Just back, some observations...

[disneymagicgirl]

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.

That is hilarious! And I am one of the "people"...

 

[POOHsie]

Maybe ten years ago someone might say that they can't go to WDW because it's too physically taxing, but now a lot of people seem to be deciding to come to WDW because they know they can rent scooters. I don't doubt there are people who struggle through trips with bad backs and knees and such, but after seeing all the scooters at WDW decide to rent one themselves next time. I wouldn't call it the power of suggestion, but it is along the lines of monkey-see, monkey-do.

Your theory could have some merit. On the other hand, scooter riding is not all it's cracked up to be. If I was fit but just wanted to go slumming on a scooter, it sounds like a great idea but really isn't. You go mind-numbingly slow, look at butts all day, dodge walkers and kids who honestly don't see you because you are not in their field of vision, your friends don't talk to you along the way because they are 3 feet higher up than you, people stop suddenly in front of you, it's hard to open a door, it's hard to go through a crowded store, it's hard to order quick service and carry a tray, you get the worst seats in the back of the theatre for shows, you get off the bus last after everyone else has gone, you have to charge the scooter at night and it's in the way wherever you put it. I think one day on a scooter and a fit person would be thankful to really not need a scooter.

I do think Disney is paying attention to the growing scooter use. Especially as it concerns their bus transportation. I think their problem is not enough bus space to serve the scooter users, then when a bus ramp breaks, they get further behind with loading. The separate-but-equal scooter bus idea has many huge pitfalls, too many to discuss here. Better to improve what is already in place.

 

[larryz]

I wouldn't call it the power of suggestion, but it is along the lines of monkey-see, monkey-do.

 

[Planogirl]

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

It was good for us. Very crowded though which made our quiet offsite hotel real appealing this time.

I was sorry to miss you - so close!

 

[Planogirl]

I noticed several people on scooters waiting in a separate line at Big Thunder Mountain. We rode and exited and I saw that the same people were still waiting. It made me wonder how these people are loaded on rides such as BTM and if the waiting for rides tended to be longer in some cases.

Anyway, I dislike the buses so much for many reasons that we will always drive if I can help it. I didn't notice the problems with the buses for that reason.

 

[DizzDoll]

A young relative of mine was recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon and liver cancer and is undergoing exhaustive chemo treatments to shrink the tumors so the doctors can start removing the tumor on her liver, which is worse than the one in her colon. She actually looks the picture of health, but has difficulty walking, among other issues, due to side effects of the chemo, so she rented a scoot while at WDW. Never again will I look at someone in a scoot or a wheelchair and think they're faking it (although they very well may be, but that's not my problem, it's theirs), because you just never know what unseen horror that person is living with. The fact of the matter is, no matter what time you get to the parks, even if you were inconvenienced by a scoot, the rides/attractions/parades and popcorn will still be there. We've ALL had to wait at one time or another for scoots to load (along with accompanying hordes). Able bodied have always been first off. After my relative's diagnosis I dismounted my high horse and refuse to judge anymore. ScooterPeople loading first won't ruin my day (not that they ever did), and since I'm in Disney, that's what I'll be focusing on.

 

[Schmeck]

Just got back from WDW tonight (9/4) and there were a good number of scooters and wheelchairs, but there never seemed to be a back-up of them waiting for a bus. Some of the buses have 4 tie-down spots, which eliminates over 16 seats (and a lot of aisle space) but we never saw all 4 spots being used at the same time. The newer pneumatic drop/ramp buses make it very easy and quick to get the scooters and wheelchairs loaded.

I'm wondering what the ratio is of ambulatory guests vs those using mobility devices? I don't remember seeing more than 2-3 scooters/chairs at a time, compared to seeing 40-50 ambulatory people.

 

[joxer1014]

I too am pulling on the flame retardent hoodie for this thread. I do not have anything against an individual that needs a scooter to navigate WDW. I too have a relative that if and when he would visit WDW would not be able to go 50 yards on his own without having issues. There is no way you can tell just by looking at them if a person on a scooter has a serious mobility issue or is just being lazy. I would love to ride around WDW in one of those all day, but I can walk just fine.

That being said and I apologize for the caps, IF YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE A SCOOTER TO WDW LEARN HOW TO FREAKIN DRIVE IT AND BE MINDFUL OF THE HUNDREDS TO THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WALKING ALL AROUND YOU! YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PERSON THERE AND YOUR SCOOTER DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE COMPLETE RIGHT OF WAY IN ANY SITUATION OTHER THAN MAYBE BOARDING AN ATTRACTION OR SOME FORM OF TRANSPORTATION!!!!!

Whew! That felt good. I am sorry about that but there have been countless times that myself or DW or DD was almost run over by someone in a scooter and then they look at us like it is our fault that we were invading their exclusive space. Maybe I sometimes forgot thant I wore my invisible outfit that day.

