Just back, some observations...

[JerseyJanice]

We've gone for Free Dining the past two years in the week leading into Labor Day weekend. For work reasons, we had to push it back a week and wound up going 8/20 through 8/27 this year.

This week, this year, was substantially more crowded than it was during our last two Free Dining trips. I don't know if this week usually gets bigger crowds, or the economy has improved or what, but this year, the crowds were the second largest we have ever seen.

Anyway, here are some random observations of the parks:

-It was great when we able to utililize Fastpass, but the stand-by waits were usually shorter than what was posted. We waited on huge lines for Winnie the Pooh and Buzz and watched as they let huge numbers of Fastpass people go past us. I thought Fastpass went away for Pooh?

-The Haunted Mansion is a great place to stay out of the rain with its nice covered queue.

-You can't plan on enough time for Epcot. That place is so rich in things to do and see, we could spend a week there.

-Rain ponchos are very heavy in a totebag. We did really need them a few times, but carrying them around was a drag.

-I found out that I am very attached to Spectro Magic. I was anxious to see the Main Street Electrical parade and while I enjoyed it, I didn't fall in love with it the way I did the first time I saw Spectro. I even skipped it our last night in the Magic Kingdom, which was a Wednesday when they did Wishes first at 9:00 and MSEP at 10:00. We left after Wishes to beat the crowds and enjoy the resort, and that's something I would NEVER do if the parade were Spectro.

-I really enjoyed Ellen's Energy Adventure. I've never done Ellen before and will probably see it every time I go from now on. What a relaxing way to get off your feet and enjoy some A/C!

-We did Jungle Cruise for the first time since 2002 and ever at night. It was so much fun! Try it at night; it's not bad I guess because all the fake stuff looks better in the dark.

-The friends who came with us hadn't been to WDW since 1991, and it was their son's first time to WDW. The husband said his favorite experience was the Safari at AK; he thought it was cool seeing big game animals close by while in an open vehicle. The wife and their son both loved Illuminations best; it is my favorite thing too. My husband's favorite is the Rock N Roller Coaster, while my son's is Splash Mountain. My nephew is most fond of Fantasmic.

-Zipping up flame suit as I must comment that the scooter situation is getting out of control. When we started going on Disney trips in 1999, a bus with a passenger using a wheelchair or scooter was a once-in-a-while thing. This trip, almost every single time we went to take the bus, there were two people with scooters waiting on it as well. These things wipe out so many seats on most of the buses. If the number of people using them continues to grow, Disney needs to be thinking about transporting people with mini-vehicles (and that includes people with strollers the size of Mini Coopers) separately from strictly-on-foot passengers.

In spite of the overwhelming number of vehicles in large crowds, it was a great trip overall. We beat ourselves up physically doing it though, and even though the Free Dining offer is always tempting, we will most likely skip it next year to do something different.

 

[missenmickey]

We were also there from the 22-27. The crowds were larger than we expected as well. It amazed me when we would use a Fastpass and cruise by a line that was 60 minutes standby. I would never wait that long for a ride.

I totally agree about Spectro. That is my favorite parade. We only watched MSEP once the entire time we were there. We found that riding rides during the parade was great. Everything was practically a walk on.

 

[canopynut66]

We've gone for Free Dining the past two years in the week leading into Labor Day weekend. For work reasons, we had to push it back a week and wound up going 8/20 through 8/27 this year.

This week, this year, was substantially more crowded than it was during our last two Free Dining trips. I don't know if this week usually gets bigger crowds, or the economy has improved or what, but this year, the crowds were the second largest we have ever seen.

Anyway, here are some random observations of the parks:

-It was great when we able to utililize Fastpass, but the stand-by waits were usually shorter than what was posted. We waited on huge lines for Winnie the Pooh and Buzz and watched as they let huge numbers of Fastpass people go past us. I thought Fastpass went away for Pooh?

-The Haunted Mansion is a great place to stay out of the rain with its nice covered queue.

