Has Anyone Else Experienced This???

[friendnc]

I use a personal motorized scooter when I go to theme parks, malls, or any other place with a lot of walking due to my leg. In the past, when my wife, sons (14/11), and I go to Thunder Mnt. Railroad, the handdicapped enterance ramp is at the exit. There are two loading/unloading areas. When you load at the handicapped area, after the ride is over, your train ends up at the other loading/unloading area. For me to get back to my scooter, I'd have to cross a railed area, and the ride track. So the only way to get back to the other side where my scooter is is to ride again (the train you're on always goes to the opposite side you started on). The CM told me to do this and have always been nice, but I can feel the strong glares/hear the murmurs from the other riders in line, even after the CM politely explanins the situation to them. Someone even said once that if you're disabled, you shouldn't go to theme parks and get "freebes". I got tired of feeling this way and putting my family through all of the rude crap, so I get them fast passes and wait for them at the bottom of the exit. Has anyone else experienced this type of thing at TMRR or any other attraction at a theme park?

[freemore]

I use a personal motorized scooter when I go to theme parks, malls, or any other place with a lot of walking due to my leg. In the past, when my wife, sons (14/11), and I go to Thunder Mnt. Railroad, the handdicapped enterance ramp is at the exit. There are two loading/unloading areas. When you load at the handicapped area, after the ride is over, your train ends up at the other loading/unloading area. For me to get back to my scooter, I'd have to cross a railed area, and the ride track. So the only way to get back to the other side where my scooter is is to ride again (the train you're on always goes to the opposite side you started on). The CM told me to do this and have always been nice, but I can feel the strong glares/hear the murmurs from the other riders in line, even after the CM politely explanins the situation to them. Someone even said once that if you're disabled, you shouldn't go to theme parks and get "freebes". I got tired of feeling this way and putting my family through all of the rude crap, so I get them fast passes and wait for them at the bottom of the exit. Has anyone else experienced this type of thing at TMRR or any other attraction at a theme park?

No I haven't and I guess I am lucky but I am also old so maybe people take more pity on me! I think there are just rude people in the world and these rude people are rude to everyone, not just handicapped people or people who use scooters. They are probably the people who yell at pedestrians and other people when they are driving their cars also. Maybe along with road rage there is Disney Park Rage also. Ignore them and do what you need to do to enjoy your vacation.

[SueM in MN]

for every rude person, there are usually 9 nice ones.
And, I agree with freemore that the same people who are rude in the parks are probably rude everywhere else.

[ms_mckenna]

:( I am sorry to hear about your bad experience. This is a ride the kids usually ride without us. We wait with DS's wheelchair. The kids have never had a problem with someone being rude ... but it could be they did not notice it. They tend to be in a world of thier own when they are in Disney.
What we have taught the kids about rude people is at least when they are being rude to you or talking about you they are giving someone else a break. Meaning it would not matter who it was some people just need something to gripe about ... and they pick the easiest thing they can find.
Just asked DD and she said the only person that said anything to them was the CM. He said wow your wheelchair is not here ... guess you will just have to ride around again while we find it ... sad for you huh? wink :)

[twinmum]

We were at WDW in Nov with our twins, age 8. One of our sons has CP and was in his w/c. Every time we arrived at BTMR (and we did it a lot, it was his favourite!), we rode twice so we could catch up with his w/c. We didn't get any rude looks - I guess it helps to be 8 years old and cute! Occasionally during our trip, we did get the beginnings of a "hey, why are you getting ahead of me?!?" look from people, who sheepishly changed their look as soon as they saw a child with a wheelchair. Now, it shouldn't be any different for an adult in a w/c, but...

[SueM in MN]

Now, it shouldn't be any different for an adult in a w/c, but...
I did notice when my DD was little and cute that she got treated better.
I think she's still cute, but we have seen she gets treated differently (and I'm not sure if it's because she's no longer little and cute or because some people are less tolerant of wheelchairs in general than they were).

[GroovyWheeler]

My DH and I haven't gotten any rude comments directed at us/me, when we rode BTMRR, and we had to be let off where my wheelchair was. In fact, the funny thing is, he sometimes gets mistaken as my brother, because his physical disability is visible too (he has traumatic brain injury/cerebral palsy, and has use of only one arm), and is a year older than me (I'm 26, he's 27).

