UPDATE: Policy Change for Stroller & ECV Delivery at Disney World Hotels
Walt Disney World is again changing its resort delivery policies, this time restricting drop-off of third party strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs at hotel Bell Services. In this post, we’ll take a look at what’s impacted and what is not–at least for now–along with the likely motivations for these new restrictions.
September 30, 2019 UPDATE: What had previously been reported by stroller and ECV rental companies as an outright “ban” on drop-offs and pick-ups at Walt Disney World resort Bell Services is now something very different. It’s an exclusivity deal with ScooterBug, the company that already provides all such devices at Walt Disney World’s theme parks and Disney Springs.
This new exclusivity deal begins October 1, 2019, and only impacts bookings made with existing, authorized third party mobility device services made after that date. This means that, theoretically, you could make a reservation today for a Walt Disney World trip in March 2020 with your preferred vendor, and they’d still be able to drop off your stroller, ECV, wheelchair, etc. Ultimately, it’s not nearly as cataclysmic restriction or change as previously reported or feared…
This new restriction focuses on ‘mobility’ rentals, and is a good news, bad news scenario. First, the bad news is that as of October 1, 2019, Walt Disney World will no longer allow third-party vendors for strollers and mobility aids to be dropped off at Bell Services prior to guests arrival at the hotel, nor can they be left with Bell Services by guests for vendor pick-up at the end of a trip.
The good news is that third party scooter and stroller rentals are still allowed from vendors that previously did the drop-offs and pick-ups. For reservations made after October 1, 2019, the only difference is that you’ll need to be present in person for the drop-off and pick-up of these devices. This will cut into vacation time, but it’s the same type of workaround that some guests have been utilizing with grocery delivery to avoid paying the handling fees.
The other bit of good news is that, per Garden Grocer, this does not apply to grocery delivery. Garden Grocer “managers have spoken to several different WDW resort bell services managers and employees and we have been assured that this new policy only affects mobility vendors (scooters, strollers, etc.) and that grocery orders will still be allowed to be left at bell services.”
Same goes for Owner’s Locker and other vendors that are not in the ‘mobility device’ business. Since this new exclusivity deal with ScooterBug only pertains to strollers, ECVs, wheelchairs, and that sort of thing, unrelated vendors are unaffected. At least, for now. As we’ve seen, Walt Disney World has recently made several policy changes in this area.
This isn’t the first change of the year concerning deliveries at Bell Services. As we relayed in our Tips for Grocery Delivery at Walt Disney World post, a $6 per item handling fee was implemented in April for each package that is received through the front desk or delivered to your room at all Walt Disney World resorts. Previously, this fee only applied to resorts with convention centers.
As huge advocates (and users) of grocery delivery, this is a relief to us…for the time being. We do worry that Walt Disney World will want to clamp down this more, and a similar exclusivity deal there wouldn’t be surprising. But for now, that is not the case.
Even with the latest update about Scooterbug, this is still a developing story and we’d caution against jumping to dramatic conclusions or worrying about the worst.
As of right now, the details of this story are still coming from third parties. Namely, the vendors that deliver mobility (and other) devices. We won’t know the full details until Walt Disney World publishes the official text of the new policy. (We’ll keep you posted on any new developments on this front!)
It’s been a tough year for third party vendors and guests who utilize these items. To us, it’s not all that surprising that Walt Disney World is implementing more onerous rules with regard to third party vendors. There are a couple of obvious reasons for this, with the first being the burden all of these deliveries pose for Bell Services.
With the proliferation of third party vendors and resources about them, these have become increasingly popular. There are now countless stroller, ECV, grocery, etc. services, and we see their trucks doing drop-offs at Walt Disney World resorts all the time.
Purely anecdotal, but I seldom recall seeing these vehicles a decade ago. It’s likely that the time Bell Services spends dealing with all of this has increased exponentially in recent years. Parking and moving all of these mobility devices and refrigerating all of that beer requires time Cast Members could be spending on other tasks.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, these companies are direct or indirect competitors of Disney (or in this case now that we have more details, Disney’s exclusive third party vendor, ScooterBug). Albeit at much higher prices, Walt Disney World also rents such devices. It should go without saying, but Disney also sells food (thought we’d let you know just in case you missed the hundreds of restaurants pretty much everywhere).
In large part, Walt Disney World guests are a captive audience, and their options for these things are either via third party delivery or directly from Disney. Creating barriers between vendors and guests nudges guests towards Walt Disney World’s own, more convenient options–be that stroller rentals or even dining out instead of preparing breakfast in their hotel rooms.
