Just back--Few Thoughts/Observation

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Nothing like RADAR in the US. I do want to point out, though, too that it's perfectly easy to get a RADAR key without proving that you need it, or at least was a few years ago. I do need one, but rather than trying to sort it once I was over on holiday, I ordered one off the RADAR website and had it delivered to a friend in the UK. I could have had it delivered to the US, but it made more sense to send it to my friend since he was meeting me pretty immediately after I arrived. The only place where RADAR asked for proof of disability was if you wanted to have VAT-exemption. I've never particularly noticed anyone using a RADAR toilet that was kept locked who didn't have an obvious need, but I have seen mums with buggies using ones that were kept unlocked. (Luckily for me there are 2 or 3 RADAR toilets right next to each other where I've seen this, so it didn't cause problems for me.)

Actually that is a good point. It probably is easy to get a RADAR key.

 

[buffettgirl]

Pay toilets are awful.. You really do not want those! You have plenty of rest rooms in the US. I never have to worry about funding loose change!

The pay toilets were all removed sometime in the mid 70's, some by bans, some by other laws. Almost no one ever paid. It was a common sight in the ladies room to have a mom or grandmother send her own young kid (or any young kid in the vicinity) scampering under the door to unlock the stall from the inside so everyone could use it for free. Being a young child in the mid 70's I did my share of scampering. LOL

But I think they're different than the pay ones you have in the UK. these were actual pay locks on the doors of the individual stalls.

 

[North of Mouse]

Have not posted here before, but have been reading some of these posts, as I was truly interested to see what others do in these situations.

I have to say for elevators, we all wait turns. No special front of the line for anyone. For HC stalls in restrooms where there is a line, if there is no visible HC person in line near me, I will definitely head to the HC accessible stall.

 

[POOHsie]

Have not posted here before, but have been reading some of these posts, as I was truly interested to see what others do in these situations.

I have to say for elevators, we all wait turns. No special front of the line for anyone. For HC stalls in restrooms where there is a line, if there is no visible HC person in line near me, I will definitely head to the HC accessible stall.

Speaking of "we all wait turns for elevators," have you ever been on a cruise ship in an ECV, and tried to get on an elevator without an able-bodied companion at your side? My last cruise, in 2007, there was a bank of six elevators, 3 on each side. You could see which elevator was heading to your floor, and I would situate my ECV sort-of in front of that elevator so as to not block people who were getting off the car. As the crowd got off, a crowd of able-bodied would push to get on 'til the car was full, and my ECV was left behind. I got stuck in this situation for usually 20-30 minutes at a time, multiple times a day, every day. I talked to a crew member about this, and I was told that it was very common. He suggested a certain elevator in another area of the ship, where there wasn't a crowd. Sure enough, there were others there in wheelchairs and ECVs, waiting for the elevator. However, we were getting on the cars.

So no, I don't necessarily agree that "we all wait turns for elevators." At least, not on cruise ships. I don't plan to go on a cruise again because of the inaccessible elevators.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

The pay toilets were all removed sometime in the mid 70's, some by bans, some by other laws. Almost no one ever paid. It was a common sight in the ladies room to have a mom or grandmother send her own young kid (or any young kid in the vicinity) scampering under the door to unlock the stall from the inside so everyone could use it for free. Being a young child in the mid 70's I did my share of scampering. LOL

But I think they're different than the pay ones you have in the UK. these were actual pay locks on the doors of the individual stalls.

Lol re scampering I can just picture that. When the public telephones in the UK use to take old style coins in the 70s you could use a coat hanger to activate the machine for hours lol. It use to think a coin had gone in. Not that I as an innocent child did such a thing...also you could reverse the charges to another public pay phone and nobody would have the bill. A loophole of British Telecom...

 

[ttintagel]

The pay toilets were all removed sometime in the mid 70's, some by bans, some by other laws. Almost no one ever paid. It was a common sight in the ladies room to have a mom or grandmother send her own young kid (or any young kid in the vicinity) scampering under the door to unlock the stall from the inside so everyone could use it for free. Being a young child in the mid 70's I did my share of scampering. LOL

But I think they're different than the pay ones you have in the UK. these were actual pay locks on the doors of the individual stalls.

IIRC, it was during the same road trip in which I first went to WDW that I encountered my first pay toilet! And yes, as the youngest in the group, I was assigned to scamper duty!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

IIRC, it was during the same road trip in which I first went to WDW that I encountered my first pay toilet! And yes, as the youngest in the group, I was assigned to scamper duty!

And so it was the amazing spider child was forever known as Scamper....