In fact, we had to laugh one time, going on the plane to Orlando. One of the flight attendants that was helping me, said to the other one (when he had asked me where the rest of my family was), "her brother is that man right there in front of her", as she pointed to my DH. As soon as I got to my seat, I started laughing. Once I told my DH that the flight attendant thought he was my brother, he laughed too. So did my mom, who was also with us on that trip.

Samantha

[Nadine&Scott]

DW and I are hoping to take her parents to DW next January. Her father can walk very short distances but will need a power scooter at DW. I am just going to try to act oblivious when rude people give us a crooked look or word. That said it still hurts. I try to keep the perspective "But for the grace of God go I". Too bad more people can't get their own heads out of their "you know what".

Scott

[Chuck S]

Big Thunder doesn't always switch boarding sides, it depends upon how many trains they are running at the time...if they are running an even number of trains they will use the same boarding side...if they have an odd number of trains running they will switch sides. Speaking from our experience (Mom in a manual chair) when they do switch sides, a CM has moved the chair to the other side while we are riding...and I've seen them do that with ECVs as well.

If they do direct you to go around again if they can not move your ECV for one reason or another...then do your best to ignore any negative reactions and discomfort you may feel from others. Their opinions really matter to no one except themselves. And you'll probably never see them again, anyway.

[BillSears]

I just smile and pretend I'm a celebrity... :rotfl2:

Sometimes I do get some weird looks but I don't worry about them. It's much easier to send me around a second time then to shut the ride down while they go get my wheelchair from the other side. Besides I didn't design the ride this way, I didn't make ony 5 trains run instead of 6, I didn't create the situation so it's not my fault and I shouldn't feel guilty about it.

[LindsayDunn228]

I just smile and pretend I'm a celebrity... :rotfl2:

Sometimes I do get some weird looks but I don't worry about them. It's much easier to send me around a second time then to shut the ride down while they go get my wheelchair from the other side. Besides I didn't design the ride this way, I didn't make ony 5 trains run instead of 6, I didn't create the situation so it's not my fault and I shouldn't feel guilty about it.
Same here :)

Especially on rides the RnR, if they saw the hubbub it takes for me to transfer, they would shut up about letting me ride twice. I mean seriously, how long do most of the rides last? Not long enough to get your drawers in a wad.

[cmwade77]

I use a personal motorized scooter when I go to theme parks, malls, or any other place with a lot of walking due to my leg. In the past, when my wife, sons (14/11), and I go to Thunder Mnt. Railroad, the handdicapped enterance ramp is at the exit. There are two loading/unloading areas. When you load at the handicapped area, after the ride is over, your train ends up at the other loading/unloading area. For me to get back to my scooter, I'd have to cross a railed area, and the ride track. So the only way to get back to the other side where my scooter is is to ride again (the train you're on always goes to the opposite side you started on). The CM told me to do this and have always been nice, but I can feel the strong glares/hear the murmurs from the other riders in line, even after the CM politely explanins the situation to them. Someone even said once that if you're disabled, you shouldn't go to theme parks and get "freebes". I got tired of feeling this way and putting my family through all of the rude crap, so I get them fast passes and wait for them at the bottom of the exit. Has anyone else experienced this type of thing at TMRR or any other attraction at a theme park?

I have to say that you shouldn't allow those who don't understand ruin the experience for you, I know that is hard, but really if they understood what kind of pain you were in they wouldn't say such things, I think you have EVERY right to go on any attraction that you want, as long as other health issues aren't present such as Heart, etc.

[tarkus]

I know I sound like a broken record (for the young a "record" is what music came on before CD and Mp3 ;) ) but to hell with what rude people who I will never see again think.

Use your ECV and enjoy your life.

