Two ECV’s and 5 adults in GF standard room

[Dbktmc]

My family of 3 has plans to visit WDW and stay at the GF. My elderly parents have decided to join us and will be staying in our room with us. My dad is in his mid 80’s and broke his back about 10 years ago. We have used the disability pass in the past because his back does not allow him to stand or even sit for long periods of time. I understand that the new disability passes appear to apply to Autism only so we will not be pursuing that option and will just go to the parks for 2-3 hours per day. Well about 5 years ago my mother (early 80’s) fell down a flight of steps and broke her ankle in multiple places. She will also need a scooter due to the metal plates and rods causing her ankle to swell if she is on her feet for too many hours at a time.

My question is, will we be able to fit 5 adults in a room along with 2 ECV’s? If not, do you have any suggestions for us? I know the GF has bigger rooms without a balcony but those rooms won’t work for us. My husband is amazing and allows me to plan these 10 night trips while taking my parents with us without complaining. His only request is a balcony and I can’t take that from him. A second room also isn’t an option as the only way my parents can afford to go is if they stay with us for “free” and we can’t afford a second room.

I appreciate any suggestions or advice you have.

Mods: if Input this in the wrong place please feel free to move it.

 

[DeeBee3]

I would say that would be tight, like really tight. I assume 4 adults and a child? That makes a big difference if it is 5 adults.

I would say you would need to figure out how to fit the two ECVs. That's the biggest issue, especially as your parents will need to go back to rest.

 

[NYCgrrl]

I’ve stayed at GF in a wheelchair accessible Sugarloaf rm before I had a need for it. As the time I found it comfortable and spacious.

Flash forward to now and I always request accessible rooms.
Stayed in a BWI room recently with 2 ECVs and 2 in use QBs. The ECVs were both parked near the window generally and we were still able to access the balcony. Occasionally one of us was too tired to park the wheels on the far side of the room and would leave it between the two beds; that worked as well in the short term.
As long as you opt for a handicap accessible room you should be fine as they tend to be larger to accommodate turning and such. The bathroom is easy to use as well.

 

[jo-jo]

I don't know prices, but have you priced out what other resorts cost? One room at GF vs 2 rooms elsewhere. Have your traveled before with your parents? Just wondering if so many adults in one room with the scooters and one bathroom, would it still be fun after the second day. Never stayed at GF, so I have no idea of space.

 

[Dbktmc]

I would say that would be tight, like really tight. I assume 4 adults and a child? That makes a big difference if it is 5 adults.

I would say you would need to figure out how to fit the two ECVs. That's the biggest issue, especially as your parents will need to go back to rest.

Our 5th person is my 13 year old but he is taller than I am.

I don't know prices, but have you priced out what other resorts cost? One room at GF vs 2 rooms elsewhere. Have your traveled before with your parents? Just wondering if so many adults in one room with the scooters and one bathroom, would it still be fun after the second day. Never stayed at GF, so I have no idea of space.

We have stayed at many resorts across property and this is our favorite. Unfortunately, leaving this resort would e a deal breaker for my husband. We have traveled with my parents for many years but never in the same room. It should be interesting.

 

[Dbktmc]

My last question: are we able to leave one ECV in the hallway

 

[SkyGuy]

My last question: are we able to leave one ECV in the hallway

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/plug-electric-mobility-scooter-staying-dvcs-grand-519509/

Fire hazard

 

[Narcoossee11]

leave one if not both at bell service.
get grandparents to room, then others drive them to bell stand.

 

[Genie+]

My last question: are we able to leave one ECV in the hallway

Yes.

On our Grand Flo trip last November our party had 2 EVCs for 8 nights. We were told to park them in the hall. We did just that. The outlets are conveniently located all over, so we were able to park them starting right near our door with the outlet conveniently located right between the 2 scooters. We have asked many, many times and consistently told to park the EVCs in the hall. They actually prefer you not to bring them in the rooms. Talk with resort management - I guarantee they will tell you to park ECVs in hall and charge them there.

The halls are wide at Grand Floridian.

eta - obviously they’ll let you bring ECV in room if you need, but if you don’t then they prefer you do not bring them in the room.

 

[Bete]

Sometimes furniture can be removed like a table to make more space in the room. If you can leave the scooters in the hall that is easier.

Don't forget to charge your scooter battery as necessary. Also, when watching a parade, show, etc. shut off the scooters to conserve the battery. Scooters can be in handicap areas like a wheelchair.