This is the kind of change that could impact vacation plans for many guests, resulting in new costs either in terms of time or money. It’s unlikely to prompt the type of outrage as occurred in response to last year’s snack price increases or hotel parking fees, but it will nonetheless result in guest behavior shifts. It remains to be seen what the actual, long-term outcome of this new policy is for Walt Disney World guests. We’ll keep you posted!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
What do you think of this rule change? Does this make you more likely to rent directly from Disney, or just waste valuable vacation time dealing with this new policy? Do you think grocery delivery will be next to go? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
As for strollers, why do people feel they need a big fancy stroller?
We took our daughter from age 18 months up until she was done with stroller just before age 4 in an umbrella stroller. $14.99 from walmart. It got us through the airport, all through disney and home.
I see these parents with these giant luxury ‘beds’ strollers for their kids and really wonder why? We hung a good old backpack on the umbrella stroller and off we went. Most of the time she wanted to just walk once she hit age 3.5 yrs anyway.
We used tot get a solid 2-3 trips out of our $15 stroller .
While an umbrella stroller would have been perfectly fine for my older son (who is now five and doesn’t need a stroller anymore), my younger daughter, now age 2, always naps in her stroller at lunchtime for 1-2 hours, so we need a stroller that can fully recline. A cheap, simple one just wouldn’t do for us.
I rent from Walker mobility and have for every trip as long as I can remember. They already had the policy you have to meet them to pick up or drop off. That being said, there were a couple trips it was dropped off early and Bell services had it.
When I left, my ME was there and Walker wasn’t, so I put the scooter just inside lobby doors with the key in the back pocket and called them. No issues at all. So what we will probably see how is ‘abandoned’ scooters waiting for pick up, not left with bell services 🙂 This might entice some theft as well unfortunately. But until WDW buys out these companies and has all of these scooters available for rental at hotel check in, they can’t ever ban them completely from coming. People need them to get around the large resorts and bus stops to park entrance.
First of all…I LOVE DISNEY!!! I have been 14 times in my lifetime. I have taken my two older children three times so far. The last time I visited I was pregnant and learned that I was having a boy while visiting Disney World! I tell him all the time he was in my belly and he loved going on the rides He has been saving all hus coins in his piggy bank to be able to go on the puppy dog ride(Slinky) We can’t wait to bring him on his first visit where he can experience the Magic with his own eyes!! Anywho….we try to plan and take a trip to Disney World at least every other year. We need to go for two whole weeks!! We always plan and use our tax return money!! Staying at a value resort. Purchasing 10 day basic park tickets and taking advantage of the quick service dining plan. It used to be a $6000 trip that has now gone up to $10,000! Our family is a little bigger now…we need 2 rooms or a family suite! My mother comes with us and is disabled. She used the 3rd party electric scooter rental companys because that is all she could afford! I hope and pray they continue people the option to do this! Raising the prices on everything and changing the rules and making it more unaffordable…..is making me soo sad and depressed and wanting to cry!! I will not be able to go anymore soon because its unaffordable!! I feel like prices have got extremely unaffordable and Walt Disney is turning over in his grave due to this!!! He wanted to have an affordable MAGICAL place for families to go to!! Im sooo sadddd
Well now !!! I remember early in the year these posts were gleaming with happiness when they banned smoking. Now they are banning what you need at the park. Imagine if you was not so selfish and stood up for the smokers back then? Banning would not be something Disney would be doing. I, like you, could careless if they ban the things you want. Poetic justice is what we can call it. You have a good time at the park now, and don’t let the current and future bans ruin your holiday.
Smoking is a disgusting death sentence. Why would anyone support that? You are not required to smoke. Some people who visit *need* to use a scooter or wheelchair To visit a park. Comparing a deadly habit to someone’s possible physical handicap is absurd. Smoking also affects guests who do not want to breathe in the cancer causing fumes and thus it should be banned entirely from the parks. People who don’t make poor health choices should not have to be put in danger for those who flippantly treat their own life so casually. I despise scooters because of the horrid drivers but they need to use them to visit so I get it. Smoking is not required for anything besides an early grave. So good luck finding sympathy for this post lol
I agree John, I am a smoker, and always booked a smoking room, then that was banned and you had to stand in a designated area, ok, Then you had to only smoke in designated areas in the parks,ok, bit inconvenient but tolerable. I am also disabled and would need a scooter (Sorry am from the UK) and now that’s going to be more of a hassle. I used to visit 2 times per year at considerable expense, but I am sad to say that I can never visit WDW again. Lower than expected attendance ? Then stop ripping people off and banning everything. They way they are going, you may soon be asked not to use the toilet during your holiday and hold it in for 7 days until you get home. Or pay $5.00 per flush. around 15% of the world smokes, so be prepared to loose around that in revenue. I realize there are many anti smoking folks out there with a different view but these policies have directly effected my holiday plans.
