ECV Ran Over Little Boy Thursday Night at Epcot

[surfgirl]

One experience recently?

I was standing in line at the African Outpost (or whatever it is called) in Epcot and I saw two women - obviously mother and daughter. They both parked their ECV's (in the middle of the seating area), stood up, walked over in line. They both agreed that it was too hot to walk and it was so much easier to do Disney in ECV's and what a good idea it was.

THAT'S what give them a bad name.

Did the mom NEED one? Maybe, maybe not. Did the daughter NEED one? Maybe, maybe not. But based on their conversation, it was a CONVENIENCE, not a NEED.

The worst part is that they ignored the ECV parking spots - and didn't even try to park out of the way. They parked where it was convenient for them to walk the least. I later saw them at a different world and they were NOT respectful of others.

So, while I agree there is a need for ECV's and a subset of the population can now visit Disney, it is a smaller group of people that give all users a bad name.

 

[Ceila]

, it is a smaller group of people that give all users a bad name.

Very true, and very true for just about anything. Do most parents use strollers as battering rams? Of course not. Do most people cut in line? Of course not. It's the rude people who make it difficult for others in all areas of life.

 

[phorsenuf]

One experience recently?

I was standing in line at the African Outpost (or whatever it is called) in Epcot and I saw two women - obviously mother and daughter. They both parked their ECV's (in the middle of the seating area), stood up, walked over in line. They both agreed that it was too hot to walk and it was so much easier to do Disney in ECV's and what a good idea it was.

THAT'S what give them a bad name.

Did the mom NEED one? Maybe, maybe not. Did the daughter NEED one? Maybe, maybe not. But based on their conversation, it was a CONVENIENCE, not a NEED.

The worst part is that they ignored the ECV parking spots - and didn't even try to park out of the way. They parked where it was convenient for them to walk the least. I later saw them at a different world and they were NOT respectful of others.

So, while I agree there is a need for ECV's and a subset of the population can now visit Disney, it is a smaller group of people that give all users a bad name.

Yet those are the ones you ever hear about so every ECV user gets lumped into the whole hate on EVC users. There are plenty of users who handle them properly, use safe speeds and distances, can maneuver them like nobodys business on the bus, yet they are condemned like the rest of us. And nevermind the whole, "well they got out and walked" or "they don't look like they need one" remarks.

 

[asta]

I did not know until I read this thread that ECVs do not have brakes to stop them. The idea of having something like this in crowded pedestrian areas like WDW is scary. Both the drivers and walkers should be frightened about the possibility of someone being hurt. There is a need for some to use an ECV so I can't see them ever being banned but rules need to be made and enforced. A good start is a very low maximum speed limit. Anyone violating that speed should be evicted from the park. It would also be a good idea to cap the total amount of ECVs that can be in use in a park at the same time. Total attendance is capped at times so restricting the number of ECVs would just be an extension of that policy. All users of ECVs should also have to register when entering the parks. This information would be critical in case of an accident so that responsibility could be assessed.

I personally think that if injured parties would ask for or sue for damages that you would see more responsible behavior from the drivers of ECVs. Following the deep pocket theory of lawsuits, I'm sure that WDW would be attentive to this issue if they were going to possibly be sued also.

I can see both sides of this issue because I am mobility challenged. I am waiting for a total knee replacement and walk with a great deal of pain. I would never think that my problem gives me the right to be rude to others or injure them. I personally would never want to have the responsibility of operating one of those things in a crowd. When I go to WDW, I take it very slowly with lots of breaks. The last trip I actually had to resort to a wheelchair to get me out of EPCOT and I can tell you this is not the best way to enjoy the park. It was very humbling.

 

[EMom]

MIL wanted to take DD to WDW since she was an infant. DH & I held off because we didn't want to have to push a kid in a stroller for a week. Keep in mind, DD was always in the bottom 10% for weight, so it wasn't a question of weight. It was more a matter of having to keep up with/fold/unfold the stroller, messing with it in the airport and when getting on the plane, and just the hassle of having to maneuver it amongst all those people. So we waited until DD was 5.

Ironically, by then MIL was in such a state that there was no way she could make it from the parking lot to the entrance on her own steam without nearly having a heart attack, let alone getting around the parks all day. We had tried and tried to tell her that from what we had heard, WDW was not what it used to be back when she last visited. (the year Epcot opened) But she had insisted she would be just peachy and if she got tired, she'd stop and watch a show while we continued to tour. Yeah, right.