 

[lanejudy]

They actually prefer you not to bring them in the rooms. Talk with resort management - I guarantee they will tell you to park ECVs in hall and charge them there.

Yes, CMs will often say it's ok to park in the hallway though I disagree that they "prefer" it. It is against fire code. Last year a poster here shared about a middle-of-the-night fire alarm and problems getting through corridors due to ECVs parked.

My last question: are we able to leave one ECV in the hallway

Please don't. Guests are able to park 2 ECVs in a value resort room, I'm sure you can find a way to do it at a deluxe resort with larger rooms. As to 5 adults in the room -- that's more than I could cope with but it sounds like you/your party will refuse alternative suggestions so that's your choice. I'd downgrade the room and book 2 rooms; or look for a larger suite at the current resort.

 

[Lewisc]

Went back to our room in the GF. Left our scooter in the hall while we made a pit stop and got our park stuff

A CM said a few minutes was OK otherwise keep it in the room.

2 scooters and 5 people is too much.

 

[Genie+]

Yes, CMs will often say it's ok to park in the hallway though I disagree that they "prefer" it. It is against fire code. Last year a poster here shared about a middle-of-the-night fire alarm and problems getting through corridors due to ECVs parked.

I’ve heard the same thing about fire code. It’s hard to reconcile with why management tells you park it in the hall. Every single CM, in many different positions, consistently said to park it in the hall. Have not encountered one yet that has said otherwise.

Either management’s protocol is wrong or it is not breaking fire code.

Just a guess - management’s reasoning may come from the scooters being hard to get in/out of the door and a common way guests get injured, and the in-room damage guest cause with scooters. I was the second guest in a fully refurbed BW room last year and could tell the first had a scooter by all the marks and chips already in the room.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Yes, CMs will often say it's ok to park in the hallway though I disagree that they "prefer" it. It is against fire code. Last year a poster here shared about a middle-of-the-night fire alarm and problems getting through corridors due to ECVs parked.

You are correct. The 2023 Florida Building Code, Section 1020.4 reads:

1020.4 Obstruction​

The minimum width or required capacity of corridors shall be unobstructed.

Exception: Encroachments complying with Section 1005.7.

1005.7 reads:

1005.7 Encroachment​

Encroachments into the required means of egress width shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.

1005.7.1 Doors​

Doors, when fully opened, shall not reduce the required width by more than 7 inches (178 mm). Doors in any position shall not reduce the required width by more than one-half.

Exceptions:

1. Surface-mounted latch release hardware shall be exempt from inclusion in the 7-inch maximum (178 mm) encroachment where both of the following conditions exist:
   1. 1. The hardware is mounted to the side of the door facing away from the adjacent wall where the door is in the open position.
   2. 1. The hardware is mounted not less than 34 inches (865 mm) nor more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor.
2. The restrictions on door swing shall not apply to doors within individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R-2 occupancies and dwelling units of Group R-3 occupancies.

1005.7.2 Other Projections

Handrail projections shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 1014.8. Other nonstructural projections such as trim and similar decorative features shall be permitted to project into the required width not more than 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) on each side.

Exception: Projections are permitted in corridors within Group I-2 Condition 1 in accordance with Section 407.4.3.

So, other than doors when fully opened and handrails, all other obstructions, whether temporary or permanent, are prohibited as they reduce the required egress width. I don't know why cast members do or do not suggest parking ECV's in hallways, but I do know the Code. Oh, and Group I-2 Occupancies are medical facilities, and more specifically for the exceptions, nursing homes, and the exceptions are limited to very specific conditions. There are no such exceptions given for Group R Occupancies (hotels):

407.4.3 Projections in nursing home corridors.​

In Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies, where the corridor width is not less than 96 inches (2440 mm), projections shall be permitted for furniture where all of the following criteria are met:

1. The furniture is attached to the floor or to the wall.
2. The furniture does not reduce the clear width of the corridor to less than 72 inches (1830 mm) except where other encroachments are permitted in accordance with Section 1005.7.
3. The furniture is positioned on only one side of the corridor.
4. Each arrangement of furniture is 50 square feet (4.6 m2) maximum in area.
5. Furniture arrangements are separated by 10 feet (3048 mm) minimum.
6. Placement of furniture is considered as part of the fire and safety plans in accordance with Section 1002.2.

The Building Code really doesn't like anything in a hallway serving as a primary means of egress, and it addresses the potential in multiple Chapters. The little alcoves you see in BRV, for example, where the hallway width widens, likely don't give you any leeway either, as parking a scooter there would encroach on the clear space required around the exit door for the room.

