How sad is this!

[LindsayDunn228]

What- it doesn't?? That is the main reason why I am taking my mother next year- she will be using a wheelchair. "Sorry granny no disney for you!!""

Pathetic

 

[KorieDWnut]

Sadly wheelchairs and ECVs are abused by some, but for most they are needed. My mom needs a wheelchair because she can't walk long distances because of several health conditions. She looks 'normal' on the outside so she does get looks from people. Some people can be rude and there were several times during our last visit that I actually had to say to fellow guests, "excuse me. I'm sorry but if you don't move I'm going to hit you" and by no means would I do it on purpose or intentionally to be mean. However, my family is there to enjoy the experience together just like they are with their family. The only difference is is that my mom is in a wheelchair. :::

We went to WDW 4 years ago. On that trip dh had to rent ECVs at each park. He had 2 herniated discs, was loaded up on pain killers and walked completely crooked. He refused to cancel the trip, he just resigned to rent chairs to get him around. We got some nasty looks but please, he still waited in lines. He would park the chair in the stroller parking area and stand in line with the rest of us. It hurt him enough to wait in line, but he did it. No fast rides for him though. So he may have appeared to be a totally healthy looking 30yo man but without that chair I am not sure he would have made even half a day in a park the whole trip. Renting a chair allowed him to enjoy the vacation as much as he could.

 

[TriMom]

OMG! Could you get pulled over for DUI with a scooter?

my brother did - he was in college - I really have no idea where the electric wheelchair came from, but he and his buddies souped it up and it could go upto about 20 mph. They were issued warning ticket and were told they would get a DUI and lose their licence if they did it again....

 

[KorieDWnut]

I agree.
I think most guests feel the ECV's should be used by guests who need them because the guest is disabled even temporally (which can include the fact that a guest just does not have enough stamina needed to do the amount of walking that most guests do in a Disney park on any given day.)

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

What one guest sees as an ABUSE in a certain situation other guests may not see that as an abuse.

Do all people who use the handicapped stalls in the restroom really need an HA stall ?

Many times when I enter the rest room there are many able stalls empty but the Handicapped
one (which is the only one I can use) is being used by a mom and 1 or 2 children. I could say she is abusing the use of the HA stall or I could think perhaps she has an invisible disability or a special needs child. I always chose the benefit of the doubt.
Because it is a HA stall and it really is only for people with special needs just as the scooters are.

Or is it?
Just a little food for thought.

I won't deny it. I use the HA stalls for me and my children. If there is a long long line for the bathroom, which is quite often at WDW, then leaving that one empty seems silly. There is no sign saying it is for ONLY Handicapped people, merely that it is accessable for them. I would however, ALWAYS make sure that a Handicapped person had access to that stall if a person was present who needed it. Always. But if no one is needing it and I have my 3 young daughters with me, then we are all going in because we all fit, I can get them all taken care of quickly, and we are on our way.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

my brother did - he was in college - I really have no idea where the electric wheelchair came from, but he and his buddies souped it up and it could go upto about 20 mph. They were issued warning ticket and were told they would get a DUI and lose their licence if they did it again....

I know any type of DUI is serious, but the visual of that gave me a chuckle. I couldn't help but laugh picturing someone zipping around like that lady in the Miracle Whip commercial.

 

[dunbarfamily]

It's kind of ironic to see all of the tag lines of "a bad day @ Disney is better than a good day @ work", etc. & then read some of the petty things people complain about for their trips & such tremendous unwillingness to recognize the struggle some people face to accomplish even the simplest things in their visits. (Mobility issues, allergy issues, behavioral issues such as those of autism & Asperger's & the like, restroom issues).

Wow, I'm glad my toughest issues @ Disney usually involve selecting where to book an ADR & then pushing myself away from the table before I pop!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I won't deny it. I use the HA stalls for me and my children. If there is a long long line for the bathroom, which is quite often at WDW, then leaving that one empty seems silly. There is no sign saying it is for ONLY Handicapped people, merely that it is accessable for them. I would however, ALWAYS make sure that a Handicapped person had access to that stall if a person was present who needed it. Always. But if no one is needing it and I have my 3 young daughters with me, then we are all going in because we all fit, I can get them all taken care of quickly, and we are on our way.

