Planning to Swim in Orlando? Benefits of Finding a Hotel With a Zero Entry Pool
If you’re planning a trip to Orlando and you’re disabled due to an injury or illness, you’ve no doubt already begun looking for everything you think you might need. Your must-have list will probably include finding a location to rent an Orlando mobility scooter, researching Orlando theme parks to determine their ability to provide you with the services you need when you visit, and finding a hotel that has all the right accommodations.
While the majority of hotels in Orlando are extremely accessible to those who rent Orlando mobility scooters, some may offer more accommodations that you had imagined. They might offer rooms that are scooter-friendly and include wall bars to help you stand and transfer. Some might offer outlets right next to the bed, so that when you transfer from your electric scooter to the bed at night, you can easily plug the scooter in so the battery will charge. A few, however, will offer something more: zero entry pools.
What is a Zero Entry Pool?
Swimming is great exercise for everyone, but even more so for those with disabilities. It creates a weightless feeling that lets those who have difficulty with mobility control their movements better. Obtaining this exercise is hard, however, without access to a zero entry pool.
A zero entry pool is a type of swimming pool that has a shallow, sloping entrance, rather than a ladder or steps. This type of ramp generally starts out with about half an inch of water and then gradually deepens as you get farther into the pool.
For guests with disabilities, this feature allows immediate access to a pool. You can either use a water-proof electric scooter to enter the pool, or simply transfer from your mobility scooter to a standard wheel chair.
While most hotels have lifts that can help disabled guests access the pool, zero entry pools offer many benefits that these lifts don’t.
Benefits of Zero Entry Pools
- Available All the Time- Pool lifts may be much more common in hotels, but it is also very common for them to break down. Because of this, access to the pool is not always available to those who have had to rent an Orlando mobility scooter or those with mobility problems. Zero entry pools guarantee access every single day- and they don’t have to be replaced or repaired because they don’t have mechanical parts that will break down.
- Independence- Unlike with pool lifts, individuals who need the assistance of an electric scooter or wheelchair don’t have to wait until hotel staff is available to enter the pool. This allows them to maintain their independence.
- Safety- Because zero entry pools begin with only half an inch of water, disabled individuals can judge for themselves how far they should and should not go. Because those that are disabled are more apt to know their limitations, this often reduces chances of injuries and accidents.
- Fun with Families- Hotels that don’t offer zero entry pools are often filled with families who stay behind in their room or re-plan their activities, simply because their disabled family member can’t join in the fun. This isn’t what a vacation is about. Zero entry pools allow everyone to join in and have the time of their lives.
Your Electric Scooter and Zero Entry Pools
If you have to rent an Orlando mobility scooter to help you get around, consider finding a hotel that will make your vacation easier and a lot more exciting. Look for accommodations that you don’t normally find, like specially designed rooms and zero entry pools.
XDisney’s Animal Kingdom: What to Expect When You’re Using a Scooter
Renting a mobility scooter in Orlando means you’ll have access to some of the most exciting attractions in the city- no matter what level of mobility you have. One of the most attractive options for visitors to Florida is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here, both children and adults can experience all the magic of Disney with more than 1,700 animals, various rides and attractions, entertaining musicals, and expeditions.
Being in a mobility scooter doesn’t mean you have sacrifice the fun and excitement of an Orlando vacation. When you visit the Animal Kingdom, you’ll have access to almost everything, including the following.
Attractions for Those Using Mobility Scooters in Orlando
- Tree of Life Garden- The tree of life, located on Discovery Island in the Animal Kingdom, is a sculpted masterpiece that expresses nature and its intricate balance. It’s 145 feet tall, 50 feet wide, and is home to more than 300 animal carvings along its trunk. It’s also home to several live animals, including kangaroos, tortoises, flamingos, and lemurs. Inside the tree of life is a theater, where It’s Tough to be a Bug! can be seen in 3D animation. This multimedia show starring the cast of A Bug’s Life is accessible to those using mobility scooters as well.
- The Boneyard- Have young children who are eager to explore? Young paleontologists under the age of ten can visit the Boneyard, and you can too! Here you can watch as your children make prehistoric discoveries.
- Maharajah Jungle Trek- You don’t have to be worried about being left behind when it comes to exploring the wilds of Asia. This jungle trek leads you through the Anandapur Royal Forest, home to tropical trees, wild animals, and ruins. Here you’ll navigate trails, see beautiful waterfalls, and behold a palace that is centuries old and seems to be frozen in time. While you’re exploring, you may come across fruit bats, flying foxes, Asian tigers, Elds deer, blackbucks, and more than 50 types of birds.