And yes, Mousekeeping leaving those linen storage carts unattended in the hallways would also violate the code. A conventional housekeeping cart left attended (with the CM inside the room with the door propped open) would not raise any concern, but a scooter left in the hallway, in the middle of the night, unattended in a possibly smoke-filled hallway, also possibly illuminated by only emergency lighting, would be another story.

ETA: to be clear, the FFPC (Florida Fire protection Code) adopts the minimum width requirements of the Building Code, and also only allows exceptions, in Section 19.1.6.1, for corridors providing egress for patient rooms in healthcare facilities (also, specifically, for "wheeled equipment").

 

[Genie+]

Today/tonight there will be dozens of ECVs parked in the hallways of DVC resorts.

Why is WDW not telling any of these people that they are breaking the law?

DH uses a scooter. 16 trips over the last 7 years. Every CM we’ve encountered in the resort telling us to park it in the hall. From the bell hops helping bring our luggage, to the front desk, to CMs walking past our room. Not one has ever said anything about parking it in the room. In fact, the opposite. The only mentions have been to park it in the hall. For the first 10 trips we were keeping in the room, even trips we needed 2 EVCs. Fit them fine. But then we kept being told to park them in hall over and over and over… so we obliged.

If it is upsetting other guests so much* and is a fire code violation, then WDW needs to know.

Eta - *not here but I just read a bunch of older boards here and on WDWmagic

 

[Lewisc]

An employee at the Dolphin told me it was OK to leave my scooter in the hall
Claimed their halls are wide enough.

Disney has always asked me to keep my scooter in my room. Other guests have been known to unplug and sometimes move scooters.

The fire code is clear. The rules are clear. Many may ignore the rule. Posters who violate the rule are not authorized to grant exceptions to other guests

 

[lanejudy]

Why is WDW not telling any of these people that they are breaking the law?

I don’t know why. Maybe CMs aren’t aware of fire code and the hazard it poses (or the potential fine to WDW that could result). Or maybe CMs just don’t like to tell a guest “no” and if a guest is asking where to park it most likely that guest doesn’t want to bring the ECV into the room. People who expect to bring the ECV into their room aren’t likely to ask the front desk about where to park it.

 

[Genie+]

I don’t know why. Maybe CMs aren’t aware of fire code and the hazard it poses (or the potential fine to WDW that could result). Or maybe CMs just don’t like to tell a guest “no” and if a guest is asking where to park it most likely that guest doesn’t want to bring the ECV into the room. People who expect to bring the ECV into their room aren’t likely to ask the front desk about where to park it.

The reason it stuck with me is it was unsolicited advice - repeatedly. Never asked.

 

[gottalovepluto]

My last question: are we able to leave one ECV in the hallway

Technically no but you have to dig deep to find that out so many people park in the halls anyway and Disney doesn’t care. (I don’t give what if people here flame me, you want real world- that’s real world. Might you have a hand in killing someone if a fire happens and they trip over your ECV? Yup. Could it even be someone in your own party? Quite likely given the proximity. Does Disney care? Nope.)

If you go to other hotels like Swolphin they will inform you ECVs cannot be parked in the hallway due to fire regulations and Swolphin at least will offer alternative parking for free with bell services (they even charged my ECV user’s ECV at Swan Reserve).

All that said imho even 1 ECV and 5 people is too much in a room. Buck up and downgrade your accommodation to 2 rooms at a mod (or Swolphin), otherwise you’re setting up for the trip from you know where trying to cram 5 people and 2 ECVs in 1 room for 10 days.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Today/tonight there will be dozens of ECVs parked in the hallways of DVC resorts.

Why is WDW not telling any of these people that they are breaking the law?

DH uses a scooter. 16 trips over the last 7 years. Every CM we’ve encountered in the resort telling us to park it in the hall. From the bell hops helping bring our luggage, to the front desk, to CMs walking past our room. Not one has ever said anything about parking it in the room. In fact, the opposite. The only mentions have been to park it in the hall. For the first 10 trips we were keeping in the room, even trips we needed 2 EVCs. Fit them fine. But then we kept being told to park them in hall over and over and over… so we obliged.

If it is upsetting other guests so much* and is a fire code violation, then WDW needs to know.

Eta - *not here but I just read a bunch of older boards here and on WDWmagic

For all we know Disney has a special exemption. (Stupid yes if true but they practically ran the fire dept for a looong time…)