ECVs and Wheelchairs in Line

[iuki]

this past september we went to disney and stayed at carribean beach. it is true i am pooh sized, but i went with recent a knee injury (dislocated knee from a fall) and needed use of an ECV. the one night my family and i were at the bus stop to go to my resort from the magic kingdom. there was a horrible downpour that night and to top it all off my evc was almost out of power. there had to be about 60 people waiting for busses. there was me and another evc. just as i was about half way on the ramp to get on my bus my the evc died and a wave of water came from above and soaked me. as that happened every person waiting cheered and clapped and made comments that it served me right since i cut them in line. i even heard comments about i am only using the scooter because i am overweight, too lazy to walk, and want to skip everyone. how sad! how ignorant!!!!

How absolutely awful! You always find "one" jerk, but for so many to be so cruel is so very very cruel and sad. I sat next to someone in the handicapped section who told me that people would actually yell at him and tell him to get off his fat a$$ and walk like everybody else. This is one of the reasons I started this thread, because the looks and comments I receive, when getting on the bus or in line, make me feel so embarrassed and guilty. After hearing your story, it just makes me . Now, I JUST DON'T CARE if others are giving me dirty looks - I'll just look at them in the eyes and .

iuki

P.S. I ordered my ECV from Spin Life on Tues 10/26 and received it yesterday (Thurs 10/28). Can't wait to use my own personal ECV at WDW instead of renting one again.

 

[clanmcculloch]

You guys are are making me feel lucky that DD10 had a visible reason for needing her wheelchair in August (boot on her foot). She got LOTS of positive and supportive comments. People really were wonderful to her. I think the birthday mouse ears and birthday pin helped with that as well. She got a lot of comments to the effect of "A broken leg on your birthday? That's just not fair! I hope you're being spoiled rotten." Yeah, like she needed another reason to be spoiled. LOL

The way some of you have been treated breaks my heart. It's just so wrong. {{{HUGS}}}

 

[LGH1946]

Most people are not ugly or rude to children in wheelchairs. And there are some who are nice to adults. People just don't realize that your reason for renting an ECV is your own business and if it means the difference in being able to enjoy your trip or not even being able to go, then I think people who are rude should just buzz off!

 

[cm8]

Most people are not ugly or rude to children in wheelchairs. And there are some who are nice to adults. People just don't realize that your reason for renting an ECV is your own business and if it means the difference in being able to enjoy your trip or not even being able to go, then I think people who are rude should just buzz off!

 

[SeanofStarCommand]

Last August my GF and I went to Disney World. I was 26 at the time. I have lupus and get tired very easily so we decided to rent a wheelchair for the week. 9 weeks before the trip I had my first seizure and fractured a spinal vertebrae. Luckily by the time we left for the trip I felt much better but I never would have made it without having the chair.
Before we left i picked up a pair of weightlifting gloves from Target with the gel palms. They worked perfectly as wheelchair gloves. After checking in at the hotel (All-Star Music) and picking up the wheelchair I rented from Walker Mobility, I was rarely out of it. We were lucky to have friends there half the time we were so there were many of people around to push me. I was also content to push myself.
As for people giving dirty looks, I was able to transfer out of the chair and if I had to go to the restroom I'd just get out of my chair and go. My GF and i didn't notice anyone looking at me oddly because I'd suddenly been "cured."

I agree with a lot of comments on this thread that people can be inconsiderate about what they don't know/understand. But I also agree with the person who said that you can't just make your trip bearable. You're there to have fun!

Yes, there are people that are mean when it comes to disabilities, especially invisible ones. But there are also people with hearts of gold out there. One morning at rope drop in Epcot my GF ran ahead of me to grab us fast passes for Soarin'. I was steadily rolling myself up the ramp (and keeping up with the crowd!) when a woman offered to push me the rest of the way. I agreed and couldn't stop thanking her. My GF was shocked when I showed up at Soarin' shortly after her. Whenever I think about my trip I remember that stranger and wish her happiness, wherever she is.

