Buses and people on scooters...

[Vijoge]

I did however notice on our last trip plenty of people at disney that could cleary walk use these.

I've never met anyone who uses an ECV who cannot walk. People who can't walk use wheelchairs.

 

[badblackpug]

But the problem is, there really isn't a middle of the road method that would provide for the safety of all guests for loading/unloading that also would provide equal wait times, at least not using existing busses. As discussed earlier in the thread, it could be done, either through new technologies (monorails, light rail, etc.) or adding a lot more busses (maybe some dedicated for guests on wheels, and others dedicated to ambulatory guests) to routes, either solution would be extremely expensive, and Disney would need to recoup that cost somewhere, either through park ticket media or room rates.

I really think, given their available options, Disney has a good, though not perfect, transportation system.

Yep, I agree, it is an imperfect system, but it is what we've got! I'm just saying I understand the feelings of frustration. There is no "perfect" solution to this situation.

 

[C.Ann]

You aren't missing anything (although, there is room for a maximum of 2, so a 3rd to arrive would be out of luck).
Other than that small correction, you are not missing anything.

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

Good.. I thought I was imagining things when I didn't see where there were any priorities given..

I could have sworn we took one bus though that had room for 3 (or maybe 2 E's and 1 wheelchair?).. Doesn't really matter though - the fact is there is only a very, very limited amount of space available on each bus for those using scooters or wheelchairs..

I'd also like to add that I personally have never seen "10 family members" hop on with the one disabled person during any of my trips to WDW.. Either it happens very, very rarely - or it's being exaggerated.. The one thing I'm positive of is that it was NOT a pleasant experience for my sister and she would have sold the family farm to be able to walk around like everyone else..

 

[SueM in MN]

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

Good.. I thought I was imagining things when I didn't see where there were any priorities given..

I could have sworn we took one bus though that had room for 3 (or maybe 2 E's and 1 wheelchair?).. Doesn't really matter though - the fact is there is only a very, very limited amount of space available on each bus for those using scooters or wheelchairs..

I'd also like to add that I personally have never seen "10 family members" hop on with the one disabled person during any of my trips to WDW.. Either it happens very, very rarely - or it's being exaggerated.. The one thing I'm positive of is that it was NOT a pleasant experience for my sister and she would have sold the family farm to be able to walk around like everyone else..

We've been riding the buses with a wheelchair for 20 years and I can tell you that I have never seen a regular bus that has more than 2 spaces. What you may have seen is sometimes there will be 2 people using the 2 wheelchair/ECV spots and then someone else who is able to leave their wheelchair and sit in a bus seat, with another member of their party holding the folded wheelchair. That has happened a few times on buses when we have been on.

There are some dedicated wheelchair buses (I think there is only one or 2) that can hold more wheelchairs/ECVs, but then there is not much space for other members of their party not in wheelchairs. Those are used for special situations where there might be a party that has 3 or more people all using scooters/wheelchairs.

 

[KathyTX]

This topic has compelled me to sign up and post. First of all before I even get started on the topic itself. I need to be given the description of what a moderator is supposed to do. I have always thought that a moderator of any sort is to do just that; moderate. Moderators are to keep the dialogue open on both sides so opposing views are equally given, NOT give their opinion. You have taken the topic as your own and tipped the scale to one side. Chuck S and Sue M from MN should moderate and not give their opinions or observations. If you both want to give opinions, then you should give up you moderate positions.:confused

While your definition of moderator may apply to those who moderate political debates, it doesn't describe our moderators here. Here, they are hosts and participants, and we encourage them to post and share ideas and opinions.

 

[mickeyncldkd]

Well, I can say that I felt the same way until my father-in-law decide not use the ECV due to being a hippocrat in the past. He miss our trip due to not wanting to use the ECV. He miss a great time with my kids and his daughter. I felt sorry for him missing time with his grandkids and his daughter, he only sees them 2-3x year. I can say that being patience makes a difference for everyone involve. The people using ECV, I think are appreciate of everyone being patient instead of being impatient.

 

[maxiesmom]

To all of the people complaining about having to wait for ECVs to load, or who feel cheated because they are loaded on the bus first: You have a solution to your problem. Drive yourselves to the parks, don't use the busses. That way, you don't have to wait in line, and you won't feel cheated if an ECV pulls up and gets on the bus before you do. No one says that you have to use the busses at Disney. If you don't like the way they operate, or if you find using them frustrating, then don't use them.

If you do choose the use the busses, then please don't make nasty comments or shoot dirty looks at those using ECVs. It is beyond childish.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

To all of the people complaining about having to wait for ECVs to load, or who feel cheated because they are loaded on the bus first: You have a solution to your problem. Drive yourselves to the parks, don't use the busses. That way, you don't have to wait in line, and you won't feel cheated if an ECV pulls up and gets on the bus before you do. No one says that you have to use the busses at Disney. If you don't like the way they operate, or if you find using them frustrating, then don't use them.