Ok let the flames begin!!!!!!

 

[Planogirl]

I too am pulling on the flame retardent hoodie for this thread. I do not have anything against an individual that needs a scooter to navigate WDW. I too have a relative that if and when he would visit WDW would not be able to go 50 yards on his own without having issues. There is no way you can tell just by looking at them if a person on a scooter has a serious mobility issue or is just being lazy. I would love to ride around WDW in one of those all day, but I can walk just fine.

That being said and I apologize for the caps, IF YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE A SCOOTER TO WDW LEARN HOW TO FREAKIN DRIVE IT AND BE MINDFUL OF THE HUNDREDS TO THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WALKING ALL AROUND YOU! YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PERSON THERE AND YOUR SCOOTER DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE COMPLETE RIGHT OF WAY IN ANY SITUATION OTHER THAN MAYBE BOARDING AN ATTRACTION OR SOME FORM OF TRANSPORTATION!!!!!

Whew! That felt good. I am sorry about that but there have been countless times that myself or DW or DD was almost run over by someone in a scooter and then they look at us like it is our fault that we were invading their exclusive space. Maybe I sometimes forgot thant I wore my invisible outfit that day.

Ok let the flames begin!!!!!!

No flames from me because I've seen this too. However I think that it works both ways. I've seen people dart out in front of scooters too and those things don't stop on a dime.

 

[DizzDoll]

Actually, the same can be said for the Stroller Derby set, too!

 

[POOHsie]

But my question is what is Disney Transportation's status under the ADA? Are they a "public conveyance" or a private convenience? And if it became too much of a hassle to comply -- that is, if the impact of complaints from non-qualifying riders began to outweigh the transportation utility of the service, when would they find it economically more advantageous to just drop the service (especially given the liability exposure on so many different levels...such as crashes, people falling, potential ADA actions, etc...)?

Inquiring minds and all that...

What's a non-qualifying rider? Never heard that term. Your whole hypothetical blurb sounds like it belongs in a law school class, not here. How could Disney ever consider giving up its transportation? It's a cornerstone of why people come to Disney and not some other resort. They have spent upteen millions putting into place their free DME bus service from/to the airport, no need to rent a car (save $$$, spend saved $$$ at Disney), stay right at their (overpriced) hotels, they'll take you to the parks and back. Without the transportation, people would need to rent a car, and the relationship would be severed right at the airport. Orlando tourists might decide to stay some place else or visit some place else, since they have the means to drive around. No, transportation is key. And the way Disney is a leader with its treatment of handicapped visitors tells me they want the handicap dollars. Many (or most) handicapped people bring along family. And most families have some handicapped members.

 

[Naisy68]

-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.

.

I hope I won't need my flame suit here BUT... I have to add my irritation with the growing number of people that I have noticed in the last couple of years that "abuse" the scooters. I know for a fact that not all the people that use the scooters and wheel chairs really have a disability. And I do not mean to sound harsh but if people are just too lazy or heavy... they don't need them just to get around the parks faster. Granted, if due to their excess weight, they have asthma or something, that is a little different. This is why I feel this way... I LOOK perfectly normal and I'm only 42 but for the last 20 years, I have been suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. It is very hard to get around the parks for me but I refuse to use a wheel chair or stroller that someone else might need more than I do. I just take things a little slower and sometimes, I find I have to just go back and rest for awhile in our room. Yes, after a day in the parks, I tend to start walking like a much older person but HEY, it's Disney and it's SO worth it just to be there in the magic. Ok -- I just had to say something because it really irritates me. Please people don't use a wheelchair unless you actually have a diagnosed disability?? (which I have but I still won't use one because I'm stubborn and don't want to take it away from someone else who needs it more.) That and lazy people just irritate me. Ok - flame me if you feel the need.

 

[GAN]

No flames from me because I've seen this too. However I think that it works both ways. I've seen people dart out in front of scooters too and those things don't stop on a dime.

In all my visits I can't honestly say we've had an issue with ECV's on buses -as mentioned previously, it's more a Park issue. I think it's great that people(for whatever reason) who couldn't normally experience WDW can through an ECV. However, it may be time to look into some ECV lanes in the parks.

 

[joxer1014]

Planogirl

I hear you about that as well, but if you are that ignorant and stupid to jump out in front of a scooter then you deserve to risk being injured. You are so right, those things dont stop on a dime. You wouldn't jump in front of a car would you? Well some people are probably that dumb as well but thats another thread.

I was stressing the fact that if you are driving a scooter to just be mindful of your surroundings. Driving a scooter does not give you the power to part the Red Sea so you can cruise down Main Street all by yourself. I have seen too many posts on the Disboards about people sustaining an injury from being struck by a scooter.

