Just back, some observations...

[Looking4themouse]

Ok just a few comments, one to the person who commented on the people using scooters smacking into them, while this is not always the case, it can sometimes be the case, if a person is using a mobility device, especially and electric one, they may not have very good reflexes, therefore, not only does the machine not stop on a dime, their own reflexes may not allow them to react quickly enough. Now imagine running into 100 people like that all day, it would get pretty frustrating don't you think? The scowl you get may be frustration with their body parts not working the way they want them to. However, I will not deny, that just like us TAB's, there are plenty of individuals who use a mobility device, that have a sense of entitlement. The other comment is for the person asking about the ADA, Disney is a company that provides services to the public, therefore, they are required by law to provide access for persons with disabilities, if you would like more specific information you can PM me.

 

[Naisy68]

Please don't get me wrong, I really am trying not to judge anyone -- I don't mean to anyway. I am coming from a place where I have actually heard verbal conversations about people wanting the scooters or wheel chairs just to get around faster. You never know what is going on in the lives of those in the chairs and scooters. They can appear totally normal and healthy - My post was just for those people who abuse the program and KNOW they could get by without using it as I know I can and have for six trips now.
I feel the same way about Handicapped parking for the record... Some people really need it, others could walk just a little further.
OH... as long as I'm venting --when you are finished with your shopping cart at Walmart, Target or where-ever you shop at, please put your cart into the cart rack instead of leaving it sitting in front of your car etc. That is just plain lazy!
Ok, now I feel better too!

 

[Donut23]

*

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

Hey Brunette -

I have been out of town for a couple of days.....away from the laptop.

Remember the tornado on the National Mall 2 years ago in June.....when the tents collapsed on the school group and the little boy was killed? Same tornado - me in National Harbor big tent.......I screamed like a cheep B movie star in my first horror movie ---- found my cell phone in my pocket......called 911......they put me ON HOLD!!!

If you ever see a little Pride Revo scooter decorated for the season (covered with daisy's for Flower and Garden.....obvious Christmas decor for our next trip).....jingling bike bell or little squeaky horn.......it's probably ME!

Without my little scooter.....we would have lost our trips to WDW and DL.

 

[Pjimmeyer]

Remember the tornado on the National Mall 2 years ago in June.....when the tents collapsed on the school group and the little boy was killed? Same tornado - me in National Harbor big tent.......I screamed like a cheep B movie star in my first horror movie ---- found my cell phone in my pocket......called 911......they put me ON HOLD!!!

 

[somethingblue]

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 think the problem with this is that if you let the scooters wait in line, and everyone starts to fill up the bus from the back (the logical way =P) then you have people sitting in the seats that are converted into an area that a scooter can sit in. Then you have someone with a scooter come in after them. Well those people now have to make their way up the aisle of new people entering the bus and find new seats while the scooter boards, which means more than likely four or six people who thought they were getting seats will now have to the leave the bus and wait.

Not flaming or anything, just telling you why I think the scooters getting on first, while not the perfect situation, is more efficient than the alternative.

 

[yankeepenny]

I feel the same way about Handicapped parking for the record... Some people really need it, others could walk just a little further.


This statement is way out of line. Others could walk a little further. How the Hell do you know? I DO KNOW. It can be amazingly difficult some days to walk. Having that placard or plate is priceless.

This thread should be locked and closed.

 

[Tinkh]

Ugh. I really hate that I am even responding in the thread. So glad that scooters are available to those who need them.

That being said, I truly agree that those who drive them should have to be able to pass a simple test with them. End of December, my mom had her left kidney removed due to cancer. First week of February, (after being sawed in half to remove it) she kept her promise to the kids in our family that she would make it on our Disney trip no matter what. She was literally still on pain pills and soooo exhausted, but she made the trip. We were slowed down so much, but we had my momma with us and that made it all worth while. We had the money for a scooter for as long as she wanted one. She refused because she gave up driving a car 10 years ago because she was just never very good at it. She was terrified that she would hurt someone on the scooter. Instead, we rented a good old-fashioned wheelchair and we took turns pushing her. Yes, we were tired. Yes, it made us slower. However, others were safer, my mom was safer and we did the best with what the good Lord gave us.

