Anyone else notice the Electric Wheelchair abuse at WDW?

[arizonacolbys]

Yep - that's one of the times we have seen them. I doubt they are spending the money to rent these for the week, but it certainly seems like a trend that they are renting these for an evening of "joy-riding" and drinking around the world at Epcot. Never saw this happen at any of the other parks.

 

[MinnieM3]

I've been on both sides here. Normally go like most everyone else and walk nice and healthy-like! No problem.

Got breast cancer. Stage 3. Knocked my on my butt for a LONG time. (Still not quite back up to speed to tell you the truth...it's been about 5 months since my last treatment).

HAD to have a wheelchair when we took a couple of trips during this time (we all needed a break!). We used the manual ones from the resorts. Hubby or DS15 pushed. DS5 usually rode on my lap. It was NOT fun. I'd MUCH rather have been walking.

The view is awful and you actually get TIRED of sitting! Getting around in a store is terrible. I can't imagine anyone getting a wheelchair who didn't need one. They'd get tired of it quickly I'd think.

My "pushers" did their best, but I was constantly worried about clipping someone who was walking in front of me. If this did happen, I ALWAYS said I was so sorry, loudly, so they could hear. I did HATE it when people STOPPED right in front of me. Like they can't see me>?? So frustrating!

REally not much "front of the line" advantage except on a few rides in Fantasyland and BTMRR. I had to do pretty short days and we were slow getting around, so it did help us get through some rides for DS5 we may have missed.

We are going at Easter this year and I'm still debating about the wheelchair. I'km back to work (teacher), but rest EVERY day when I get home for a couple of hours. Weekends are usually resting also. I have my hair now and probably look healthy..... it just doesn't bother me anymore what people think. I know what's going on and I know I'll walk the WDW again!!

Beth

 

[ladydancer]

I'd take someone in a wheel chair any day then those idiots on cell phones. The biggest thing of course is driving while on a cell phone. I've had them run red lights, turn in front of me, cut me off, drive way below the speed limit ect. I even had a woman trying to carry a tray full of food and drink while talking on her cell phone in a resturant last week. Guess what her drink fell off her tray and spilled all over me. She said she was sorry while still talking on her phone. She never got off her cell phone the whole time. I think her sorry would have went along way if she thought it was more importatant to get off her phone to talk to me. Maybe offer to get me some napkins.

 

[BlessedMomOfTwo]

Thank you to Sue & all the others who so eloquently posted!

I used an ECV for our December trip. A month before our trip, I fell down our staircase & tore up my knee pretty badly. I am still having PT done. We didn't want to cancel our trip, so we decided to go with me using an ECV.

From experience, I can share that given the choice, I would have MUCH preferred not to use the ECV. It wasn't more convenient and there weren't any perks. Several times I wasn't able to sit with my family. Everything took much longer, etc.. We could have used the money we spent on it for other more fun things.

I had never used one before, so the first day we arrived, I spent a few hours practicing in the open areas at CSR. I was terrible at backing with it (I am with driving too, honestly), so I usually had dh back it onto the buses for me as it had to be backed on. On several occasions, the lifts didn't work so we had to wait for another bus, etc.. I didn't expect any special perks. I did hope to be treated with the same respect I show to others.

I was so worried I would bump someone. I actually had a big blister chewed on the inside of my lip from biting my lip due to worrying about bumping into someone. Usually I had my dh walk right in front of me pushing the stroller so that if I hit anyone, it would be him. Numerous people walked right in front of me, some of them even pushed their children in front of me. I am glad someone clarified that ECVs doen't have brakes. One night when a lady walked directly in front of me (leaving Fantasmic in a crowd where I was following close behind dh as we all filed out), her husband told her to watch where she was going. Her reply was that I could have used the brakes she KNEW I had to stop and let her cross. By that point, I didn't have the energy left to educate her that they do not.

The only person I bumped with it the whole week was my dd. I was so upset, I cried more than she did. I would have felt equally as awful if I had bumped any of you or your loved ones.

At times, I did park and walk to a few attractions in that area - mostly because I really disliked using the ECV but also try not to be in the way so much. Unfortunately my leg really swelled up, etc. so I had to use the ECV more.

I agree with those who say that you are "invisible" in a w/c or ECV. I have never felt so invisible in my life. I truly hope that I never have made anyone in a w/c or ECV feel as if they were invisible. I also had a few people make a few really ugly comments. I am overweight, however I have never had a problem walking at parks, etc. One lady that was behind me in a crowd said very loudly, "maybe if she didn't let herself get so fat, she could walk". Wow, did that hurt my feelings. I wish I could have not let it do so, but I confess that it did. After a while I was able to realize that my leg will heal, however the ugliness inside someone who would be so rude may never improve.