Be Big,
Alan

[Carnator]

Well put, Will never see them again,so who cares

[Buzz Litebeer]

It's much easier to send me around a second time then to shut the ride down while they go get my wheelchair from the other side. Besides I didn't design the ride this way, I didn't make ony 5 trains run instead of 6, I didn't create the situation so it's not my fault and I shouldn't feel guilty about it.
Darn right! :)

[brady961]

I understand the feeling of how some ppl look or make comments. I use a scooter and mobility "challenged". So I too usually have to ride back (twice) to side my scooter is on if they are not running the train back to original side. I sometimes get that uncomfortable feeling, thinking what are those ppl thinking, feeling guilty cause a family will get split up as two will get on and other two have to wait cause I am on.

Feel about the same at RnR as I get on at the exit. So when get to boarding area ppl there usually don't understand why they can't get on and why i am already there. RnR almost always asks if I want to ride again but I normally say no. Again feeling little bad for those waiting in lines.

On the other hand, I will trade my scooter, my mobility disability with anyone that has healthy legs, stamina, balance etc... <G>

So I go ride, enjoy, and let that fleeting feeling of guilt roll off. Smile at those waiting and enjoy the second time around.

[ms_mckenna]

You know sadly it just occured to me that when we are on RnRC I never even look up and make eye contact with the people. Alex always rides in the front row and I ride with him or behind him when DD rides with him. I am always so into what we are doing that it never crosses my mind to look up at the people. Course the way I look at it a lot of those people are the same ones who cut in front of us when we were in the part that does the little pre show thing. Never fails we are always the last ones out the door in that area even if we went in first. So honestly it does not bother me if those people are ticked. Tacky I know.

[shovan]

We are pretty oblivious to the strange looks! It takes quite a lot of effort to load & unload my DH from most rides, I guess we just don't notice the nasty looks. We also travel there in "off" season, so I'm sure that must help.

[friendnc]

Thanks for the kind posts and support, everyone. I just don't want to sound like I'm a gripe-box. In the mid-80's, I had a lab instructor in college who was wheelchair-bound, and she always seemed overly sensitive and bitter. I vowed if I were to ever become disabled, I wouldn't allow that to happen to me. I didn't know then I'd be in an accident in '95. But since my accident, I've always remembered that lab instructor. When kids stair at me on my scooter, I just ask them, "You wanna race?", or something like that. Nearly every person I've ever come in contact with anywhere has been more than nice, including WDW and all other parks we've attended (with the occasional person walking out in front of my scooter as if I'm invisable :headache: ). But it just has seemed over the last several times we've gone to this one, single ride (BTNRR), it seems to be an issue. I think, too, other than my leg brace (which can not be seen at times depending on the ride I'm on), I look like a normal, healthy person. That might have something to do with some annoyed looks too. But I've always told my boys to always give others the benefit of the doubt about things before jumping to concolusions. You'll be right more times than not.

Sorry for the rambling. Again, thanks for the support and if you see a 41 year old guy with a tarheels cap and blue scooter in one of the Orlando parks, it's just me!!!

[LindsayDunn228]

When kids stair at me on my scooter, I just ask them, "You wanna race?", or something like that.

I am so glad you are not overly sensitive and bitter. That's awesome!! But to prove a "to each his own" kind of thing, I HATE it when people say the above to me.

[friendnc]

I am so glad you are not overly sensitive and better. That's awesome!! But to prove a "to each his own" kind of thing, I HATE it when people say the above to me.

I don't understand? Do others ask you if you "want to race"? I only ask children this, and seldom at that. It breaks the ice and they always get a kick out of it. :)

[LindsayDunn228]

I don't understand? Do others ask you if you "want to race"? I only ask children this, and seldom at that. It breaks the ice and they always get a kick out of it. :)
Yes they do. Kids, never. I especially hate the "hey you oughta put a motor on that thing!!" (I use a manual chair). Why, oh why, would a person need to address a perfect stranger, an adult no less, in that manner?

[BillSears]

Yea I get the "race" thing all of the time, especially if I'm walking down the hall with another wheelchair user. It's an easy way for me to tell if a person is an idiot right away. :sad2:

[LindsayDunn228]

Yea I get the "race" thing all of the time, especially if I'm walking down the hall with another wheelchair user. It's an easy way for me to tell if a person is an idiot right away. :sad2:
Amen!