When we were there in July, one of the girls on my niece's travel softball team was there for the World Series where she was PLAYING in the games. She had tore her MCL at the beginning of the season and was released to play. Literally, played in a game that morning and that afternoon the team met up. She was on a scooter for her knee. After running in the game that day and the next and the next. She also had a GAD pass that she could not wait in line due to exhaustion from a bout with mono earlier that year. Yes, they went their separate ways and were put through the fastpass side of the lines or moved to the front. She was in hog heaven and so was their family. People do take advantage, but other than their own personal morals I do not know how Disney could police this. God bless those that really need the scooters.

 

[agravette]

I agree with the previous poster. It's about time to close this thread. I am on disability because I have lupus, and now after reading everyone's comments, I'm going to pray a little harder that I don't have a flare up during our Disney trip. I do not want people looking at me, judging me, because I'm overweight from steroids, thinking that I am just fat and lazy and not "deserving" of a wheelchair. It will be easier to walk through the pain than to have other people judge me for what I cannot help. It really makes me sad and I have a knot in the pit of my stomach just thinking about it. Can't we just all love each other and be patient and be thankful for what health we do have and that we can manage to make it to Disney World? So many people would love to be where we are and we don't need to make the world a harder place for anyone to live in. Hope everyone here has a great day!!

 

[POOHsie]

However, I will not deny, that just like us TAB's, there are plenty of individuals who use a mobility device, that have a sense of entitlement.

I haven't met a person who uses a mobility device who has a sense of entitlement. I don't even understand that term. Entitlement to what? I don't see what I, as a scooter user, am getting as a special benefit that others might want to get by hopping on a scooter, except to be off their feet. The slowness and bulkiness of a scooter is a pain. It also costs big money to rent. Healthy people may kid that they want to ride on a scooter instead of walking, but if they got their wish for a day, they would swear off that statement in a hurry.

The only sense most scooter users have is a sense of physical pain and/or exhaustion.

 

[Donut23]

I agree with the previous poster. It's about time to close this thread. I am on disability because I have lupus, and now after reading everyone's comments, I'm going to pray a little harder that I don't have a flare up during our Disney trip. I do not want people looking at me, judging me, because I'm overweight from steroids, thinking that I am just fat and lazy and not "deserving" of a wheelchair. It will be easier to walk through the pain than to have other people judge me for what I cannot help. It really makes me sad and I have a knot in the pit of my stomach just thinking about it. Can't we just all love each other and be patient and be thankful for what health we do have and that we can manage to make it to Disney World? So many people would love to be where we are and we don't need to make the world a harder place for anyone to live in. Hope everyone here has a great day!!

Don't worry about weight from steroids. Years ago I took a friend struggling with weight from steroids....in remission from Multiple Myeloma. It was a trip I will never - ever forget - absolute magic. She still travels to WDW with me each time...now she just has a better view than I do.

Who cares if they stare. Go and have the time of your life....rent the scooter if you need it.

My first trip with the scooter - and also one 2 weeks post surgery ---- I traveled with a small pharmacy of "make me smile" pain killers. I didn't run over anybody.

I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[Tinkh]

I agree with the previous poster. It's about time to close this thread. I am on disability because I have lupus, and now after reading everyone's comments, I'm going to pray a little harder that I don't have a flare up during our Disney trip. I do not want people looking at me, judging me, because I'm overweight from steroids, thinking that I am just fat and lazy and not "deserving" of a wheelchair. It will be easier to walk through the pain than to have other people judge me for what I cannot help. It really makes me sad and I have a knot in the pit of my stomach just thinking about it. Can't we just all love each other and be patient and be thankful for what health we do have and that we can manage to make it to Disney World? So many people would love to be where we are and we don't need to make the world a harder place for anyone to live in. Hope everyone here has a great day!!