I'll also admit I use the handicap stall when I have my three children with me. However, wherever possible I try and use the family bathroom. Also, if there is someone handicapped waiting of course I am going to let them go in front of me to use the stall. I've done it before. There is no way I can fit four people in one of the little stalls and I am not leaving my children outside of the stall where a stranger could nab them! So, I am a little insulted that someone would state that someone using an unoccupied bathroom is abusing any sort of system. That is pretty silly in my opinion and you obviously forgot what it was like to have children! I don't glare at a single person or handicapped person for coming out of the family restroom.

 

[Maine-iac]

My embarrassing story: The very first time I ever went to Disneyland, I couldn’t get in until about 10 PM (the park had been at capacity earlier). I entered on an ECV, rode onto the sidewalk and then – for some silly reason, thinking the curbing was just trompe l’oiel, that it was actually all flat, like the Hub in Magic Kingdom,,, I fell sideways off the curb. Now, I may have been under the influence of stupid, but probably the last drink I’d had was two months earlier at Epcot.

Ok this must be Ronda-QOATD. This story sounds familiar. We miss you so stop in and say hi.
huntinwido

 

[minnie61650]

I'll also admit I use the handicap stall when I have my three children with me. However, wherever possible I try and use the family bathroom. Also, if there is someone handicapped waiting of course I am going to let them go in front of me to use the stall. I've done it before. There is no way I can fit four people in one of the little stalls and I am not leaving my children outside of the stall where a stranger could nab them! So, I am a little insulted that someone would state that someone using an unoccupied bathroom is abusing any sort of system. That is pretty silly in my opinion and you obviously forgot what it was like to have children! I don't glare at a single person or handicapped person for coming out of the family restroom.

My apologiesfor the misunderstanding.
I did not say that someone who uses a HA stall is ABUSING the system.
I just used that as an example about how people jump to wrong conclusions.
How come some people think that an able bodied person using a HA stall is not abusing the system but using a scooter without a disability is abusing the system?

It is all opinion since as we have already established there is no law against an able bodied using a HA stall.
There is also no law saying an able bodied person cannot use a scooter.

It is nice and thoughtful if those who do not need a scooter would not use them so there are more scooters for rent for those who need them.

It is thoughtful if someone who has children or just wants a little more legroom and uses a HA stall does so in a timely manner.

My point was NOTactual abuse but a misconception of what abuse use.

I never said anyone was breaking a law or was ABUSEING the system because they wanted a little leg room or had a young family they wanted to keep safe. I was just trying to make a point about how people can and do have different ideas about whom is abusing different things.

It saddens me when people do not understand how much those of us with hidden disabilities are hurt by some of remarks posted on these boards. If it were not for the scooters I would not be able enjoy the parks at WDW.

JMHO

 

[KPeveler]

I totally agree.
You will get no argument from me.

That is why I always give the benefit of the doubt.
I know very well about invisible disabilities as I have one myself.
Due a spinal disability I do not have strength in my thighs and I need the handrails to help pull myself up.

The message I was trying to get across(which I did not do a very good of ) is many people think nothing of using the HA bathroom stall for a "little more leg room' or as a 'family bathroom " but they will point at a person on a scooter and call them cheaters if the person can rise from the scooter and walk a few feet to get on a ride.

These same people would never think of themselves as "cheaters" for using a HA stall for convenience.

JMHO

I am not trying to say that you were wrong to point that out.... but i just wanted to point out another example of what looks like a "cheater" but really is not.
quite frankly i do not care about what other people think, especially at disney world. i know my body and my life and if i think i need a chair or a scooter then i will use one. i have a series of illnesses that are ever growing, so i am going to enjoy as much of my life as i can while i can. its the happiest freaking place on earth, so pooh on every one else and have a good time!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

JMHO

I understand what you meant. But, felt the need to respond like a mother defending her cubs. I am sorry for your disability. - Jennifer

 

[KorieDWnut]

My apologiesfor the misunderstanding.
I did not say that someone who uses a HA stall is ABUSING the system.
I just used that as an example about how people jump to wrong conclusions.
How come some people think that an able bodied person using a HA stall is not abusing the system but using a scooter without a disability is abusing the system?