- Finding Nemo, The Musical- You loved the movie, now you can see the musical on stage in the Animal Kingdome. In this 40 minute show, experience the harrowing adventures of Marlin and Dory as they set off to find Marlin’s lost and kidnapped son, Nemo. Along the way, you’ll be reunited with friends you came to love in the hit movie as well, like Nigel the pelican and Crush the turtle.
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail- Would you like to experience the heart of Africa? This exploration trail is open to individuals in mobility scooters and is sure to please. It features a number of exotic animals that can be found throughout the sprawling savannah and jungle forest. Here you’ll meet meerkats, emerald starlings, Angolan black monkeys, a Nile hippopotamus, and even western lowland gorillas.
Renting mobility scooters in Orlando can help you gain access to a number of attractions you might not be able to experience without some mobility help. This is especially true in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where fun and excitement are waiting just for you.
Top Questions to Ask When Renting a Mobility Scooter in Orlando Florida
Visiting Orlando, Florida can be a fun and exciting experience. If you’re not as mobile as you used to be, however, taking a vacation may seem like a far-fetched idea. While getting around these days might not be easy for you to do, getting around Florida can be with the help of a mobility scooter rental in Orlando.
Mobility scooters allow you to access places you’ve only dreamed of going, like Disney World, Sea World, or the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. With the help of a mobility scooter, you no longer have to worry about how far you have to walk, whether you’ll be too exhausted to actually enjoy the event or attraction you’re attending, or whether you’ll have the energy to do everything you want to. The right scooter rental can make it happen.
If you’re going to rent a scooter in Orlando, however, you need to know how to do it properly and ask the right questions so you get a scooter that will be reliable and help you get from point A to point B.
Mobility Scooter Rental in Orlando: What to Ask
Question 1: Do your scooters comply with attraction guidelines?
Why It’s Important: Certain theme parks in Orlando, like Universal Studios and Disney World have certain guidelines and requirements for mobility scooters. These guidelines ensure you’re able to enjoy almost every aspect of the parks; without the right scooter, you may be left watching everyone else have fun or be forced to spend additional money renting a scooter in-park.
Question 2: Will the battery charge on the scooter last all day?
Why It’s Important: You don’t want to get half-way through the day and realize you have to go back to the hotel in order to charge your scooter, do you? We didn’t think so. The scooter battery should be able to manage without cutting your day short, as long it’s been charged fully the night before.
Question 3: What affects the battery charge?
Why It’s Important: Again, you’ll want to make the most of every day you spend on vacation in Florida, so you need to know what problems could affect the battery charge. The biggest one is weight. That’s why it’s so important to be honest and rent a mobility scooter that is suitable for your particular weight.
Question 4: How do I pick up (and drop off) my mobility scooter rental in Orlando?
Why It’s Important: Knowing exactly where to pick up and drop off your scooter allows you to make the most of your trip and avoid late charges. We make this simple for you by delivering your mobility scooter rental right to your hotel, condo, or motel. We then arrange to pick the equipment up at the same location when you’re done using it.
Question 5: Can I take my mobility scooter with me when using public or private transportation?
Why It’s Important: As easily as your mobility scooter helps you get around, you’re not going to want to waste the battery charge, and your day, traveling throughout Orlando with it only. At some point, you’ll probably need to get in a car, on a bus, or call a taxi. Luckily, your scooter can easily come with you. When you receive your scooter, the delivery driver will show you exactly how to take it apart so it can easily be stored in a trunk.
Ready for your next mobility scooter rental in Orlando? Make sure you ask the right questions before you rent your scooter so you can be sure it will be able to take you wherever you want to go.
Tips for Planning a Florida Vacation When You’re Disabled
When you’re thinking of taking a vacation in Florida, you have to plan your trip well to ensure you hit all the top sights and attractions. This is even more important if you’re disabled. While Florida is extremely accessible to individuals with disabilities, if you want to experience the best of cities like Orlando, you have to start the trip with a plan in place that will allow you to do so. Not sure where to start? We can walk you through each step of the plan, from your Orlando scooter rental to utilizing your hotel concierge.
Planning an Orlando, Florida Vacation
- Think Ahead- Planning a vacation when you’re disabled takes much more forethought than when you’re not. You have to consider things other people don’t, like where you’re going to use the restroom if you’re out sightseeing, whether or not the hotel you’re staying at will have a place to plug in your Orlando scooter rental, and whether or not that outlet is close to your bed. When you book your trip, ask questions and obtain the answers you need so that your trip is one you’ll enjoy.
- Scooter Rentals- If you have difficulty getting around, consider a scooter rental while you’re in Orlando. Walking around or even pushing yourself in a wheelchair can be exhausting. Instead of wasting your time and energy, let a mobility scooter do all the work. This way, you can spend every moment of your vacation doing exactly what you want to do.
