Clueless People

[toocherie]

Ok--now before you're tempted to start flaming me for the title of the thread --keep in mind that I have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and two replaced knees (and sometimes rent a scooter--I didn't yesterday during a trip to DL and I am paying for it today)--and often travel with my elderly Mom who has a herniated disc and rheumatoid arthritis (she has her own scooter).

As I mentioned, yesterday I went to DL with some friends, and one of the attractions we went on was "It's Tough to Be a Bug!" -- as you may know, at DL it can be quite a hike from the entrance to the lobby of the theatre . . . through a winding pathway that takes you "underground." All the way down the path a woman in her 60's -- pushing a stroller with a toddler-- and her husband, who was using a cane--was following us. The woman was complaining LOUDLY about how Disney doesn't accommodate the handicapped, and how you have to walk to so far to get from one thing to another, and you would think they would care more about the handicapped, etc. etc. etc. I really wanted to (and should have) turned around and said something like " just what is it you think Disney should have done? built the attractions so they were all in a row? Do you not know that your husband could have rented a scooter which would make the day more enjoyable?"

Instead, I said nothing and have been kicking myself even since. I know that Disney isn't perfect, but in my experience they do a great job of helping the handicapped experience the parks and it really steams me that this woman was mouthing off (where it was clear they had NO idea what they were getting into) and that I didn't say anything. If she had done one iota of research before the trip it would have been much more pleasant for them (and everyone else around them).

Would you have said anything?

 

[Amy5000]

Would you have said anything?

I actually might have turned in a sympathetic voice and let them know about scooter rentals. While they probably know they exist, many people who don't use ECVs in regular life might not think of it for themselves. (For what it's worth...they have been really helpful for our family. My mom might not leave the hotel without one. I started renting them once when she fell at my house before vacation, but truthfully, after seeing how much better vacations were with Mom being mobile, I'm surprised we did not do it earlier. I guess before we didn't think it applied to us...but it clearly, in retrospect, it did.)

In any event, I would have said something....but it's all in the tone.

Amy

 

[toocherie]

I absolutely agree with you about the tone, and I did think about mentioning the ECV but hesitated doing so because didn't know the financial wherewithal of these people--since what I assume to be Grandma was pushing a stroller they could not have just gotten a wheelchair. Actually, a part of me today wishes that I had just said/done something like--"here--here's $35--go rent an ECV and enjoy a magical day"

I am kicking myself for a lot of reasons--but I also felt like this woman was purposely trying to make a "scene" to get someone at Disney to give them something--she really amped up her voice when they approached where the CMs hand out the bug eyes -- and that annoyed me.

It's the part where she was trying to play on the sympathy of people that bugged me (no pun intended!) Having disabilities in my own family we have known what to expect and planned accordingly (and I agree with you that having a disabled person on an ECV can make the difference between a magical trip and a miserable one). It seems inconceivable to me that someone would plan a trip to DLR and not understand that there would be a tremendous amount of walking . . . .

 

[KPeveler]

i felt the same way when i read a post (on another site!) from a woman in her 60s who used a scooter and was absolutely miffed that she could not have head of line privilege for herself and ALL 11 in her party... clueless... disney does so much for those of us with disabilities, that it really annoys me when people bad mouth them... i cant imagine that makes them want to go above and beyond the call in the way they do!!

 

[bbyee]

I am kicking myself for a lot of reasons--but I also felt like this woman was purposely trying to make a "scene" to get someone at Disney to give them something--she really amped up her voice when they approached where the CMs hand out the bug eyes -- and that annoyed me.

It's the part where she was trying to play on the sympathy of people that bugged me (no pun intended!) Having disabilities in my own family we have known what to expect and planned accordingly (and I agree with you that having a disabled person on an ECV can make the difference between a magical trip and a miserable one). It seems inconceivable to me that someone would plan a trip to DLR and not understand that there would be a tremendous amount of walking . . . .

Are you kidding me??? If it were me, and I heard them, I would have said something like, "Look, I'm sorry you're having a hard time with this, but WDW is one of the easiest places in the world for disabled people to get around in. If you thought that it would have been too much for you to get around, you probably should have planned your trip considering your mobility needs better. The world is meant for us to find ways to fit into it, not the other way around."