 

[Planogirl]

Planogirl

I hear you about that as well, but if you are that ignorant and stupid to jump out in front of a scooter then you deserve to risk being injured. You are so right, those things dont stop on a dime. You wouldn't jump in front of a car would you? Well some people are probably that dumb as well but thats another thread.

I was stressing the fact that if you are driving a scooter to just be mindful of your surroundings. Driving a scooter does not give you the power to part the Red Sea so you can cruise down Main Street all by yourself. I have seen too many posts on the Disboards about people sustaining an injury from being struck by a scooter.

I know exactly the kind of people that you're talking about. I like to people watch when we rest and I often see someone on a scooter with a determined look in their eyes not slowing down for anything! DS has laughed at the scooter tearing by as he puts it.

 

[POOHsie]

In all my visits I can't honestly say we've had an issue with ECV's on buses -as mentioned previously, it's more a Park issue. I think it's great that people(for whatever reason) who couldn't normally experience WDW can through an ECV. However, it may be time to look into some ECV lanes in the parks.

Explain how it would work. I would like to know. Is the ECV lane a single lane where we all go single file? What if I get behind someone really slow? Would I get a ticket for passing? How do I get out of the lane to go in a shop across the street? When you get your ECV lane plan put together, write back. We are all very interested.

 

[Donut23]

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.

I would give anything to be able to, once again, stroll World Showcase hand in hand with my DH following Illuminations. An accident took that away from us. Now I ... scoot to the music in a little decorated scooter. Lemonaid from lemons.

We have always rented a car when traveling at WDW. Now we rent cars to avoid the intolerant.

 

[brunette8706]

I would give anything to be able to, once again, stroll World Showcase hand in hand with my DH following Illuminations. An accident took that away from us. Now I ... scoot to the music in a little decorated scooter. Lemonaid from lemons.

We have always rented a car when traveling at WDW. Now we rent cars to avoid the intolerant.

*

Hey DONUT!! I was wondering where you were! Glad to see you posting!

I am so sorry about your accident! Geez, I had no idea.


brunette

 

[agdollott]

Anyway, here are some random observations of the parks:

-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 agree with you completely about all of these things! Me and my mom went August 5th-14th and whenever it rained (which was pretty much every day) and we were in the MK, we'd always head on over to the Hanuted Mansion! It's now one of my favorites
We spent hours in Epcot, I really love exploring Innoventions and the countries..and well..pretty much everything about Epcot!
Haha, my mom would complain every day about how heavy her bag was with the ponchos and on our last day when we were at the MK, we decided not to bring them.....it ended up raining for 2 hours straight. Just our luck haha!
I agree with you so much about Spectro and MSEP! I went to Disney for the first time when I was 9 and now I'm 13 and for all these years it has been one of the biggest highlights of my trip..I was excited to see the new parade but after I saw it I missed Spectro so much I hope it's back by next summer!

*Edit* I must have done something wrong when I was quoting the original post...my bad!

 

[Donut23]

I too am pulling on the flame retardent hoodie for this thread. I do not have anything against an individual that needs a scooter to navigate WDW. I too have a relative that if and when he would visit WDW would not be able to go 50 yards on his own without having issues. There is no way you can tell just by looking at them if a person on a scooter has a serious mobility issue or is just being lazy. I would love to ride around WDW in one of those all day, but I can walk just fine.

That being said and I apologize for the caps, IF YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE A SCOOTER TO WDW LEARN HOW TO FREAKIN DRIVE IT AND BE MINDFUL OF THE HUNDREDS TO THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE WALKING ALL AROUND YOU! YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PERSON THERE AND YOUR SCOOTER DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE COMPLETE RIGHT OF WAY IN ANY SITUATION OTHER THAN MAYBE BOARDING AN ATTRACTION OR SOME FORM OF TRANSPORTATION!!!!!

Whew! That felt good. I am sorry about that but there have been countless times that myself or DW or DD was almost run over by someone in a scooter and then they look at us like it is our fault that we were invading their exclusive space. Maybe I sometimes forgot thant I wore my invisible outfit that day.

Ok let the flames begin!!!!!!

I completely agree about practice.

We nearly cancelled our first trip after my accident (freak accident - a 100 ft by 150 ft trade show tent collapsed with me trapped under, ankle and knee injuries - last surgery was not successful-...actually very lucky to be alive)...anyway.....

DH finally begged me to try a scooter.

The first thing I did after I found my little rented scooter was to drive it right out into an empty section of the parking lot. I drove it backward, I parked in tight places. I have experience with motor bikes and mopeds....but I still did not drive in public without a little self-imposed training.

Please remember we are now at "butts and belts" level and cannot always see you in a crowd. There are many times people dart in front of us.....don't see us.....then yell at US because THEY nearly ran into us. It's a two-way safety street.

I would still give up all those handicapped parking spaces and all the free valet parking in a minute.....to walk without pain.

You would never know to look at me...unless you saw the surgery scars.