- Talk to Friends- Do you have friends that live in the area that are also disabled? Seek them out for advice on the best locations to go on your visit. They’ll know where to park at Disney World, which restaurants have the best access, and which shops you simply can’t pass over. If you don’t have a friend in the area, consider going online to find a community of travelers with disabilities. One such membership site, the Travelin’ Talk Network, will help connect you with other individuals in Orlando that are willing to share travel information with you.
- Utilize Your Concierge- A hotel concierge is your best friend while you’re staying in Florida. He will not only be the one who accepts your Orlando scooter rental when it arrives, but, if he’s knowledgeable about the area, will be your guide to fun in the city. He’ll help you find adequate public transportation, provide information about accessible attractions in the area, like Disney World and Sea World, and help you find a restaurant that is not only disability-friendly, but serves your favorite food. Don’t be afraid to seek your concierge out for information. They are there to help you have the best time possible during your stay.
Orlando Scooter Rentals, Concierges, and Friends: The Perfect Vacation
If you want your vacation to Florida to be perfect, start planning it now. The earlier you begin researching scooter rentals, accessible parks, restaurants, hotels, and shops, the more organized and fun your trip will be.
Visiting Sea World? FAQ for Guests With Scooters
Orlando Florida offers a number of attractions, theme parks, hotels, and restaurants that accommodate those using Orlando, Florida scooter rentals. Out of all of them, however, one of the most popular to visit (next to Disney World of course) has to be Sea World. This adventure land makes a splash for out-of-towers, residents, young, and old.
If you’re thinking of visiting Sea World for the first time with your mobility scooter, however, there are no doubt a few questions you want answered so you can plan your trip as easily as possible. Luckily, we have all the answers you need.
Orlando, Florida Scooter Rentals and Sea World: FAQ
Before you make arrangements for Orlando scooter rentals or begin packing those bags for the trip to Florida, you need to make sure Sea World is the right theme park for you to visit. Have a few questions you need answers to? Let us help.
Is parking available for those with mobility scooters? The short answer is yes; a parking lot is available very close to the main entrance of Sea World. Every space is van accessible, and you must have a parking permit to take advantage of these spots. Keep in mind, however, that the spaces can not be reserved and are only available on a first come, first served basis.
Can I see the shows with my family? Worried that you and your family might get separated during the main events? Don’t be. The stadiums and theaters within Sea World all have accessible seating for Orlando scooter rentals, along with one companion. If your group is large, nearby seating is available as well.
What about the Soak Zone? Want to the dolphins to splash you as they swim by? The Soak Zone does have wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible seating; however, water and electronics don’t mix well. If you want to get soaked, consider requesting a regular wheelchair you can transfer into during the show.
Can I shop for souvenirs? One of the best parts about visiting a theme park on a Florida vacation is collecting souvenirs to bring back to loved ones who were not able to come with you. It’s a little way of sharing your experience. At Sea World, this isn’t a problem. All gift shops are accessible to Orlando scooter rentals. If you didn’t spring for that extra basket on the back, you can even arrange to pick up your packages at Shamu’s Emporium before you leave the park.
Where can I eat? The majority of restaurants within Sea World are similar to cafeterias; unfortunately, the lines may be a bit narrow for mobility scooters and wheelchairs. This means you may have to ask for assistance from Sea World employees. Table service is available upon request and there are certain restaurants, like Sea Port Pizza and Sharks Underwater Grill that offer more mobility scooter friendly dining options.
Do I have to go on rides alone? Like most theme parks, separate entrances are available to make access easier to those who are riding Orlando, Florida scooter rentals. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go alone while the rest of your group waits in line. Up to three people can accompany you through the auxiliary entrance so they can board the ride with you.
Planning a trip to Sea World? If you have to rent mobility scooters for the trip, make sure you have all your questions answered before you arrive at the main entrance. It will mean a better experience for you and a more enjoyable trip.
Universal Orlando: Top Tips and Attraction Assistance Explained
Are you thinking of visiting Universal Orlando during your trip to Florida? If you suffer from an illness or injury that makes walking difficult or impossible, investing in Orlando scooter rentals is the first step you can to make sure your trip is as fun and exciting as possible. A mobility scooter will help you get around much more easily than a walker or cane, and will allow you to spend more time having fun with your family because you won’t grow as weary or tired so quickly.
Visiting Orlando Universal when you’re using a mobility scooter is easy, as well. This theme park offers a number of features to ensure disabled guests are able to participate in attractions and obtain the assistance they need to board rides and obtain the full Universal experience. This is known as the Universal Attraction Assistance Pass. Want to know how to get it? Here’s how.