[winniethepoohsmom]

We've gotten those looks on occasion, because my DS is autistic and sometimes at first glance he appears perfectly fine. I just ignore it, life is difficult enough with a disability, I won't let a strangers opinion of our situation ruin any part of our vacation. I once had a woman at hersheypark approach me as we were entering a ride at the exit and she was coming off, she told me we were going the wrong way and that we could'nt cut the line by going up the exit ( in a very unfriendly tone of voice) So I nicely responded yes you can if you have a disability pass. That shut her up and we went happily on our way. A friend of mine had business cards made up, I don't remember the exact wording but it went something like this. I noticed you noticing my son he is autistic and does'nt always do well in some situations we are working on his behavior issues what are you doing for yours? She gets her point across with out having to say anything and the people are usually dumbfounded and sometimes apolagetic. Luckily most people are more understanding and patient.

[friendnc]

We've gotten those looks on occasion, because my DS is autistic and sometimes at first glance he appears perfectly fine. I just ignore it, life is difficult enough with a disability, I won't let a strangers opinion of our situation ruin any part of our vacation. I once had a woman at hersheypark approach me as we were entering a ride at the exit and she was coming off, she told me we were going the wrong way and that we could'nt cut the line by going up the exit ( in a very unfriendly tone of voice) So I nicely responded yes you can if you have a disability pass. That shut her up and we went happily on our way. A friend of mine had business cards made up, I don't remember the exact wording but it went something like this. I noticed you noticing my son he is autistic and does'nt always do well in some situations we are working on his behavior issues what are you doing for yours? She gets her point across with out having to say anything and the people are usually dumbfounded and sometimes apolagetic. Luckily most people are more understanding and patient.

Yes, most people are really kind.

[friendnc]

Yes they do. Kids, never. I especially hate the "hey you oughta put a motor on that thing!!" (I use a manual chair). Why, oh why, would a person need to address a perfect stranger, an adult no less, in that manner?

I know what you mean (especially about the motor thing). But aht's not what I'm talking about. Imjust saying kids tend to be curious, and it sort of relaxes things. I've never addressed adults or other disabled persons. I just think that sometimes everyone invovled is a little uncomfortable on both sides, and if we can just do or say a little something to be friendly to break the ice or ease the moment, then it's good for all of us. If someone would make a comment to me I thought was a little odd, but sincerly trying to be friendly, I give them the benefit of the doubt and be friendly back rather than being offended or thinking their an idiot. I think eveyone wants to make connections. If we (disabled and non-disabled alike) can get past our defenses (me included), I guess we'll all have fewer experiences like I was talking about with BTMRR.:)

[LindsayDunn228]

I know what you mean (especially about the motor thing). But aht's not what I'm talking about. Imjust saying kids tend to be curious, and it sort of relaxes things. I've never addressed adults or other disabled persons. I just think that sometimes everyone invovled is a little uncomfortable on both sides, and if we can just do or say a little something to be friendly to break the ice or ease the moment, then it's good for all of us. If someone would make a comment to me I thought was a little odd, but sincerly trying to be friendly, I give them the benefit of the doubt and be friendly back rather than being offended or thinking their an idiot. I think eveyone wants to make connections. If we (disabled and non-disabled alike) can get past our defenses (me included), I guess we'll all have fewer experiences like I was talking about with BTMRR.:)

It's a whole different story when you get comments like the "motor" one when a car stops so you can cross to the parking lot at Staples. He rolled down his window as I passed and said this to me. Should he say this because he's uncomfortable stopping and letting me pass? Trying to break the ice or ease the moment? Come on. People CAN be idiots this way.

These comments don't offend me. They just make me think "oh brother," :sad2: kind of thing.

[friendnc]

It's a whole different story when you get comments like the "motor" one when a car stops so you can cross to the parking lot at Staples. He rolled down his window as I passed and said this to me. Should he say this because he's uncomfortable stopping and letting me pass? Trying to break the ice or ease the moment? Come on. People CAN be idiots this way.

These comments don't offend me. They just make me think "oh brother," :sad2: kind of thing.