This is ridiculous. I need the scooter to get to and from the parks, other resorts, and Disney Springs. We usually arrive late and leave very early in the morning. I don’t see how this can work for me. I’ve paid good money for DVC membership and this restricts my ability to use that membership. Not very considerate of the elderly and handicapped visitors. Disney has cut back on so many things that were part of the reasons for buying into DVC. Such a shame. I would consider renting a Disney scooter except you can’t take them out of the parks. Hope Disney reconsiders this decision ASAP.
I am concerned I won’t be able to enjoy Disney world this new year. I rented a scooter and arriving late xmas day and leaving Jan 2nd and on a very tight schedule
There were already only 3 or 4 “preferred” vendors who were allowed to leave things with Bell Services.
I had to make arrangements to meet my delivery/pick-up because I needed equipment that wasn’t available from one of those vendors.
It is a pain to do and definitely makes a difference in how the vacation goes. It impacts your choice of flight arrival and departure times.
I don’t like this change. It just makes things more difficult for families with young kids and those with significant mobility issues.
Anyone know what restrictions they have for amazon deliveries? We have two in diapers and I was planning on having them delivered via amazon to the hotel so I didn’t have to pack a weeks worth.
I use an electric wheelchair and rent a USA battery charger for my UK chair, an electric portable hoist and a mobility scooter for my wife.
These are usually taken to my hotel room and collected at the end of the holiday.
It seems stupid having to have the scooter delivered separately
I can’t imagine Disney offering the different types of wheelchairs or scooters different disabilities require or being able to adjust items like armrests or footplates professional renters can do as needed.
Being disabled is not a one size fits all situation, everyone has different requirements
Thanks for the heads up. But this really sucks! I already reserved a stroller and I was counting on being able to leave it with bell services because my flight leaves at 6:00 in the morning my only other option is to have them pick it up the night before and 5pm which is the latest to pick it up. So I will be left without a stroller the rest of the night or I have to spend extra on a Disney stroller.
Since you already have a reservation you shouldn’t have a problem. I would call your stroller rental company to double-check but I was told by mine last night that I wouldn’t have any problems since I already have a reservation. .
That’s okay with us, there are way to many strollers in the parks.
What a foolish comment. I hope you never have kids or a disabled family member. Disney is inclusive.
We bought a foldable stroller for $40 (or maybe $30) a few years ago. Don’t know if that is still available but in January when we take our 5 YO grandson, we will exercise that option again. Maybe even leave in the room.
What happens when you have a stroller or scooter reservation and your plane is late arriving in Orlando?
Of course you can call the third party company and let them know…and hope they can reschedule. I really don’t see this working out very well.
What happens when you have a very early morning flight and you are not available to meet the stroller or scooter company when they arrive to pick up your scooter/stroller? If you have a 6am flight and the company doesn’t pick up until 9am? You would have to make arrangements for the day before and if the parks are open late you will be out of luck because you will be back at your hotel, meeting the stroller/scooter company, then trying to get back to a park? I don’t see it happening.
Maybe if Disney didn’t overcharge for everything, people wouldn’t use third parties! i love disney, but the nickel and dimeing is out of control. The decision makers need to remember why Walt built Disney.
There is no way I would use a WDW scooter because I would have to drop it off at the park at the end of visiting that particular park, walk to the buses or Skyliner, and then at the next park? I would never know for sure if they have another scooter! Turning in scooters at each park and not being able to take them to more than one in park in a day would probably change IMHO.
The update is that now it’s starting Nov. 1. I can only imagine the number of complaints (rightfully so!) with such a short amount of notice. I know they recently added another fee for accepting outside deliveries, so we try to time it so that we can meet our delivery person.
I have been assured by my rental company (Buena Visa) my 11/2/ delivery and 11/10 return will be to the bellhop as WDW is honoring commitments made prior to the policy change.
I am speechless at this decision. I agree with Donna. I am unable to walk into one of the parks to pick up a wheelchair and I certainly can not navigate one of their hotels without one. I used the third party service this past December, and it was wonderful. . The only way I was able to visit. Looks like I can scratch another visit to Disney off my bucket list. I am so sad. Who do I contact at Disney to express my feelings?
I am not sure if this is possible but her it goes…Why not offer a stroller or wheelchair or scooter rental attached to the room and have it waiting for for when they check in. It is not much different than asking for a roll a way or a refrigerator. They can keep the money within Disney and make it convenient for the Disney families that need this. Especially the ones in real need of Wheel chairs or scooters. It would be a wonderful convenience for families with small children and get them to the park faster and not have to spend part of their park experience waiting in line for strollers at the entrance. It is just a thought. They could bring some of the prices down on the convenience items and make it more attractive option to buying it at a third party. They do get a substantial discount on the quantity they buy. So why not pass a little on to the consumer. That means that maybe Mr Iger might have to rough it on a smaller amount of his multi million dollar salary or actually make more by spreading a little bit of good will.