...this coming from me in my push a stick to move power wheelchair. I'm sorry, but throwing out the gimp card when you are one just makes you look pathetic. They were MUCH more likely to get assistance by going about their business and having people approach them to ask if they needed help than to complain (I meant to say the b word and got *** instead) and moan (common sense, right??)

 

[ntsammy5]

Instead, I said nothing and have been kicking myself even since.

Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm always more upset about the things I DON'T say than the things I do say. IMO Disney does a fine job.

 

[mechurchlady]

I learned to whine from my mother who will complain about stuff but never ever say "I need" or "I want". It is impossible to train her to say one of those phrases. From my experience I think that whining was the woman's way of expressing her need.

The problem is that she probably would have snapped at you if you said anything. I would have politely tried to tell her about disabled services available in the park. That or if she was mean and whining then said nothing.

Not everyone knows how to get help like you do. You are lucky to be at this friendly board full of helpful people. Big hug for you.

 

[toocherie]

I have the same issue with my Mom (the passive-aggressive thing where they "hint" but never come out and say what they want) so maybe that's why this lady bugged me so much.

Next time I will "gently" suggest that there are alternatives and it might be a good idea to stop in guest relations and see what is available to help them.

Thanks.

 

[aPiratesLife4Me]

coming from someone who uses a manual wheelchair and finds WDW to be a little piece of heaven and enjoys the fact that it IS so accessible, I agree with the person who said don't be so hard on yourself. If she was so willing to loudly complain in the way she was, she probably would not have had anything nice to say to you if you did suggest an EVC, and probably would have ruined at least a few minutes of your day for you. It's sad that some people just don't know how to enjoy the magic.

 

[Amy5000]

I am kicking myself for a lot of reasons--but I also felt like this woman was purposely trying to make a "scene" to get someone at Disney to give them something--she really amped up her voice when they approached where the CMs hand out the bug eyes -- and that annoyed me.

ok...now I get it. And for the record, I have one of those whiner people in my life...oh, wait, that's me. (And I learned it from my mom too)

 

[DevilDuckie]

Perhaps, "I know what you mean! Some days I find it much easier to rent a scooter at [insert location] to make it easier."

Yes, I know she was being annoying, but offering a solution with a smile is more likely to make her **** than anything antagonistic.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

When we were last in Disney World my inlaws came with us. My FIL has a heart condition and walks very slowly. When we mentioned to my MIL that we could rent an EVC for him she was appalled and said oh that's not neccesary the doctor wants him to walk. I think it just makes her feel old. He wouldn't ge a hearing aide for that reason for a long time. Well to make a long story shorter, we rented one for him anyway and he loved it. It made our trip so much more enjoyable and he will tell anyone who will listen how much he enjoyed the trip because of it. However she will still complain about things like that as if the world owes them something. Some people are just like that and you shouldn't let it spoil your enjoyment of things. Easier said than done though.

 

[wilde_oscar]

what were you doing at it's tough to be a bug in the first place... i did that once, scared the pee out of me.

 

[terri01p]

I have been in line myself and have heard alot of things said that I'm sure as a rule a person wouldn't normally say, but you have to put yourself in their place sometimes, it's almost human nature to complain whenever your hot or tired.

 

[mechurchlady]

I have been in line myself and have heard alot of things said that I'm sure as a rule a person wouldn't normally say, but you have to put yourself in their place sometimes, it's almost human nature to complain whenever your hot or tired.

And those abled bodied people do wear out and get tired, cranky and some end up with heat stroke or exhaustion. Watch people and some just walk around dazed and confued or others are going from point A to Point C and skipping point B as it is too crowded or the line is too long.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

what were you doing at it's tough to be a bug in the first place... i did that once, scared the pee out of me.

So eloquently put!

 

[toocherie]

what were you doing at it's tough to be a bug in the first place... i did that once, scared the pee out of me.

LOL--I love the bugs! (although thank God there's not a snake in it!)