-You can't plan on enough time for Epcot. That place is so rich in things to do and see, we could spend a week there.

-Rain ponchos are very heavy in a totebag. We did really need them a few times, but carrying them around was a drag.

-I found out that I am very attached to Spectro Magic. I was anxious to see the Main Street Electrical parade and while I enjoyed it, I didn't fall in love with it the way I did the first time I saw Spectro. I even skipped it our last night in the Magic Kingdom, which was a Wednesday when they did Wishes first at 9:00 and MSEP at 10:00. We left after Wishes to beat the crowds and enjoy the resort, and that's something I would NEVER do if the parade were Spectro.

-I really enjoyed Ellen's Energy Adventure. I've never done Ellen before and will probably see it every time I go from now on. What a relaxing way to get off your feet and enjoy some A/C!

-We did Jungle Cruise for the first time since 2002 and ever at night. It was so much fun! Try it at night; it's not bad I guess because all the fake stuff looks better in the dark.

-The friends who came with us hadn't been to WDW since 1991, and it was their son's first time to WDW. The husband said his favorite experience was the Safari at AK; he thought it was cool seeing big game animals close by while in an open vehicle. The wife and their son both loved Illuminations best; it is my favorite thing too. My husband's favorite is the Rock N Roller Coaster, while my son's is Splash Mountain. My nephew is most fond of Fantasmic.

-Zipping up flame suit as I must comment that the scooter situation is getting out of control. When we started going on Disney trips in 1999, a bus with a passenger using a wheelchair or scooter was a once-in-a-while thing. This trip, almost every single time we went to take the bus, there were two people with scooters waiting on it as well. These things wipe out so many seats on most of the buses. If the number of people using them continues to grow, Disney needs to be thinking about transporting people with mini-vehicles (and that includes people with strollers the size of Mini Coopers) separately from strictly-on-foot passengers.

In spite of the overwhelming number of vehicles in large crowds, it was a great trip overall. We beat ourselves up physically doing it though, and even though the Free Dining offer is always tempting, we will most likely skip it next year to do something different.

I go to WDW three or four times a year and ran 5 miles a day six days a week and one morning I woke up here at home and my legs were like jello and I felt so weak.I was ONLY 35 after all what could be wrong? I found out by the end of that week I had MS. I wondered how I would ever finish raising my three children and take them places like we were used to doing and a friend of mine suggested a "scooter" so I learned to drive one here at home and then had to make a decsion did I want to just stay home the rest of my life or get out and go like my family was used to? so I use a scooter and I go to WDW and we still have a blast. The bus drivers are wonderful and two scooters actually take 6 to 8 seats depends on the bus. Thank goodness for the wonderful helpful bus drivers and people who want to help us.

 

[wtccheermom]

-Zipping up flame suit as I must comment that the scooter situation is getting out of control. When we started going on Disney trips in 1999, a bus with a passenger using a wheelchair or scooter was a once-in-a-while thing. This trip, almost every single time we went to take the bus, there were two people with scooters waiting on it as well. These things wipe out so many seats on most of the buses. If the number of people using them continues to grow, Disney needs to be thinking about transporting people with mini-vehicles (and that includes people with strollers the size of Mini Coopers) separately from strictly-on-foot passengers.

In spite of the overwhelming number of vehicles in large crowds, it was a great trip overall. We beat ourselves up physically doing it though, and even though the Free Dining offer is always tempting, we will most likely skip it next year to do something different.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I go to WDW three or four times a year and ran 5 miles a day six days a week and one morning I woke up here at home and my legs were like jello and I felt so weak.I was ONLY 35 after all what could be wrong? I found out by the end of that week I had MS. I wondered how I would ever finish raising my three children and take them places like we were used to doing and a friend of mine suggested a "scooter" so I learned to drive one here at home and then had to make a decsion did I want to just stay home the rest of my life or get out and go like my family was used to? so I use a scooter and I go to WDW and we still have a blast. The bus drivers are wonderful and two scooters actually take 6 to 8 seats depends on the bus. Thank goodness for the wonderful helpful bus drivers and people who want to help us.