I'm sounding like a broken record, but that type of comment in that context is NOT what I'm talking about. Clearly that was obnoxious and rude. But I'm NOT talking about those situations. It's obvious I didn't apply the "breaking the ice moment" to your type of situation. I mean, "come on"! ;) Seriously though, I'm just saying as those who aren't disabled have a responsiblilty to think before they speak or act, WE also have a responsiblity to not be hyper-sensitive and show others we are approachable and friendly. I know how I felt and thought before my disability, and I know now how it is to be disabled. There are discomforts on both sides and I always try to keep that in mind. I want people to ask me questions. Those types of exchanges are great. They're a great help to both sides to the issue. But if we get anal about every little stare or whatever, it makes us look like jerks/bitter/entitled. But, I'm NOT talking about the ones who make the "motor" comments in the contexted you stated, or the ones who darted the "you schouldn't go to theme parks..." comments at me, or those not disabled who get enraged at GAC's (This use to be REALLY bad at US/IOA before they got rid of GAC's). I really didn't mean for my post to go in this direction. :confused:

Anyway, thanks everyone for your thoughts and support. It's a great help! :goodvibes

[Tiiiigergirl]

I'm sounding like a broken record, but that type of comment in that context is NOT what I'm talking about. Clearly that was obnoxious and rude. But I'm NOT talking about those situations. It's obvious I didn't apply the "breaking the ice moment" to your type of situation. I mean, "come on"! ;) Seriously though, I'm just saying as those who aren't disabled have a responsiblilty to think before they speak or act, WE also have a responsiblity to not be hyper-sensitive and show others we are approachable and friendly. I know how I felt and thought before my disability, and I know now how it is to be disabled. There are discomforts on both sides and I always try to keep that in mind. I want people to ask me questions. Those types of exchanges are great. They're a great help to both sides to the issue. But if we get anal about every little stare or whatever, it makes us look like jerks/bitter/entitled. But, I'm NOT talking about the ones who make the "motor" comments in the contexted you stated, or the ones who darted the "you schouldn't go to theme parks..." comments at me, or those not disabled who get enraged at GAC's (This use to be REALLY bad at US/IOA before they got rid of GAC's). I really didn't mean for my post to go in this direction. :confused:

Anyway, thanks everyone for your thoughts and support. It's a great help! :goodvibes

Well said!:grouphug:

[SueM in MN]

This is a link to a really, really old disABILITIES Board thread, (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=15451) but it is interesting and is discussing some of the same issues.

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi folks

Sorry for staying out of this conversation for so long, but I had hip replacement surgery on March 5th, am in a rehab center, and only have dial up <GAG!> access to the internet.

I will just chime in with a few comments

Basically I don't care if I get strange looks from people.

However, if people make any comments at me, or even related to me but not directed toward me, I will very sweetly offer to give them my ECV "with the provision that you accept all the physical disabilities which make it necessary."

As far as the situation at BTMRR, I have never had any people question my riding a "second time".

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

I use a personal motorized scooter when I go to theme parks, malls, or any other place with a lot of walking due to my leg. In the past, when my wife, sons (14/11), and I go to Thunder Mnt. Railroad, the handdicapped enterance ramp is at the exit. There are two loading/unloading areas. When you load at the handicapped area, after the ride is over, your train ends up at the other loading/unloading area. For me to get back to my scooter, I'd have to cross a railed area, and the ride track. So the only way to get back to the other side where my scooter is is to ride again (the train you're on always goes to the opposite side you started on). The CM told me to do this and have always been nice, but I can feel the strong glares/hear the murmurs from the other riders in line, even after the CM politely explanins the situation to them. Someone even said once that if you're disabled, you shouldn't go to theme parks and get "freebes". I got tired of feeling this way and putting my family through all of the rude crap, so I get them fast passes and wait for them at the bottom of the exit. Has anyone else experienced this type of thing at TMRR or any other attraction at a theme park?


Don't pay any mind to what other people may say to you. The Money you paid to enjoy WDW with your family was just as green as theirs. If the CM instructs you to ride twice to get back to your scooter, you are just following the rules. When i had to right twice to get back to my scooter, my DD10 told one lady that made a snarky comment "I wish my daddy COULD walk to the other side". The lady hung her head and never said another word

[SueM in MN]

When i had to right twice to get back to my scooter, my DD10 told one lady that made a snarky comment "I wish my daddy COULD walk to the other side". The lady hung her head and never said another word
wise child::yes::