It took about 5 minutes for realize our dire predictions had been spot on and that she wouldn't be able to get around without help. DH said he'd see about renting a wheelchair. She piped up, "Should I rent one of those motorized things?" (ECVs) We both yelped, "NO!!!!" at the same time. I have previously mentioned that her last vehicle (purchased new) looked like it had been in a demolition derby in no time. We knew that if she was put behind the controls of an ECV, she would mow people down left and right. Unintentionally, albeit, but they'd be just as injured as if she had purposely taken aim at them. Sure, it would be an accident and she'd have meant no harm......but harm there would be.

So we told her she'd kill someone, or at least run them over and DH would just push her in a wheelchair all freaking week. Was it fun? Hell no! She weighed 50 pounds more than him. It would have been MUCH easier on us to let her rent the ECV, pedestrians be damned. But we felt an obligation to society to keep bodies from disappearing underneath her ECV.

And yes, we eventually took her car keys away. She had a spare set and tried to make a run for it.....well, to the mall, probably. So we had to disable the car. She was angry, but at least no one died.

So do people have a right to ride on ECVs? Sure. But they have a responsibility to do so safely. And if they cannot drive that thing without hitting others or think that it entitles them to part the crowd like Moses so long as they sit on their horn, then they do no need to be on an ECV.

 

[kim929]

That is terrible and I do hope he is ok, scares the daylights out of me since I am considering renting ECV for the first time in March and I have read of people Adults and kids walking right in the path of moving ECV's and sometimes it it next to impossible for the person to stop in time.

I never thought I would have to use a ECV, but due to an accident, I do. Before I went to Disney I went to any store that has them to get used to it. It will give you a basic understanding on how they work. When I am in Disney, I always use the slowest setting to help avoid hitting people.

 

[C.Ann]

Most important, how do you keep guests on foot OUT of the designated ECV/wheelchair lane?

This is true.. I don't know what I was thinking.. I forgot that when someone buys a ticket into the parks they are the sole owners of the parks - and can do whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want.. (I think that might apply to renting a room in one of the resorts too.. Not sure on that one..)

This dispute will go on until the end of time..

Meanwhile - sure wish we knew if the little boy was okay..

 

[kaytieeldr]

This is true.. I don't know what I was thinking.. I forgot that when someone buys a ticket into the parks they are the sole owners of the parks - and can do whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want.. (I think that might apply to renting a room in one of the resorts too.. Not sure on that one..)

This dispute will go on until the end of time..

Meanwhile - sure wish we knew if the little boy was okay..

You're missing my point. That poster (actually more than just that one person) thinks separate lanes for ECVs make sense. If that were the case, then those lanes would only make sense if only ECVs could use them.

The second you allow a person on foot to walk in, through, or across one of those segregated lanes (while prohibiting the ECVs from proceeding outside them), you're right back at the "ECV riders are rude, dangerous, inconsiderate, stupid, ignorant, think they own the parks..." mentality - because someone on foot who can proceed anywhere used a path that someone who's restricted to using only that path, hit them.

 

[phorsenuf]

This is true.. I don't know what I was thinking.. I forgot that when someone buys a ticket into the parks they are the sole owners of the parks - and can do whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want.. (I think that might apply to renting a room in one of the resorts too.. Not sure on that one..)

This dispute will go on until the end of time..

Meanwhile - sure wish we knew if the little boy was okay..:

Why? Why is it our business? People get hurt everyday at the parks. Just last week I saw someone being taken out on a stretcher in Tomorrowland. I didn't go posting on message boards about the persons' welfare. If this little boy had gotten hurt in a different manner than being hit by an ECV, do you think we would know about it? Of course not. EVC's are just a lightning bolt for people to dump on. How many people a day trip over someones foot in the parks, do we hear about them? What about people that get rammed by strollers? Get pushed down leaving Fantasmic? I could go on and on, yet the answers would be the same.
Do I feel bad for the little boy, of course I do, but I'm not going to scour the internet to find out. As far as I am concerned it's a personal matter between the families involved and I'm sure it was handled appropriately.
In my opinion this thread was started as just another bash on EVC drivers, kinda like the smoking thread that popped up.....

 

[ead79]

Fret not! It is not people like you that people have issues with. It is the people like the PP reported who was knocked over while holding her infant the whole time the ECV driver was yelling at her to "GET OUT OF THE WAY!" while the ECV was parked on top of her.