I have nothing against people using scooters if that's how they wish to enjoy Disney World. All I'm saying is that if the number of scooters continues to increase the way it has since 1999, Disney resorts need to revise the current way it transports people who use scooters and their families, who take up another 4 to 6 seats on top of the 8 seats two scooters and their users take. It's not that all that efficient now since most buses seem to accommodate at most two scooters and one wheelchair. If the number of these things continues to climb at the current rate, transportation will become a complete fail in a few years.

 

[Flametamr]

We've gone for Free Dining the past two years in the week leading into Labor Day weekend. For work reasons, we had to push it back a week and wound up going 8/20 through 8/27 this year.

This week, this year, was substantially more crowded than it was during our last two Free Dining trips. I don't know if this week usually gets bigger crowds, or the economy has improved or what, but this year, the crowds were the second largest we have ever seen.

Anyway, here are some random observations of the parks:

-It was great when we able to utililize Fastpass, but the stand-by waits were usually shorter than what was posted. We waited on huge lines for Winnie the Pooh and Buzz and watched as they let huge numbers of Fastpass people go past us. I thought Fastpass went away for Pooh?

-The Haunted Mansion is a great place to stay out of the rain with its nice covered queue.

-You can't plan on enough time for Epcot. That place is so rich in things to do and see, we could spend a week there.

-Rain ponchos are very heavy in a totebag. We did really need them a few times, but carrying them around was a drag.

-I found out that I am very attached to Spectro Magic. I was anxious to see the Main Street Electrical parade and while I enjoyed it, I didn't fall in love with it the way I did the first time I saw Spectro. I even skipped it our last night in the Magic Kingdom, which was a Wednesday when they did Wishes first at 9:00 and MSEP at 10:00. We left after Wishes to beat the crowds and enjoy the resort, and that's something I would NEVER do if the parade were Spectro.

-I really enjoyed Ellen's Energy Adventure. I've never done Ellen before and will probably see it every time I go from now on. What a relaxing way to get off your feet and enjoy some A/C!

-We did Jungle Cruise for the first time since 2002 and ever at night. It was so much fun! Try it at night; it's not bad I guess because all the fake stuff looks better in the dark.

-The friends who came with us hadn't been to WDW since 1991, and it was their son's first time to WDW. The husband said his favorite experience was the Safari at AK; he thought it was cool seeing big game animals close by while in an open vehicle. The wife and their son both loved Illuminations best; it is my favorite thing too. My husband's favorite is the Rock N Roller Coaster, while my son's is Splash Mountain. My nephew is most fond of Fantasmic.

-Zipping up flame suit as I must comment that the scooter situation is getting out of control. When we started going on Disney trips in 1999, a bus with a passenger using a wheelchair or scooter was a once-in-a-while thing. This trip, almost every single time we went to take the bus, there were two people with scooters waiting on it as well. These things wipe out so many seats on most of the buses. If the number of people using them continues to grow, Disney needs to be thinking about transporting people with mini-vehicles (and that includes people with strollers the size of Mini Coopers) separately from strictly-on-foot passengers.

In spite of the overwhelming number of vehicles in large crowds, it was a great trip overall. We beat ourselves up physically doing it though, and even though the Free Dining offer is always tempting, we will most likely skip it next year to do something different.

I'll join you in getting flammed here. We go almost every year and the scooters situation is beyond ridiculous. Unfortunately it's a side effect of our society. We are a lazy over eating self destructive nation. And these scooter companies are playing on this to scam insurance companies out of money. Being the parent of a legitimate handicapped child that uses a wheelchair daily I get angry at people who run around on scooters and don't really need them. I'm sorry if you are too tired or lazy to walk. That does not make you handicapped and deserving handicapped considerations. I fully understand there are legitimate scooter users and if my DD could navigate one she would have one too. But I don't want her to injure others at Disney. Hopefully this scooter scam has ran it's course and will start to decline in the future. If not Disney will have to figure other options for transportation and park access.