Prayers sent that you feel great on your trip, but if you don't then hop on your scooter and enjoy yourself!

 

[Friendly Frog]

I think that if everyone was required to ride a scooter for three days in WDW all the scooter debate threads would go away.

 

[Friendly Frog]

Please don't get me wrong, I really am trying not to judge anyone -- I don't mean to anyway. I am coming from a place where I have actually heard verbal conversations about people wanting the scooters or wheel chairs just to get around faster. You never know what is going on in the lives of those in the chairs and scooters. They can appear totally normal and healthy - My post was just for those people who abuse the program and KNOW they could get by without using it as I know I can and have for six trips now.
I feel the same way about Handicapped parking for the record... Some people really need it, others could walk just a little further.
OH... as long as I'm venting --when you are finished with your shopping cart at Walmart, Target or where-ever you shop at, please put your cart into the cart rack instead of leaving it sitting in front of your car etc. That is just plain lazy!
Ok, now I feel better too!

Maybe I can help you understand or give you another perspective? This is meant nicely.It IS hard to understand just how NOT FUN an ECV is at WDW unless you have been on one.

I don't doubt that a few people want and may even rent a scooter one day thinking they may get a special perk from it, but I seriously doubt that you will see them doing it a second day! They are EXPENSIVE and for a person who does not need the scooter, the negatives far out weigh the positives.

It is easy to see the ECV board the bus before you, but you will be long gone when they get off. Chances are that you will never notice the negative issues associated with the ECV usage and it has many.

You are ALWAYS the last person off the bus.
You get ugly hateful stares from (some) people as you load the bus.
You move slower through the parks than most of your walking friends.
Forget about comfortable conversations.
It is difficult to shop in most of the stores.
***You go through the same ride lines on most lines, but if not you usually are escorted off to another area, past on lookers who think you are getting on the ride, only to wait in a back area much longer than if you could have walked on.
All you see all day is the rear ends of people.
Loading on the bus is a pain, even for experienced bus riders.
Do you have any idea how what a pain it is to even get to the Soaring level when on an ECV! (Meet me at the mandatory elevator. )
You can't just duck into a building if it starts to rain.
I could go on more, but I will skip to my number one reason you do not want to rent an ECV if you don't have to:

Chances are you will be a nervous wreck at the end of the day trying to avoid all the people who weave into you, stop in front of you, just stand talking and blocking your way ( It is not like you can step around them) push their children into your path, point, stare, and ***** and moan because they think you might be pulling a fast one on them.

 

[themouseforme]

I agree that they need to figure out a more efficient way of moving scooters. I kind of get aggravated too seeing how the number of people on scooters has risen. Obviously, not everyone needs them- a look at some of the threads here will tell you that. People complaining about resorts because "they have to walk too much". We are in denial in this country about obesity...people hate that word, would rather call themselves "pooh sized". I say this as an overweight woman(size 14)...call it what it is. You and I aren't "pooh sized", we're fat.

But, you can't tell offhand who needs them, so I try to let it go. I just wish some people weren't so dangerous on those things.

self-hatred. how sad.

 

[Planogirl]

self-hatred. how sad.

I didn't see self-hatred. I saw someone with a different perspective however.

I wonder if those few who only pretend to need a scooter and get one then actually do discover quickly how much trouble they really are? That's an interesting concept.

 

[tiki23]

I didn't read through this whole thread - I've read many like ones! - but I can tell you, it wasn't easy when we took my Mom, and her scooter, with us to WDW.

Several times we had to wait for 3 busses at the end of the night because the 2 spots on the bus for wheelchairs/scooters was already taken; without the scooter we could have ridden the 1st bus.

My Mom is fairly thin and can walk short distances with little trouble, but hills and standing in line are beyond her capabilities. By the end of the 2nd day she was in tears of frustration and shame sometimes by the dirty looks and snide comments said in her hearing. My 2 DS were 15 and 17 at the time and several times were ready to make comments back; DD, 13 then, got embarrassed and then ashamed because she was embarrassed by her grandmother.

