ECV judgement

[grimley1968]

If you feel an ECV would help you get through the day, then by all means go for it. Any audible judgmental comments by others can be a lesson for your kids a) to not judge a book by its cover and b) that no one likes a gossip.

Medical conditions requiring use of ECV's, wheelchairs, oxygen, etc. have no age restrictions.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Not sure you should ruin your trip before it starts by worrying about what some jerks think. And if they give you dirty looks because they believe that the only persons who should be using a scooter are the ones who can't walk at all, then they are jerks.

However, you do have to anticipate that there will be some grumbling when you board the bus ahead of everybody else (if you're using the buses). Not saying you shouldn't, because you HAVE to, but people get so weird about the buses. Prepare your daughter, and let her know that some people are jerks.

You can bring the ECV into the line for most attractions if you feel you can't stand long enough to handle the lines. There's no "early entry" for ECV riders and no line jumping. Some attractions may have alternate entrances but that doesn't mean you wait less. It's possible to ask for the Disability Access card or whatever it is now (even those who have one don't get early access), but be aware that you would have to express needs that go beyond mobility and stamina, because the ECV itself is considered reasonable accommodation for these disabilities.

 

[wdw4rfam]

After many years of traveling with my autistic DS, using a GAC, I can tell you...ignore all peoples comments and enjoy yourself. Dont suffer because of ignorance.

 

[Momofone92]

I can't even tell you how much better this has made me feel ...


Thanks so much... I feel like this can only enhance my daughter's trip

 

[KorbensMomma]

What time of year/dates are you going?

 

[nkereina]

I think the only "front of the line" access and ECV will get you is on the buses. And since you won't be piling on with 10 of your closest friends/traveling companions, you will be fine Go and enjoy!

 

[POOHsie]

I think the only "front of the line" access and ECV will get you is on the buses. And since you won't be piling on with 10 of your closest friends/traveling companions, you will be fine Go and enjoy!

It's always pointed out that Disney Guests with ECVs --

Enter a bus FIRST, for the safety of other riders.
Exit a bus LAST, for the safety of other riders.​

Not the same as the idea of "front of the line" access for a ride or a show.

If you are timid about parking your ECV on a bus, perhaps your DD could do it, or assist you. Make sure the ECV speed is turned down from "theme park" speed. When the ECV's back wheels are approx where you want them, you can get off the ECV and lift the front wheel into place. The front is not heavy. Easy Peasy.

I've taken my own ECV to WDW for about 8 years. I was apprehensive the first time. However, everything has been OK, and Disney is very accommodating. Only complaints have happened here on Internet sites, where people can reveal their contempt for others, anonymously (of course).

 

[Nohal]

I had to use one 2 years ago. I didn't rent from an offsite place as I didn't want to have to deal with it on buses. It cost more to rent from the park but I didn't really care. I never had a problem getting one at any of the parks and you can leave one park and get one at another park. At the end of the day when you return the ECV (if you rent from the park)you can ask for a courtesy wheelchair to get to your bus stop. I wish I would have known this on the first day would have definately saved my legs. No one ever said a word to me about being on a scooter and if I got looks I wasn't aware of it. Like others have said go someplace that has these and practice. The first time I tried to stop I hit the curb and hurt my knee, it doesn't stop on a dime after you release the button. Walk through the line at Haunted Mansion it is easier than riding the ECV also, in the Land pavilion I would drive it into the pavilion and park it right against the rail at the entrance and walk the rest of the way.

 

[disnut8]

I know I can post this on the Disabilities board but I wanted a general opinion.

I am going to Disney with just myself and my daughter. I have a hip issue that makes walking long distances painful. I can do it but I will be miserable. I wanted to rent an ECV to make my trip more pleasant. My daughter is ALL for it as she thinks it will definitely make me less cranky than past trips and she wants it to not hurt.

The question is -- I am only 40 and I look fine. Am I going to get so much attitude that it won't be worth it? Am I going to just get dirty looks the entire time and regret it? I don't particularly care what others think but if people make comments my kid will care. I won't line jump. I won't need any assistance. What would you do?

My husband, just at that time a bit older than you but in good physical shape, needed a wheelchair due a medical condition now under control. We found out two days before our Disney trip. I just rented him a wheelchair and we had fun. And, his condition improved during that trip thanks to the meds he's still taking so he would park the wheelchair at the entrance to an attraction and walk onto the attraction.

Last year, it was me. We rented a chair for me, a seemingly physically fit woman bit I couldn't walk without assistance. No details but it was a brain issue and, well, no one is going around with their brain scans in their park attire.

At absolutely no time did anyone say or indicate anything to either of us. We were both prepared each time but nothing happened. Rent the ECV.