I appreciate your support, but unfortunately all a person has to do is read this thread to see that there are folks who condemn all ECV users no matter what their circumstance or how carefully they operate the scooter.

 

[ead79]

Why? Why is it our business? People get hurt everyday at the parks. Just last week I saw someone being taken out on a stretcher in Tomorrowland. I didn't go posting on message boards about the persons' welfare. If this little boy had gotten hurt in a different manor than being hit by and ECV, do you think we would know about it? Of course not. EVC's are just a lightning bolt for people to dump on. How many people a day trip over someones foot in the parks, do we hear about them? What about people that get rammed by strollers? Get pushed down leaving Fantasmic? I could go on and on, yet the answers would be the same.
Do I feel bad for the little boy, of course I do, but I'm not going to scour the internet to find out. As far as I am concerned it's a personal matter between the families involved and I'm sure it was handled appropriately.
In my opinion this thread was started as just another bash on EVC drivers, kinda like the smoking thread that popped up.....

I've got to agree with you on this point. I know that I was literally pushed by people earlier this month at WDW, and I'm 6 months pregnant. I really don't need to be pushed, because if I fall it could do more than just give me a bruise. And to be as considerate as possible, I walked on that day (since I knew MK would be a zoo due to the 40th anniversary), and I would up hurting my ankle quite badly to the point that it took 3 days before I could walk again without limping and hurting.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Why? Why is it our business? People get hurt everyday at the parks. Just last week I saw someone being taken out on a stretcher in Tomorrowland. I didn't go posting on message boards about the persons' welfare. If this little boy had gotten hurt in a different manner than being hit by an ECV, do you think we would know about it? Of course not. EVC's are just a lightning bolt for people to dump on. How many people a day trip over someones foot in the parks, do we hear about them? What about people that get rammed by strollers? Get pushed down leaving Fantasmic? I could go on and on, yet the answers would be the same.
Do I feel bad for the little boy, of course I do, but I'm not going to scour the internet to find out. As far as I am concerned it's a personal matter between the families involved and I'm sure it was handled appropriately.
In my opinion this thread was started as just another bash on EVC drivers, kinda like the smoking thread that popped up.....

General Curiosity.

I don't know the OP's intentions.

But I am curious to know if the boy is recovering well. I and C. Ann aren't suggesting any HIPPA laws get violated or we go and higher a private detective to scour the area for his family.

I am curious about lots of people who I hear are sick or injured, even more so if I actually witness that.

If you are so concerned about their privacy that you would never be curious--go ahead and pat yourself on the back. It must make you feel good to know you are better than others since you pounced on C. Ann for simply wondering.

 

[phorsenuf]

General Curiosity.

I don't know the OP's intentions.

But I am curious to know if the boy is recovering well. I and C. Ann aren't suggesting any HIPPA laws get violated or we go and higher a private detective to scour the area for his family.

I am curious about lots of people who I hear are sick or injured, even more so if I actually witness that.

If you are so concerned about their privacy that you would never be curious--go ahead and pat yourself on the back. It must make you feel good to know you are better than others since you pounced on C. Ann for simply wondering.

I knew my post would be taken wrong. I do feel bad for the boy and I do hope he's ok, but I guess I just don't get the whole try to seek the information out. I guess I was just curious why this particular incident got more attention then other injuries.

I don't feel I pounced on anyone, just because I quoted her doesn't mean squat. People quote people all the time to talk about a certain point in the conversation. Hers just happen to be on the same page I was reading.

Like I said, I saw someone be taken out on a stretcher at MK last week. Yes, I hope whatever happened to them that they are ok and recovering but I'm not about to try to hunt it down and get all the specifics. That's all I was trying to convey, although I'm probably still not.

 

[C.Ann]

General Curiosity.

I don't know the OP's intentions.

But I am curious to know if the boy is recovering well. I and C. Ann aren't suggesting any HIPPA laws get violated or we go and higher a private detective to scour the area for his family.

I am curious about lots of people who I hear are sick or injured, even more so if I actually witness that.

If you are so concerned about their privacy that you would never be curious--go ahead and pat yourself on the back. It must make you feel good to know you are better than others since you pounced on C. Ann for simply wondering.

Nice to see I'm not alone, Lisa..

I didn't know that we're only supposed to wonder if an injured child is okay if we know them personally - did you?..

If that's the case, why do people give support to others and say prayers for people on the DIS that we've never laid eyes on?

 

[phorsenuf]

Nice to see I'm not alone, Lisa..

I didn't know that we're only supposed to wonder if an injured child is okay if we know them personally - did you?..

