Just back 3/9-3/11....I guess they call these the good, bad and ugly.

[elaine amj]

I pretty much agree, being first time ECV users, it did seem a bit uncomfortable to roll up to a line and get on in front of everyone else. But honestly, only at the end of the day going from parks back to the resorts would we have had to wait for more than one bus. And the problem with ECVs going through the line is that if they're not at the VERY FRONT of the line, there's no way they'd get on the right bus. If they were the 10th person in the line, normally they'd get on, but not in an ECV because they have to load first. So, I'm not sure there's a perfect way. And if they default to benefiting the ECV users, I'm okay with it because, lord knows, they have enough other disadvantages that if they get on a bus first, well, big whoop, ya know? So many things at Disney end up not being exactly fair (rope drop, queues for rides, queues for food, etc.), that you just kinda have to get used to it and understand we're people.

Basically how I've always felt. Yes, it sucks when u are tired and your feet hurt and u look longingly at someone zipping up in a cushy ECV (with no painful feet!!) to load up first while u wait some more (and long for a seat somewhere, anywhere!). I just remind myself that while the same person is struggling to work their ECV through a crowd, I am weaving in and out and am through in a flash. And to be grateful that I am healthy and can walk and stand and move easily without needing an ECV. Even if the ECV is needed because of obesity or poor physical condition (things that tend to draw the most controversy). Sure a seat would be nice. But the sheer convenience of not needing an ECV outweighs any of its "perks".

 

[starjazz]

The reason I'm ok with them getting on first is they have to get off last. It evens out.


I can't fathom how anyone would know where to go, especially if they've been there before. Did they erase the painted rectangles for Handicapped loading?

Good point on getting out last.

I should have taken a picture of loading area for the Pop bus at Epcot. It wasn't exactly like the others. Which is why we got it wrong. Again, it was our first trip with an ECV, so we were rookies. But there was a rope with a handicap sign hanging on it. On the other side of that rope was a painted white lined area. We assumed that was the ECV waiting spot, and so we unlatched that rope and parked there right at the curb. But in actuality the spot we were supposed to be in was opposite of the rope with the sign on it. We just didn't see it.

 

[starjazz]

Just wanted you you to know that your words caused me to see things differently. Thank you.

That's very kind.

 

[starjazz]

Basically how I've always felt. Yes, it sucks when u are tired and your feet hurt and u look longingly at someone zipping up in a cushy ECV (with no painful feet!!) to load up first while u wait some more (and long for a seat somewhere, anywhere!). I just remind myself that while the same person is struggling to work their ECV through a crowd, I am weaving in and out and am through in a flash. And to be grateful that I am healthy and can walk and stand and move easily without needing an ECV. Even if the ECV is needed because of obesity or poor physical condition (things that tend to draw the most controversy). Sure a seat would be nice. But the sheer convenience of not needing an ECV outweighs any of its "perks".

Yes. All good points. And even obesity and poor conditioning are often the result of some other medical condition like bad hips, bad knees, arthritis, or a host of other problems that led to the weight issues. And I've been guilty, in the past, of feeling the same as everyone else when it comes to these issues, so I feel ya.

 

[starjazz]

I had not read this tip. Can anyone tell me where this is?

Definitely ranks in the top three tips I've received here on the Dis. The CM also said there was another spot in the hub that is open to all guests where people sit. I didn't want to lose our spot and go exploring for it, but someone may know where that is too! We really wanted to sit because its so much more enjoyable and the kids have a better view than when standing behind someone two feet taller. It was also a pretty good view for OUAT.

 

[AngiTN]

Definitely ranks in the top three tips I've received here on the Dis. The CM also said there was another spot in the hub that is open to all guests where people sit. I didn't want to lose our spot and go exploring for it, but someone may know where that is too! We really wanted to sit because its so much more enjoyable and the kids have a better view than when standing behind someone two feet taller. It was also a pretty good view for OUAT.

I can't imagine where they are talking about. Look at the map I posted, there aren't any other areas where you sit on that map, that I know of. Well, other than the twin Garden area that is for Dessert Party. I wonder if that CM forgot about the party guests on the other side?

 

[starjazz]

I can't imagine where they are talking about. Look at the map I posted, there aren't any other areas where you sit on that map, that I know of. Well, other than the twin Garden area that is for Dessert Party. I wonder if that CM forgot about the party guests on the other side?

I had no idea either. I didn't know if there was some little grassy area in the middle of the circle or something? Maybe the CM was just trying to clear us out? Who knows. Just figured if it existed, someone here would be on top of it!

 

[LizGirl]

Robo has a fabulous sticky with maps. He has this area marked on one of them. It's the old FP area where they have the artificial grass areas around trees

I didn't realize that anyone could use this spot now! Thanks

 

[starjazz]

I didn't realize that anyone could use this spot now! Thanks

Interestingly, there's still CM's at the entry ways, or at least were when we were there, so it kinda seems like its reserved for something. But, nope, just walk on in and enjoy!

 

[starjazz]

I added this comment on one other thread, but thought it was worth noting here too, that there was no screening for AM EMH. Anyone could walk right in and get on rides one hour before the "official" park opening. Thought that was odd.

 

[maxiesmom]

if I am in the line with everyone else then you do not get to cut in front of me when the bus is only half full because they can not load my ECV. only fair I was there before you

And this is exactly why Disney shouldn't put ECVs in line. The only way to make it fair would be to stop loading anyone at all if they didn't have space for an ECV. Lots of buses would go out only half full that way. How would people like that, seeing a partly full bus pull away because there was no more room for ECVs?