 

[lustergirl]

First let me say that I hate the ECVs. However, I understand they are needed by some people and they should be allowed to use them. You will be fine as long as you don't abuse its use. If you are able to walk short distances without the ECV (or pain) then park it outside and walk into a ride like Haunted Mansion. There is nothing more annoying then to be stopped multiple times on a ride for people to transition to/from ECVs when most of them could have walked through the regular queue with little difficulty. They are also very annoying when their operators drive over top of people to get where they are going. ECVs dont have exclusive right of way or front of the line privileges. As long as you are courtesy and respectful of other guests, you should have no problems.

I can sleep better at night knowing that you give your permission to let someone else use an ECV You are exactly why the OP is scared to use one, because of the judgmental tones or looks someone receives.

Seriously though who cares what someone else is doing. My husband is a fit person who is having problems with his hip and walking long distances. He doesn't want to do Disney until he feels better. I told him if he really wants to go then we can rent a scooter for him. They are there to help a person out after all.

The OP is right though: people do pass judgment when they don't know the full truth as to why a person may choose to rent an ECV. I have a knee injury since November which didn't allow me to walk long distances or stand too long. I used a electric cart during my shopping trips to get around with and put up with people's craziness. I just had surgery and going solo on a November trip coming up.

OP: Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and go on your trip

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I know I can post this on the Disabilities board but I wanted a general opinion.

I am going to Disney with just myself and my daughter. I have a hip issue that makes walking long distances painful. I can do it but I will be miserable. I wanted to rent an ECV to make my trip more pleasant. My daughter is ALL for it as she thinks it will definitely make me less cranky than past trips and she wants it to not hurt.

The question is -- I am only 40 and I look fine. Am I going to get so much attitude that it won't be worth it? Am I going to just get dirty looks the entire time and regret it? I don't particularly care what others think but if people make comments my kid will care. I won't line jump. I won't need any assistance. What would you do?

My mother waited until she was 46 before she finally agreed to use a much needed ECV. She isn't even a full time user as she must switch positions so she will take a break and stand. But her mobility was just stinky and she had been resisting for several years. Her three adult children took a stand and refused to to on a planned trip with her of she refused. But she couldn't walk 10 feet without a break and was miserable. The ECV affords her the ability to enjoy the parks with reduced pain. Because of her need to take a break from sitting, she does stand in lines and doesn't take the ECV into the line. (Though she may now. She didn't then.)

You do what you need to do and do not worry about others. Very few if any will make comments out loud. In the end, you are not doing anything wrong.

I rented an ECV once while pregnant once. (Happened just one pregnancy and I was just having trouble keeping up.). I don't recall any negative reaction from others. The only issue I had was people who would cut me off.

 

[LaurenT]

If you can, rent the one inside the park for use there only. You can take your receipt from park to park on the same day and not pay another rental. Yes it costs a bit more than having one rented outside of Disney, however, if you are concerned with the bus situation this is an option. My mom looks in perfect health as well and has problems walking distance. Do not worry what others may judge, did they pay for your trip?? Enjoy yourself!

I'll respectfully disagree with this. Not only will renting from one of the many reputable off site company's save you a ton of money (around $30/day, maybe more), you won't have to worry about the next park not havin one available. They sell out frequently. Paying top dollar to sit around waiting for someone to turn theirs in would stink. The offsite companies are extremely accommodating. They'll bring it to you wherever you are an will show up very quickly if there's a problem with it.

 

[jpeka65844]

The only time I've ever judged an ECV user is when we saw a morbidly obese man and woman in them and between the two of them, they had a gallon of chocolate milk, a two liter of Mountain Dew and bags of Doritos in their baskets.

That being said, the last time we took the IL's, we rented one. FIL was waiting on herniated disc surgery and MIL had just had foot surgery and was in a boot. It put everyone's mind at ease knowing they could get around

So by all means, rent one if you think it'll make your trip easier. Just leave the junk food at home.

 

[dawgfan]

I completely understand your feelings here. You have to understand that ...Yes..you will get some looks from people who may believe that you do not need the ECV so why are you using it. Some people are just judgemental. They will think what they want no matter what. They judge people even when they have an obvious issue that led to the need for an ECV. The vast majority of folks will not think about it. They are on vacation. They wont give it much thought. Lots of people go to WDW on ECV's. Not everyone that uses an ECV has an obvious issue. The bottom line is your physical comfort over your mental comfort zone here. Having a good trip for both of you may hinge on the use of the ECV. Use it!!. You will have a much better time and your duaghter will worry far less and have a better trip as well. Don't worry about what other people think. You will never see all those people again likely. Let those that judge, judge. You just have fun and a memorable experience. Get the ECV.

 

[asmit4]

The only time I've ever judged an ECV user is when we saw a morbidly obese man and woman in them and between the two of them, they had a gallon of chocolate milk, a two liter of Mountain Dew and bags of Doritos in their baskets..

I am picturing this and laughing! I'm going to HE double hockey sticks!