Who cares if someone thinks you're not disabled? You are, and that also shouldn't ruin your trip. We're going again in a month because we had such a positive experience. As soon as the trip was booked my next stop was to book the wheelchair. I recently injured my shoulder muscles and have been in a lot of pain for the past week. We joke almost everyday that I'll be the adult man riding Dumbo over and over again, not even making it fly up, just around on the bottom level. I told her this morning my only concern is rockin rollercoaster. I think she rolled her eyes at me.

So in conclusion, I want everybody reading this post to throw caution to wind and the next time you're in Disney World, don't pay attention to the nay sayers and the dirty look givers. Spend 100% of your energy having fun and spending time with your loved ones. That's exactly what I'll be doing!

 

[Talking Hands]

I have noticed a distinct attitude difference towards people with personal and rental ECVs. This is true of both guests and cast members. The attitude is much more kindly to those who have personal ECVs. Only rarely do I get a bad attitude when I am using my power wheelchair or my old ECV. Frequently get an attitude when using a rental.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have noticed a distinct attitude difference towards people with personal and rental ECVs. This is true of both guests and cast members. The attitude is much more kindly to those who have personal ECVs. Only rarely do I get a bad attitude when I am using my power wheelchair or my old ECV. Frequently get an attitude when using a rental.

That doesn't surprise me.
Makes me sad, but doesn't surprise me.

 

[pampam]

Last August my GF and I went to Disney World. I was 26 at the time. I have lupus and get tired very easily so we decided to rent a wheelchair for the week. 9 weeks before the trip I had my first seizure and fractured a spinal vertebrae. Luckily by the time we left for the trip I felt much better but I never would have made it without having the chair.
Before we left i picked up a pair of weightlifting gloves from Target with the gel palms. They worked perfectly as wheelchair gloves. After checking in at the hotel (All-Star Music) and picking up the wheelchair I rented from Walker Mobility, I was rarely out of it. We were lucky to have friends there half the time we were so there were many of people around to push me. I was also content to push myself.
As for people giving dirty looks, I was able to transfer out of the chair and if I had to go to the restroom I'd just get out of my chair and go. My GF and i didn't notice anyone looking at me oddly because I'd suddenly been "cured."

I agree with a lot of comments on this thread that people can be inconsiderate about what they don't know/understand. But I also agree with the person who said that you can't just make your trip bearable. You're there to have fun!

Yes, there are people that are mean when it comes to disabilities, especially invisible ones. But there are also people with hearts of gold out there. One morning at rope drop in Epcot my GF ran ahead of me to grab us fast passes for Soarin'. I was steadily rolling myself up the ramp (and keeping up with the crowd!) when a woman offered to push me the rest of the way. I agreed and couldn't stop thanking her. My GF was shocked when I showed up at Soarin' shortly after her. Whenever I think about my trip I remember that stranger and wish her happiness, wherever she is.

Who cares if someone thinks you're not disabled? You are, and that also shouldn't ruin your trip. We're going again in a month because we had such a positive experience. As soon as the trip was booked my next stop was to book the wheelchair. I recently injured my shoulder muscles and have been in a lot of pain for the past week. We joke almost everyday that I'll be the adult man riding Dumbo over and over again, not even making it fly up, just around on the bottom level. I told her this morning my only concern is rockin rollercoaster. I think she rolled her eyes at me.

So in conclusion, I want everybody reading this post to throw caution to wind and the next time you're in Disney World, don't pay attention to the nay sayers and the dirty look givers. Spend 100% of your energy having fun and spending time with your loved ones. That's exactly what I'll be doing!

Welcome to the Dis.!!

