Buses and people on scooters...

[yitbos96bb]

OP, I get what you're saying. In fact, had I never traveled with someone using an ECV, I may have even semi-felt the sae. But last December my dad came with us to WDW and boy oh boy were my eyes open.

I'll admit it. I was like "Woohoo! Dad can get us to the front of every line!!!" (before anyone gets mad at me, he was absolutely and legally disabled and unable to walk the parks.) The truth ended up being that our waits were often quite a bit longer than anyone else's...including for transportation. The buses can only take on two ECVs per busload. There were several times when we had to wait out a few buses before we could get on. And there was this weird tricky deal where the rest of the family was totally willing to stand in line like everyone else, but then we found ourselves in the situation where there would be room for us to get on but not him...and he needed assistance.

So I get where you're coming from. And I'm 100000% certain some people take advantage of ECV usage. But I would assume that's a teeny tiny minority and the rest legitimately require some extra accomodation.

I love the Front of Lines thinking of some people... because it really doesn't happen as much any more. Most of the newer rides are made to accomodate Wheelchairs and ECV.. They are wider, etc, so that 1) they don't need seperate entrances and 2) so the people in wheelchairs don't get nasty looks, etc. Its still prevalent in the Magic Kingdom, but hardly seen at all at DAK. I feel bad for the peopel who are confined to the chairs (as opposed to those who rent the ECVs but can walk enough to do the queue) as things can be tough for them at Disney.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Yes, be thankful that you're able bodied.

Also, the only time dh and I found we had to wait in uber long lines for the bus at the end of the day was when we went to WDW during free dining and stayed at a Value resort (All Stars). I never wanted to rent a car so bad than during that trip. lol. So I do know where the OP is coming from, but still, if you have just one trip with a disabled person in a w/c or ECV, it will be such an eye-opener for you. We've been there with my mom who needed an ECV and it definitely did not make things quicker for us. Quite the opposite actually. Not that I ever thought that people in wheelchairs had it better than me there, but it's not even equal.

Funny that you say that... That same scenario, minus the ECV, is why we ended up buying into DVC... I wanted the better resorts to avoid the bus lines more than anything. We ended up getting a cab a few times.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I am now really worried about my dad and when we go. He has to have a scooter. He is 67 and has really bad knees. It is painful for him to walk long distances. I hope that people will be nice and sprinkle pixie dust on him. He is looking forward to this trip and spending time with his grandsons. I really hope that people are not that rude to those who need a scooter.

In all my times, very rarely have I seen rude people about the ECVs... at least not blatantly, although I have heard some under the breath muttering when some see a Pooh Sized person on an ECV.

Honestly, I think the thing that probably irritates people about those on ECVs are the ones who can't drive them at all and either keep bumping into things or worse into people (I've had my shins bruised up due to an ECV and I'll be honest, I was not feeling too nice toward the person... they did apologize and I didn't say anything negative, but I wasn't happy with them... but accidents happen) ... Usually seems to be those who rent them that don't use one at home.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Don't worry, Jenn. You and your family will have a great time. In our week there we only had one less-than-magical experience regarding the ECV. A boat captain from the Wilderness Lodge made some comment to another employee about people not knowing how to drive them right after my dad had a hard time manuvering out of a tight spot. God bless my mom, though. She heard it and went straight up to them and said, "That's MY husband you're talking about. You better thing twice about who can hear your inappropriate comments."

Everyone else, though was so super nice. On that same boat later that night there was this guy who just kept telling my dad, "We're not going anywhere without you sir, so take as long as you need. Can I help?" He reassured him like 5 times and it brought tears to my eyes how kind he was. In hindsight, I wish I had his name so I could tell someone how compassionate he was. If we see him when we go back in August I'm going to hug him.

So don't worry. Your dad will do great. And let's not give the OP too hard of a time. It wasn't like she caused a scene at the bus stop about people abusing ECVs and how they didn't deserve to be on the bus. She was cool about it. It's okay to be miffed on the inside but mature on the outside. I think I strive for that balance in every day life.