Great idea! The last time we arrived at the Grand Floridian there were so many trucks delivering ECVs, strollers, etc. that is looked like an airport terminal. We waded through it all but it sure didn’t look very nice!
This would be a great option. The main reason I rent a stroller from a 3rd party is simply because I must leave Disney strollers at the exit gate of every park. As a grandmother, I am not confident that I can carry a 6 year-old child who has fallen asleep on the bus from the stop all the way to our room.
I thought I would be impacted by the October 1, 2019 change but I just spoke with the scooter rental company and I have been assured my long ago reservation with delivery to the bellhop will be honored. This change I am told will only impacted new reservations.
If you’re truly disabled, like me you own your own ECV and bring it with you. The airlines don’t charge for it and I’ve brought my own for years. I think Disney might be trying to cut down on the “want” to rents vs. the “need” to rents by doing this which as someone who needs to use one I appreciate. If you need one bring your own, it really is easier, and cheaper too.
EXCELLENT idea! Check in and your scooter or stroller is in your room. Only problem is if you check in early in the day and your room isn’t ready or scooter/stroller isn’t in the room yet.
There is no way I can afford to purchase a scooter! I use it for long walks and can’t walk enough to walk around one park let alone more than one park in a day. I’ve looked into scooter costs and they are expensive!
I too only use it for long distance, I only have one lung so just need it for travel with long or lots of walking. The scooters only cost the same as renting one 3 times then you have your own. I got mine at Amazon with free shipping and 5 year warranty.
I am “truly disabled” but Don’t own my own mobility scooter… I only need one for long trips and walking from one end of the park to the other would be near impossible with my multiple sclerosis! I use a scooter to improve my quality of life while visiting Disney so I can actually watch my children experience it!!
I too only use it for long distance, I only have one lung so just need it for travel with long or lots of walking. The scooters only cost the same as renting one 3 times then you have your own. I got mine at Amazon with free shipping and 5 year warranty.
I agree % bring your own. We did this with my son-in-law before he passed away recently. No need to rent from them or worry if you truly need one. Why leave it up to others or blame everyone else. Oh I forgot that is what we do these days. If you really need one bring your own!!! SIMPLE
S. Luke, When you get to the airport for your flight to Florida, how do you get your ECV out of your car and set up? Do you have a family member who helps you?Does your airline make you transfer to a wheelchair? When you get off the plane, is a wheelchair brought on board for you? Where do you then get your ECV? How do you and your ECV get to your resort? Do you use the Disney buses to get to the parks?
I don’t know what Luke does, but what I do might help answer your questions. I can take Paratransit but to the airport, which loads my mobility scooter up a ramp and onto the van. Or my husband can take it apart and load into a Uber/taxi. Some drivers can also load it for you. At airport I drive it to the gate. I tell the airline in advance I have it, and at ticket counter they fill out a tag to attach. At gate I board plane by walking with a cane (for more seriously disabled they switch to a special narrow wheelchair that goes up the aisle). They then manually load my scooter onto the plane. At arrival they bring the scooter to the gate and I ride it away. I am planning to take the Magical Bus to Disney in my scooter. I informed Disney I will have a scooter. If I did not go via their bus I would go by Uber or taxi and hubby would load it into the trunk. If he were not with me I would arrange for a shuttle or taxi that has ability to load a scooter,
All very easy to do actually.
That is it exactly my scooter breaks down to 4 pieces if I need to but with Disney I’ve never needed to, all the buses, monorail, new skyline, and some boats take ECV all over, even ECV Minnie Vans! We have traveled by plane from Oregon to WDW and Disneyland all the time with personal ECV and have never had a problem. Alaska air is especially great with us.
How do they expect a person who needs a EVC to walk to the park and pick up the unit? Imagine the long walk at EPCOT??? This new policy is going to make me think about not being able to go to Disney. They are going to lose a passholder. My grandson needs a wheelchair. He too will have a difficult time going. What is in their minds? Defintely not us.
Disney could hire an employee to accept deliveries of scooters and food deliveries.
The advantages of staying on property no longer balance the inflated room price. Disney, with Igor at the helm, behave as if they are doing their guests a favor by renting us rooms.
I can stay at the 4 Seasons for what I pay to stay on property –and I bet they won’t treat me as if they are doing me a favor. Should we vacation at Disney in the future, which is a big *if*, and I speak for my multi generation extended family, we will most likely skip our deluxe Disney resort and stay elsewhere. We may wait until Igor takes his multi million dollar retirement package and departs, leaving a trail of poor decisions in his wake, before we return.
But then again, maybe its time to let Disney go. It is no longer what Walt intended.
How will this impact those on a budget and those with handicap needs or small infants. If WDW is going to make this change, I hope they offer alternatives at affordable rates. I bring my own compact travel stroller for my daughter but this wouldn’t work for an infant