 

[Snipedog1978]

I my self have gotten some dirty looks at ride lines cause I use a ECV while on vaction at Disney World. In normal day to day stuff I can get along fine walking on my own or if I have a bad day a cane. But since i have suffered nerve damage and problems using my legs after serbving in Iraq i have had to rent and ECV or a wheelchair when there is alot of walking or a long period of standing. Usually I try and ignore those that give me the dirty looks, but once i had this father with his wife and kids lean over the raope right before a one of the Disney Buses was about to puul up over at the Magic Kigdom. He said to me I hope you don't ry and jump the line to get on just because you can rent one of those things. That ticked me off that not only he said that but he did right in front of his kids. I grabed my cane and stood up out of the car and looked him right in his eyes and said loud enough for the people around us to hear me, Sir I do not paln on cutting you off in line to get on this bus and if I can wait 9 motnhs to get home to my family while serving in Iraq to help protect this country so you can enjoy your vaction here. I can certianly wait for another bus. He kinda went a little pale a few of the other in wheelchairs and ECV smiled I sat down and when bus driver caem to load the few of us disabled people onto the bus i told the drive I will wait for the next buss and the others behind me said that they are going to wait to. We got a few more smiles fromt he people standing in the rope line as they passed and a few even appologized who had nothing to do with what the guy said.

I know that is a little bit on the ruff side of handling it but, it is something i felt i had to do and if it helped change that guys attitude towards people like me who might look liek they are not in need for a Wheelchair or ECV then I feel like it was the right thing to do.

 

[dan-tot]

I am anticipating some dirty looks when my mom and I go next year. Neither of us use an ECV in "real" life, but there is a lot more physical activity at WDW. Both my mom and I look healthy (although we are both pooh sized); however; she has severe arthritis in her feet, making it impossible to walk long distances. I have end stage renal disease and have dialysis three times a week. No kidney function means I have a lot of health issues that you can't see just by looking at me. I'm not concerned with dirty looks for me, I can ignore them. But I am afraid it will hurt my mom. On her good days, we intend to park the ECV outside of rides and wait in line, but I can definitely see how people might think we don't really "need" the ECV when we hop on and off of them. Luckily, we will have a car and won't need to take Disney transportation. When I went in 2008, one of our group was on an ECV and loading and unloading on the buses was always stressful. I don't want to subject my parents to that. I want the trip to be as magical as possible for them, because we rarely travel as a family. My experience in 2008 echoes what I've read from most others here on the boards, some lines were cut a little shorter, but most we waited just as long or longer--only in a different place.

Sorry for the long post, I'm just a little nervous about the ECV experience.

My brother is the same way. He has dialysis 3 times a week as well. I guess since you are a year away you don't have to set up a dialysis unit yet. They said my brother can get away with just one day. I set up a chair about 4 miles from the Royal hotel at universal where we will be staying.
Now I am very educated with wheel chair use at WDW and Universal. Disney does a better job with disabilities than Universal. They have more of evrything to support people with disabilities. My sister could only walk about 50 feet before she had to sit down and rest. I bought my sister a chair and we brought it with us from home. I always rent a car while I am there so I have had no experience using the bus system with a wheelchair. The shows like Indy have a special line for people with disabilites because they are right in front of the Back Row where they have provided safe areas for wheelchairs. So that they don't have a problem with rolling off the edge of the theater steps. The muppets show puts people in wheelchairs in the back row. They are in a special line because the line goes directly to the back row. The COP and the Bear Band is in the front BUT! you can't pick other places to sit if you wanted to. So people with disabilites have different lines but the people with no disabilites have more choices to where they want to view the show but people with disabilites don't.
I am to busy with consintrating on making sure my sister was having fun than to notice what people were looking at. I hope they saw that I was a loving brother and that she was having the time of her life. My sister is gone now and I can't feel the joy that I had with my sister it now feels like a piece of me is missing.
I am bringing my older brother to Disney and Universal this year he is leagally blind and has kidney failure thus the dialysis. This will probably be my last trip. I am coming for WWOHP after that I don't really see myself coming back. I don't know what is going on with my brother's health and mine. So we will have to see what next year will hold.
Let me say. Some people will always disapprove of people with disabilities they feel that they are getting over on them. Have them be in your shoes for one day and they, I bet would feel different.
I have experienced people numerous times at Disneyworld, Disneyland, Bush Gardens in tampa and Universal studios. I feel that you are going to get that Husband (father), Wife(mother) or other familiy member that acts like a real ____ ah well, you fill in the blank. You are there to have fun and the heck with other people who are not as nice as you. Don't let them steal your majic.