I met some great people while sitting the ECV/WC sections - some of whom were older, some with cancer or MD or post accidents just like me. Two were wounded veterans from Iraq & Afghanistan, in fact. I didn't come across anyone who seemed to be "taking advantage of using an ECV or electric wheelchair". Most were just happy to be at WDW and making the best of it.

To someone who is used to walking around on her own, the ECV was, frankly, a pain. I was so glad to see it go. I am so hoping that I won't have any need for it by the time our next trip comes in April. But without it, my family wouldn't have been able to go. I would have missed seeing my kids delight in all things Disney. I am glad that I didn't have to miss that. And I don't want anyone else to have to miss it either. I know I will always be extra patient from now on and try to help anyone in a w/c or ECV whenever I can. And I will appreciate my mobility. You don't realize what a blessing it is until you lose it.

Carol

 

[Immelman]

my daughter has ended up in a wheelchair for 4 weeks due to injury. we went to the MK on sunday and it was a fight. CM's were great, but my disdain of theme park guests hit a new low. old people in ECV's seemed to think they were more important than an 11 year-old in a wheelchair. WDW shouldn't rent them. if you need one bad enough, you should have to bring your own.

 

[kaytieeldr]

That being said, and I feel a little guilty for saying this because I am not grouping all people in ECV's in this category but I do get a little frustrated when I am trying to walk through the park and someone in an ECV will cut me off and nearly run over my feet and not even stop to apologize. I have also bee there with my boyfriend and his children (5 and 6 at the time) and on a few different occasions they were literally ran into by people on ECVs and no one apologized. It made me mad because while I feel that they may need that ECV I do not think that it gives them license to be reckless and disregard the people walking around them. I wouldn't intentionally cut off someone in an ECV or walk into them and if I did I would most definitely apologize and let them know it was an accident. I may get flamed but I think that the same thing can be said for alot of people who push strollers through the parks

In all fairness, ECVs are not easy to stop no matter HOW experienced one is at operating one. Combine that with that generally most people don't "see" the ECV and simply walk in front of it and yes, it's possible to accidentally run into someone. I run over at least one foot almost every trip. Last time, it was my own foot! Don't ask...

 

[minijeanie]

I think Disney should require a note from Dr. as well for regular wheelchairs as well...
the abuse is unbelievable..........

I have witnessed it time and time again..
And I majorily resent seeing a father in the wheelchair, then later on encountering the child in the wheelchair...only to see at the end of the night the packages in the wheelchair.

I also resent having my ride being stopped to let the "guilty Parties on"
Disney never questions this and I resent this totally..

One year I was in the Studios and all the strollers were rented out..therefore: people rented wheelchairs... and got on rides without waiting..
I witnessed this firsthand....so for me, I always doubt a person when I see them walking.

and yes, if the person is older, I don't even look the other way.
but I find obesity not a reason to have a wheelchair...

and that is my 2 cents

 

[bytheblood]

I saw a lot of people in wheelchairs that when they got out of them, they walked as great as I did. So I said to myself, the arthritis I have on my knees is pretty painful and I am not enjoying these 4 blisters. I hope the wheelchair is giving them comfort. Why must we judge situations we know nothing about?

I saw a lady pull up to the bldg in Frontierland or Adventureland to meet Woody and Jessie. She got out of that thing and made a bee-line for the characters. I thought to myself that in her excitement, she must have drummed up enough energy to get up those stairs to get in that door to meet those characters. She must really love Toy Story.

I refuse to assume that somebody is abusing the wheelchairs just because I am unable to see a physical defect. My knees kill me and there were times I would have loved to have one of those wheelchairs. I see there are lots of people that would judge me because my pain is not visible to the eye.

How sad for those who are so blessed to be able to stand all day without pain and be so strong that they can judge others.

 

[Kallison]

Oh brother here we go -- haven't read a single reply except the original post. My Mom uses a scooter, looks perfectly fine, has neuropathy in her feet and cannot walk for extended periods, but can depending on the hour get up and walk fine, through stores for snacks, etc. My MIL also uses a scooter and can walk fine, but has hip problems and lung capacityissues as a heavy smoker. She could never walk all day in the parks, or probably even from one end to the other. Neither one of them uses a scooter at any time except when at Disney because of all the walking involved.

 

[Figment1964]

I think Disney should require a note from Dr. as well for regular wheelchairs as well...
the abuse is unbelievable..........

I have witnessed it time and time again..
And I majorily resent seeing a father in the wheelchair, then later on encountering the child in the wheelchair...only to see at the end of the night the packages in the wheelchair.

I also resent having my ride being stopped to let the "guilty Parties on"
Disney never questions this and I resent this totally..