 

[going/again]

I'll join you in getting flammed here. We go almost every year and the scooters situation is beyond ridiculous. Unfortunately it's a side effect of our society. We are a lazy over eating self destructive nation. And these scooter companies are playing on this to scam insurance companies out of money. Being the parent of a legitimate handicapped child that uses a wheelchair daily I get angry at people who run around on scooters and don't really need them. I'm sorry if you are too tired or lazy to walk. That does not make you handicapped and deserving handicapped considerations. I fully understand there are legitimate scooter users and if my DD could navigate one she would have one too. But I don't want her to injure others at Disney. Hopefully this scooter scam has ran it's course and will start to decline in the future. If not Disney will have to figure other options for transportation and park access.

How do you know if people really need them or not ?.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

That's so interesting because we were there Aug 25-31 and we walked on almost all the rides! Crowds were VERY low IMO and most times we ate at restaurants they were half empty, so what a difference just a few days makes.

 

[DisMN]

I think scooters are a wonderful invention for those who need them and I'm not about to decide exactly WHO needs to use one. It used to be that people didn't go out much because #1 there were no scooters and #2 mobility handicap access wasn't built into our daily lives like it is now. That's why we're seeing more of them I think. Heavy people deserve to go places too even though others may not see them as "needing" scooters, I don't think we can really know that without knowing their medical/life history.

What does need to happen though now that so many people take advantage of the ability to actually GO somewhere..........is that transportation at places like Disney needs to focus on how to move larger numbers of scooters and still be able to fully accomodate their able passengers without showing preference to the scooter riders. I hope they have someone working on this because I only see it getting worse from here on out.

Nice to see you JJ! Sounds like you had a good trip!!

 

[Planogirl]

I agree with you about Ellen's Energy Adventure. I don't know why this gets such a bad rap from some people.

We enjoy the ELP but I think that it's the overall wackiness of the parade. Spectro is more majestic and I can see why that would be more impressive.

I won't comment about the scooter situation. Good luck with that!

 

[JerseyJanice]

I think scooters are a wonderful invention for those who need them and I'm not about to decide exactly WHO needs to use one. It used to be that people didn't go out much because #1 there were no scooters and #2 mobility handicap access wasn't built into our daily lives like it is now. That's why we're seeing more of them I think. Heavy people deserve to go places too even though others may not see them as "needing" scooters, I don't think we can really know that without knowing their medical/life history.

What does need to happen though now that so many people take advantage of the ability to actually GO somewhere..........is that transportation at places like Disney needs to focus on how to move larger numbers of scooters and still be able to fully accomodate their able passengers without showing preference to the scooter riders. I hope they have someone working on this because I only see it getting worse from here on out.

Nice to see you JJ! Sounds like you had a good trip!!

That's exactly my point. I refuse to pass judgement on anyone for using a scooter. Whatever their reason is, isn't any of my business anyhow.

Hi, MN! It truly was a magical trip. The best part was sharing the experience with our friends and my son having two friends along to enjoy things with.

I agree with you about Ellen's Energy Adventure. I don't know why this gets such a bad rap from some people.

We enjoy the ELP but I think that it's the overall wackiness of the parade. Spectro is more majestic and I can see why that would be more impressive.

I won't comment about the scooter situation. Good luck with that!

Hi, Linda! How was your trip? I think I missed you by a day.

Back on topic--one important thing that I may post about on the resorts board--did you know that you can't take a lava lamp on a plane in your carry-on bags? It has too much liquid. My nephew and our friend's son both won lava lamps at the arcade in Pop and had to give them up at airport security.

I wasn't with the kids when they redeemed their points to get them so I don't know if any CM tried to warn them or any signs were posted. I know there are signs around the waterglobes in the gift shop. I wonder if they know you can't bring these things with your carry-on stuff?

 

[sharonabe]

Flame retardent on!