Dan-tot

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

I used an ECV in Sept, my first time using one. I made a point not to look around to see if I was getting dirty looks or not. The only time that I had a bad experience was a woman and her grown son tried to rush in front of me in a store and it was a close call because there are no brakes as you well know. She had the nerve to say to me "Watch out LADY!!!", I said to her "What did you just say?" and her son said "She said watch out lady!" and I blasted both of them. I said to them "how dare you, you run in front of my scooter and try to get hit and you have the nerve to tell me to watch out, YOU NEED TO WATCH OUT!!" she moved on as I was really pissed off.

Try and not look around to see if anyone is staring at you or giving you dirty looks. Remember you know that you cannot walk well enough to get thru the park so ride your ECV in peace.

I just remembered one more problem associated with Dirty looks. As my legs were so swollen I could not walk. We had reservations at Crystal Palace. As most know it is very crowded in there. Patrons at tables were nice and got up so I could scoot down to our table. My DH got my meal for me from the food bar due to no room for the scooter.

I had to use the restroom (the problem begins here). There are doors that you need to push open to get in to their bathrooms, it was impossible to do it myself as I could not walk. One of the CM's nastily opened the door for me acting as if it would kill her. Trying to get out of the bathroom on the ECV was pure hell as I had to back it out as there was no room to turn it around. By now a line was forming and people were staring at me like a FREAK OF NATURE. A girls about 12 said "Excuse me, I need to get out of here!!", mind you I was backing out and there was no place for her to go. I had to tell her to "wait". When she followed me out, her mother looked at me with the dirtiest look and said "NO WONDER IT TOOK YOU SO LONG!!". To say the least I will never go in to Crystal Palace again due to it not being handicapped accessible on the inside.

 

[canopynut66]

The problem is that no one can tell from looking who needs them and who doesn't.
Just sharing one, just 'playing' doesn't mean the person doesn't need one. Some people may be going too fast, cutting in or appearing to be 'playing'.
That just means they might not be using the ECV as responsibly as they should, not that they don't need it.

There are many people who may not need an ECV in their everyday life, but do need it for a trip to WDW. I think that is the case for the majority of the people who are renting ECVs.
I don't think too many people will pay the cost (both money and aggrevation) to rent an ECV if they don't need it.

Most of the attractions have Mainstream Access, where the line is accessible. For those that don't, there is something about the line or access that makes it not accessible. Sometimes it's because the regular boarding area boards on one side of a track and the exit is on the other side of the car, on the other side of the track.
If someone is using an ECV because they can't walk more than 50 feet or because they can't walk more than 3 miles in a day, they are still going to need to use that line/access if they have an ECV in line.

And, some of the 'resentment' comes from people who misinterpret what they see. I've seen threads where people say they saw someone who 'went to the front of the line' or in a 'special line' for the Safari or for one of the many theater attractions like Indiana Jones. The last time we went on the Safari was a few weeks ago and while it is true that we got pulled off before the regular line got to board, the people in the 'regular line' were boarded way before we were because we waited for the accessible tram.
For show, yes you do often get into a special line, but that is because there are limited numbers of wheelchair/ECV spots. They need to know how many spots are filled so that they don't have more guests coming into the area than there are spots.

Just returned from WDW and I have four lower lumbar discs "been taken out years ago" in my spine and so am on a scooter and MOST people are very nice. Most realize us on scooters miss a lot of the first of the shows as we taken in a back way and also it is not easy getting up to things to look at in the shops. Have found out over the years kids are usually better than adults for being careful not to step over us or cut between scooter and say a clothes rack. Have notived that the "in park rentals" are usually used for the ones that are sharing. Most all that need a scooter need them from resprt room to into the parks so need to have weekly rentals that we have excess to all the time. All in all most are courteous as like me NEVER thought I would be on one. And again the law is scooters or wheelchairs are to load first so this is not a WDW law.