 

[Piper]

Speaking of "we all wait turns for elevators," have you ever been on a cruise ship in an ECV, and tried to get on an elevator without an able-bodied companion at your side? My last cruise, in 2007, there was a bank of six elevators, 3 on each side. You could see which elevator was heading to your floor, and I would situate my ECV sort-of in front of that elevator so as to not block people who were getting off the car. As the crowd got off, a crowd of able-bodied would push to get on 'til the car was full, and my ECV was left behind. I got stuck in this situation for usually 20-30 minutes at a time, multiple times a day, every day. I talked to a crew member about this, and I was told that it was very common. He suggested a certain elevator in another area of the ship, where there wasn't a crowd. Sure enough, there were others there in wheelchairs and ECVs, waiting for the elevator. However, we were getting on the cars.

So no, I don't necessarily agree that "we all wait turns for elevators." At least, not on cruise ships. I don't plan to go on a cruise again because of the inaccessible elevators.

I didn't go down to dinner on my cruise last week when my sister had a migraine for the same reason. I tried for about 10 minutes to go down the elevator and finally gave up and ordered room service!

 

[crashbb]

Speaking of "we all wait turns for elevators," have you ever been on a cruise ship in an ECV, and tried to get on an elevator without an able-bodied companion at your side? My last cruise, in 2007, there was a bank of six elevators, 3 on each side. You could see which elevator was heading to your floor, and I would situate my ECV sort-of in front of that elevator so as to not block people who were getting off the car. As the crowd got off, a crowd of able-bodied would push to get on 'til the car was full, and my ECV was left behind. I got stuck in this situation for usually 20-30 minutes at a time, multiple times a day, every day. I talked to a crew member about this, and I was told that it was very common. He suggested a certain elevator in another area of the ship, where there wasn't a crowd. Sure enough, there were others there in wheelchairs and ECVs, waiting for the elevator. However, we were getting on the cars.

So no, I don't necessarily agree that "we all wait turns for elevators." At least, not on cruise ships. I don't plan to go on a cruise again because of the inaccessible elevators.

The "we all wait turns for elevators" still holds true. The problem is - the other people weren't waiting their turns! Waiting for your turn, doesn't work if you are the only one following the rule.

I've that complaint from other DCL cruisers too. It certainly stinks.

 

[North of Mouse]

Speaking of "we all wait turns for elevators," have you ever been on a cruise ship in an ECV, and tried to get on an elevator without an able-bodied companion at your side? My last cruise, in 2007, there was a bank of six elevators, 3 on each side. You could see which elevator was heading to your floor, and I would situate my ECV sort-of in front of that elevator so as to not block people who were getting off the car. As the crowd got off, a crowd of able-bodied would push to get on 'til the car was full, and my ECV was left behind. I got stuck in this situation for usually 20-30 minutes at a time, multiple times a day, every day. I talked to a crew member about this, and I was told that it was very common. He suggested a certain elevator in another area of the ship, where there wasn't a crowd. Sure enough, there were others there in wheelchairs and ECVs, waiting for the elevator. However, we were getting on the cars.

So no, I don't necessarily agree that "we all wait turns for elevators." At least, not on cruise ships. I don't plan to go on a cruise again because of the inaccessible elevators.

Sorry, but I guess you can't "fix" inconsiderate and downright discourteous people. There is the same "mob mentality" when people board metros, etc. I was taught to be considerate, and usually watch out for those that miss their "turns" and try to help them, but unfortunately for most people it's "push and shove".

The same thing about boarding elevators - I try to stand back a little ways to let others get off, and invariably the "impatients" around me will try to get ahead of me. Sorry you have to face this, but it does happen to considerate able bodied people also.

 

[POOHsie]

I didn't go down to dinner on my cruise last week when my sister had a migraine for the same reason. I tried for about 10 minutes to go down the elevator and finally gave up and ordered room service!

The "we all wait turns for elevators" still holds true. The problem is - the other people weren't waiting their turns! Waiting for your turn, doesn't work if you are the only one following the rule.

I've that complaint from other DCL cruisers too. It certainly stinks.

Sorry, but I guess you can't "fix" inconsiderate and downright discourteous people. There is the same "mob mentality" when people board metros, etc. I was taught to be considerate, and usually watch out for those that miss their "turns" and try to help them, but unfortunately for most people it's "push and shove".

The same thing about boarding elevators - I try to stand back a little ways to let others get off, and invariably the "impatients" around me will try to get ahead of me. Sorry you have to face this, but it does happen to considerate able bodied people also.

Glad(?) to know it wasn't just me with the cruise ship elevator problem. I am baffled why it occurs. I have been to big hotels, at big conventions, other places with large crowds waiting for the elevators, and always felt I had equal elevator access. Perhaps some people on cruise ships are intimidated by crowds and feel they have to "fend for themselves."