If you do choose the use the busses, then please don't make nasty comments or shoot dirty looks at those using ECVs. It is beyond childish.

Wow.

 

[mwatson011]

To respond to the initial post in this thread, I must admit that I was heated when, as you stated, the bus pulled up, a disabled girl and her family had just approached the bus, and were loaded while everyone else waited, my dd2 and dd3 included. I was angry they got on first, and angry they were taking so long, and angry we had to wait. Then we got on the bus, and we were seated facing the girl in the wheelchair. I don't know what she suffered from, but her face was slightly twisted and her motions were not fully controlled. She was about 7 and I felt so bad for her. I felt even more blessed that my children are healthy. She was smiling and singing, and before long my dd3 joined her. She and my dd3 giggled and played the whole trip, and when we were getting off the bus and the disabled girl and her family were waiting for all of us to unload before they could, the mother looked at me with tears in her eyes and said thank you. I could have cried. I almost did. There are so many more important things in life than who gets on the bus first.

This is such a controversial topic, whether someone really needs an ecv. The OP stated that she hobbled around the park in pain all day because she didn't think she needed an ecv. I would not choose to hobble around several miles in heat and humidity and crowds, and I don't think that makes me lazy.

We will be in WDW in December, and my mother will "need" an ecv. She has had two unsuccessful knee replacements, diabetes, lupus, rheumatiod arthritis, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, and the list goes on... She is not totally disabled, she can walk short distances, but it pains her to get in or out of a car, or to walk up or down steps. We figure she will be out of commission for a good two days after the airplane trip. So, we decided that she will "need" an ecv for our trip.

I called a rental store to inquire about questions/prices, and the gentleman kept me on the phone for a good 20 minutes explaining about the Disney bus system, how bus drivers will leave us behind, tell us we don't fit, tell us their lift doesn't work, and how to handle it. What a way to start a vacation, in anticipation of discrimination and lies and laziness because my mother "needs" and ecv.

I think the "fakers" as you say, will get what they deserve in the end, so don't worry about them, enjoy your trip, and be mindful of those around you, and everyone should have a great time.

 

[SueM in MN]

To respond to the initial post in this thread, I must admit that I was heated when, as you stated, the bus pulled up, a disabled girl and her family had just approached the bus, and were loaded while everyone else waited, my dd2 and dd3 included. I was angry they got on first, and angry they were taking so long, and angry we had to wait. Then we got on the bus, and we were seated facing the girl in the wheelchair. I don't know what she suffered from, but her face was slightly twisted and her motions were not fully controlled. She was about 7 and I felt so bad for her. I felt even more blessed that my children are healthy. She was smiling and singing, and before long my dd3 joined her. She and my dd3 giggled and played the whole trip, and when we were getting off the bus and the disabled girl and her family were waiting for all of us to unload before they could, the mother looked at me with tears in her eyes and said thank you. I could have cried. I almost did. There are so many more important things in life than who gets on the bus first.

This is such a controversial topic, whether someone really needs an ecv. The OP stated that she hobbled around the park in pain all day because she didn't think she needed an ecv. I would not choose to hobble around several miles in heat and humidity and crowds, and I don't think that makes me lazy.

We will be in WDW in December, and my mother will "need" an ecv. She has had two unsuccessful knee replacements, diabetes, lupus, rheumatiod arthritis, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, and the list goes on... She is not totally disabled, she can walk short distances, but it pains her to get in or out of a car, or to walk up or down steps. We figure she will be out of commission for a good two days after the airplane trip. So, we decided that she will "need" an ecv for our trip.

I called a rental store to inquire about questions/prices, and the gentleman kept me on the phone for a good 20 minutes explaining about the Disney bus system, how bus drivers will leave us behind, tell us we don't fit, tell us their lift doesn't work, and how to handle it. What a way to start a vacation, in anticipation of discrimination and lies and laziness because my mother "needs" and ecv.

I think the "fakers" as you say, will get what they deserve in the end, so don't worry about them, enjoy your trip, and be mindful of those around you, and everyone should have a great time.

 

[C.Ann]

To respond to the initial post in this thread, I must admit that I was heated when, as you stated, the bus pulled up, a disabled girl and her family had just approached the bus, and were loaded while everyone else waited, my dd2 and dd3 included. I was angry they got on first, and angry they were taking so long, and angry we had to wait. Then we got on the bus, and we were seated facing the girl in the wheelchair. I don't know what she suffered from, but her face was slightly twisted and her motions were not fully controlled. She was about 7 and I felt so bad for her. I felt even more blessed that my children are healthy. She was smiling and singing, and before long my dd3 joined her. She and my dd3 giggled and played the whole trip, and when we were getting off the bus and the disabled girl and her family were waiting for all of us to unload before they could, the mother looked at me with tears in her eyes and said thank you. I could have cried. I almost did. There are so many more important things in life than who gets on the bus first.

