I have not posted much in the last week - super busy at work, stressed at home and doing some Beta testing for some software.
Also, I've been watching some of the 'bashing' threads on other boards that have been going on in the last few weeks. One that started out about people not giving up their seats on the bus to people with children and deteriorated into a rant against people using
ECVs.
Anyway, I just want to highlight a couple of points people have posted that I think are important.
No, it is not just you.
The queue itself is rather long. And then you have to cross the theater(atleast I also do). The CM's always direct me to the opposite side of the theater. I have seen CM's drive the
ECV's out the exit to the stroller parking area. But to my knowledge you have to return(walk) to the ECV after the show-the ECV is not brought back to you. It could be "challenging" to manage the crowds pushing to exit the doors after the show. The Cm's are always "rushing" people out of the theater to prepare for the next show. So I don't know that even "hanging" back until the crowd leaves would work.
Something else to consider is the seats are bleacher seats. So you will most likely have to manage atleast a few stairs.
I just don't know a solution that works for "everyone".
We usually do hang back and leave when most most the crowd is gone, so I know that does work. I would highly recommend it.
One of the things Disney could do that would be helpful for people is to give more information. For some people, it doesn't matter what type of seat there is; it's just the distance walked that is the problem.
For other people, a bench seat is a 'dealbreaker', even if the walk is short.
But, Disney doesn't provide that information.
It would also be helpful if Disney gave information about how long shows are. They used to, but haven't recently.
I do have pictures of everything I could get pictures of at WDW. So, I have pictures of almost all ride cars and show seating. I have some queue photos, but in many cases, it's hard to get pictures of the queue.
Most of them are not posted online yet (I have something over 700 of those pictures).
Maybe a good litmus test for ECV users is to think what they would do if they were told all of the spaces were taken. Would they get up and walk in or would they come back for the next show?
Obviously if you need the spot then you should certainly use it. If you can reasonably not take up a "wheeled" spot then please leave it open for those who don't have the choice of walking to a seat.
I think that is a reasonable litmus test, basing it on whether the person thinks they would be able to manage without their ECV or wheelchair.
I think people assume that a person with an ECV is more able to transfer than a person with a wheelchair. I suppose that most people with rented manual chairs have some ability to transfer as well.
I notice that there is a lot of hating on the boards recently about anyone who takes advantage... and people with disabilities are seen as perpetually taking advantage of hte system. I get it with my custom manual chair, because i can still do a stand and pivot transfer - so obviously i do not need the chair!
I think it all comes down to courtesy. Anyone who can transfer without injuring themselves or causing themselves pain, it would be polite to try to do so. If a person cannot transfer, due to type of seating or distance walked or whatever, then they stay in their wheeled vehicle, and that is that...
Agree.
Yes. I do assume people in ECV's and rented manual wheelchairs are able to transfer. I assume so because many are rented in the parks and I wonder how people are able to get from the bus, monorail, car, boat, etc. without the aid of these devices.
If they are able to get from point a to point b without the assistance... then I assume a short walk to a seat would also be feasible.
Perhaps I am wrong in my assumption that the vast majority of ECV users are capable of transferring, but choose not to. My son does not have that option..... and clearly there are ECV users who do not have that option either.
I think the OP's point was that IF you can transfer....then please consider doing so because there are some people who don't have the luxury of that option.
I don't read enough of the boards to hear of any ECV bashing....... but I'm not surprised. If often shocks me that people are "jealous" of my son's disability and want the same kind of "perks". People think the accessible entrance is some kind of magic portal to a secret kingdom.... and I was asked by another guest "what do I have to do to get that special treatment?"
We have heard the "special treatment" comments too.
It's hard to not become frustrated when you arrive at what should be time enough to get into a show and can't go in because the only seats that can accommodate us are full. It's even worse when you can see people walking in - sometimes lots of people.
That has happened to us quite a few times over the years.
I do think that, as other posters have mentioned, it is reasonable to suggest people consider their situation and whether or not they would be able to park their mobility device and walk in.
The problems come with not having enough information to make an informed decision. Disney could do a much better job of providing information to help with that.
so I haven't seen Festival of the Lion King in a while. I once tried using a wheelchair as a walker - at Star Tours - but too much strain on my shoulders. Now, if Disney would provide me with a shopping cart so I can cross my forearms and parallel them to the cart's handle...
