using Disney transportation with a wheelchair or ECV and our WDW Transportation Cheat Sheet here: 👉 Disney Resort Transportation Overview
👉 Disney Resort Transportation Overview
📍 Distance from Lobby, Dining & Bus Stops
Walt Disney World resorts can be massive, and some rooms are a long walk (or roll) from the main lobby, dining areas, and transportation. If you’re only using your ECV part-time or prefer not to take it indoors, room location matters.
🏃♀️ Consider a Preferred Room or Request a Specific Building
At many Value and Moderate resorts, Preferred Rooms are located closer to the food court and main bus stops.
If you're not booking a Preferred Room, you can still request a building close to transportation when you check in online or speak to a Cast Member.
Note: Room requests are not guaranteed, but Disney will do their best to accommodate accessibility needs.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you're renting an ECV for outdoor use only (or parking it outside your room), being close to the lobby or transportation hub is especially helpful—no one wants to hike across the resort before their morning coffee!
🚌 Internal Resort Shuttles
Some large resorts, like Caribbean Beach and Fort Wilderness, offer internal shuttle systems to help you get around the property.
Caribbean Beach has an internal bus loop that connects the villages to Old Port Royale and the Skyliner station.
Fort Wilderness operates an internal bus system because the resort is so spread out—and golf carts are also available to rent!
🔋 ECV Charging Tips & Equipment
Charging your scooter at the resort is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips to help make it hassle-free:
⚡ Can you use an extension cord or power strip?
Officially, Disney recommends using only the available outlets in your room to charge your ECV. That said, many guests (including us) bring a multi-plug surge protector with USB ports to help keep phones, MagicBands+, and other devices charged too.
In our experience, we had no problem finding outlet space near the door area to charge the scooter overnight, while still keeping phones and watches plugged in elsewhere around the room.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your ECV charger and keep it somewhere easy to access during your stay—you’ll want to plug in every night to avoid mid-day battery surprises.
🌧️ How to keep the charger dry if storing outside temporarily
If you're staying at a resort with outdoor-entry rooms (like the Value or Moderate Resorts), it's best not to leave your ECV outside overnight. But if you must temporarily charge it outdoors—for example, while rearranging the room—keep your charger safe with a few weatherproofing strategies:
Use a plastic bag or waterproof cover to protect the charging unit.
Raise the charger off the ground using a stool, luggage stand, or bench.
If possible, plug in under a covered walkway or overhang to minimize rain exposure.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: We like to pack a small waterproof pouch or gallon zip bag just in case we need to quickly shield the charger from a sudden Florida downpour.
🧭 Looking for more tips on navigating the parks with an ECV or wheelchair? From attraction queues to parade viewing areas, we’ve got a full guide to help you feel confident and prepared. Check out our post on Navigating the WDW Parks in a Wheelchair or ECV
Need more planning help? Head to our 👉 Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
✨ Final Thoughts on Using an ECV at Your Disney Resort Hotel
Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort with an ECV or scooter can feel overwhelming at first—but with a little planning, it’s totally manageable (and still just as magical ✨). From knowing which resorts offer the most space to understanding charging logistics and transportation options, we hope these tips help you feel more prepared and confident.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing mobility challenges, or just need a little extra support to enjoy the magic—Disney makes it possible.
✨ Looking for more Disney travel magic?
We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re figuring out how to pack, pick a hotel, or plan with accessibility needs in mind, these helpful guides will make your Disney vacation smoother from start to finish:
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
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