How should the CM's question the person in the wheelchair? Should the person be required to prove their disability at each ride?

One year I was in the Studios and all the strollers were rented out..therefore: people rented wheelchairs... and got on rides without waiting..
I witnessed this firsthand....so for me, I always doubt a person when I see them walking.

At the studios the lines are mainstreamed so wheelchairs go in line with the rest of the people waiting. The only true front-of-the-line benefits go to ill children on WISH trips and people who are on life sustaining equipment with battery packs to help shorten the time so their battery doesn't run down.

and yes, if the person is older, I don't even look the other way.
but I find obesity not a reason to have a wheelchair...

I'm not in a wheelchair and I'm not overly large but I do have a medical condition that makes gaining weight almost a given and weight loss almost impossible, so you never know what a large person's issues are...they very well may have something like diabetes or the chronic condition I have (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).

You can't always know what someone is dealing with just by looking at them. I have a son with high functioning autism who at first, and even second, glance looks perfectly normal. But spend a few minutes with him and you realize that he does have an invisible disability and will probably always have people make judgments about him because of that.

 

[Brikate]

I refuse to assume that somebody is abusing the wheelchairs just because I am unable to see a physical defect. My knees kill me and there were times I would have loved to have one of those wheelchairs. I see there are lots of people that would judge me because my pain is not visible to the eye.

How sad for those who are so blessed to be able to stand all day without pain and be so strong that they can judge others.

I applaud this statement!!!

DBiL lost part of his foot in a construction accident, and while he uses a cane to walk short distances, he needs the ECV for long park days. You can't see his disability. DSiL has asthma and severe allergies and while you can not see these breathing ailments, you will notice the weight she gained because of all of the meds she is on. You also won't be able to tell that one of their daughters had both of her knees replaced while the other was diagnosed with MS last year. Not one of them has an issue about walking, they are just not able to for long periods of time so they rented 1 ECV to share. DBiL is probably the most "needy" but he really would rather walk as much as he can. Next would be his daughter with MS, but she needs to walk sometimes to help her DH keep their 2 kids in line. So, when you are 'noticing' who YOU think looks most needy, we won't bother to notice your "resentment".
And for the record ... My D-inLaws have never used the "go to the head of the line" strategy. They have always parked the ECV and gone thru the line with everyone else.

and that MY 2 cents

 

[shellybaxter]

I think Disney should require a note from Dr. as well for regular wheelchairs as well...
the abuse is unbelievable..........

I have witnessed it time and time again..
And I majorily resent seeing a father in the wheelchair, then later on encountering the child in the wheelchair...only to see at the end of the night the packages in the wheelchair.

I also resent having my ride being stopped to let the "guilty Parties on"
Disney never questions this and I resent this totally..

One year I was in the Studios and all the strollers were rented out..therefore: people rented wheelchairs... and got on rides without waiting..
I witnessed this firsthand....so for me, I always doubt a person when I see them walking.

and yes, if the person is older, I don't even look the other way.
but I find obesity not a reason to have a wheelchair...

and that is my 2 cents

I think this might possibly be the meanest post I've ever seen. So sad that anyone could be so cynical. BTW - as an obese person with medical issues I have no desire to share with you, I will use an ECV whenever I need one and while I am able to do so, I will get up and walk short (or even longer) distances if its possible when ever I can. I'll not care what you think of me or whether you deem my reasoning sound as I rent my ECV, I'll be too busy enjoying Disneyworld in as little pain as possible.

Shelly

 

[JoannaOhio]

I also resent having my ride being stopped to let the "guilty Parties on". Disney never questions this and I resent this totally..

Let me apologize in advance for any inconvenience we may cause to anyone when we ask the CM to stop the ride at the Haunted Mansion for the time it takes to transfer my DD's fiancee from his electric wheelchair to the doom buggy in December. That is the only ride that he will leave his wheelchair for, and it wouldn't be safe to do the transfer without the ride coming to a complete standstill. His disability means that he (and probably myself, DD & DGD) will bypass many other rides. However, the Haunted Mansion is my DD's and my absolute favorite, and we want her beloved to be able to experience it on this, his first trip to Disney World, if at all possible.

This dear man is 42 years old, and has muscular dystrophy. My DD and I just met him last year, so it is only through extended conversations (and a few question and answer sessions that I've initiated), that we have some understanding of what he has gone through in the past 25 years as his abilities have deteriorated. Ten years ago he was still able to dress himself and drive his own van. Today he is unable to stand, even with assistance. He lives his life in a wheelchair or in bed, and must be dressed and undressed, and assisted onto the toilet and the shower bench. As long as he can sit at a table where he can rest his lower arms for leverage, he can still feed himself and lift a lightweight cup to his lips. He works fulltime, and has a prestigious job as vice president of a banking firm. He is charming, witty, upbeat, and a whole lot of fun to be with.