This is such a controversial topic, whether someone really needs an ecv. The OP stated that she hobbled around the park in pain all day because she didn't think she needed an ecv. I would not choose to hobble around several miles in heat and humidity and crowds, and I don't think that makes me lazy.

We will be in WDW in December, and my mother will "need" an ecv. She has had two unsuccessful knee replacements, diabetes, lupus, rheumatiod arthritis, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, and the list goes on... She is not totally disabled, she can walk short distances, but it pains her to get in or out of a car, or to walk up or down steps. We figure she will be out of commission for a good two days after the airplane trip. So, we decided that she will "need" an ecv for our trip.

I called a rental store to inquire about questions/prices, and the gentleman kept me on the phone for a good 20 minutes explaining about the Disney bus system, how bus drivers will leave us behind, tell us we don't fit, tell us their lift doesn't work, and how to handle it. What a way to start a vacation, in anticipation of discrimination and lies and laziness because my mother "needs" and ecv.

I think the "fakers" as you say, will get what they deserve in the end, so don't worry about them, enjoy your trip, and be mindful of those around you, and everyone should have a great time.

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

Excellent post!

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

People should not be jumping to conclusions about "why" people are in ECV's (unless of course they are proficient in mind reading).. Waiting for 2 ECV's to be boarded on the bus first - for the safety of all passengers - is so minor in the grand scheme of things.. I just can't imagine it causing so much aggravation that people are still complaining about it long after their vacation is over.. Wouldn't it make more sense for people to focus on the "positives" of their WDW vacations - as opposed to coming home and stewing indefinitely over the negatives??

It's been called "The Happiest Place On Earth".. How about coming home and being happy that you were able to go at all?

 

[kpadalik]

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?

This sounds very similar to a thread I posted a while back. Here's a copy of it.

I'm a little behind in listening to last week's shows, but I just finished the email show and wanted to discuss something I saw at one of the resorts. Now, I am not passing judgment or looking for flames. This is simply something I OBSERVED and I would like to know what everyone's opinions are on this. I am especially interested in hearing what Kevin and/or Pete have to say. If anyone thinks that I am writing this to complain or B**** about people in wheelchairs, then please go to another thread, because that's not what this is about.

In early December, we were standing in line for the MK bus at POP Century. The line was long, one bus had come and gone, and a new bus arrived after about 10 minutes. There was a family in the assistance line - a woman in an ECV, her husband, and her teenage daughter. The bus driver got everything set up and got her secured into the bus. As he was getting ready to raise the ramp, a large family (and when I say large, I counted 13 people in addition to a young teen in a wheelchair) came running up to the assistance line. The bus driver kind of looked at them and then the long line of people waiting to get on the bus and went ahead and let the large family board. The father said they didn't need the ramp. The young girl got out of the wheelchair, climbed the steps, and the father then proceeded to fold the wheelchair like a stroller and climb up into the bus.

Well, a LOT of people were very pissed that this happened . There were quite a few people around me making comments about the situation. I stayed quiet. To me, it seemed very apparent that the family took full advantage of the assistance line especially since the line was so long. However, that is what the assistance line is for - assisting those in wheelchairs. I do not know what this girl's medical condition was and after listening to Kevin speak about the wheelchair issue, I tend to look at it in a whole other light. However, many people vocalized their irritation about the bus driver, the family, etc. The people right behind me never should have said a thing because they were going to be able to get on the bus anyway. However, I think the people towards the back of the line were irritated because they were going to have to wait yet again for another bus.

What does everyone think about this situation? Was the bus driver wrong in allowing this family to board? Once again, I am only looking for everyone's thoughts.

I got quite a variety of responses as well.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

The point is that not everyone truly needs one. I have no idea which people those are nor will you. However, you are not going to convince me that every person riding one genuinely needs it.

O.M.G.

People, who CARES who needs one?

Seriously, until you're recruited by the Torch and Pitchfork Committee, just stop caring who needs one!

Because until you can stop thinking about who needs one and who doesn't, you won't stop judging.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

O.M.G.

People, who CARES who needs one?

Seriously, until you're recruited by the Torch and Pitchfork Committee, just stop caring who needs one!

Because until you can stop thinking about who needs one and who doesn't, you won't stop judging.

This is just a discussion. Meaning we are exchanging different thoughts on the whol bus system as it pertains to ECVs. I can assure you that I am not sitting in WDW on a stake out making sure the people in ECVs really need them. So yeah, I find your post to be a bit judgemental as well.