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

Basically how I've always felt. Yes, it sucks when u are tired and your feet hurt and u look longingly at someone zipping up in a cushy ECV (with no painful feet!!) to load up first while u wait some more (and long for a seat somewhere, anywhere!). I just remind myself that while the same person is struggling to work their ECV through a crowd, I am weaving in and out and am through in a flash. And to be grateful that I am healthy and can walk and stand and move easily without needing an ECV. Even if the ECV is needed because of obesity or poor physical condition (things that tend to draw the most controversy). Sure a seat would be nice. But the sheer convenience of not needing an ECV outweighs any of its "perks".

Thank you! You've made me a better person today. Sometimes words do change others' beliefs.

 

[Dentam]

I thought I'd heard that Disney was planning to have separate buses for ECV's and their groups? When we were there in March we heard this from a CM who was driving our van to go look at DVC units. My mom was waiting for a bus one day so she could meet us in one of the parks, and she said an ECV rolled up with a long line already there, and they loaded it along with ten people in their group. She ended up having to wait for another bus. I can definitely see this causing a lot of disgruntlement.

 

[maxiesmom]

I thought I'd heard that Disney was planning to have separate buses for ECV's and their groups? When we were there in March we heard this from a CM who was driving our van to go look at DVC units. My mom was waiting for a bus one day so she could meet us in one of the parks, and she said an ECV rolled up with a long line already there, and they loaded it along with ten people in their group. She ended up having to wait for another bus. I can definitely see this causing a lot of disgruntlement.

I highly doubt it. It would be segregation, and that would be horrible PR for Disney.

Not to mention, it would be horrible for those who had to use the "ECV bus". Just imagine how long a ride would take to get to a park. People complain 1 or 2 take too long to load, how about a full bus like that???

I think the solution is for people to be more patient and compassionate.

 

[Lesverts]

I think that is a lot of peoples biggest pet peeves. Not the ECV, but when there is an ECV plus 10. Does someone really need 10 attendants?

I was at Epcot, end of the night. Line was easily 4 buses. Up scoots two ECVs and a group of about 12 people as a bus rolls in. Bus driver tells them they will be waiting for the next bus as they just got there. The lose it on the driver.

There is never going to be a solution to make things completely fair for everyone involved. It is just one of those things that you just have to have some patience.

 

[Orsino]

I agree that I'm fine with an ECV 'skipping' the line, but there are logical limits. As the number of people using ECV and wheelchairs continues to rise, a shift in policy is to be expected. While I'm okay with 1 or 2 ECV skipping the line, when it becomes 7 or 8, then we start getting to problematic situations. What if the number of ECV continues to rise to the point that if you don't have an ECV you're not getting on a bus ever?

I don't actually know how many ECV fit on a bus though.

 

[revdon64]

Basically how I've always felt. Yes, it sucks when u are tired and your feet hurt and u look longingly at someone zipping up in a cushy ECV (with no painful feet!!) to load up first while u wait some more (and long for a seat somewhere, anywhere!). I just remind myself that while the same person is struggling to work their ECV through a crowd, I am weaving in and out and am through in a flash. And to be grateful that I am healthy and can walk and stand and move easily without needing an ECV. Even if the ECV is needed because of obesity or poor physical condition (things that tend to draw the most controversy). Sure a seat would be nice. But the sheer convenience of not needing an ECV outweighs any of its "perks".

THIS! A million times, this! I thank heaven that I don't need an ECV and can experience the park at eye level instead of backside level. What little inconvenience I have to experience because of someone else in an ECV is monstrously outweighed by the convenience I have in being able to get around without assistance.

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree that I'm fine with an ECV 'skipping' the line, but there are logical limits. As the number of people using ECV and wheelchairs continues to rise, a shift in policy is to be expected. While I'm okay with 1 or 2 ECV skipping the line, when it becomes 7 or 8, then we start getting to problematic situations. What if the number of ECV continues to rise to the point that if you don't have an ECV you're not getting on a bus ever?

I don't actually know how many ECV fit on a bus though.

2 or 3 max. Which is why, if there is a spot for an ECV empty, that they fill it. Also most every trip a bus has to leave people behind because it won't kneel properly, or the lift isn't working.

And lets not start on how it is always "Those ECV people and their 10 friends" when these stories are retold. I can not ever remember seeing that, and I've been going to the parks over 20 years. Not saying it never ever happens, but most of the time I believe it is an exaggeration.

 

[wilkeliza]

I will say that they have tried (and failed) to have bus drivers and those helping at the bus lines (not individual lines but they are given a set number of lines to manage tell people to get in line and then leave when they get to the ECV/Wheelchair gate. It is suppose to be akin to the ADA compliant lines where you go in the standard line until almost at the very end and then you get into the wheelchair/ECV line. The only sad part about it is that people feel entitled when a CM tells them to do something. So if a CM is who is saying okay go to that box and you'll be on the next bus then that is what you do but if a CM says okay you'll just wait in the normal queue and then when you get to the gate just roll forward and it'll push open and you'll be on the next bus people fight them over it. I'm not saying CMs that yell or belittle people but the ones who nicely explain a policy change and get push back.

With that said it doesn't sound like you did anything wrong as you purposefully left early to get a jump on the line to be fair and if they are enforcing the policy they have to have CMs directing people to the right spot before the bus arrives.

 

[Dentam]

And lets not start on how it is always "Those ECV people and their 10 friends" when these stories are retold. I can not ever remember seeing that, and I've been going to the parks over 20 years. Not saying it never ever happens, but most of the time I believe it is an exaggeration.

Another instance of because you've never seen it, other people must be exaggerating.