I've felt the same way as those Wilderness lodge Cast Members when I worked at Disney, but you don't say stuff like that on stage for EXACTLY that reason. Stupid idiots... I hope you did a Guest Service complaint.

 

[Leajess99]

I just wanted to get other people's opinions regarding people on scooters and the Disney transportation buses.
I remember being at Disney a couple of years ago and waiting in the bus line at the end of our day at MK. The lineup was huge and people were hot and tired. The lineup was so long that it probably was about 3 busloads.
About 1 minute before the bus arrived, a couple, each on scooter, showed up at the "disabled" gate. Of course the driver got off the bus and then had to go through the whole routine of getting them on the bus and secured in positon before he allowed the able bodied passengers on.
Just because they ride on a scooter they get ahead of everyone else?
How is that justifiable? We have to stand in line after day on walking and being in the hot sun while they have been sitting down.....why shouldn't they have to wait like the rest of us?
Am I wrong to feel this way?

Yes you are wrong to feel this way. Because of comments like this I currently refuse to use the ECV even though it is extremely painful for me to walk the parks. I know I will never see many of these people outside of Disney but I am also very self conscious and it bothers me to have comments like this made. You have NO idea what any of these people suffers from so until you can actually put yourself in their place than you should really reconsider your feelings. As for the comment about them "sitting down", do you really know how much it sucks to miss out on things because they are often unable to walk?? Try this exercise, go to a very busy park or mall and sit in an ECV and check the sight out. How do you think it would feel to see people's backs, butts, etc as they walk in front of you and often ccould care less that you have to stop suddenly because they stepped in front of where you were already at?? I had to use the ECV in Walmart one day after my surgery and you know the greeter made a snide remark about me using it because I look "able bodied". I felt bad but when I turned it back in after we were done shopping I made sure to comment on how her hateful comments were rude and how I was sorry that I had just had major surgery 5 days earlier. Looks can be decieving because there are so many medical issues that are NOT visible.

BE THANKFUL THAT YOU ARE HEALTHY AND ABLE TO WALK WDW!!!!!

 

[Daydreamer64]

I am able bodied for the most part in my everyday activities. I have several health issues that I won't bother to go into, because it doesn't really matter to anyone but myself.

I never had to use an ECV until two years ago at the parks. I am pooh sized BECAUSE of my health issues, not because I am lazy and gained weight using an ECV.

It is mortifying to have to ride up to a loaded bus stop and go to the handicapped gate. You can feel the stares and anger of lots of hot and tired people. I try not to make eye contact because I can see people's frustration with the bus line treatment.

People who may not know that I waited for several buses to try to take my turn before I rolled up to the stop, or that I waited in the park as long as my issues allowed me to wait, until the lines died down so you wouldn't have to wait on me to load.

I understand- I used to be one of those people holding crying children who were exhausted, hot, and wearing on my nerves.

Please understand, it is upsetting and makes me feel bad. You may not say anything, and you may not even look mad but your inner feelings shine through in the looks that are given when you get on the bus.

It never fails, there's always someone who glares or makes comments. I had someone say under their breath that I might lose some weight if I got off of my butt and walked around from time to time. If they only knew the whole story, and how that one comment has stayed with me for years. Even my kids felt bad for me and they were just little at the time.

I am one of the people who use the ECV and park it in the stroller area, stand in the lines, ride several rides, and then get on the scooter to move to another area of the park.

You will see me get on and off of the ECV because sitting is painful, as is standing. I use it in this manner as this is the only way that I can tour the parks and have family time with my kids. I just am not able to go all day, I do not use the handicapped lines as they are at times, longer then they look and I am able to stand for limited amounts of time.

Sitting all day is not at all comfortable or less tiring then walking, just different parts of your body get sore. You sweat and stick to the seat, your arms hurt from holding them out in front of you to drive, your hands hurt from using the power and brakes, you back and neck hurts from leaning forward.

You'll get no scolding from me, but a gentle plea to try not to feel put out, using the ECV is not done to upset you. It's not personal, and for most of us, it's not done to try to get on the bus or on a the ride before your family.