If everybody else on the Haunted Mansion ride has to sit in one place for an extra minute in order for him to share in the fun, I hope they will be as understanding as if it was one of their loved ones. Because of my own problems with CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome), Fibromyalgia and Arthritis, my DD will be pushing me in a manual wheelchair, while her fiancee adeptly maneuvers his way around Disney World, (with my 14-year-old DGD probably slouching along beside us, as teenagers are often wont to do). Being there the week before Christmas, we are likely to encounter crowded situations, and the possibility of people cutting in front of us, ignoring us, or just plain not seeing the two of us in wheelchairs. However, we are going to do our darndest to have a FABULOUS vacation!

 

[Maleficent2]

but not everyone that looks healthy are. Just because someone can get off of a ES and walk does not mean that they do not need tha ES to get around.

My SIL has Chronic fatigue syndrome and has to use a wheelchair or a ES to get around. She made her first and probably last trip to WDW last May and I would assume if you saw her you would think "that lady does not need that ES" but she does. If she did not have the ES or WC she would only be able to do very little then she would be down for days just to recover from the stress she put her body though.

My point is "you can not always tell a book by it's cover"


Mal

 

[Amy&Dan]

OMG I get so sick and tired of these posts! The judgemental attitudes of people who are lucky enough to be healthy never ceases to amaze me. Thanks to the people who feel this way, I doubt my sister who has MS will ever go to WDW with us. What a shame, we would have loved to have gone with her. She also won't use her handicap sticker on her car because she gets tired of people telling her she doesn't look handicapped enough! Get real people, yeah there are some bad apples who abuse the system but I see a lot more apples judging others than doing the contraband ECV ritual.

Note to JoannaOhio! I will gladly wait for your future son in law to get on Haunted Mansion. Such a big deal, that extra minute spent in the airconditioned ride!

 

[JoannaOhio]

Note to JoannaOhio! I will gladly wait for your future son in law to get on Haunted Mansion. Such a big deal, that extra minute spent in the airconditioned ride!

Thanks! And for the person who doesn't like to have the ride stopped while a disabled person is getting on, it's not like there isn't anything to look at while the ride is stopped. And we're all supposed to be there to have FUN, right??? If they think they have to be in such a hurry, how much fun can they be having? We know that we won't be able to do half of what's there on our trip, but we'll enjoy the heck out of what we do see and ride. We aren't going to let any spoil sports spoil our fun.

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

It's so sad that people can't seem to MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS!!! Be thankful you can walk around and enjoy your vacation. Don't waste your time being bitter!!!

Worry about yourself! It shouldn't be that hard!!

(BTW: We are very fortunate, we've never had to use a wheelchair. Try looking at it this way.)

 

[kaytieeldr]

I also resent having my ride being stopped to let the "guilty Parties on"
Disney never questions this and I resent this totally..

One year I was in the Studios and all the strollers were rented out..therefore: people rented wheelchairs... and got on rides without waiting..
I witnessed this firsthand....so for me, I always doubt a person when I see them walking.

and yes, if the person is older, I don't even look the other way.
but I find obesity not a reason to have a wheelchair...

and that is my 2 cents

Funny thing - there was an article in my local major-city paper today about a competitive figure skater. She started skating five years ago... when she was sixty. So age doesn't always figure into things...
At any rate, you frequently can't tell by looking as a person what their disability is. And Disney can't ask for proof of need due to privacy laws (HIPPA).

 

[disneydreamer98]

Comments and judgements like this is exactly the reason my Mom who has MS refuses to apply for a handicap parking tag or rent a electric scooter while we are at Disney or anywhere else for that matter. To all that do not know her, she looks perfectly healthy, but for anybody who knows anything about MS...she is far from it. She prefers to forfeit the use of an electric scooter to avoid nasty comments and dirty looks of strangers who have absolutely no right to judge her right to use it!

 

[crazyj4488]

OMG...don't get me started on this one. I've already had to defend myself from someone getting mad at my comment over this BS. I realize some people really need those things, but, for the most part, this situation only demonstrates how freaking lazy and overweight our society has gotten. I'm going to find a handheld device that sends a massive electrical shock to those things and then I'm going to zap every scooter abuser in the park with it. That'll force emm to get off their lazy arses and get a life. AGAIN, BEFORE I GET SCREAMED AT, I'm talking about the people that ABUSE the scooters...not the one's with legitimate use. I'm all for everyone having the same opportunity to enjoy themselves as someone fortunate enuff to be healthy like myself.

Read my SOLO trip report DAY 1 for my detailed experience with this annoyance. The link is shown in my sig. Crazy stuff!!!