Orlando Scooter Rentals and Universal Assistance
Knowing where and where not to go when you’re riding on a mobility scooter can be difficult at Orlando Universal, especially if it’s your first time visiting. That’s where a Universal Attraction Assistance Pass comes in handy. This allows you gain quick access to the rides you most want to go on. Getting this pass requires a few steps:
- Obtain a doctor’s note that says you need special accommodations ‘due to disability.’ The name of your disability or any information related to it isn’t necessary, as long as the doctor states ‘due to disability’ on the note.
- Once you’ve obtained this note and arrive at Orlando Universal theme park in Florida, go to Guest Services, which is located on the ride side of the turnstiles. Present them with the note and you will obtain an Attraction Assistance Pass.
- While you’re with Guest Services, discuss what rides and attractions are and are not available to you. Some may have a height requirement you may not meet because of your mobility scooter. They will most likely evaluate your height, your ability to hold onto restraints, and your ability to hold your head up.
Once that pass is in your hand, using it is easy. Simply present it to the greeter at every attraction you visit and they will direct you to a separate entrance where you will be able to board the attraction with your Orlando scooter rental or switch to one of the theme park’s wheel chairs.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Universal Orlando Attraction Assistance Pass
- Be patient. Sometimes you’ll be asked to come back to the attraction at a certain time if there is a long line. If this is the case, enjoy other areas of the park while you wait.
- Keep in mind that you can only establish one reservation time at the same time. This means that if you’re waiting for one ride, you can’t reserve another for a later time. After you finish the first ride, you will have to go back and make the second reservation. This is to ensure everyone using mobility scooters or wheelchairs has the opportunity to ride the attraction.
- If the ride requires you to switch to a wheelchair, make sure to tell the attendant that you’ll need your rented scooter back when the ride is completed.
- Before you get in line, speak to the ride attendant. While some rides will require you to enter the ride normally, you may have to use the express lane or an alternative door for others.
Ready to enjoy yourself at Universal Orlando? Make a plan so you can have a fun and exciting time, even if you need to use an Orlando scooter rental.
Preventing Damage to Your Orlando Scooter Rental
Renting a mobility scooter in Florida is an easy way to ensure you enjoy every moment of your vacation. With Orlando scooter rentals, you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll be able to keep up with your family or whether your illness or injury will prevent you from taking part in the fun activities the group has planned. These scooters also allow you to maintain some of your independence on the trip; you don’t have to constantly rely on other to help you get around.
While an Orlando scooter rental offers many benefits, there are concerns every renter should be aware of. The most prominent of which is potential damage that could occur. In most cases, any damage you do to a rented scooter must be repaired- and that cost comes out of your own pocket. Keeping the rented scooter safe means you not only get to enjoy your vacation, but also ensures it doesn’t cost you more than you originally intended.
Preventing Damage to Orlando Scooter Rentals
When you read the terms and conditions of the rental contract for your new mobility scooter, you will quickly notice that the terms name you as the responsible party for any damage that occurs to the scooter. This is common, and helps motivate renters to take care of the scooters as much as possible. In order to do this, however, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
- You are the Driver- That means you shouldn’t allow your thirteen year old son to ‘try the scooter out,’ or leave the scooter sitting out where anyone could take advantage of it. Doing so could not only put the scooter at risk, but would also violate the contract. You, and you alone should drive the scooter.
- Watch the Weight- Every mobility scooter is different, and each has their own unique capabilities. Pay attention to what those are. If your Orlando Scooter Rental can only hold 325 pounds and you weigh 330 pounds, don’t take the chance. The weight capacities are assigned to the scooters for a reason.
- Be Defensive- You don’t have to be paranoid throughout your entire vacation, looking around every corner for the potential hazard that could damage your rented scooter, but you should be as defensive as possible. Think before you go. If you’re crossing at an intersection, look both ways. If you’re going through a doorway, make sure it is wide enough for the chair to fit through. Look for hazards and problems that can be easily avoided to save you time and money.
Insurance for Orlando Scooter Rentals
As hard as you might try, and as defensive as you might be, you can’t prevent every mistake or accident that comes along. That’s why you should always opt for the accidental damage insurance offered when you rent the mobility scooter. This insurance not only protects your wallet in the event the scooter becomes scratched or dinged, but also protects you in case it’s stolen, lost, or damaged beyond repair.
Accidental insurance for Orlando scooter rentals is a low cost alternative that will make it easier for you to enjoy every moment of your vacation. Adding this coverage is simple, and will prevent you from any worries while you’re in Florida.