It's expensive to rent the scooters and it takes extra time for everything, ALL day long, including stopping a thousand times on a dime, because people try to get in front of it to get to their destination.

Please try to understand.

 

[tink1969]

Thank-you all for your comments. I, by no means, meant to offend anyone.
Yes, I am very thankful that I am able bodied.
Maybe it's my own wheelchair bound Grandmother that spoiled me. Whenever we were out and about, she would wait like everyone else. She never expected to be put at the front of a line just because she was in a wheelchair. She would always say "I'm just a person like everyone else. The only difference is....I have wheels!".
And as some you commented, people can be irritated at the end of a long hot day. I have seen some rather unruly people loudly voice their opinions in those lineups and I do find that offensive.

 

[Chuck S]

Just wanted to note, too, for the person that commented about people loading onto a bus in an ECV and then taking a regular seat...that is also a safety recommendation that applies to ECVs and not to manual wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs are more easily secured, and have a lower center of gravity while occupied than does an ECV. Meaning, if the bus makes a sharp turn, a person in a properly secured manual wheelchair isn't apt to go flying out. This is not true of an ECV, you sit higher, and the ECV is heavier. Even when properly secured, a person sitting in that higher seat is likely to fall out and be injured or cause an injury to someone else, or worse, fall and have the ECV topple on top of them.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I don't think the OP was complaining about people using ECVs. I think it was more of an "I have to wait in line and you should too" type of thing. I agree with the OP- however it has been explained that they are loaded first because of safety reasons. So all of the "be grateful you can stand" remarks I think are a bit misdirected. Nobody is saying that they aren't grateful, just that they wanted the setup to be a bit fairer to everyone. Obviously it is done this way for a reason and now we know the reason.

 

[C.Ann]

2007 was my first time in WDW where a member of my family used a scooter.

Lots of good stuff said here, but I'll just add a few more:

1) Yes, 1st on a bus, but last off. When it's late, most of you "walkers" are back at your room while were still trying to get our family member off the bus.

2) On many days, we didn't get the first bus. There's only so much room for scooters. We had to let empty buses go and wait for the next one with a scooter slot open.

3) On rides, we often had to wait in a "back area" until they called us. Yes, you move to the front, but you still wait til they can accommodate you.

.

As for the comment about them "sitting down", do you really know how much it sucks to miss out on things because they are often unable to walk?? Try this exercise, go to a very busy park or mall and sit in an ECV and check the sight out. How do you think it would feel to see people's backs, butts, etc as they walk in front of you and often ccould care less that you have to stop suddenly because they stepped in front of where you were already at??

Looks can be decieving because there are so many medical issues that are NOT visible.

It is mortifying to have to ride up to a loaded bus stop and go to the handicapped gate. You can feel the stares and anger of lots of hot and tired people. I try not to make eye contact because I can see people's frustration with the bus line treatment.

People who may not know that I waited for several buses to try to take my turn before I rolled up to the stop, or that I waited in the park as long as my issues allowed me to wait, until the lines died down so you wouldn't have to wait on me to load.

I understand- I used to be one of those people holding crying children who were exhausted, hot, and wearing on my nerves.

Please understand, it is upsetting and makes me feel bad. You may not say anything, and you may not even look mad but your inner feelings shine through in the looks that are given when you get on the bus.

It never fails, there's always someone who glares or makes comments. I had someone say under their breath that I might lose some weight if I got off of my butt and walked around from tie to time. If they only knew the whole story, and how that one comment has stayed with me for years. Even my kids felt bad for me and they were just little at the time.


Sitting all day is not at all comfortable or less tiring then walking, just different parts of your body get sore. You sweat and stick to the seat, your arms hurt from holding them out in front of you to drive, your hands hurt from using the power and brakes, you back and neck hurts from leaning forward.

You'll get no scolding from me, but a gentle plea to try not to feel put out, using the ECV is not done to upset you. it's not personal, and for most of us, it's not done to try to get on the bus or on a the ride before your family.