When I watched the videos from the Costa Concordia sinking, I imagined because I was in an ECV, I would be SOL getting assistance onto the lifeboats. Many able-bodied were left behind as the situation grew worse.

 

[Emagine]

I had a lady at a local mall get snotty with me this summer. She was coming in as we were leaving. One it is rare I even go shopping. But both of my kids are Autistic. You know, can not see type deal. Well my 10 yr old is the worst. Will bolt, anxiety etc... From the publics view I took strollers and now a 10 yr old boy to the larger stall with me.

I always try to do that with one or both boys. When we do go in public their safety is first. But yep, it happens.

 

[Threeboysandachickie]

This might sound a bit odd, but around here people leave the restroom doors open with the stroller in the open doorway essentially blocking the view. Until I had a disabled son who needed assistance with diapers as an older chid I never used the handicap stall. I even bring my seeing eye dog into the normal stall. Maybe people are more courteous here? Even at crowded sporting events where restroom lines are outrageous the large stall is left open for those who need it.

 

[Kellykins1218]

Maybe people are more courteous here? Even at crowded sporting events where restroom lines are outrageous the large stall is left open for those who need it.

You are just assuming that they don't need the stall. You don't get to make that call because, frankly, it's none of your business. You have no clue if they or their child has an unseen disability. My little ones "look" like typical kids that I could take into a regular stall. They aren't.

 

[Threeboysandachickie]

Sorry I offended you. I also haves severely impaired son that looks normal. When he is with me (8 year of boy in woman's restroom) we Use the handicap stall. I was just saying that you don't need to close the door on their babies in the regular stall. That was the point of the OP. Wedge the stroller in the doorway and don't use the handicap stall fora parking garage. Obviously if you as the parent need it, use it. Otherwise use common courtesy, and leave it available for someone who needs it. Seen handicap or invisible doesn't matter to me. I am blind and my son is severely impaired and incontinent. He looks completely normal, I get lots of weird vibes from other women for having a large 8 year old boy in the women's lounge. It just doesn't bother me that much anymore.

 

[Kellykins1218]

You didn't offend me & I'm sorry if it sounded like you had. I'm just frustrated with some of the people on here who seem to be under the impression that the handicap stall is exclusively for wheelchair use and that my kids' needs aren't as legitimate as their's. I'm really sorry if I was rude

 

[jahber]

Sorry I was just saying that you don't need to close the door on their babies in the regular stall. That was the point of the OP. Wedge the stroller in the doorway and don't use the handicap stall fora parking garage. Obviously if you as the parent need it, use it. Otherwise use common courtesy, and leave it available for someone who needs it.

??? Am I misunderstanding, or are you suggesting I leave the stall door open while I am attending to my private, ahem, feminine hygiene needs?

Because then those boys who genuinely have to be brought in the restroom (and I agree there are cases) might inadvertently see something their mamas don't want them to see. (And possibly be scarred for life )

Surely that's not what you are suggesting? How can that be more fair than a mom using a HA stall? It doesn't seem courteous at all to leave the door open. Yuck! But I must have misunderstood. Or maybe it's just me who's bothered by that idea.

 

[lanejudy]

This might sound a bit odd, but around here people leave the restroom doors open with the stroller in the open doorway essentially blocking the view.

I was just saying that you don't need to close the door on their babies in the regular stall. That was the point of the OP. Wedge the stroller in the doorway and don't use the handicap stall fora parking garage.

Sorry, I must disagree! It is not acceptable to encourage anyone to give up whatever modicum of privacy is provided by closing a stall door in a public restroom! A baby stroller in no way replaces the privacy provided by a stall door.

Besides, your restrooms must be designed differently. Around here, there is barely enough space to fit my knees without bumping the door, to try and "wedge" a baby stroller in that space would never work. It would stick out far enough to block the narrow hallway outside the stall doors and limit access to stalls further down the row.

 

[Threeboysandachickie]

If you wedge in the stroller no one can really see anything. IfI am having feminine issues or bowel emergencies I would find a family lounge or companion door when I had a stroller with me.. I also am not all that private, (four babies kind of made me loose all sense of bodily embarrassment). After all men use Urinals out in te open or in Europe they urinate against a steel trough. To me thats more disgusting if your dh needs to haul your daughter in there!! do men's restroom have handicap stalls? Do they have these same problems?

 

[POOHsie]

There are a few MK bathrooms whose HA stalls I have to leave the door open while entering with my scooter. They are about the same width as a regular stall, so there's no room to put your scooter in there. Lucky, they're at the end of the row, and not many people walk by, in terms of privacy.

One old bathroom is on the Town Square by City Hall, and the other (I think) is in the covered hallway between Adventureland and Frontierland, the hallway that comes out by LTT.