The best way to deal with the scooters is to make them wait in line for the buses with everyone else. The problem is that they get first-in-line preferential treatment. If they waited like the rest of us, there would be no problem and no complaints.

 

[LoveMMC]

The fast passes for Winnie the Pooh was at Philharmagic. They have like 5 machines- 1/2 of Winnie and 1/2 for Philharmagic.

 

[HotMama]

Flame retardent on!

The best way to deal with the scooters is to make them wait in line for the buses with everyone else. The problem is that they get first-in-line preferential treatment. If they waited like the rest of us, there would be no problem and no complaints.

I am with you here! I honestly do not care who uses a scooter for whatever reason...does not matter to me....but I would like to see scooters along with their family wait in line for the buses

 

[kmvand1]

I have nothing against people using scooters if that's how they wish to enjoy Disney World. All I'm saying is that if the number of scooters continues to increase the way it has since 1999, Disney resorts need to revise the current way it transports people who use scooters and their families, who take up another 4 to 6 seats on top of the 8 seats two scooters and their users take. It's not that all that efficient now since most buses seem to accommodate at most two scooters and one wheelchair. If the number of these things continues to climb at the current rate, transportation will become a complete fail in a few years.

Couldn't agree with you more on this subject! It amazes me how defensive people automatically get when this is brought up. I think in many cases, it is just abusing the system. I too agree that there needs to be some sort of policy in place about having 10 people join one person on a scooter everytime a bus is loaded, it's not fair and certainly not considerate.

 

[POOHsie]

-Zipping up flame suit as I must comment that the scooter situation is getting out of control. When we started going on Disney trips in 1999, a bus with a passenger using a wheelchair or scooter was a once-in-a-while thing. This trip, almost every single time we went to take the bus, there were two people with scooters waiting on it as well. These things wipe out so many seats on most of the buses. If the number of people using them continues to grow, Disney needs to be thinking about transporting people with mini-vehicles (and that includes people with strollers the size of Mini Coopers) separately from strictly-on-foot passengers.

No flames here. The idea of separate transportation for handicap scooters and wheelchairs is unfeasible. First, it would be hugely expensive. Second, if I was put on one of these with other scooter people, who were each staying at different resorts, it would take forever to get to my resort. I would not be happy. And what about my loved ones. Do we just separate and meet later? Sounds OK, except if it was YOUR mom or dad being placed on another bus. Then it doesn't sound so good.

I believe Disney has a policy of bus intervals of 20-25 minutes. If they stay within those guidelines, even considering more handicap people to transport, that is most efficient all-around. I heard there are now buses that take 3 scooters. I have not been on one. Just shows Disney is working on improving bus service.

Originally Posted by Flametamr
I'll join you in getting flammed here. We go almost every year and the scooters situation is beyond ridiculous. Unfortunately it's a side effect of our society. We are a lazy over eating self destructive nation. And these scooter companies are playing on this to scam insurance companies out of money. Being the parent of a legitimate handicapped child that uses a wheelchair daily I get angry at people who run around on scooters and don't really need them. I'm sorry if you are too tired or lazy to walk. That does not make you handicapped and deserving handicapped considerations. I fully understand there are legitimate scooter users and if my DD could navigate one she would have one too. But I don't want her to injure others at Disney. Hopefully this scooter scam has ran it's course and will start to decline in the future. If not Disney will have to figure other options for transportation and park access.

I think the tv commercials give you the impression you can just call up and get a power chair or scooter and insurance will pay for it. Those tv ads are highly misleading. For insurance to pay for a power mobility aid, you have to have significant things wrong with you so that you cannot perform basic functions like preparing food or grooming. Basically, if you can get yourself around the house with a regular wheelchair, you don't qualify for a power aid. In that case, you pay out-of-pocket. My arms are strong, but one of my legs is amputated and I have no balance to walk. So I don't qualify for insurance coverage for my scooter. I bought my scooter and car lift. And that was very hard to do, because I am on SS disability.