It's expensive to rent the scooters and it takes extra time for everything, ALL day long, including stopping a thousand times on a dime, because people try to get in front of it to get to their destination.

Please try to understand.

-----------------

All of the above has been explained quite nicely - and pretty much sums up the experiences my sister and I had when I treated her to a trip to WDW when it was all decked out for Christmas and I had to rent an ECV for her..

I'm not going to re-live those experiences - because I still find them so upsetting.. I will just say that my sister went out of her way to not inconvenience others and was treated very rudely for all of her efforts.. Many of the comments were downright cruel.. She suffers from a host of health issues - including post polio syndrome - but because people can't "see" a leg in a cast; a full head/neck brace screwed into her skull; missing limbs; etc. - it's "assumed" she need not be in an ECV..

The next time you feel yourself getting frustrated and angry, remember what has been quoted in the posts above.. It's not "easy"; it's not "fun"; it's not convenient; and it's certainly not "quicker" - in any way, shape, or form..

 

[Candikayne]

Don't feel bad. Those same idiots who try to step over your mother try to step over our strollers. We are careful and polite with our strollers and don't ram into anyone etc. However I did have to set some guy straight for stepping over our kids. Sorry jerky, I do not want your manparts in their face.

.....Manparts in their face...............OMG....
That's the funniest thing I've ever read on the boards....and I can relate I've been taking my kids to Disney for years....and that's happened to my kids too!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I'm telling you I should have shot those parts with a water gun! That would have made him think twice the next time!

 

[Candikayne]

Thank-you all for your comments. I, by no means, meant to offend anyone.
Yes, I am very thankful that I am able bodied.
Maybe it's my own wheelchair bound Grandmother that spoiled me. Whenever we were out and about, she would wait like everyone else. She never expected to be put at the front of a line just because she was in a wheelchair. She would always say "I'm just a person like everyone else. The only difference is....I have wheels!".
And as some you commented, people can be irritated at the end of a long hot day. I have seen some rather unruly people loudly voice their opinions in those lineups and I do find that offensive.

I did not gather from your post that you were offensive or in any way ungrateful about having legs that work. I don't understand what waiting in line for your turn to get on the bus has to do with taking your legs for granted. Personally I never noticed ECVs and Wheelchairs "skipping" me in line at the bus stop. But with a sleeping toddler, I might be a little ticked if I did....especially after a long day in the park and the mad rush after Fantasmic or illuminations. Just my opinion....and yes I am thankful for legs that work.

 

[Candikayne]

I'm telling you I should have shot those parts with a water gun! That would have made him think twice the next time!

You have me rolling with laughter in Brooklyn....Mouse House Mama....you are tooooooo funny.....

....water gun......

I have never laughed outloud at the Disboards in my life.......until today!!!

 

[3_disprincesses]

I have to say that I have seen many times when someone on an ECV or wheelchair pulled up to a bus stop and were loaded on a bus immediately while people that had been waiting for quite awhile had to wait for the next bus. But the part of it that is irritating is, as a pp stated, there will be 10 able bodied, walking people with one person riding! That is what I have seen most people get aggravated with. We go in groups and we split up when necessary. There is no reason for those 10 people to get on that one bus when so many others have been already waiting in line! It doesn't take that many people to assist one person. The rest of the party needs to get in line with everybody else.

 

[Chuck S]

I have to say that I have seen many times when someone on an ECV or wheelchair pulled up to a bus stop and were loaded on a bus immediately while people that had been waiting for quite awhile had to wait for the next bus. But the part of it that is irritating is, as a pp stated, there will be 10 able bodied, walking people with one person riding! That is what I have seen most people get aggravated with. We go in groups and we split up when necessary. There is no reason for those 10 people to get on that one bus when so many others have been already waiting in line! It doesn't take that many people to assist one person. The rest of the party needs to get in line with everybody else.

Why? Really, why should a party or family be split up because one person is in an ECV or wheelchair? Are you forcibly separated from your family at Disney just to be able to ride the bus? My guess would be no. If safety requires ECVs and wheelchairs to board first, then their entire party should be on the same bus...now, the entire party doesn't need to be guaranteed seats, but they should not be separated.