If that's the case, why do people give support to others and say prayers for people on the DIS that we've never laid eyes on?

I never said I didn't feel for the child. I was trying to convey why do we need to know what his injuries were. I just don't get why we would need details on his injuries. Maybe quoting you wasn't the best post to quote, but it was right there.
People that come on here asking for prayers and pixie dust choose to share the details, we don't go seek them out. I guess I just can't get my thoughts into words tonight. I certainly did not mean to come off uncaring or single anyone's thoughts out. Sorry if I offended anyone. I'll just go to bed now.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I never said I didn't feel for the child. I was trying to convey why do we need to know what his injuries were. I just don't get why we would need details on his injuries. Maybe quoting you wasn't the best post to quote, but it was right there.
People that come on here asking for prayers and pixie dust choose to share the details, we don't go seek them out. I guess I just can't get my thoughts into words tonight. I certainly did not mean to come off uncaring or single anyone's thoughts out. Sorry if I offended anyone. I'll just go to bed now.

My back is killing me right now--sorry for calling you out.

 

[phorsenuf]

My back is killing me right now--sorry for calling you out.

No harm, no foul.

 

[jenrose66]

I am NOT ignorant. I feel strongly that 300 lb motorized vehicles should NOT be all to drive among crowds of people. I should NOT have to worry about my child being HIT by one of these vehicles in WDW.

If I or any one of my family couldn't walk, we'd use a WHEELCHAIR, so not to put innocent walkers at risk of being hit by an ECV.

You being hit in the stomach by a running child? Then stay away from ANY crowded areas where children are, for surely you are in danger.

SO MANY people are using EVCs now in WDW that it's becoming more dangerous by the day.

And by the way, I've had my toes painfully squashed by an EVC, which is nothing compared to what the CMs have happen to them by EVCs on a daily basis. It's a problem but your entitlement mentality prevents you from admitting it.

If you can't walk, use a wheelchair, which is SAFE. Don't put people in possible harm's way with an EVC.

I agree with you. I harbor no ill will toward ECV users but the use of them has exploded at Disney thru the years and it is dangerous.

Everyone will have some type of hassles, but you choose to deal with the hassle and make due. If you bring kids you have tons of stuff you have to lug around and you have to deal with a stroller.

If you have limited mobility you deal with a wheelchair...even an electric wheelchair would be less imposing than the ECV. Just because you have mobility issues doesn't mean the only option is an ECV.

 

[C.Ann]

I never said I didn't feel for the child. I was trying to convey why do we need to know what his injuries were. I just don't get why we would need details on his injuries. Maybe quoting you wasn't the best post to quote, but it was right there.
People that come on here asking for prayers and pixie dust choose to share the details, we don't go seek them out. I guess I just can't get my thoughts into words tonight. I certainly did not mean to come off uncaring or single anyone's thoughts out. Sorry if I offended anyone. I'll just go to bed now.

No need to go to bed.. We were just confused by it..

More often than not, you and I seem to be on the opposite sides of the coin -so to speak - but when you were having health issues, I did take the time to post and I did pray for you.. Granted, I've never met you - but I would never wish any ill will on you or ignore your request for good thoughts, pixie dust, prayers, or whatever..

I asked about the boy because I was concerned - as one human being for another.. Nothing more, nothing less..

We've all posted things that have come out totally wrong - many times.. I just couldn't understand why you would think it was out of line for me to care..

Over and done with - and I hope you're feeling better..

 

[WDWBlue]

One experience recently?

I was standing in line at the African Outpost (or whatever it is called) in Epcot and I saw two women - obviously mother and daughter. They both parked their ECV's (in the middle of the seating area), stood up, walked over in line. They both agreed that it was too hot to walk and it was so much easier to do Disney in ECV's and what a good idea it was.

THAT'S what give them a bad name.

Did the mom NEED one? Maybe, maybe not. Did the daughter NEED one? Maybe, maybe not. But based on their conversation, it was a CONVENIENCE, not a NEED.

The worst part is that they ignored the ECV parking spots - and didn't even try to park out of the way. They parked where it was convenient for them to walk the least. I later saw them at a different world and they were NOT respectful of others.

So, while I agree there is a need for ECV's and a subset of the population can now visit Disney, it is a smaller group of people that give all users a bad name.

Great post, very accurate. I do think the number of ECV users is larger than a small group though. While it's smaller than the total number in use, I think there are actually a great deal of them used for convenience, not need.