It is all opinion since as we have already established there is no law against an able bodied using a HA stall.
There is also no law saying an able bodied person cannot use a scooter.

It is nice and thoughtful if those who do not need a scooter would not use them so there are more scooters for rent for those who need them.

It is thoughtful if someone who has children or just wants a little more legroom and uses a HA stall does so in a timely manner.

That was not my point at all.

I never said anyone was breaking a law or was ABUSEING the system because they wanted a little leg room or had a young family they wanted to keep safe. I was just trying to make a point about how people can and do have different ideas about whom is abusing different things.

It saddens me when people do not understand how much those of us with hidden disabilities are hurt by some of remarks posted on these boards. If it were not for the scooters I would not be able enjoy the parks at WDW.

JMHO

Sorry about the misunderstanding

I had an issue with my mom a few weeks ago while in WDW. She was showing ZERO patience for those in wheelchairs loading on to the busses. She would get all fidgety and would start whispering complaints to me about how they should just have their own busses so as to not hold up the bus lines, etc..

I got so angry with her. I tried just ignoring her a couple of times and just said nothing but I finally turned to her and said you know what mom? I am 100% positive that they would gladly trade places with you any day or any week. Do you think they enjoy this any more than you do? Show some patience, 10 minutes isn't going to kill you!

So I understand how upset comments may make you and I am sorry you have to hear/see any of them.

 

[Fitswimmer]

It's kind of ironic to see all of the tag lines of "a bad day @ Disney is better than a good day @ work", etc. & then read some of the petty things people complain about for their trips & such tremendous unwillingness to recognize the struggle some people face to accomplish even the simplest things in their visits. (Mobility issues, allergy issues, behavioral issues such as those of autism & Asperger's & the like, restroom issues).

Wow, I'm glad my toughest issues @ Disney usually involve selecting where to book an ADR & then pushing myself away from the table before I pop!

AMEN!! I've been on these boards for a little over a year, and it consistently amazes me what "ruins" people's trips.

 

[KPeveler]

I'll also admit I use the handicap stall when I have my three children with me. However, wherever possible I try and use the family bathroom. Also, if there is someone handicapped waiting of course I am going to let them go in front of me to use the stall. I've done it before. There is no way I can fit four people in one of the little stalls and I am not leaving my children outside of the stall where a stranger could nab them! So, I am a little insulted that someone would state that someone using an unoccupied bathroom is abusing any sort of system. That is pretty silly in my opinion and you obviously forgot what it was like to have children! I don't glare at a single person or handicapped person for coming out of the family restroom.

I am not saying you are wrong for using the handicapped stall when you travel with your children. however, i just want to give you food for thought. how do you know that someone behind you is handicapped? as i said, i can stand just fine (well not really, but it looks like it) but i still kinda need the HA stall. i am not saying you are wrong or should do anything different... but it is just food for thought that you never know who is behind you in line...

and i like the example, that you never criticize a person who looks "normal" for using a HA stall, but we criticize people who look "normal" for using a scooter...

 

[minnie61650]

I understand what you meant. But, felt the need to respond like a mother defending her cubs. I am sorry for your disability. - Jennifer

Thank you for your kind words.
And as mother of 4 (all grown now) and a grandmother to a 5 year old I do undersand about being a mom and wanting to keep our loved ones safe.

Peace

 

[twinspluscade]

I'll also admit I use the handicap stall when I have my three children with me. However, wherever possible I try and use the family bathroom. Also, if there is someone handicapped waiting of course I am going to let them go in front of me to use the stall. I've done it before. There is no way I can fit four people in one of the little stalls and I am not leaving my children outside of the stall where a stranger could nab them! So, I am a little insulted that someone would state that someone using an unoccupied bathroom is abusing any sort of system. That is pretty silly in my opinion and you obviously forgot what it was like to have children! I don't glare at a single person or handicapped person for coming out of the family restroom.