 

[Quicklabs]

Use the ECV. Most of the eyerolling and abusive comments are easy to ignore, and the people would probably be humiliated if called out on their juvenile behavior. Be prepared for abuse though, and watch other people at all times. They will cut in front of you, or stop in front of you, and then curse you for running into them. I have had someone dump me off of mine because his wife jammed her stroller wheel under my scooter (I was sitting still watching a parade), and had teenagers use me as a prop and jump over me to get out of Fantasmic. Don't forget to carry your pain meds with you.

Also, be aware that if you do park your scooter and stand in the lines, you will be opening yourself to more abuse, especially if you don't have a visible disability.

Enjoy your trip, and remember, those small little people who have such small lives and minds that they need to stick their noses into yours aren't worth your time and trouble. Let them be the miserable people they are and feel sorry for their families.

I hate using an ECV, but it's the only way I visit the parks. I hate being at eye level with everybody's butts! LOL. I notice people being far more discourteous than usual, but I try not to let it get to me.

 

[Alice Royal]

Pardon my rant but....UGH. What is it with people judging???

People judge because:

'healthy' person uses an ECV.
Kid who is 8 is still in a stroller
Kid who is 6 is still having their diaper changed in the bathrooms
Kid is having a total meltdown and is 10- therefore much too old to have meltdowns
**feel free to add in reasons that people judge.


REALLY FOLKS! That 'healthy' might not be as healthy as you think. That 8yo in a stroller may have a problem with their leg muscles that you know nothing about. That child who is 6 might have bladder control issues that ARE medical. That 10yo you see might look healthy to you but could perhaps be on the Autism spectrum and simply cannot always handle all the stimuli.


OP- you get that ECV and ride it around like a CHAMP!

All those judging people need to take care of their OWN business and keep their judgement to themselves!

Ableism is alive and well at Disney, especially when it comes to 'invisible' disabilities. I have autism and DBF has a sun allergy. We both have DAS (both of us because we're locals with APs and often go separately--we NEVER use both if we're together). We look like normal, functioning adults...that is, until I get sensory overload and panic attacks from being stuck in a crowded line or he gets hives and blistering skin from a simple sunburn. The people who see us getting return times don't see those things. They see two teenagers getting free FPs that they aren't entitled to and often react as such.

There are always people who will moan about someone in an ECV if you're using it in lines or using the handicapped entrance...and those are the same people who I have literally seen complain about MAW kids with CANCER getting perks. In short...they're arseholes. Ignore them even if they do exist. The accommodations Disney offers are there for a reason--to help YOU. Anyone who feels the need to diss that when they have not felt your pain or been in your shoes is a sad excuse for a human.

 

[kathy884]

I know I can post this on the Disabilities board but I wanted a general opinion.

I am going to Disney with just myself and my daughter. I have a hip issue that makes walking long distances painful. I can do it but I will be miserable. I wanted to rent an ECV to make my trip more pleasant. My daughter is ALL for it as she thinks it will definitely make me less cranky than past trips and she wants it to not hurt.

The question is -- I am only 40 and I look fine. Am I going to get so much attitude that it won't be worth it? Am I going to just get dirty looks the entire time and regret it? I don't particularly care what others think but if people make comments my kid will care. I won't line jump. I won't need any assistance. What would you do?

No ifs, ands, or buts do it! Disney is a ton of walking. Many many people are fine on normal excursions to the zoo, grocery store, shopping, but a whole day at a theme park is a totally different experience. My dad needs one of these at the park, and I have never heard anyone make a comment. It's not like you get any special treatment or anything. But it is a life saver if you need it and a way that you and so many people can enjoy the parks.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

I just want to add that wheelchair users and ECV users have very different needs in general. People expect ECV users to get up and walk from time to time, as it's not a wheelchair and if you had no use of your legs, for example, you wouldn't be able to use one.

A wheelchair, on the other hand, is naturally associated with an inability to walk or stand, and people do not expect you to get up out of that on a regular basis as a result.

My point is that the vast majority of people really won't think anything of someone in a scooter.

My final point about the Disney ECVs is that they are large and cumbersome. They are probably unlikely to fit through the majority of queues as a result. I hired a mid-size 3-wheeler and it got round every single 180° turn in queues like Test Track and Maelstrom, etc.

 

[MeridaLove]

I am SO happy to find this post! I have been agonizing over whether or not to rent a wheelchair for our trip in August. I too have a non-visible medical condition (waiting for more treatment and surgery in the fall) and I am in pain most of the time. I can't walk for more than a half hour or so, so I am so worried about holding my family back at the parks! But I am also selfish enough that I don't want to spend the whole trip alone in the room. I don't want to do an ECV because the pain pills I take can make me a bit spacy, so I'm thinking "driving" is not the best idea My family is on board with the idea and are happy to push me around, but I was so worried about restaurants and shops - I didn't want to feel like I "had" to stay in the chair 100% of the time just so I didn't make people angry. I'd like to walk when I can and only use the chair when I have to. I want to walk the lines, restaurants, shops etc., and just use the chair for getting around the park - but I didn't know if this would make people furious and cause my family grief. This post is making me feel a little better!