 

[phorsenuf]

One year my husband and I went to Kona Cafe at the Poly for dinner. I use a scooter at Disney because I have trouble walking (MS). After diner we went to the bus stop. A bus came by but we couldn't get on because it was full. No problem, we'll wait for the next one. The next one showed up and again packed, driver said sorry. After an hour, yes an hour of waiting we still could not get on a bus because there were already people on it so we couldn't be loaded. Finally after getting real ticked the last driver called dispatch and sent a bus for us. We were just about to call a cab.

So no, we don't always get to get on right away. It's especially difficult when you stay at a larger resort where the bus makes the resort loop and then gets to the stop I may be at. Sometimes they let me on, sometimes not. Not fun, not fun at all.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have to say that I have seen many times when someone on an ECV or wheelchair pulled up to a bus stop and were loaded on a bus immediately while people that had been waiting for quite awhile had to wait for the next bus. But the part of it that is irritating is, as a pp stated, there will be 10 able bodied, walking people with one person riding! That is what I have seen most people get aggravated with. We go in groups and we split up when necessary. There is no reason for those 10 people to get on that one bus when so many others have been already waiting in line! It doesn't take that many people to assist one person. The rest of the party needs to get in line with everybody else.

So what you are saying is that people who use wheelchairs or ECVs lose the right to vacation with their family as a family. How would you feel if you had to either watch the rest of you family board a bus, leaving you behind whaiting for a bus that has room for you and your chair, or if you had to board a bus and leave the rest of your family behind you? The thought of it doesn't give me the warm fuzzies.

People who use ECVs at Disney already have a lot to contend with. I think the rest of us can well afford to let them vacation with their family as a whole, even if it means we have to wait a few more minutes for a bus.

 

[Fletchmonger]

I say get in line and wait like everyone else. Just because you have trouble walking dosen't mean you should have trouble waiting in line. Since when does any dissability give you preference or special treatment. I was always taught that everyone is equal weather they have two arms or one, two legs or none. I say get in line and be a customer like everyone else. If you have to wait to travel with your family, so be it, WAIT, just like the rest of us who travel in large groups or with our families. Disabillities or inabillites, remember, you are on vacation to enjoy yourself.

In case you are wondering, I am not cold hearted. I have given up my place in line before at Disney. My family and I were waiting in line to get a picture with Donald and Daisy Duck. As any regular traveler to Disney knows, Daisy is rarely seen together with Donald. Any way, there was a "make a wish" child behind us and they told us we would be the last to get a photo with D&D, then they were taking a break. We let them go ahead and we waited until they came out again for our photo op.

So, Hopping to the front of the line is OK by me, if you are willing to ask permission of everyone in line. You would be surprised by the result, but to pull up on your buggy and expect preferential treatment.........I don't agree.

 

[phorsenuf]

I say get in line and wait like everyone else. Just because you have trouble walking dosen't mean you should have trouble waiting in line. Since when does any dissability give you preference or special treatment. I was always taught that everyone is equal weather they have two arms or one, two legs or none. I say get in line and be a customer like everyone else.

In case you are wondering, I am not cold hearted. I have given up my place in line before at Disney. My family and I were waiting in line to get a picture with Donald and Daisy Duck. As any regular traveler to Disney knows, Daisy is rarely seen together with Donald. Any way, there was a "make a wish" child behind us and they told us we would be the last to get a photo with D&D, then they were taking a break. We let them go ahead and we waited until they came out again for our photo op.

So, Hopping to the front of the line is OK by me, if you are willing to ask permission of everyone in line. You would be surprised by the result, but to pull up on your buggy and expect preferential treatment.........I don't agree.

The problem with waiting in line is if say half a busload of people get on and then it's my turn I can't be loaded unless they make everyone get off the bus first so now I would have to wait for the next bus and hopefully get on that one. How is that then fair? Or would you prefer they load me and I run over every ones feet because the aisles are so narrow. It really is a no win situation for anyone.