 

[Brandi1leigh]

My brother is the same way. He has dialysis 3 times a week as well. I guess since you are a year away you don't have to set up a dialysis unit yet. They said my brother can get away with just one day. I set up a chair about 4 miles from the Royal hotel at universal where we will be staying.
Now I am very educated with wheel chair use at WDW and Universal. Disney does a better job with disabilities than Universal. They have more of evrything to support people with disabilities. My sister could only walk about 50 feet before she had to sit down and rest. I bought my sister a chair and we brought it with us from home. I always rent a car while I am there so I have had no experience using the bus system with a wheelchair. The shows like Indy have a special line for people with disabilites because they are right in front of the Back Row where they have provided safe areas for wheelchairs. So that they don't have a problem with rolling off the edge of the theater steps. The muppets show puts people in wheelchairs in the back row. They are in a special line because the line goes directly to the back row. The COP and the Bear Band is in the front BUT! you can't pick other places to sit if you wanted to. So people with disabilites have different lines but the people with no disabilites have more choices to where they want to view the show but people with disabilites don't.
I am to busy with consintrating on making sure my sister was having fun than to notice what people were looking at. I hope they saw that I was a loving brother and that she was having the time of her life. My sister is gone now and I can't feel the joy that I had with my sister it now feels like a piece of me is missing.
I am bringing my older brother to Disney and Universal this year he is leagally blind and has kidney failure thus the dialysis. This will probably be my last trip. I am coming for WWOHP after that I don't really see myself coming back. I don't know what is going on with my brother's health and mine. So we will have to see what next year will hold.
Let me say. Some people will always disapprove of people with disabilities they feel that they are getting over on them. Have them be in your shoes for one day and they, I bet would feel different.
I have experienced people numerous times at Disneyworld, Disneyland, Bush Gardens in tampa and Universal studios. I feel that you are going to get that Husband (father), Wife(mother) or other familiy member that acts like a real ____ ah well, you fill in the blank. You are there to have fun and the heck with other people who are not as nice as you. Don't let them steal your majic.


Dan-tot

I'm so sorry to hear about your family, but THANK YOU so much. Most people don't understand how hard dialysis is. I'm relatively young (34), so I look relatively okay, but all of the walking at Disney would be beyond me. Especially because of the anemia that is every kidney patients nightmare. I love this board because of all of the encouragement.
I would seriously reconsider skipping any of your brother's treatments. Even if they think he can get away with just one session, he will feel the toxins build up in his bloodstream and he will retain a lot of liquid without a treatment to take it off. I'm just urging you to be very careful about skipping any treatments. You don't want your brother to be sick at the end of the trip. Of course, I might just be a worrywart who's overly cautious. Either way good luck! And thanks again!

 

[lisam427]

I my self have gotten some dirty looks at ride lines cause I use a ECV while on vaction at Disney World. In normal day to day stuff I can get along fine walking on my own or if I have a bad day a cane. But since i have suffered nerve damage and problems using my legs after serbving in Iraq i have had to rent and ECV or a wheelchair when there is alot of walking or a long period of standing. Usually I try and ignore those that give me the dirty looks, but once i had this father with his wife and kids lean over the raope right before a one of the Disney Buses was about to puul up over at the Magic Kigdom. He said to me I hope you don't ry and jump the line to get on just because you can rent one of those things. That ticked me off that not only he said that but he did right in front of his kids. I grabed my cane and stood up out of the car and looked him right in his eyes and said loud enough for the people around us to hear me, Sir I do not paln on cutting you off in line to get on this bus and if I can wait 9 motnhs to get home to my family while serving in Iraq to help protect this country so you can enjoy your vaction here. I can certianly wait for another bus. He kinda went a little pale a few of the other in wheelchairs and ECV smiled I sat down and when bus driver caem to load the few of us disabled people onto the bus i told the drive I will wait for the next buss and the others behind me said that they are going to wait to. We got a few more smiles fromt he people standing in the rope line as they passed and a few even appologized who had nothing to do with what the guy said.

I know that is a little bit on the ruff side of handling it but, it is something i felt i had to do and if it helped change that guys attitude towards people like me who might look liek they are not in need for a Wheelchair or ECV then I feel like it was the right thing to do.

thank you for serving our country to keep all of us safe!!!