I was so glad when Mom spent some time talking with another lady on a scooter while waiting for us on Space Mountain - that lady told Mom that she had just as much right to enjoy WDW as anyone else and it made her feel better the rest of the week.

Those of you who are intolerant of people who need assistance, I certainly hope you never need it, but if you do, your eyes - if maybe not your heart - might be opened.

 

[tiki23]

self-hatred. how sad.

By saying she's fat??

I'm fat! I happen to think I'm fabulous though, and my weight has nothing to do with that. The fat is just something I carry around with me - like one of those big gawd-awful gaudy Coach bags - it's not who I am.

 

[Disneywedding2010]

I am handicapped due to a blood clot in my left leg. I can not walk long distances or stand for long periods of time without excruciating pain so the use of a wheelchair when going to WDW is necessary. The last trip we took to Disney I waited in the spot designated for handicap visitors and when the bus pulled up my best friend notified the driver of the situation. He got out of the bus, made sure the front door of the bus was closed to get me on the back of the bus. My best friends stood at the front of the bus while my fiance helped the driver get me loaded on. Once I was loaded on he opened up the front door and let everyone else on. We got to the park, everyone got off the bus, and then he came and got me situated to get me off the bus. It was quick, easy, and he was very polite about the situation. I wish more people would be understanding of people that have a handicap and not automatically assume that everyone is just in a wheelchair to be in a wheelchair. Using Disney transportation is far easier for me then having to rent a car and go to the parks that way. Its faster, easier, and less time consuming. Trust me more people would be understanding if they were in my situation. I got so many dirty looks and snide remarks while I was there that it wasn't even funny. I have every right to enjoy Disney just as much as anyone else who isn't handicap.

 

[Looking4themouse]

I haven't met a person who uses a mobility device who has a sense of entitlement. I don't even understand that term. Entitlement to what? I don't see what I, as a scooter user, am getting as a special benefit that others might want to get by hopping on a scooter, except to be off their feet. The slowness and bulkiness of a scooter is a pain. It also costs big money to rent. Healthy people may kid that they want to ride on a scooter instead of walking, but if they got their wish for a day, they would swear off that statement in a hurry.

The only sense most scooter users have is a sense of physical pain and/or exhaustion.

My point is simply this, there are individuals, both Temporarily Able Bodied, as well as individuals who have disabilities that feel that they deserve "special privilages." I'm not, nor would I ever, imply that individuals using a mobility device are getting specials privelages, as I know from experience, they are not. Nor would I ever state that the only sense most scooter users have is a sense of physical pain, and/or exhaustion because the statement is simply not sound, I personally know several people who use a mobility device who are not in physical pain, and/or exhausted, any more than an able bodied person.

 

[krissymickey]

I had to just post my feelings on this. I have a handicapped son who is 27. Many different medical problems. Mainly lost oxygen at birth and doctors told us he would not live a full life.
So yes I am off to WDW again this year. He will be in a wheelchair as always. No he does not show no signs of being handicapped or ill. No he can't use a ECV due to damaged nerves and delayed motor skills.. I wish he could as he is 300 lbs. and my husband has a hard time pushing him around after he had back surgery. I will put up with the stares , people thinking we are gettting preferred treatment, waiting for the second or third bus,etc. The reason is : we never know if this will be his last year with us. Is our trips perfect, heck no, does he get sick, and have to take short days in the park, or skip some days yep. But you can't explain what a so called " normal day" at WDW does for him. Constantly smiling, hearing new sentances, some of his biggest advancements(which are very small to many normal parents) come while we are on vacation. Many people never get the feeling a parent gets to see such simple things in life that brings happy tears of joy to my husband and I. I myself will continue to ignore the things I don't want to see and go on with my son so he has a great time at WDW.
Mnay people don't know what it is like living a life with some who needs extra dialy care until they are put into the situation.