....I also used the handicapped stall with my twins who had just turned 4 years old on our last trip. They weren't quite at the point yet where I could send them in the stall alone (they still needed some help), and I wasn't going to leave one outside the stall by herself. We also used the family restrooms a few times too. Obviously if someone disabled needed to use the handicapped stall/family restroom, we would've let them go first. I never saw anyone visibly disabled use the handicapped stall when we were in there--it was always other Moms with tots in tow.

This year, my daughters will be 5 (just turned) when we go next week. Fortunately, I can now send both of them in one stall together while I go in the other stall next to them.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Until you use an ECV or go to WDW with someone who does, you won't really know how it changes your trip. The looks, the comments, the expense, the inconvenience. I could go on and on. My fil has heart problems so he has to use an ECV all the time. During our trip to WDW awhile back it was always a challenge waiting for the buses. He would get on first, the rest of us would wait. That seemed to really chap people that he got on first. And of course there were more than a few times when we had to wait for the next bus as the bus that was already there had an ECCV already and couldn't accomodate another one. The bus drivers were always great.

One particular day however I got my own lesson in prejudgement. We were waiting for the bus to MGM along with two other groups of people. Group A was your basic all American family, mom, dad two kids, very nicely dressed and clean cut. Group B were two teens, with all sorts of piecrings, weird hair, sort of goth looking. When the bus came up Fil loaded as always. He had to back in and at some point almost tipped off the ramp. The scooter was partly off, I really thought he was going to fall off that ramp. But here is where I got my lesson. While we had beenwaiting I was looking at those teens thinking if my kids dressed like that I would just die. And thinking how nice the Group A family was. But it was the teens who rushed up, ready to catch fil's scooter, all concerned, "sir are you okay". While Mr. All American burst out laughing telling his kids it was a version of the MGM Stunt Show. They all laughed at my fil in his time of humiliation and near mishap. All week long I had been inwardly griping at people's judgements and here I had gone off and done the same thing towards two very nice young people. So I learned my own lesson.

Please remember, not all disabilities are visibile and in the end, its not anyone's job to be the Scooter God and decide who is worthy and who isn't. Just do your own thing and be happy you don't need one at least for now. Cause you never know!

Oh and one other thing that may have been brought up already. Don't get angry when the person in the ECCV gets out of it to take a seat on the bus, thus taking up more than one seat. Generally the driver tells them to for their own safety.

 

[KPeveler]

Please remember, not all disabilities are visibile and in the end, its not anyone's job to be the Scooter God and decide who is worthy and who isn't. Just do your own thing and be happy you don't need one at least for now. Cause you never know!

Well said

 

[mgilmer]

One particular day however I got my own lesson in prejudgement. We were waiting for the bus to MGM along with two other groups of people. Group A was your basic all American family, mom, dad two kids, very nicely dressed and clean cut. Group B were two teens, with all sorts of piecrings, weird hair, sort of goth looking. When the bus came up Fil loaded as always. He had to back in and at some point almost tipped off the ramp. The scooter was partly off, I really thought he was going to fall off that ramp. But here is where I got my lesson. While we had beenwaiting I was looking at those teens thinking if my kids dressed like that I would just die. And thinking how nice the Group A family was. But it was the teens who rushed up, ready to catch fil's scooter, all concerned, "sir are you okay". While Mr. All American burst out laughing telling his kids it was a version of the MGM Stunt Show. They all laughed at my fil in his time of humiliation and near mishap. All week long I had been inwardly griping at people's judgements and here I had gone off and done the same thing towards two very nice young people. So I learned my own lesson.

Obviously those folks were disabled too = morally diabled.

 

[HLAuburn]

I have a related question...

Can anyone tell me how ECV access works at It's A Small World? I have seen people enter in through the exit in an ECV, so I'm wondering how they wait in the same lines everyone else does. Not meant to start a debate, just asking.