You have to be careful with your observation of scooter people. I look pretty good and normal. I am 56, but I have advanced artery disease. My clothing covers most of my 10 surgeries. You can't see my 4 heart stents. You might see my neck scars from 3 carotid surgeries. Most likely, you would see me as one who is lazy and doesn't deserve handicap consideration. But you would be wrong, and your comments hurt.

Originally Posted by sharonabe
The best way to deal with the scooters is to make them wait in line for the buses with everyone else. The problem is that they get first-in-line preferential treatment. If they waited like the rest of us, there would be no problem and no complaints.

Like so many, you don't know the law. Law is that medical equipment like scooters and wheelchairs get loaded on buses first. For safety reasons. If you knew that law, would you be so judgmental about scooter people?

Disney separates out the wheeled people and makes them wait at the back door so they can be seen when the bus pulls in. Otherwise, if the wheeled person loaded when they arrived at the front of the bus, it would be difficult and unsafe to load them with so many people already on board.

P.S. They do not receive preferential treatment. When the bus unloads at the final destination, the wheeled person gets unloaded AFTER everyone else has left the bus. That makes it even.

Originally Posted by kmvand1
Couldn't agree with you more on this subject! It amazes me how defensive people automatically get when this is brought up. I think in many cases, it is just abusing the system. I too agree that there needs to be some sort of policy in place about having 10 people join one person on a scooter everytime a bus is loaded, it's not fair and certainly not considerate.

Disney policy is the wheeled person plus five others may load together. That is fair and considerate. Sometimes strangers attach themselves to the handicap group to get on early. The bus driver usually asks how many are in the handicap loading party.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

I have nothing against people using scooters if that's how they wish to enjoy Disney World. All I'm saying is that if the number of scooters continues to increase the way it has since 1999, Disney resorts need to revise the current way it transports people who use scooters and their families, who take up another 4 to 6 seats on top of the 8 seats two scooters and their users take. It's not that all that efficient now since most buses seem to accommodate at most two scooters and one wheelchair. If the number of these things continues to climb at the current rate, transportation will become a complete fail in a few years.

Then I guess they need to do something. My FIL uses a scooter. We got him one the last time he went to disney with us. Before that he insisted he didn't need one. Well he enjoyed himself so much and felt so much freerer then he had in year. So if he or someone else needs one in order to enjoy themselves thats fine. I am sorry it inconveniences you but thats life. you might want to pull that flame suit a little tighter though.

 

[lustergirl]

Then I guess they need to do something. My FIL uses a scooter. We got him one the last time he went to disney with us. Before that he insisted he didn't need one. Well he enjoyed himself so much and felt so much freerer then he had in year. So if he or someone else needs one in order to enjoy themselves thats fine. I am sorry it inconveniences you but thats life. you might want to pull that flame suit a little tighter though.

Couldnt agree with you more! Hope your FIL had a great time! There is too much with the memememe mentality everywhere you go. I for one wouldnt trade places with anyone that has to experience such a handicap and gladly will give up my time to help someone else out.

 

[rn448698]

I have nothing against people using scooters if that's how they wish to enjoy Disney World. All I'm saying is that if the number of scooters continues to increase the way it has since 1999, Disney resorts need to revise the current way it transports people who use scooters and their families, who take up another 4 to 6 seats on top of the 8 seats two scooters and their users take. It's not that all that efficient now since most buses seem to accommodate at most two scooters and one wheelchair. If the number of these things continues to climb at the current rate, transportation will become a complete fail in a few years.

Couldn't agree more. I have absolutely nothing against people who use scooters, and I agree that it's difficult to determine who should/shouldn't be using one. That said, it's honestly getting a little out of control and Disney should start thinking about other transportation options.

 

[lustergirl]

I dont see disney excluding those who are handicap and require a scooter or wheelchair from their regular busses. First of all it wouldnt be very cost effective and to exclude those with a handicap would scream that they are not normal like the rest of us, which is wrong to begin with