 

[kpadalik]

This is just a discussion. Meaning we are exchanging different thoughts on the whol bus system as it pertains to ECVs. I can assure you that I am not sitting in WDW on a stake out making sure the people in ECVs really need them. So yeah, I find your post to be a bit judgemental as well.

I agree!

 

[honugirl]

Maybe this can help open some of your eyes.

Imagine your family was going camping to a really cool campground, but the only way to get anywhere once you're there is by bike. But you can't ride a bike because you are too fatigued to do it and your body hurts too much. Now you're stuck at the campsite for the entire trip while everyone else is having fun.

Imagine your family taking a trip to the beach. You can walk to the beach, but you can go no farther because your body is so weak from your disease. So you are stuck in the cabin the entire vacation because you just simply can't do the things your family can without having to sleep or deal with the pain.

How many people would go on either of those vacations?

But, there's one place you can go. A magical place where you can rent an ECV which will give you mobility beyond your wildest dreams. All of a sudden the world is your oyster. You can go places with your family. You can see and experience what you want to. You finally are on a vacation where you are not confined to an RV, tent, cabin, or hotel room for the entire duration.
For once you feel a part of the family, not the "outsider."

Would you go on that vacation? Of course you would.

But once you get there, you have to put up with the stares, comments and glares of everyone else. You have to put up with people thinking that you're "faking" because you can walk, just not like "normal" people can. So you try to hold in your tears because you don't want to cry in front of everyone, but inside, you're dying. Your magical place just became a nightmare. The one place you could go to and experience everything with your family and friends has been tarnished.

For me, home is where I'm stuck. I can't do what I want to do because I don't have access to mobility equipment like that. DL and WDW are the only places where I am truly "free." For a few hours I can forget about the challenges I have. If I slow you down for a minute, I'm sorry, but please be glad that you can get out and go wherever you want and you don't have to worry about the mobility challenges that some of us do.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

This is just a discussion. Meaning we are exchanging different thoughts on the whol bus system as it pertains to ECVs. I can assure you that I am not sitting in WDW on a stake out making sure the people in ECVs really need them. So yeah, I find your post to be a bit judgemental as well.

If it were "just a discussion", then we wouldn't have disabled people on here posting about how poorly they've been treated. It's not just a discussion, this thread is a reflection about how self-important people have become, that they think they have the right to judge whether somebody is "worthy" of an ecv, both on this thread and in real life.

Your post is like somebody who says something mean and then goes, "just kidding!" Yeah, right. .

Anyhoo. Off to the real world. For all you ecv users, this is one able bodied person (for today, for who knows what tomorrow brings) that won't be thinking anything else about you other than, ain't it cool to be in Disney!!!

 

[livndisney]

If it were "just a discussion", then we wouldn't have disabled people on here posting about how poorly they've been treated. It's not just a discussion, this thread is a reflection about how self-important people have become, that they think they have the right to judge whether somebody is "worthy" of an ecv, both on this thread and in real life.

Your post is like somebody who says something mean and then goes, "just kidding!" Yeah, right. .

Anyhoo. Off to the real world. For all you ecv users, this is one able bodied person (for today, for who knows what tomorrow brings) that won't be thinking anything else about you other than, ain't it cool to be in Disney!!!:thumbsup2

THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

If it were "just a discussion", then we wouldn't have disabled people on here posting about how poorly they've been treated. It's not just a discussion, this thread is a reflection about how self-important people have become, that they think they have the right to judge whether somebody is "worthy" of an ecv, both on this thread and in real life.

Your post is like somebody who says something mean and then goes, "just kidding!" Yeah, right. .

Anyhoo. Off to the real world. For all you ecv users, this is one able bodied person (for today, for who knows what tomorrow brings) that won't be thinking anything else about you other than, ain't it cool to be in Disney!!!

It is just a discussion. Having people come on here to post their poor experiences adds to the discussion because it allows people to see both sides of the coin. If you had actually read my posts you would see that I too posted about someone in my family being treated poorly. A discussion includes all sides of a topic.
Franky I think your post is quite judgemental.

 

[maxiesmom]

It is just a discussion. Having people come on here to post their poor experiences adds to the discussion because it allows people to see both sides of the coin.

I can see both sides of the coin just fine. And doing so makes me grateful that I go Disney World without having to make the choice between being in pain all day, and renting an ECV and worrying about being judged by others who seem to think my just being there is negatively affecting their vacation.

I can also see that I would much rather be the person left waiting at the bus stop than be the person in the ECV getting on the bus, even if they get on a bus after only waiting 20 seconds.

I don't like to wait at the bus stop, but I would like being in an ECV, with all its supposed perks, even less.